Finding the perfect BMX bike tires can transform your riding experience. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right tires for your needs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shopping for BMX tires.
We’ll cover how to pick the ideal size, tread type, and construction. You’ll also learn about the most trusted BMX tire brands. By the end, you’ll be ready to upgrade your ride with new high-performance rubber. Let’s get rolling!
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike Tire Size
One of the first decisions you need to make when shopping for new BMX tires is the size. The most common diameter for BMX wheels is 20 inches.
Within this size, there are a few width options to consider:
- 20 x 1.95 inches – Narrow and lightweight. Best for racing and dirt jumping.
- 20 x 2.10 inches – A versatile middle-ground width. Good all-around size.
- 20 x 2.25/2.30 inches – Wider tires with more volume. Excellent for street and park riding.
Wider tires typically offer more traction and shock absorption. Narrower tires are faster rolling and more maneuverable. Think about your main riding style and terrain when choosing a width.
You’ll also need to pick a tire compatible with your bike’s rim type.
Most modern BMX bikes use 253mm (10-inch) rims. Older BMX models may have 305mm (12 inches) rims, so double-check your bike’s specs.
Choosing the Right BMX Tire Tread Pattern
The tread pattern (or lack of tread) that runs around the circumference of a BMX tire greatly affects its performance. Here are the main tread options:
Slick
Slick BMX tires have no tread pattern. The smooth rubber compound provides excellent grip on hardpack dirt, concrete, asphalt, and indoor surfaces. Slicks roll fast and are ideal for racers.
Semi-Slick
With a barely-there tread pattern, semi-slicks strike a balance between speed and traction. The shallow siping gives a little extra grip on loose surfaces without sacrificing too much speed.
All-Terrain
Moderate tread with knobs in the center and small side lugs. All-terrain tires perform well in both hardpack and looser conditions. A nice middle ground for trail and street riders.
Street
Street tires use a low-profile tread to limit resistance on smooth surfaces. The shoulder knobs
provide an extra cornering grip. Great for skateparks and urban riding.
Trail/Dirt Jump
Deep, open tread pattern with tall knobs to dig into soft terrain. Excellent braking control and traction in loose dirt, with reliable side grip. Made for trail riding and launching dirt jumps.
Fat
Extra wide BMX tires (2.40″ or wider) with a square or rounded profile. The large air volume smooths out the terrain and provides monster traction. Popular with trail and sand riders.
Studded
Metal studs extend from the tread compound for maximum winter traction. Ideal for icy or snowy conditions.
Think about the traction demands of your favorite riding spots. For versatile performance, semi-slicks and all-terrain treads are ideal middle-of-the-road options.
BMX Tire Construction: Wire vs. Folding
The next choice you’ll face is whether to get a wire or folding BMX tire. This decision affects weight, durability, ride feel, and price:
Wire Bead
Less expensive than folding models. Wire beads add weight but provide a very rigid tire carcass. Best suited to street, park, and dirt jump riding.
Folding Bead
Higher cost but weighs less than wire versions. The flexible bead allows the tire to compress and conform to surfaces for extra traction and a relaxing feel. Good for racers.
Advanced riders may want the responsiveness and grip of folding tires. However, wire bead models offer great performance at a more affordable cost. Consider how much abuse your tires will take when deciding between folding and wire construction.
Does BMX Tire Width Matter?
BMX tire width is an important factor that affects your bike’s handling, comfort, and performance. Wider tires (2.3 – 2.5 inches) provide increased traction, shock absorption, and overall stability.
This makes them ideal for street, skatepark, and trail riding where control is key. Narrower tires (1.95 – 2.1 inches) are lighter in weight, reduce rolling resistance, and offer more nimble maneuvering.
This makes them well-suited to racers and dirt jumpers seeking speed and quick rotations. Ultimately, the ideal width comes down to your riding style, terrain, and preferences.
Consider going wider if you want more cushion and grip or narrower if acceleration and air time are your main goals. The right width can make a big difference in how your BMX bike handles and feels on the terrain you ride most.
