Are you searching for the best rear BMX wheels?
Do you need a freecoaster or a cassette wheelset?
It doesn’t matter! I broke this collection down in two sections for your convenience.
And each includes the best in the category.
So you get the BEST freecoaster wheels and the BEST cassette wheels!
This post covers:
I’m still a fan of a cassette and the sound of it. Even though I tried a freecoaster on multiple occasions, I don’t see myself switching any time soon.
But that’s just me.
A freecoater unlocks so many more trick options that are very challenging with a cassette (that’s why I don’t do those 🙂 ).
Note: Don’t miss my collection of the best front BMX wheels.
Best Rear BMX Freecoaster Wheels
1. Shadow Optimized Freecoaster Wheel
If you’re looking for a killer BMX rear wheel, the Shadow Conspiracy Optimized freecoaster wheel is just the thing.
It’s built around the bombproof Shadow Truss double-wall rim, giving you crazy strength without extra weight.
The freecoaster hub is smooth as butter and packed with upgrades like sealed bearings, a beefy 14mm chromoly axle, and a single-bushing driver that holds up to serious abuse.
Plus, it’s got a built-in plastic hub guard to protect those spokes from grinds.
This wheel can take a beating and keep rolling, making it perfect for street or park.
And hey, the Shadow rim strip just adds that final touch!
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Shadow Optimized freecoaster
- Rim: Shadow Truss rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1433g
- Price: $274.99 (may vary)
2. BSD Revolution Freecoaster Wheel
The Revolution wheel by BSD is one of the first (if not THE first?!) wheel that’s very like a cassette wheel, but it’s a freecoaster.
The planetary clutch system makes it work like that and riders love it. I’ve seen many dudes ride this exact freecoaster wheel, and everyone said how well it feels.
And it’s perfect for crankflips, too!
Besides, this wheelset also features BSD’s XLT BMS rim (34mm wide), BSD spokes (4-cross lacing) and BSD rim tape.
Lastly, you also get the Jersey Barrier BMX hub guards.
I know this one comes with a slightly higher price tag, but it’s so worth it if you’re looking for the best freecoaster BMX wheel.
You will see Kriss Kyle riding this one, which works great for his original riding style.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: BSD Revolution hub
- Rim: BSD XLT rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1390g
- Price: $329.99 (may vary)
3. Cinema Reynolds Freecoaster Wheel
This is the very own Garrett Reynolds signature rear wheel from Cinema.
The wheelset has Cinema FX2 freecoaster hub, Cinema Reynolds rim (38mm wide) and a 3-cross 14 gauge spoke lacing.
Included, you also get Cinema’s CR and DR nylon hub guards and rim tape.
If you want a wheelset with a wider rim, then this one is probably it.
And finally, if it holds Garrett, it can hold anyone.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Cinema FX2 Freecoaster
- Rim: Cinema Reynolds
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1450g
- Price: $309.99 (may vary)
4. Odyssey Hazard Lite X Clutch Freecoaster Wheel
The Odyssey Hazard Lite X Clutch wheel is one of the most popular ones on the market.
Both the Clutch freecoaster and the Hazard Lite rim (32mm wide) are around for a very long time, tested by many pros and amateurs.
If a little extra slack (note: you can adjust the slack) is something you like, then you might want to go with this epic rear wheel.
Another cool thing about this one is that it comes in various colorways, which usually sell out pretty quickly (so you need to act fast).
This is the exact wheelset that Broc Raiford rides.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Odyssey Clutch V2 Freecoaster
- Rim: Odyssey Hazard Lite
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1361g
- Price: $294.99 (may vary)
5. Colony Swarm Freecoaster Wheel
The Colony Swarm Freecoaster wheel could be an epic addition to your bike!
It’s got this unique planetary clutch system, so you get the best of both worlds: it rides like a cassette going forward, with instant engagement that feels solid and responsive, but as soon as you roll backwards, you’re in freecoaster mode.
No weird engagement or gap!
Plus, it’s lightweight, thanks to standard-sized bearings, and comes with nylon hub guards for both sides to keep it safe from grinds.
Whether you’re hitting the streets or the park, this hub handles it all without weighing you down.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Colony Swarm freecoaster
- Rim: Colony Pintour rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1304g
- Price: $289.99 (may vary)
6. Premium Curb Cutter Freecoaster Wheel
If you’re riding brakeless and need a wheel that can handle everything, the Colin Varanyak signature Premium Curb Cutter freecoaster wheel is it.
This thing is built tough with a 36-hole, 40mm wide Premium Varanyak rim, giving you the stability and durability you need.
The traditional clutch-style freecoaster hub gives you that smooth, no-engagement feeling going backward, and you get hub guards on both sides to keep it protected from grinds.
