Do you want to know what the best BMX rim width is?
Not just that, but what’s the craze behind wider rims?
Are they ACTUALLY worth it?
Let’s find out.
When I first started riding (20+ years ago), nobody really cared about the rim width.
In fact, we didn’t even care about the BMX tire width either.
There was no situation like, “Yo, how wide are your rims?” or “How wide are your tires?”
This came later.
This post covers:
But the only reason companies started making wider rims was because the tires started getting fatter. (You may also be interested in my list of the ultimate BMX tires.)
When I started, the standard rim width was 32-34mm (ex. Odyssey Hazard Lite rim).
However, right now, it’s anything 34mm+ – more like anything between 36-38mm.
BUT!
You can also get a 40mm (ex. Premium Varanyak rim or Odyssey Big Boyd rim) or, even crazier, a 42mm (ex. Stranger Crux XL rim) wide rim.
Do you need it?
I don’t think so, but it definitely makes your bike look better.
Before we continue, I want to mention my collection of the best BMX rims if you’re looking for new ones.
How Wide Should BMX Rims Be?
Hint: Wider is better.
| Rim width | Best for |
| 32-34mm | Narrower tires & dropping bike weight |
| 36mm+ | Fat tires & mostly street riding |
Imagine an Odyssey Hazard Lite rim that’s 32mm wide. Now put on this same rim Nathan’s Cinema Williams 2.5″ tire.
How will it look?
Like a BALLOON.
By doing this, the tire will move around (unstable) a lot more, plus the balloon-shaped tire’s sidewalls will rub against ledges and rails more, causing additional (but unnecessary) damage.
Now place this same tire on a 40mm rim.
That’s 8mm wider, making a massive difference in how your bike suddenly handles.
The wide rim stretches the tire (like on a car), so the sidewall will be straighter, giving it more stability.
Also, it won’t rub against the ledges and rails as much as the “balloon” one will.
This will also give the tire more traction, which is handy for rail rides. (Although some prefer doing rail rides with slimmer rims/tires.)
And when you combine a wider rim with a wider tire, you can ride at a lower PSI much more comfortably.
Note: You may also want to read my article on the best BMX tire pressure to decide on the ideal PSI easier.
Another benefit of a wider rim is this: The spokes will be further apart, adding additional strength to the wheel.
It’s said that a wider rim is even better than one that supports cross-lacing.
Sure, there are riders, even pros (!), who ride fat tires on narrow rims.
Do I recommend it?
No.
What’s The Best BMX Rim Width?
If you have 2.4″+ tires (even 2.3″), go with at least a 36mm rim, but a 38mm one will be even better.
But if you’re tires are 2.1″ or even below 2,” and you want to save weight, then go with a 32mm rim.
Conclusion: Do I Need Wide BMX Rims?
Yes, absolutely, if you’re riding wide tires.
Why?
Because the rims will stretch out the tires nicely.
This creates more straight sidewalls, giving your bike additional stability, better grinding (less tire-to-rail or tire-to-ledge friction) and an option to ride lower PSI.
On the contrary, if you would like to save weight and ride narrower tires (like some skatepark dudes do), then a 32-34mm will do the trick. This will also make your bike go faster. Note that Corey Walsh goes extremely fast and his signature Cult tires are 2.4″.
All this tells you is there’s no right or wrong approach – find YOUR OWN.
Recap:
- 32-34mm rims: Best for narrower tires and everyone who wants to lose weight (and go fast).
- 36mm+ rims: Best for fat tires that are common in modern street riding.
Finally, all modern BMX tires will fit on all modern rims – you cannot mess things up.
But I just shared with you why a wider or a narrower rim is better.
Hey, you can still put a 2.5″ tire on a 32m wide rim. However, you won’t benefit from it as much as using a 36mm or 38mm rim.
FAQs About BMX Rim Width
What’s the best BMX rim width for street riding?
For street, most riders go with 35mm – 40mm wide rims. Wider rims give your tires more surface area, better balance, and a solid feel for grinds, rail rides, and big landings.
What rim width is best for park or ramp riding?
Park riders usually prefer 30mm – 34mm rims. They’re lighter, more responsive, and feel snappier on spins, airs, and transitions.
What rim width fits 2.4” BMX tires best?
A 36mm – 40mm rim is the sweet spot for 2.4” tires (or wider). It keeps the tire shape right – not too round, not too flat – giving you good grip and control.
Can I run wide tires on narrow BMX rims?
You can, but it’s not ideal. A wide tire (like 2.4”) on a narrow rim (ex. 30mm) can feel squishy and roll weird on landings. The sidewalls will also rub against rails and ledges more. It’s better to match tire and rim width closely.
Are double-wall rims better for BMX?
Yes. Double-wall rims are much stronger and handle hard landings or grinds better. Single-wall rims are fine for beginners, but bend way faster under heavy riding.
Does rim width affect tire pressure?
Yes. Wider rims let you run lower pressure without feeling sloppy, giving more grip. Narrower rims need higher pressure to stay stable.
What’s the strongest BMX rim width overall?
Rims around 38mm – 40mm wide with a double-wall design are usually the strongest combo. Brands like Shadow, Premium, and Odyssey make solid options that can handle heavy street abuse.
Are wider BMX rims better than narrow rims?
In most cases, yes. Wider rims (35 – 40mm) give your tires a better shape, more grip, and stability for hard landings or grinds. However, narrower rims (30–34mm) are lighter and feel quicker for park or ramp riding. It really depends on your style: go wider for street and stability, go narrower for speed and responsiveness.
