20-Inch Bike Tires: A Buyer’s Guide 2017
Is it time to buy new bicycle tires for your wheels? The number of options you have available can seem overwhelming and it helps to do a little research in advance of making your purchase. What should you know before buying new bike tires?
First, you’ll need to double check the size of the tires you need. In general, road bike tires are available in 26-inch or 29-inch rims. Other than custom order sizes, mountain bikes typically have wheels with a 27.5-inch rim. Most BMX bikes usually have 20-inch tires. It’s the 20-inch tires we’ll be recommending here.
There is another aspect of tire size you’ll need to consider: width. The diameter is the larger number, so we’re looking at 20-inch diameter tires. And that category is then broken down further into various widths, which are usually about 1.5 to 2 inches or if they are measured in millimeters, about 23 mm wide.
So, what width tires do you need? There’s a basic formula you can use to determine a good width for your tires. The faster you want to go the slimmer the tire you’ll need. Slimmer tires create less contact with the road, so you’ll go faster, but you’ll need more air pressure which creates a firmer, bumpier ride. This means if you’re riding on all terrain or an already bumpy surface, those skinnier tires are going to make for an unpleasant ride. Slim tires also tend to wear out faster and experience greater sidewall damage.
Wider bicycle tires, which are typically what you’ll be looking for with BMX tires, give you greater stability because they allow more contact with the road. This is ideal for surfaces that are unpredictable or irregular.
If you’re not sure what size tires your bike currently has, you can figure out the appropriate size by:
- Checking the bike’s owners’ manual
- Checking the manufacturer's website, which will likely have specs for all of its bikes
- Measure the rims: go rim-to-rim for the complete size, or else axle to rim, then double it
- Take an old tire from the bike to the pros at your local bike shop, so they can recommend the best width for your type of riding and for your specific bike
In addition to diameter and width, you’ll need to consider tire weight. The weight of the tire isn’t that important unless you’re competing so, in most cases, any weight in the right size tire will be suitable. If you’ve found a tire that otherwise suits your bike, there’s no need to give much consideration to the weight of that tire.
Tread
Now that you have an idea what diameter and width tires you’re shopping for, you can think about the type of tread you’ll need.
To determine the type of tread, you’ll want to think about the surface you’ll typically be riding on. Racing tires that are used on the road tend to be smooth. Knobbier tires tend to be used on mountain bikes when you’re riding on a bumpier surface. These tires also work best for trails where things tend to get muddy.
It’s also possible to get hybrid tires that have a smooth center thread and knobby out treads, so you get the grip you need without sacrificing speed. These tires are still best when riding on smoother surfaces, though, and if you’re on trails you’ll want to give up some speed for the added stability provided by deeper tread.
Durability of Your Tires
One of the most important factors when buying new 20-inch bike tires is their durability. Are you going to be using your bike every day? Are you riding for sport, which is often the case with BMX tires, or are you using your bike to commute? Is the tire for your child who will be riding on a daily basis for recreation or an adult that’s riding for exercise?
It’s also important to consider the surface on which you’ll be riding. Will you encounter a lot of debris and rocks, or riding on a smooth, predictable surface? Puncture-resistant tires are available and they are a great option if you know you are bound to encounter things that can poke a hole in your tire. It might also be a good idea to get tires with additional upgrades that make them even more durable, like Kevlar reinforcement. It’s possible to get more than 2000 miles out of quality tires, but only if you make a smart buying decision.
Now that you have an idea what to consider when buying new tires, let’s check out a few of the best options out there for 20-inch bike tires.
Bell 20-Inch BMX Bike Tire, White
These tires retail for around $10 each, so they’re a great option for bargain hunters that don’t want to sacrifice quality. For many users, the worst part of these tires is getting them onto your bike because you’ll need to cut out metal liners in the tires. These are classic-style BMX tires and many people buy them for nostalgia purposes.
Sunlite Freestyle BMX Kontact Tires
These tires are available in a wide variety of colors—not a necessary feature, but one that can make riding a whole lot more fun. They retail between $10 and $30, depending on the color you choose. Users say these tires are easy to mount and are much better than the stock tires that usually cost more. It’s possible to find similar tires in a bike shop, but you won’t get the color variety and you’ll likely pay more, especially if you opt for something that isn’t the standard black option.
Goodyear Folding Bead BMX Bike Tire, 20 inches
These tires are 20 inches by 2.125 inches. There are available in black and white, so fewer color options than the previous tire, but Goodyear is a brand name with familiarity. These tires retail for around $15. Users love these tires and claim they are high quality and have a perfect fit when measured properly. Despite having deep tread, these tires work well on smooth surfaces and provide the traction and durability needed to ride.
