How to Choose BMX Tires

Click to edit Master text stylesBMX tires tend to be chunky, knobby and wider than road bike tires. They need

to withstand punishment, similar to mountain bike tires. Yet unlike mountain

bikers, BMX riders don't usually do much serious off-road work. Dirt BMX tracks

are hard and not covered in roots and rocks. Flatland BMX bike tires are

designed for stability and performing tricks on level, clean ground. Jump tires

are wide and rugged for extra grip and balance.

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For All BMX Bikes

Measure your wheel and frame size. BMX bikes

come in four main sizes: mini, junior, expert and

pro.

If you're over age 12, you probably have a pro

model. Pro wheels are 20 inches in diameter.

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For All BMX Bikes

Purchase a tire with a smoother, slicker tread

without deep, knobby grooves if you do mainly

flatland riding on concrete.

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For All BMX Bikes

Feel the tread. Look for a little more grip if you do

most of your freestyle riding in parkland or on

demanding urban tracks. The extra grip will help

you maintain control.

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For All BMX Bikes

Look for the tire's recommended PSI, a measure of

pressure. This is usually written on the side of the

tire wall. Buy tires between 40 and 70 PSI for

freestyle riding for a more cushioned ride,

according to Vital BMX. Choose higher PSI if you

prefer spin-style tricks.

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BMX Bikes : Jump Riding

Choose thinner tires than freestyle tires if you're a

jump BMX rider. Aim for between 1.9 and 2 inches

for a pro-style frame, and about 1.6 inches for

expert models.

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BMX Bikes : Jump Riding

Run your finger along the tire tread. It should feel

knobby and deep. You need the deepest treads for

dirt jumping to hold the terrain closely when you

land.

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BMX Bikes : Jump Riding

Pick tires with a PSI limit of between 40 and 70. This

helps make for a softer landing.

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BMX Bikes : Hard Dirt-Track Racing

Buy thin tires for racing BMX bikes -- about 1.75

inches for pro frames and 1.5 inches for expert

models. Junior and pro models usually have

standard tire widths.

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BMX Bikes : Hard Dirt-Track Racing

Find treads with grip, but no deep, knobby grooves.

You need traction without resistance to keep up

your speed.

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BMX Bikes : Hard Dirt-Track Racing

Pick a tire that can handle over 100 PSI if you're a

race rider looking for speed. Highly pressurized

tires help your bike travel quicker.

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