Tires | All information about tires

Tires | All information about tires

 

Tires are very important when riding and help your bike grip the earth. Tubes are evolving now because tires are getting wider. I will help you pick the tubes & tires best for you.

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Pounds Per Square inch or PSI

Tubes are basically a balloon and expand in your tire until there is no longer room and create your tire to get harder. This is where PSI comes in play, PSI stand for pounds per square inch. The higher pressure the tire is the better quality it is.

Wheel Diameter

The first thing you want to figure out is what size diameter your tire is. There is usually a number equation on the side of your tire. In size 29" x 2.5" the first number is the diameter and the second one is the width. Once you know if your tire diameter is 8"-29" you can figure out the width.

Tire Width

The second number is the width and can come in 1 1/8" to 5". They even come in 23c to 58c Which are only available with 700c tires and tubes. 700c tubes and tire are the same size as 29" wheels but usually come in smaller widths. 23c is equivalent to 3/4" wide tire and a 52c would be near a 1.75" wide tire. 29" tires usually come in 1.95" to 3" wide tires.  

Fat Tires

Tires are now up to 5" wide so now tubes come in this larger width. Older tubes like the 20 x 2.125" can expand over their diameter size, stretching the rubber thinner to get the 2.4" width making your tube easier to puncture. They do fit and is similar to suing a thinner race tube in the same size. The new 2.4" wide tubes are a larger diameter preventing your tube from stretching.

E-Scooter & E-bike Tires

Smaller Electric scooters have a small 50, 8", 10" or 12" inner tube. Smaller bicycles, walkers, jogger strollers usually have 12". Youth bike can have sizes between 12" to 20" tubes. Fat tire ebikes have 20 - 26" x 3"-5" tires. Freestyle bmx bikes have 20" wheels. 22" wide tire usually come on freestyle bmx bikes designed for a tall teenager or adult. 24" wide tires come on bmx cruisers, youth mountain bikes, and freestyle bikes. Mountain bikes, beach cruisers, Old school BMX and electric bikes use 26" wheels. 29" wheels are used most commonly on Big BMX bikes & Mountain bikes. 700c tires are usually very exclusively by Old School Big BMX bike because of their small 38-42c widths. Road bikes, Gravel bikes, City Bikes, Touring bikes, and Old School Big BMX bikes use 700c tires. I hope this helps understand a little better, if not keep reading.

Mid school & Old School BMX Tires

If you have a bmx bike and it is 5 years or newer you can run a 2.4" tire and the frame or fork will have clearance. If you have a bike 6 years or older sizes 2.125 - 2.35" will be a roll of the dice if the 2.4" wide tires fit in your frame They will most likely fit in your fork but do occasionally rub. This is because they just started making wider tires and older frames were narrower. 

High PSI Tires

The second thing we like to point out is the PSI, this is a easy way to know if the tire will last longer. Low psi tires 65psi or lower are usually on stock bikes and have less fabric strand in the tires. The higher PSI tires 80psi+ have a lot more fabric strands allowing you to go to higher pressures as well as keeping the tire together. We highly suggest a high psi tire.

Colored Tires

Colors are very select on each model of tire, many are limited edition and are never advertise this way. If you see a tire in a color you like, pick it up asap because it might not be around very long. Many color tires are a lil bit more expensive because they are produced at lower quantities thus increasing the price for the manufacture. Color tires do get dirty and will never look brand new when the tread wears out. They just look way better than generic black tires and look great even if they are dirty. Pick a tire that expresses your style and have fun with it.

Tread Patterns

Tread patterns vary and will wear out if you do a lot of skids, it is just rubber like your shoes. Patterns help you grip the earth when riding around and we found out they really matter. Smooth tread patterns are usually used to ride street because the asphalt has a rough surface and help the tires grip. If used at skateparks, they tend to be slippery. Knurled tread are grippy on any surface and help with stopping. Knobby treads are usually used for trails to give extra grip when turning. We suggest you pick a tread pattern and try it out, tires are inexpensive to buy and can make your bike look completely different simply by changing the color. Make your bike unique.

20" Tires Q & A

Q: What is the best 20" BMX tire for street riding?

A: The best 20 inch BMX tire for street riding is one that balances durability, grip, weight and speed. Most riders prefer wider BMX tires 20 inch like 2.4–2.45 for stability on ledges and landings. A smooth or micro-knurled tread rolls fast and grips concrete well, making it ideal for modern street riding.

Q: What size 20" BMX tire should I run (2.1, 2.25, 2.4, 2.5)?

A: Choosing the right BMX tire size depends on your riding style. Narrow options like 20 x 2.125 BMX tires feel light and responsive when grinding and spinning, while wider options like 20 x 2.40 BMX tires or larger give more grip and forgiveness. Many riders today consider 2.4–2.45 the best BMX bike tire size for all-around riding.

Q: What is the difference between 20" BMX tires and regular 20" bike tires?

A: 20 BMX tire is built specifically for tricks, impacts, and higher air pressure. Regular 20 inch bike tires are usually made for kids’ bikes and lack strong sidewalls. BMX bike tires use thicker rubber, reinforced beads, and are designed to handle aggressive riding.

