The Complete Guide to Tubeless BMX Tires

Riding BMX can be an exhilarating experience. Hitting jumps and sliding around corners pushes both you and your bike to the limits. Having the right tires makes a big difference in how your bike handles and how much control you have when riding street or dirt. 

Tubeless BMX tires provide unique advantages over traditional clincher tires. This guide will explore everything you need to know about tubeless BMX tires.

What Are Tubeless BMX Tires?

Tubeless tires do not require an inner tube to hold air. The tire itself is airtight and seals around the rim to keep air in. The sealant is poured into the tire through the valve stem. 

It coats the inside of the tire and immediately seals any small punctures caused by thorns or debris on the trail.

Tubeless tires provide the following key benefits:

• Lower tire pressure for more traction
• Virtually flat-proof with sealant
• Lighter weight without an inner tube
• Prevents pinch flats
• Smoother ride quality

Brands like Maxxis, Kenda, and Vee Tire now offer tubeless-ready tires for BMX applications. They provide all the advantages of tubeless without sacrificing durability or performance.

Tubeless BMX Tires vs Traditional Clincher Tires

Traditional clincher tires use an inner tube to hold air pressure. The tube is pinched between the tire and the rim. Tubeless tires remove the tube and rely on an airtight seal with the rim.

Here is a comparison between tubeless and clincher BMX tires:

• Puncture resistance – Tubeless tires are virtually flat-proof thanks to built-in sealant. Clincher tires puncture easily requiring frequent tube changes.
• Weight – Removing the inner tube sheds weight. Tubeless tires are lighter overall.
• Rolling resistance – The airtight tubeless seal allows lower air pressure without pinch flatting. Lower pressure decreases rolling resistance.
• Traction – Lower air pressure improves contact patch and grip on loose terrain for better traction.
• Ride quality – Tubeless tires provide more cushioning and a smoother ride feel compared to higher-pressure clincher tires.
• Air retention – The airtight seal holds air longer while clincher tires slowly lose air over time.

While more expensive upfront, tubeless tires save money over time by eliminating flats. Once converted to tubeless, you may never go back to tubes again.

Tubeless BMX Tire Prices

Tubeless tires require specific tubeless-ready rims and conversion parts to work properly. This means converting to tubeless will cost more upfront compared to buying clincher tires and tubes. 

Here are some average tubeless BMX tire prices:

• Tire – $55 to $85 each. Popular options from Maxxis and Kenda cost around $60 to $70 per tire. High-end tires approach $85.
• Rim strip – $15 to $20. Creates an airtight seal.
• Valve stems – $15 to $25. Valves designed to seal tubeless tires.
• Sealant – $10 to $15 per 8oz bottle. Seals puncture for 6 months typically.
• Rims – $150+ for tubeless-ready. Some rim/tire combos convert with tape instead.

Factor in the cost of two tires, sealant, and parts to convert your wheels. Expect to spend $150 to $250+ to switch to Tubeless. The investment pays off over time in reliability and performance.

BMX Tubeless Tire Maintenance Tips

Tubeless tires require some specific maintenance to keep them rolling smoothly:

• Check sealant – Sealant dries out over 3-6 months. Remove tires and add 2-4oz fresh sealant every 6 months.
• Inspect rim strip – Make sure tape or rim strip covers the rim bed fully. Reapply if needed.
• Clean debris – Clear tire tread and rim of debris that can break the seal.
• Check tire pressure – Run higher psi for street/park riding. Lower pressure for grip on dirt jumps.
• Carry a plug kit – Plug any large punctures the sealant can’t fill. Carries you home or to shop for repair.
• Bring a tube – A tube can get you home if unrepairable damage occurs. Use tire levers to install.

With basic maintenance, tubeless tires will significantly outlast clincher setups. The small amount of care required is worth the reliability.

How to Install Tubeless BMX Tires

Converting your BMX bike to tubeless tires takes some preparation but is straightforward with the right parts. Here is an overview of the tubeless installation process:

Supplies Needed

• Tubeless-ready tires
• Tubeless rim strip or Gorilla tape
• Tubeless valve stems
• Tire sealant – 2-4oz per tire
• Soapy water in a spray bottle
• Tire levers

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Remove existing tires and inspect rims. Clean any debris from the rim bed.
2. Apply a rim strip or multiple layers of Gorilla tape to fully cover the rim bed.
3. Install a tubeless valve stem by removing the core and pushing through the rim from the inside. Tighten the nut securely.
4. Mount one bead of tire onto the rim. Use tire levers to assist. Wait to fully seat the bead.
5. Pour 2-4oz of tire sealant into the tire through the valve stem.
6. Mount the second bead onto the rim. Work around the entire tire to position both beads evenly.
7. Use a strap or rope around the center of the tire to pull beads into rim wells on both sides simultaneously. Loud popping indicates beads seated.
8. Spray soapy water around the tire/rim junction and inflate to approx 20psi to seat the tire. Large bubbles will appear. Continue adding air until bubbles stop forming.
9. Deflate the tire completely and reinflate to the correct psi sans soap. The tire should now inflate with no bubbles. Add sealant if any leak is heard.
10. Install the second tire and inflate both to correct pressure. Go ride!

With some practice, tubeless installation is quick and easy. The benefits of BMX riding are worth the small conversion cost and effort upfront.

The Benefits of BMX Tubeless Tires

Why go through the work of switching to tubeless BMX tires? There are some compelling benefits compared to standard clincher tire setups:

Increased Traction

Tubeless tires allow much lower air pressure – 20psi or less in some cases. Lower pressure increases the contact patch on the ground for better grip, especially on loose dirt or in corners. Improved traction gives you more control and reduces the chance of washing out.

fewer Flats

Thorns and debris are no match for the sealant inside tubeless tires. Small punctures seal up instantly while you ride. No more stopping to swap tubes. Tubeless effectively ends flat tires while out riding.

