Young shredders, stop searching for the best 16 inch BMX tires!
I have a collection of the ultimate options here for you. And it doesn’t matter what’s your preferred riding style.
These tires work for trails, streets, parks, bowls, flatland – EVERYTHING!
Note: Unfortunately, I couldn’t test these tires (yo, I’m in my 30s! 🙂 ), so I asked for some help from all of you guys.
Thus, I hit up a bunch of parents and even talked to many of my little shredders on IG to report back to me, which is their favorite 16″ tire.
This post covers:
- Best 16 inch BMX tires
- How to pick the best 16 inch BMX tire?
- How to make your BMX tires last longer
- FAQ about 16″ BMX tires
Note: I also have a collection of the best 20″ BMX tires and best 18″ BMX tires if you need more options.
Best 16 Inch BMX Tires
1. Cult X Vans 16″ Tire
This is a tire I’ve seen a lot of young dudes shred and I’ve been told about many (including parents) that this is the ultimate tire for a 16″ BMX bike.
The Cult X Vans collaboration tire meets the expectation of everyone, and that’s why it’s so popular.
I know, it’s not a budget tire, but here’s the thing: It’ll last you a long time. And you are welcome to use it on all terrain, yes, including trails and pump tracks.
The tire is available in multiple colors and comes in a 2.3″ width.
It’s everything a young, up-and-coming BMX rider wants, and I highly recommend it.
Max. pressure: 65PSI
Recommended for: All-terrain (including trail)
Price: $27.99 (may vary)
2. Rant Squad 16″ Tire
Lastly, the Rant Squad tire is the one to go if you’re on a budget.
It has a smoother thread, which doesn’t work too well on trails, so I suggest picking this one if you mostly ride parks and streets.
However, many do say that it works on dirt, too.
But hey, if you’re on a 16″ BMX bike, you’re probably evolving into a serious shredder, so you’re speed may not be the fastest, which means that any tire can work on any terrain.
Also, Squad handles a little lower PSI, but still enough for everyone on a 16″ setup.
All I can say is that the Squad tire will last you a long time, so go for it.
Max. pressure: 60PSI
Recommended for: Street & park (some dirt)
Price: $19.99 (may vary)
3. Fiction Troop 16 Tire
Fiction Troop 16 inch BMX tire is another example of an excellent and long-lasting tire.
However, this one is more street and park-oriented. Still, you can actually do a tiny bit of trail riding, but I’d recommend no more than a dirt pump track.
Which is great for a beginner.
Also, it comes at 16 x 2.3″, nice thickness to still ensure it rolls fast and absorb the landings – aaand LOOK good!
Max. pressure: 65PSI
Recommended for: Street & park
Price: $15.99 (may vary)
4. Haro MS-5 16″ BMX Tire
Here’s Haro MS-5 BMX tire in 16 inch version for all the little shredders out there.
The tire features a very versatile thread pattern, which gives it enough grip for riding streets, bowls, parks and trails.
And this is something I’d recommend for a beginner BMX rider – pick a tire that can handle any surface because I’m sure you’ll want to play and enjoy all of them starting out.
Hey, you’re probably in the process of figuring out what works for you. That’s something I did, before going heavily street.
Finally, the MS-5 tire is very affordable!
Max. pressure: 40PSI
Recommended for: All-terrain
Price: $14.99 (may vary)
5. Family F603 16″ Tire
Family’s F603 16″ BMX tire is an excellent solution if you’re searching for a thinner tire – it has 2.25″ thickness.
It features everything a long-lasting 20″ tire has just in a 16″ version.
Everyone reported back to me that the grippy thread on the F603 tire works really well for riding streets and parks.
Max. pressure: 65PSI
Recommended for: Street & park
Price: $19.99 (may vary)
How to pick the best 16 inch BMX tire?
The best way to pick a 16″ tire is to first think about what riding you’ll mostly do.
Hey, not everyone has access to trails and a skatepark in their hometown.
That’s why I added the “Recommended for” section to every tire so that you can make the final decision more easily.
But generally speaking, all these five tires can work for all-terrain.
Why?
Because the speed on a 16″ won’t be the fastest, and the ultimate grip isn’t so essential.
But if you want one tire and never bother about the terrain, then I highly recommend the Cult X Vans 16″ tire.
It has great thickness, epic waffle pattern and multiple color choices!
How To Make Your BMX Tires Last Longer
- Proper inflation: Always maintain the recommended tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause pinch flats and wear out the sidewalls, while over-inflated tires can make them prone to punctures. (Check out what’s the best BMX tire pressure.)
- Regular inspection: Frequently check your tires for cuts, punctures, and embedded debris. Remove any sharp objects that have become lodged in the tire.
- Rotate tires: Swap the front and back tires occasionally. This will ensure even wear, as rear tires tend to wear out faster.
- Ride on suitable surfaces: BMX tires are durable, but continuously riding on rough or abrasive surfaces can wear them out prematurely. Whenever possible, ride on surfaces suited for your tire type.
- Avoid skidding: While it might be tempting to skid for fun or to show off, it causes rapid wear to the tire’s tread.
- Quality matters: Invest in high-quality tires. They may be more expensive upfront but will last longer and perform better.
- Use tire liners: These are thin, protective layers placed between the tire and the inner tube. They can help prevent punctures and flats.
- Proper storage: If storing your BMX for extended periods, keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the rubber over time. Avoid leaving your BMX in very high/low temperatures for extended periods if possible.
- Regular maintenance: Clean the tires occasionally to remove dirt and debris. This not only extends tire life but can also improve grip. (You may also like to check my complete BMX bike maintenance guide.)
- Check wheel alignment: Ensure your wheels are properly aligned. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear on the tires.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your BMX tires remain in good condition and last as long as possible.
Remember, however, that all tires have a finite lifespan, so regularly inspect them for signs of excessive wear or damage and replace them when necessary.
FAQ About 16″ BMX Tires
What size tires does a BMX bike have?
You can only fit a 16″ tire on a 16″ BMX bike. Unfortunately, this size of tire won’t fit on any other size bike.
Why do BMX bikes have fat tires?
The reasons for a fatter tire are three: greater impact absorption, more contact surface and a better look.
What BMX tires should I get?
I suggest you pick the Cult X Vans 16″ tire because I’m sure you’ll want to touch all terrains (streets, parks, trails). This tire not only looks good, but its waffle design is grippy and versatile enough to fit all riding styles.
