BMX Tyres

Understanding BMX Tyres

A robust set of tyres is essential for enjoying your BMX to the fullest. The correct tyres will instil you with the confidence needed to develop and progress as a rider, regardless of the discipline you pursue. In the world of freestyle, tyres are available in a vast array of colours and designs, offering a fantastic opportunity to personalise your setup and make a statement.

The pressure you should use in your tyres is dictated by the specific model. Hence, it's important to verify the recommended PSI for your tyres. This information can usually be found in a product description or on the sidewall of the tyre.

BMX tyres can be either foldable or non-foldable. Foldable tyres are light, often made from extremely strong Kevlar material, but they tend to be more costly compared to non-foldable tyres.

Unique Features of BMX Tyres

While they are smaller in size, BMX tyres differ from other types of bike tyres in several ways. Typically, they are wider than road bike tyres, providing enhanced grip and cushioning.

The key distinction between freestyle and race BMX tyres is that race tyres are lightweight and narrow with a blocky tread pattern tailored for dirt tracks. This contrasts with freestyle tyres, which have a smoother design to enhance grip on hard surfaces.

Choosing the Right BMX Tyres

When selecting BMX tyres, consider the diameter, width, and tread pattern. BMX wheel diameters generally range from 12 to 29 inches, although 20-inch BMX tyres are most prevalent.

Freestyle BMX tyres are renowned for their thickness, typically ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches in width, with around 2 inches being the standard. This provides a tyre with excellent balance and control. Conversely, race tyres are typically slimmer to reduce weight and minimise rolling resistance.

Tread patterns differ between models, so you should choose based on your specific discipline. A high profile tread pattern offers greater traction on dirt tracks, gravel, and forest pathways, whereas low profile patterns reduce rolling resistance on asphalt and concrete, still enabling you to perform certain stunts.

If you have recently acquired new tyres and are unsure how to fit them onto your wheels, view our quick video on How to Install BMX Tyres and Inner Tubes.