Tyres

BMX race tyres: the only part touching the track

Over a 35-second moto the tyre decides three things: traction as the gate drops, grip on the banking through the berms, and rolling resistance down the straights. Width, compound, bead type and pressure are set together, according to rider weight and the state of the track that day.

Sizes and diameters: 18", 20" and 24"

• 18": the Micro classes and first race bikes.
• 20 x 1-1/8" and 20 x 1-3/8": narrow sections on 451 rims, typical of Mini, Junior and Expert.
• 20x1.50 and 20x1.60: mid-width sections on 406, a sound grip / efficiency compromise.
• 20x1.75: the reference wide section in Pro, Pro XL and above.
• 24": the 507 rims of the Cruiser, in widths close to the wide 20".

Do not confuse rim diameter with tyre width: a 451 and a 406 are both called "20 inch" yet never fit the same rim.

Folding bead or wire bead

A folding tyre with an aramid bead saves 50 to 100 g per wheel and rolls better: it is the race choice. The wire bead costs less and wears more slowly — the logical answer for daily training and for young riders who will outgrow the size long before they wear the tyre out.

How to choose width and pressure

A wider section increases the contact patch, so grip through the berms and traction at the gate, at the cost of a little rolling resistance and some weight out at the rim. A narrower section rolls faster but forgives less on a damp track. Start from the standard width for your class, then adjust. Pressure does the rest — lower on soft ground, higher on a dry, hard track. Always stay within the minimum and maximum figures moulded on the sidewall.

Compatibility: rim, inner tube, brakes

• Rim: the diameter must match exactly (406, 451 or 507) and the internal width must bracket the section you choose.
• Inner tube: same diameter, a width range covering yours, and a Presta or Schrader valve matching the rim drilling. See our BMX inner tubes.
• Rim tape: essential to protect the tube from the spoke nipples, and in the right width. See our rim tape.
• Frame and fork: check the clearance available before fitting a wider section than standard, and check that the V-brake arms open far enough.

Training, racing and track conditions

Plenty of riders keep two sets: a wire-bead pair for training and a folding pair kept for motos. It is the cheapest way to race on fresh rubber. On a tarmac or indoor track a lightly treaded compound is enough; on wet soil a more pronounced tread pattern takes the advantage back.

The tyre brands we stock

The Michelin Pilot SX is still the benchmark in 20" on fast tracks. Vee Tire fields the Speed Booster and Speedster, IRC the Japanese-developed Siren, Schwalbe the SX-R. Kenda covers a broad spread of sections, from Expert to Pro. Tioga is a historic name in BMX Race, known for traction-oriented tread patterns. Box Components, Answer and Arisun round out the range on the common 20" and 24" sizes. Distributing all of these lets you compare real measured widths: stated sizes vary noticeably from one manufacturer to another.

Wear and replacement

Check pressure before every session and inspect the sidewalls after every crash. Replace a tyre when the centre knobs are worn flat, when the casing shows through, or after a cut. A tyre stored folded or left in the sun hardens and loses grip, even with no kilometres on it.

The BMX RACING advice

Tell us your class, your rim diameter and the kind of track you ride: we point you to the right width and the right bead. Dispatched within 24 to 72 hours, you can spread the cost over 2 or 3 payments.