Q: What air pressure should I run in 20" BMX tires?

A: Proper BMX tire pressure depends on rider weight, tire quality/PSI rating and terrain. Street riders often run higher pressure (80–110 PSI) for speed and use a higher quality tire, while park and dirt riders may run lower pressure (50 - 80 PSI) for grip. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended range for your 20 inch tire for bicycle use. You can find it on the side of your tire. Caution if you have a 35-65 PSI rated tire, it is not recommended to input more air pressure than labeled. 

Q: Are wider 20" BMX tires better than narrow ones?

A: Wider 20 in BMX bike tires provide more traction, stability, and shock absorption. Narrower tires roll faster but are less forgiving. Most riders now prefer wider BMX tires for control and confidence, especially when learning tricks.

Q: Can I use 20" BMX tires for park, street, and dirt riding?

A: Yes. Many modern BMX tires 20 inch are designed as all-terrain tires. A lightly treaded BMX bike tire works well on concrete, wood ramps, and packed dirt, making it a great all-around choice for BMX riding.

Q: How long do 20" BMX tires usually last?

A: The lifespan of bicycle tires 20 in depends on riding style and terrain. Street riders wear tires faster due to grinding and skidding. High-quality BMX tires can last months to years with proper pressure and rotation.

Q: What are the fastest rolling 20" BMX tires?

A: The fastest BMX tires usually have a smooth center tread and can run high air pressure. These 20 bicycle tires reduce rolling resistance and are popular for street and park riding where speed matters.

Q: Do 20" BMX tires fit all BMX rims?

A: Most 20 BMX tyres fit standard BMX rims, but rim width matters. Wider rims pair better with wider BMX tire sizes. 

Q: What causes 20" BMX tires to blow out or pinch flat?

A: Blowouts often happen from not seating the tire properly, allowing the tube to be between the tire and rim, low BMX tire pressure, worn sidewalls, or grinding damage. Pinch flats occur when landing hard with low pressure. Proper pressure and quality BMX bike tire installation help prevent these issues.

Q: What tread pattern is best for 20" BMX tires (slick vs knobby)?

A: Slick or micro-knurled BMX tires 20 inch are best for street and park riding. Knobby 20 bike tires work great in dirt but Micro Knurled Bike tire work better on dirt. Choose tread based on where you ride most.

Q: Can I run different 20" BMX tires on the front and rear?

A: Yes. Many riders use a grippier BMX front tire and a faster rolling BMX rear tire. This setup improves control while keeping speed high.

Q: Are high-pressure or low-pressure 20" BMX tires better?

A: High pressure makes BMX bike tires roll faster and resist pinch flats. Low pressure offers more grip and comfort. The best setup depends on rider preference, tricks performing and terrain.

Q: How do I install or change a 20" BMX tire properly?

A: proper BMX tire change involves removing the old tire, inspecting the rim strip & tire, installing the tube evenly, and seating the bead correctly. Correct BMX tire installation prevents blowouts and wobbling. 

Q: Which brands make the best 20" BMX tires?

A: Top brands consistently producing high-quality BMX tires include Primo, Odyssey, Cult, BSD, Merritt, Demolition, Shadow, and Maxxis. These brands offer trusted 20 inch BMX tires for street, park, and dirt riding.

29" Tires Q & A

Q: What size tire fits a 29" BMX bike?

A: If you want to figure out what size tire fits your 29" BMX Bike you have to look on the side wall of your tire. You will see a number similar to 29" X 2.4" and I will help you out understanding how to modify your bike. The first number is the diameter of the tire and the second number is the width of the tire. Most 29" bike use 2.10" wide tire but many have been putting 2.4" or 2.5" tires on stock bikes out of the box. It is best to replace your stock tire with the same width to make sure it will fit in the frame. If you have a stock tire and want to put a wider tire on it you have to look how much clearance you have between the tire and frame. Try different tires til you find which tire fits and you enjoy. 

Q: Can I run wider 29" BMX tires on my frame and fork? 

A: You are limited to the width tire the brand manufactured to fit in the frame or fork. Check the manufacturer part specs for correct size. From my experience you can use these general rule of thumb to get close the widest tire that can fit on your bike. Most show bikes use a 1.50-2.10" tire, most bikes designed for bike life bikes can usually run a 2.10-2.5" tire. 

Q: What are the best 29" BMX tires for cruising and pump tracks?

A: If you are looking for the best 29" tires for pump tracks or cruising you are in luck. Most tires nowadays have advance technology from tread patterns to rubber compounds.I would suggest selecting a tire that has a street tread for the fastest tire and the best grip. Try out as many as you can to find out what works for you the best.

Q: What are the best 29" BMX tires for dirt and trail riding?

A: If you are riding trails or dirt jumps you want to have a street style tire or a semi knobby tire. If the jumps are maintenance often you can use a street style tire because it will roll fast and grip on the packed dirt. If you are riding lightly maintenance trails you might want to use a semi knobby tire for better grip.

Q: Do tread patterns matter on 29" BMX tires?

