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:
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. Salt Tracer 16 Tire
Salt Tracer 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 2.2″, slightly thinner, so it’ll be a little faster. But it’s still thick enough to absorb the landings – aaand LOOK good!
Max. pressure: 65PSI
Recommended for: Street & park
Price: $23.99 (may vary)
3. Fly Rubben 16″ BMX Tire
I’ve had the 20″ version of this tire for a very long time and loved it!
Here’s Ruben Alcantara‘s signature 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.
Max. pressure: 65PSI
Recommended for: All-terrain
Price: $29.95 (may vary)
4. Sunday Current 16″ Tire
Sunday’s current 16″ BMX tire is one of the cheapest and thinnest tires I recommend on the market.
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 Current tire works really well for riding streets, parks and trails.
Max. pressure: 65PSI
Recommended for: Street, park & trail
Price: $20.99 (may vary)
5. 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)
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!
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.
