Are you searching for the best 18 inch BMX tires that work on streets, at skateparks and trails?
Note: Because I cannot test an 18″ tire properly, I reached out to a bunch of my young dudes on IG to share their experiences with me.
Here we are now with the best 18″ tires after months of testing and reviewing.
Everyone said that the Cult X Vans tire is the absolute best they ever rode, but all the other five are many’s favorites.
This post covers:
- Best 18 inch BMX tires
- How to pick the best 18 inch BMX tires?
- How to make your BMX tires last longer
- FAQ about BMX tires
Note: I also have a collection of the best BMX tires if you need more (20″) options. And don’t forget about picking the best BMX inner tubes!
Best 18 Inch BMX Tires
1. Cult X Vans Juvenile 18″ Tire
The Cult X Vans tire for 18″ BMX bikes is one of the most popular out there.
It works well for streets and skateparks, and even trails, with its grippy, waffle pattern that’s signature to Vans.
The tire is available in 2.3″, which gives it enough “fatness” but not too much.
If you need a reliable 18″ tire that also looks good, then the Cult X Vans is the one I highly recommend.
And what’s really cool is that you can get it in multiple colors!
Max. pressure: 65 PSI
Recommended for: All-terrain (including trail)
Price: $27.99 (may vary)
2. Haro MS-5 18″ Tire
The wide-spread Haro MS-5 tire also comes in an 18″ version, and I’ve seen many dudes ride it, having only good things to say about it.
The Haro MS-5 comes in black and is 2.3″ thick.
If you don’t need a thicker tire and you mainly ride on smooth terrain, then this is the tire you should go with. (Only very light trails-friendly.)
Max. pressure: 40 PSI
Recommended for: Street & park
Price: $14.99 (may vary)
3. Fiction Troop 18″ Tire
Fiction Troop 18″ BMX tire is the thicker amongst the top options, coming at 2.33″. (Hey, that’s the width I was rocking for the past two years, but finally moved to 2.4″.)
Troop has a fantastic thread design that’s smooth but not too smooth.
This gives it enough grip for rail and wall rides (even on more slippery skateparks), but it’s still fast enough for riding transitions. But if you want to go fast, I recommend pumping it to at least 60PSI, if not 65.
Max. pressure: 65 PSI
Recommended for: Street & park
Price: $15.99 (may vary)
4. Specialized Rhythm Lite Tire
The Specialized Rhythm Lite 18″ tire is a fantastic all-terrain option for young BMX riders who love to explore.
Whether it’s trails, parks, or shredding street, this tire is built for performance and versatility at a reasonable price.
The fast-rolling center tread ensures smooth rides, while the larger, deeper side knobs give excellent grip and stability when things get rough.
With durable construction, puncture protection, and a PSI range of 35-65, it’s a reliable choice for everyone.
A solid pick for riders who want a tire that can handle it all.
Max. pressure: – 35 65 PSI
Recommended for: All-terrain
Price: $25.00 (may vary)
5. Fit Bike Co OEM Tire
The Fit OEM 18″ tire is another dependable all-terrain option that comes standard on most Fit complete bikes.
With its micro-knurled tread pattern, it handles the street, park, and trails like a champ.
The unbroken centerline design reduces rolling resistance, making rides smoother and more efficient.
At 2.25″ with a max pressure of 60 PSI, it’s versatile and built to perform.
This tire is an excellent choice If you’re after a reliable tire for all-around use.
Max. pressure: 60 PSI
Recommended for: Street & park
Price: $19.95 (may vary)
How to pick the best 18 inch BMX tires?
While I only recommend these six tires for your 18 inch BMX bikes, you don’t really have too much work to do.
You also don’t really have much thinking to do because I only included strong and reliable tires.
But it’s important that you think about what you’ll be riding the most: street, park or dirt?
However, because you’re probably just starting out, you’ll want to touch all terrains, right? I know I did!
For this reason, I recommend going with Cult X Vans tire.
It is a tough tire, with the right amount of thickness, excellent thread pattern (waffles FTW!), and comes in multiple color choices.
How To Make Your BMX Tires Last Longer
BMX tires are designed to handle rugged use, but they can wear out quickly if not properly cared for.
Here are my tips to make your BMX tire last longer:
- Proper inflation: Maintain recommended tire pressure to avoid premature wear.
- Regular inspection: Check for cuts, punctures, and remove embedded debris.
- Rotate tires: Swap front and back tires occasionally for even wear.
- Quality matters: Invest in high-quality tires for durability.
- Avoid skidding: It leads to rapid tread wear.
- Choose the right tire: Match your tire to your primary riding style (street, dirt, or park).
- Proper storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Wheel alignment: Ensure proper wheel alignment to avoid uneven tire wear.
- Moderate braking: Use both brakes evenly to prevent excessive wear.
FAQ About BMX Tires
What size tires does a BMX bike have?
In the case of 18″ BMX bikes, you can only put an 18″ wheel and tire on it. It’s not compatible with any other size.
Why do BMX bikes have fat tires?
A fat BMX tire is great because it absorbs impact easier, gives it more contact with the surface and simply looks better.
What BMX tires should I get?
It all depends on the riding styling you’re into. But I recommend going with an all-terrain tire if you choosing a new 18″ BMX tire, like Cult X Vans tire.
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Note: This article was originally published on September 29, 2022. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
