BMX bicycle tires have excellent grip and traction for better performance. And while we tend to abuse them more often than we can imagine, the tires just hold up well. But do BMX tires have inner tubes?
BMX tires have tubes that seal the front and rear rims to make them airtight. Manufacturers build these tubes for performance and even make replacements readily available to BMX bike owners who may need upgrades. You can also make the tire tubeless by removing the inner tube from the tire.
With the tube filled to the correct level of pressure, the BMX should easily handle rough surfaces and unpaved terrains.
For what it’s worth, the traction of the air-filled tires boosts performance when doing stunts and trying out new tricks. Not to mention it aids in smooth stopping when you use the BMX bike brakes.
What kind of tubes do BMX bicycle tires have?
BMX tires have inner tubes, making the bike easy to ride on both slippery and rough terrains. The tubes are covered with knobby tires that provide grip on even the most uneven terrain. Not to mention that they offer exceptional cornering even when descending at top speeds.
Depending on the brand you choose, the inner tube of a BMX bike can have a Presta or a Schrader valve. That means the bicycle pump you use to introduce air into the tube will also vary.
If you choose a tube with a Presta valvebuy a bicycle pump with a Presta valve.
If you choose a tube with a Schrader valveyou can only inflate it with a bicycle pump optimized for Schrader valve.
Are inner tubes important in BMX tires?
BMX bicycle tires have spoke holes along the heels. These holes can allow air to escape from the tires, rendering them useless.
That’s why BMX bikes have inner tubes.
To be clear, inner tubes have no spokes, so they don’t let air escape. And if the tire is in the best condition, you never have to worry about a flat tire.
To be clear: tires and inner tubes are not puncture resistant. They can both get a cut or a flat tire and you may need to repair them or replace them completely.
What size is a BMX inner tube?
There is no one-size-fits-all inner tube for BMX tires. And that is so obvious, since the wheel size differs from bike to bike. As such, it makes sense to say that the size of inner tube you choose will depend on the size of the tires.
Let’s give a theoretical example to help you understand the concept:
If you have a… 24-inch BMX bike with 24 by 1.5 inch wheels, the correct inner tube size should be between 19.5 and 20 inches. For 24 by 1.75 inch wheels, the inner tube size should be between 21 and 21.5 inches.
As you can see, there is a variation in the inner tube size, with an overall difference of 0.5 inches.
When choosing an inner tube for your BMX tire, opt for something that will fit into the inner liner of the BMX bicycle tire.
If you choose the right size, you don’t have to worry about some parts bending unnecessarily. Look at the size information on the walls of the tire for the correct information.
While they are not 100% leak proof, pipes rated as leak proof are the best to consider as they tend to last longer.
How do they make BMX inner tubes?
BMX tubes are made of rubber and latex. When inflated, the materials expand and form a cushion-like structure for the tire.
When making these tubes, manufacturers assign them pressure limits in PSI, above which they can easily rupture. They also ensure that the construction is strong enough to support the rider’s weight on a variety of terrains.
What is the best inner tube for BMX tires?
The condition best is a relative term.
What one BMX rider considers the best inner tube for a BMX tire may not exactly be the best for another roadie.
The most important things to consider before choosing a BMX tube are the purpose of your ride and your riding style. Doing this will help you choose an inner tube that can easily improve the performance of your BMX bike.
That said, below are some of the best all-purpose BMX tubes that you may want to consider:
- Rongbo bicycle replacement inner tubes (View on Amazon)
- OUTFINDIA inner tubes (View on Amazon)
- Street Fit 360 inner tubes for BMX bikes (View on Amazon)
- Helonge 20 inch bicycle inner tube for BMX (View on Amazon)
These inner tubes are made of high quality butyl rubber and offer better airtightness and heat resistance. Since the material is sturdy, you can expect the tubes to last longer, even with regular use.
The tubes are 32mm Schrader valve and they are easy to install.
For the best fit, the manufacturer recommends adding a little to the pipe before beginning installation. That way, they don’t get twisted or crammed together easily and end up with a pinch.
How do you change an inner tube on a BMX bike?
This is how you replace the inner tube of a BMX bike:
- Remove the wheel whose inner tube you want to change
- Use a strong tire lever, such as the Gorilla Forceto take the strap off
- Unscrew the Schrader or Presta valve from the current inner tube, then remove the inner tube from the tyre
- Add some air to the new inner tube to prevent it from clumping together, then put it back into the tire, starting by inserting the valve into the valve hole
- Squeeze the tire onto the rim or use the tire lever to put the tire back in place
- Place the wheel and inflate
That is it.
How do you go tubeless on a BMX?
You can only make a BMX bicycle tire tubeless if the wheel and rim structure allows it. If the tire is not tubeless compatible, you will need to purchase a rim sealing tape to prepare the tire for a tubeless riding experience.
- Place and tighten the valve stem onto the rim, then attach a sealing washer to the stem
- Mount the tire on the rim
- Use a lever to align the beads on the rim
- Apply a sealant to the wheel and then remove the valve core
- Tighten the valve core to inflate the tire and bounce and slide the tire to spread the sealant.
Also read:
Why does MY BMX tire wobble?
Does tire width matter?
Final Thoughts
BMX tires have inner tubes, but those are usually pretty standard. With good maintenance, these last a long time and you do not suffer from a flat tire before. And as we’ve seen, replacement tubes are readily available at a low price, good to consider if you’re interested in upgrading your BMX tubes.
