BMX Tyres
Understanding BMX Tyres
A reliable pair of tyres is crucial for enjoying your BMX experience. Selecting the appropriate tyres can boost your confidence, aiding in your growth and development as a rider, regardless of your chosen discipline. Within the freestyle arena, tyres are available in an extensive array of colours and designs, providing an excellent opportunity to personalise your setup and distinguish yourself.
The required pressure for tyres varies depending on the specific model. Thus, it's important to refer to the recommended PSI, which can typically be found in the product description or on the tyre's sidewall.
BMX tyres come in two varieties: foldable and non-foldable. While foldable tyres are lighter and often crafted from extremely durable Kevlar, they are usually more costly than their non-foldable counterparts.
Distinctive Features of BMX Tyres
Aside from being smaller in size, BMX tyres differ from other bike tyres in additional ways. They generally possess a wider profile than road bike tyres, enhancing grip and providing better cushioning.
The major distinction between freestyle and race BMX tyres lies in their design. Race tyres are constructed to be light and narrow, with a blocky tread pattern optimised for dirt tracks. Freestyle tyres, on the other hand, feature a smoother design to enhance grip on hard surfaces.
How to Choose the Right BMX Tyres
Consider the diameter, width, and tread pattern when selecting BMX tyres. BMX wheel diameters range from 12 to 29 inches, yet the 20-inch BMX tyre is the most prevalent.
Freestyle BMX tyres are recognised for their thickness, typically varying from 1 to 2.5 inches in width, with around 2 inches being the most common. This size offers excellent balance and control. In contrast, race tyres tend to be thinner to reduce weight and minimise rolling resistance.
As for tread patterns, these differ by model, and your choice should depend on your practised discipline. High-profile tread patterns deliver enhanced grip on dirt tracks, gravel paths, and forest trails. Low-profile patterns offer reduced rolling resistance on asphalt and concrete while still delivering sufficient grip to perform stunts.
If you've acquired new tyres and need guidance on fitting them onto your wheels, be sure to view our helpful video on How to Install BMX Tyres and Inner Tubes.