BMX Tyres
What Are BMX Tyres?
A solid set of tyres is essential for having fun on your BMX. Choosing the right tyres gives you the assurance needed to grow and advance as a rider, regardless of the discipline you're interested in. In the freestyle scene, tyres come in a vast array of colours and designs, making them an excellent way to personalise your setup and stand out from the crowd.
The appropriate pressure for tyres depends on each specific model. Therefore, it's important to check the recommended PSI for your tyres. This information is usually found in the product description or on the sidewall of the tyre.
BMX tyres may be either foldable or non-foldable. Foldable tyres are light and often manufactured from ultra-strong Kevlar fabric, although they are generally pricier than their non-foldable counterparts.
What Makes BMX Tyres Unique?
Besides being smaller, BMX tyres differ from other bike tyres in multiple ways. They are typically wider than those for road bikes to deliver enhanced grip and cushioning.
The primary difference between freestyle and race BMX tyres is that race tyres are crafted to be lightweight and narrow, with a blocky tread pattern tailored for dirt tracks. This contrasts with freestyle tyres, which are designed to be smoother to enhance grip on hard surfaces.
Which BMX Tyres Should You Choose?
When selecting BMX tyres, you should consider diameter, width, and tread pattern. Typically, BMX wheel diameters range from 12 to 29 inches, although the 20-inch size is the most prevalent among BMX tyres.
Freestyle BMX tyres are recognized for their thickness, generally ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches in width, with 2 inches being the most common. This results in a tyre that offers excellent balance and control. On the other hand, race tyres are usually thinner to decrease weight and reduce rolling resistance.
Tread patterns vary by model, and your choice should depend on your specific discipline. High-profile tread patterns provide increased grip on dirt tracks, gravel paths, and forest trails, whereas low-profile patterns offer reduced rolling resistance on asphalt and concrete while still delivering sufficient grip for performing stunts.
If you have acquired new tyres but are uncertain about mounting them on your wheels, watch our quick video on How to Install BMX Tyres and Inner Tubes.