BMX Wheels and Tyres

Twenty or twenty-four inches: reading the size of a BMX tyre

Almost all BMX bikes have 20-inch wheels, with a rim measuring 406 millimeters at the heel according to the ETRTO standard. The Schwalbe Jumpin' Jack tyre, marked 54-406, is therefore 54 millimeters wide for this rim. BMX cruisers, designed for taller riders, switch to 24 inches, which is a rim of 507 millimeters, like the Maxxis Hookworm in 2.50 inches wide.

The sizes in inches, such as 20 x 2.25, vary from brand to brand and can be confusing; the ETRTO marking, moulded on the sidewall, remains the reliable reference to match tyre, tube, and rim.

Race tyres: small knobs and soft rubber for the track

On a BMX race track, compacted and often covered with gravel, the tyre must first provide acceleration. The models with tightly packed small knobs, like the Schwalbe Jumpin' Jack or the Arisun XLR8 with soft rubber, grip in the banked turns without losing speed on the straights. Many riders fit a slightly wider and more knobby front tyre for cornering and a thinner rear tyre for efficiency.

The Tioga Comp with light-coloured sidewalls, an iconic tyre from the 1980s, reflects the early days of the sport; it appeals to old school BMX enthusiasts restoring a vintage bike.

Freestyle, street, and dirt: what tread pattern

At the skatepark and in street settings, the tyre works on concrete, ledges, and landing ramps. The wider models, from 2.3 to 2.4 inches, with almost smooth tread, like the Mission Tracker or Fiction Troop, provide a large contact surface and absorb impacts. Their thick casing withstands pinch flats against sharp edges.

In dirt, on the dirt jumps, a more sculpted tread pattern is used that bites into the take-off and landing. The Maxxis Hookworm, an urban tyre with very thick rubber, is typically fitted on street cruisers, where it tolerates slides and drifts.

The selection

The page is organised by type:

• Wheels.
• Tyres.
• Inner tubes.
• Pumps and accessories.

BMX can be completed with bikes, drivetrains, brakes, components, gear, on the BMX page.

Wheels, tubes, and valves for BMX

A BMX freestyle wheel rests on a thick axle, often 14 millimeters, which supports the pegs and landing, while a race wheel prioritises lightweight with a double-walled aluminium rim and a slim hub. The rear hub accommodates the sprocket, either in cassette or freewheel form.

The inner tube matches the ETRTO size of the tyre and the rim drilling: Schrader valve, the most common on BMX bikes, or Presta, thinner, on some race rims. A foot pump with a gauge allows for consistent pressure at each session.

Frequently asked questions

How to inflate BMX tyres for the track?

On a compacted track, many riders inflate close to the maximum indicated on the sidewall for better performance. A slightly less inflated front helps grip in banked turns; one should never exceed the maximum tyre pressure.

How to tell if a BMX tyre is worn out?

Round knobs, a flattened tread, or cracks on the sidewalls indicate a tyre that needs changing. In freestyle, it's also important to check that the casing isn't visible where it rubs against ledges during grinds.

What tyres to fit on a child's BMX?

Smaller BMX bikes often use 16 or 18-inch wheels, with narrower and lighter tyres, which are easy for a young rider to accelerate. The ETRTO size moulded on the sidewall of the original tyre should be noted before ordering a new one.

Soft or rigid bead tyre for BMX?

The soft bead, made of aramid, reduces the tyre weight and allows it to be folded, a desirable feature in racing. The rigid bead, made of steel and heavier, is easy to fit and suitable for freestyle as well as recreational use.

How to avoid pinching the inner tube in BMX?

Pinch flats occur when the tyre, under-inflated, compresses against the rim on a ledge or during a landing. Sufficient pressure and a thicker, reinforced inner tube limit this risk in street and skatepark scenarios.