A: If you are wondering if tread patterns assist your riding ability you will find out the bar has significantly raised. 29" BMX tires have advanced so much but you can tell with tires are better for their intended terrain. Street tires are smoother and dirt tires are knobby but most riders do not use knobby tires. Most trails or dirt jumps are maintenance often so street tires work the best at most dirt jumps. Skateparks are usually concrete so street tires work amazing on park as well. I high recommend a street tread style tires for any style of BMX riding you do because of BMX tire leading technology.   

 Q: How long do 29" BMX tires typically last?

A:
If you are wondering how long a specific tire last I would suggest look at the thickness.  The thinner 29" BMX tires are the lightest weight tires but obviously wear out faster. If you have thicker tires they will last longer but it really all comes down to how much you use your tires. If you want light weight tires expect to replace them more often. If you run thinker tires expect to change them less often. Form my experience thinner/lighter/heavy use last 3-6 months, thinner/lighter/mild use last 6-12 months, Thicker/heavier/heavy use last 6-12 months, thicker/heavier/light use last 1-2 years.

Q: Are slick or semi-slick tires better for 29" BMX bikes?

A: If you have seen slick tires and wondered how they work on 29" BMX bikes and you would be surprised. During dry conditions they work amazing because they have a soft rubber for extra grip. If you go in dirt with gravel on top or water your traction will be
compromised and I would suggest a street tread or semi knobby tire. 

Q: Will a 29" BMX tire fit on any 29" rim width?

A: If you have a 29" BMX tire you can fit it on any width rim except extra wide 3-5" wide rims. Most 29" BMX rims are 1.50 - 2.00" wide and you can install 1.25"-2.8" tires on them.

Q: Can 700c tire fit on a 29" rim?

A: If you think you seen a set of 700 x 40C tires on a 29" BMX bike you will not believe this. The width of a 38C on a 700 tire is about 1.5". This will vary if you have narrow rim, a 38c tire may measure closer to 36–37mm. On a wider rim, it may measure 38–40mm.

Q: How do I install or change a 29" BMX tire properly?

A: Proper BMX tire change involves removing the old tire, inspecting the rim strip & tire, installing the tube evenly, and seating the bead correctly. Correct BMX tire installation prevents blowouts and wobbling.  

Here are some tires I suggest

12" Tires:

Haro MS-5 tire

Fitbikeco FAF

14" tires:

Haro MS-5 tire

Fitbikeco FAF

16" Tires:

Haro MS-5 tire

Sunday Current

18" Tires

Sunday Current

Haro MS-5 tire

Fitbikeco FAF

20" BMX Tires:

Vans X Cult

Demolition Momentum

Odyssey Pro Path

20" Fat Tires:

CST Adventure

CST Torrance

CST Scout

22" Tires:

S&M Speedball

S&M Mainline tire

Duo Stun Tire

24" Tires:

SE Bikes Cub tire

Odyssey Pro Path

Haro Group 1 tire

26" Bike Life Tires:

Maxxis Hookworm

Merritt Option

SE Bikes Cub tire

26" Mountain Bike tires:

Sunlite Alpha Bite tire

Maxxis Ardent tire

Minion DHR 2 tire

26" Commuter tires:

Sunlite Krossplus tire

Schwalbe Fat Frank tire

26" BMX Tires:

S&M Speedball tire

Merritt Option tire

Demolition Momentum Tire

26" Old School Big BMX bike tires:

Kenda Cruiser K130 Tire

SE bikes Cub Tire

GravelKing SS Plus Tire

26" Beach Cruiser tires:

CST Cruiser Street tire

CST City Tire
 
Schwalbe Fat Frank Tire

26" Fat tire:

Vee Tire Zig Zag Tire

Se Bikes Chicane Tire

Maxxis Minion BFR Tire

27.5" Bike Life:

Maxxis Hookworm Tire

SE Bikes Speedster Tire

Schwalbe Super Moto-X Tire

27.5" Fat Tire: 

SE Bikes VEE Speedster Tire

Maxxis Minion DHR Tire

CST BFT+ Tire

27.5" Mountain bike:

CST BFT Tire

Maxxis Ardent Tire

Continental Kryptotal Tire 

29" Bike Life:

Maxxis Hookworm

Theory Method Tire

Merritt Option Tire

29"/700c Old School Big BMX:

Panaracer Pasela Tire

Panaracer Gravel King Tire

Schwalbe Fat Frank Tire

29" BMX:

S&M Speedball Tire

Merritt Option Tire

Maxxis Hookworm

29" Fat Tire:

Vee Speedster Tire

29" Mountain Bike:

CST BFT Tire

Maxxis Ardent Tire

Continental Kryptotal Tire 

700C Road tire:

Continental Ultra Sport 3 Tire

Continental Gatorskin Tire

Grand Prix 4-season Tire

700C Bike Life:

CST CZAR Tire

Panaracer Ribmo Tire

Continental Gatorskin Tire

700C Gravel tire:

Challenge Gravel Grinder Pro Tire

Gravel King Tire

Panaracer Pasela Tire

 

 

 

 

 

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