Smoother Ride Quality

The lower air pressure also acts as a cushion to smooth out bumps and vibration. Tubeless provides more arm and hand comfort on long rides over rough terrain.

Lighter Weight

Losing the inner tube sheds rotational weight from each wheel. Less weight makes acceleration and maneuvers easier.

Air Retention

Tubeless tires hold air longer than clinchers. The airtight seal prevents slow air leaks over time. Tire pressure stays consistent between rides.

Lower Rolling Resistance

Low pressure minimizes tire deformation, resulting in less rolling resistance. Tubeless tires seem to roll faster while requiring less pedaling effort to maintain speed.

Switching to tubeless is like upgrading to premium tires. You’ll immediately notice the difference while riding.

Ideal Tubeless Tire Pressure for BMX

One key advantage of tubeless tires is the ability to run much lower air pressure safely. But how low should you go?

Here are some general BMX tire psi guidelines based on your riding style:

• Street/Park – Higher pressure between 50-65psi allows good speed without pinch flatting on ledges.
• Dirt Jumps – Low pressure around 20-35psi provides maximum grip for control on takeoffs and landings.
• Race – Higher pressure from 45-60psi reduces rolling resistance without sacrificing cornering.
• Trails – 30-40psi enhances traction and cushions roots, rocks, and other obstacles on natural terrain.

Experiment to find your ideal pressure for each discipline. Start in the range above and adjust higher or lower until the ride suits your style. Always use a quality pressure gauge for consistency.

The exact tubeless psi will depend on your tire size, riding weight, and personal preference. Take advantage of the ability to run low pressure without pinch flatting while dialing in the sweet spot.

Tubeless BMX Tire Setup Tips

Adopting the tubeless setup requires some adaptation from traditional clincher tires. Here are some tips to help your tubeless tires perform their best:

• Mount tires without tubes to seat beads before adding sealant. This avoids mess and prevents the sealant from escaping through spoke holes during inflation.
• Add 2-4oz of sealant through the valve stem per tire. Rotate the wheel to disperse it fully inside the tire.
• Use a strap around the center of the tire to pull both beads into the rim wells at the same time when seating. Stop when a loud pop is heard.
• Spray soapy water on the rim/tire junction before fully inflating to help the bead slip into place.
• inflate tubeless tires higher at first, then deflate completely and reinflate to your target pressure. This helps fully seat the bead.
• Carry a plug kit on rides to quickly repair any punctures too large for the sealant to seal up.
• Bring a tube as a backup in case sidewall damage occurs and the tire won’t hold air.

Take care of your tubeless tires and they will deliver reliable, high-performance riding for many miles.

Must-Have Tubeless BMX Tire Conversion Kit

Switching to tubeless tires requires some special equipment. Here are the must-have parts to convert your BMX bike:

• Tubeless-ready tires – Look for UST or TCS rating. Kenda, Maxxis, and Vee Rubber offer options.
• Rim strips or Gorilla tape – Creates an airtight barrier under the tire.
• Tubeless valve stems – Special stems with removable valve core to inject sealant.
• Tire sealant – A liquid latex-based formula that instantly seals punctures while riding.
• Tire levers – Helpful for mounting stiff tubeless beads onto the rim.
• Soapy water in a spray bottle – Allows tire bead to slip into place for easy inflation.
• Strap, rope, or ratchet – Used to pull both beads into the rim center simultaneously.
• Air compressor – Allows fast inflation to snap tire beads into place, but a floor pump works too.

Having these essential parts on hand makes the tubeless install quick and mess-free. The initial investment pays off every time you hit the trails without worrying about flats.

Finding the Lightest Tubeless BMX Tire Options

Weight matters when riding BMX. Less rotational mass makes it easier to accelerate fast, maneuver the bike, and clear gaps or obstacles. Here are some of the lightest tubeless tire options currently available:

• Maxxis Grifter – 2.10 lbs – 20×2.10. Dual-compound tread, 60 TPI casing.
• Kenda Small Block 8 – 2.15 lbs – 20×2.10. All-around street and dirt tire.
• Vee Tire Crown Gem – 1.85 lbs – 20×2.25. Advanced rubber compound for grip.
• Maxxis Holy Roller – 2.20 lbs – 20×2.40. Wide trail and downhill tire.
• BSD Donnasqueak – 2.10 lbs – 20×2.4. Softer durometer for street, park, and dirt.
• Odyssey Aitken – 2.05 lbs – 20×2.25. Low-profile tread street tire.
• Stranger Combat – 1.9 lbs – 20×2.30. Kevin Peraza’s signature tire.
• Eclat Escape – 2.15 lbs – 20×2.35. Designed for dirt jump and pump track.

Shedding a few ounces of tire weight makes a noticeable difference on the bike. Evaluate sizing options to find the right strength and weight balance for your riding needs.

FAQs:

Tubeless BMX Tires – Conclusion

Tubeless tires provide clear advantages for BMX riders looking to shed weight, boost traction, and eliminate flats. The minimal conversion effort pays off with reliably fast wheels you can count on every ride.

Understanding the costs, setup steps and ideal tire pressure is key to successfully switching to tubeless. Experiment and find the best pressure range for your chosen disciplines. Maintain the sealant and tires properly for long-lasting performance.

While more expensive at first, tubeless will save money in the long run by eliminating flats. Fewer delays while fixing flats means more time riding and progressing your skills each session. 

The confidence of a virtually flat-proof tire is priceless when pushing your limits on the bike.

Tubeless tires are rapidly becoming the new standard for BMX bikes. Make the switch to experience the benefits yourself today!