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500x28A / 28-440 child bike tyres: compatibility guide

500x28A / ETRTO 28-440 guide: avoid 406 and 451 mistakes, compare Hutchinson and Impac tyres, tubes and valves.

Updated 20/06/2026 2 min Tyres500AChild bikes

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The 500x28A size appears on some child bikes, junior road-style bikes, compact city bikes and older small-wheel bicycles. The important modern mark is ETRTO 28-440: about 28 mm wide on a 440 mm rim. This is not the same as the common 20 inch 406 standard.

Why 28-440 is a rare-size trap

The 500A name can look close to 20 inch, 500x35A or 20x1 3/8, but the tyre bead must match the rim exactly. A 406 tyre is too small for a 440 rim; a 451 tyre is too large. If your old sidewall says 28-440 or 500x28A, stay in that standard.

Hutchinson or Impac in 500x28A

1Bike lists Hutchinson and Impac 500x28A tyres with ETRTO 28-440 markings. Both are practical replacements for restoring a small bike that still uses this wheel size. Choose based on the bike's use, tread preference and whether you are replacing one tyre or refreshing the pair.

Tube compatibility

The tube must cover both the width and the 440 mm diameter. A Hutchinson tube marked 500x28/42A and ETRTO 28/42-440/451 is the most direct fit for this tyre family. A tube marked only for 451 should not be treated as a safe 440 replacement unless the printed range also includes 440.

Child-bike and vintage-bike checks

On a child or junior bike, do not increase width just to add comfort. Narrow forks, rim brakes and mudguards may have little space. Replace cracked tyres, inspect rim tape, check spoke ends, and make sure the brake pads sit correctly on the rim after the wheel is refitted.

Shop 500x28A tyres from 1Bike

Use product-page ETRTO details as the decision point. The right order is sidewall marking, rim diameter, tyre width, tube range, valve, then tread and use.

Nearby old-size guides

If your sidewall says 600x28A / 28-541, use the 600x28A guide. If the wheel is labelled 22 inch, compare the 22 inch ETRTO 457, 489 and 501 guide. A close-looking old label is not enough; the rim diameter has to match.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is 500x28A the same as ETRTO 28-440?

For the products in this guide, yes. ETRTO 28-440 is the exact rim and width reference to match.

Can I fit a normal 20 inch 406 tyre?

No. A 406 tyre and a 440 tyre use different rim diameters and are not interchangeable.

Can I use a 451 tube in a 28-440 tyre?

Only if the tube's printed range also includes 440. A tube marked only for 451 is not the recommended choice.

Should I replace both 500x28A tyres?

If both tyres are old or cracked, replacing the pair gives more consistent handling and braking.