Popular BMX Tire Brands
With so many brands in the BMX tire market, it can be tricky to know which ones to trust. Here are some of the top BMX tire manufacturers making the best rubber right now:
- Odyssey – Top BMX tire supplier. Huge selection of sizes and tread types. Widely used by pros. Known for unmatched grip and durability.
- Sunday – Another very popular brand. The BMX tires have a distinct ribbed tread pattern for maximum traction. Softest compounds around.
- Maxxis – Extremely trusted brand across cycling. Maxxis makes BMX tires to take abuse at skateparks and trails—excellent longevity and cornering.
- Kenda – Affordable BMX tires available in all sizes and treads. Known for speedy rolling and reliable grip. Great for streets and parks.
- Tioga – Classic BMX brand since the 1970’s. Make durable tires for all terrain. Known for their groundbreaking Psycho-K tire.
- BSD – UK company with innovative tire designs. Uses a unique DonnyBROC compound for insane traction. Top choice of street riders.
- Fit – OG BMX brand with smooth-rolling tires. The skinny FAF tires are popular for streets, parks, and trails. Budget-friendly price point.
- Danscomp – Reliable house-brand BMX tires. Offered in all styles from slicks to knobbies. Significantly cheaper than name brands.
Consider what size, tread, and price range you want when deciding on a brand. Talking to fellow riders can help narrow down the perfect tires too.
How to Prolong the Life of Your BMX Tires
BMX tires take some abuse, but you can maximize their lifespan by following these tips:
- Maintain proper tire pressure – Underinflation causes premature wear and sluggish handling. Keep tires inflated to the recommended PSI range printed on the sidewall.
- Inspect for damage – Watch for embedded debris or bulging rubber. Patch sidewall cuts promptly. Replace tires with damaged beads or worn treads.
- Avoid skidding – Repeated skid stops can tear up tread rubber. Use rear brakes to shed speed without locking up the rear wheel.
- Rotate periodically – Front and rear tires wear at different rates. Rotating them extends overall tire life. Just swap wheel positions.
- Clean tread – Clear packed mud or dirt from the tread to prevent accelerated wear and lack of grip. Avoid oily cleaners that compromise rubber.
- Store indoors – Temperature extremes and ozone exposure deteriorate rubber over time. Storing tires out of the elements extends their lifespan.
Taking care of your BMX rubber ensures you’ll get the most miles and enjoyment possible out of a set. But when it’s eventually time to replace tires, use this guide to find the ideal new set.
FAQs:
Q1: What size BMX tires should I get?
A: For most riders, 20 x 2.10″ or 20 x 2.25″ tires provide a good balance of traction, cushioning, and handling. Choose narrower tires around 20 x 1.95” if you prioritize speed and jumps. Go wider ~2.3-2.5” for maximum grip.
Q2: What is the fastest BMX Tyre?
A: Slick BMX tires with minimal tread roll the fastest on smooth surfaces like dirt tracks and pavement. Brands like Tioga and Kenda make fast-rolling slick BMX tires.
Q3: What is the best PSI for BMX bike tires?
A: 40-65 PSI is the ideal pressure range for most BMX tires. Lower PSI provides more cushioning, while higher pressures give faster rolling speed.
Q4: What is the lightest BMX freestyle tire?
A: Folding bead tires are lighter than wire bead models. Brands like Odyssey and Maxxis make ultra-lightweight folding freestyle BMX tires.
Q5: Are wider BMX tires better?
A: Wider BMX tires provide more traction, shock absorption, and stability, which are advantages for street, park, and trail riding. But narrower tires are lighter and more maneuverable.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned BMX pro or just getting rolling, having the right tires makes a world of difference. Follow this guide to choose the ideal size, tread, construction, and brand based on your riding style and terrain.
Take care of your new rubber with proper inflation, inspection, cleaning, and storage. With your bike outfitted in fresh, high-performance BMX tires, you’ll be ready to take your skills to the next level.