How to Select BMX Tires

Having the right BMX tires on your BMX bike are crucial for performance, traction, safety, and even style. There are a few things to consider when picking out BMX tires for your new bike or as replacements for worn out tires.

Determine the wheel size of your BMX bike. Most BMX bikes have 20 inch wheels while cruiser BMX bikes may have 24 inch wheels.

Determine the ideal width of the tires. The tires can't be too wide or they will rub against the fork and frame which can cause equipment damage and risk of injury. BMX tires range in width from 1.75 to 2.35 with some speciality tires going below or above these widths.

Use a measuring tape to measure the space between the two bars of the front fork and the distance between the two sides of the frame just above the wheel dropouts on the rear. Measure from the inside points of the frame posts, not the outside. This measurement will give you a good idea of how much space you have and the widest tire that can fit.

Choose tire width based on riding style/preference once you've determined the maximum width your bike can take. Thinner BMX tires are ideal for racing while thicker knobby tires are good for off road, dirt, freestyle, and jumps. You don't always need the widest tires, some thinner tires offer good traction at a lighter weight and sleeker profile.

Look at the knobs and treads on the tires. If you do a lot of tight turns and corning off road you'll want a tire with knobs along the edges. If you stick mostly to parking lots and pavement you can go with thinner tires. Keep in mind that you can try different tire styles as some knobbiness on the treads will give you better grip in any condition.

Choose the knobbiness and treads that offer a balance between comfort and traction. Extremely grippy tires like those found on mountain bikes (and often made in smaller BMX sizes) offer great traction and control on jumps and dirt but can be a rough ride on the streets. On the flip side, cruising or racing tires can give a smooth on road ride and great speed but will slip and slide on loose ground. As for doing tricks on curbs and pavement the type of tire you choose is up to personal preference. Thinner and smoother may be great for some while thick and knobby might work for other riders.

Consider a slightly larger tire in the rear. A slightly wider rear tire can give you better traction when pushing off and covers a larger surface area giving more contact with the ground. This can give a little more power to the rear wheel and more traction.While this isn't a requirement, it is worth considering.

Look at the air pressure recommendations on the wheel walls. A tire that can run at lower pressures can provide better grip on dirt and trails but a tire that can tolerate higher pressures can provide more speed on the streets.

Consider buying new rims along with the new tires to ensure a perfect fit on the rims.

Always check with your local BMX dealer or shop when choosing new parts for your bike. A good fit and balance between control and comfort is crucial for safety and performance.