Plus, you can choose between right-hand drive (RHD) or left-hand drive (LHD) to suit your setup.
It’s all about pure performance without the extras, just what you need for serious riding.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Premium freecoaster
- Rim: Premium Varanyak rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: TBA
- Price: $274.99 (may vary)
7. Primo Balance VSXL+ Freecoaster Wheel
If you’re looking to send it without worrying about your gear, the Primo Balance VSXL+ freecoaster wheel is the one to grab.
This one is built for the big stuff, with a solid Balance freecoaster hub that uses sealed bearings and a single-piece driver with roller bearing support for extra durability.
The wide 38mm VSXL+ double-wall rim is perfect for larger tires (2.3″ to 2.5″), so you get more stability and control on every landing. (Plus, you can ride lower PSI more comfortably.)
And don’t worry about grinding – Primo includes hub guards on both sides to protect it from wear and tear.
It’s got everything you need for pro-level performance, seriously tough and smooth.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Primo Balance V2 freecoaster
- Rim: Primo VSXL+ rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1180g
- Price: $278.00 (may vary)
8. G-Sport Freecoaster Wheel
G-Sport might not have a ton of products, but those that are available are strong AF!
The same applies to their freecoaster wheelset, which consists of Odyssey Clutch V2 freecoaster and G-Sport Ribcage rim (36mm wide).
This rim has a slightly lower and mid-wide profile with improved walls to maximize impact spread.
With the adjustable slack system, many street and park dudes prefer this wheelset, similar to the Odyssey’s. (Fun fact: G-Sport is Odyssey’s sister company.)
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Odyssey Clutch V2 Freecoaster
- Rim: G-Sport Ribcage
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1389g
- Price: $314.99 (may vary)
Best Rear BMX Cassette Wheels
I know many dudes out there still prefer a cassette (me, too!), so I added a separate list just for you.
9. Odyssey Stage 2 Cassette Wheel
The Stage 2 wheelset is Odyssey’s lower-range option that works great to upgrade a beginner’s bike.
What’s cool about this rim is that it’s 36mm wide unlike the Hazard Lite, which is only 32mm wide. Hey, fat tires!
And even though it’s not as expensive as some other rear BMX wheels, it still comes with nylon hub guards (drive and non-drive side).
Pick your preferred drive side and let the session begin!
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Sealed bearing cassette hub
- Rim: Stage 2 rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1200g
- Price: $184.99 (may vary)
10. Cinema 888 X VX3 Cassette Wheel
Another fantastic option preferred by so many riders is the Cinema 888 X VX3 cassette wheelset.
The 888 rim is 36mm wide, spreading the BMX tire some more to give it extra contact area.
Cinema uses 14 gauge spokes and three-cross lacing system.
Another key feature of this wheelset is the VX3 SDS cassette hub, which is fully compatible with RHD and LHD. (You can change it yourself because it’s so easy to do!)
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Cinema VX3 SDS Cassette
- Rim: Cinema 888 rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1219.g
- Price: $299.99 (may vary)
11. Shadow Symbol Cassette Wheel
This is the very wheelset that Simone Barraco rides who, we all know, prefers cassette over freecoaster any day.
It’s a tested and proven rear BMX wheelset ridden by many bros who enjoy it for its reliability and wider rim option.
The Truss rim is 38mm wide, which combines so well with a fatter tire.
Hence the name, this wheel also features The Shadow Conspiracy’s Symbol cassette hub and uses straight gauge spokes with three-cross lacing.
The Symbol wheel is ready for any (street) abuse!
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Shadow Symbol cassette hub
- Rim: Shadow Truss rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1256g
- Price: $244.99 (may vary)
12. Primo VS Balance Cassette Wheel
Primo never disappoints with their products and their VS Balance cassette wheel is great proof.
It features the trusty Balance cassette hub with the VS rim (unique 35mm width), forged spokes and nylon hub guards.
The rim features a V-shaped I-beam construction that adds it additional strength to handle all your abuse easily.
Wheel specs:
- Hub: Primo Balance cassette hub
- Rim: Primo VS rim
- Hub Guards: Yes
- Weight: 1335g
- Price: $221.00 (may vary)
FAQs About Rear BMX Wheels
What’s the difference between a freecoaster & a cassette wheel?
A freecoaster lets you roll backward without pedaling, ideal for fakie tricks, while a cassette hub engages immediately when pedaling backward.
How do I choose the right rear wheel for my riding style?
For street and technical tricks, a freecoaster is great. For park, trails, or racing, a cassette is typically better due to its instant engagement and lighter weight.
Do rear BMX wheels come with hub guards?
Many modern rear wheels include hub guards, but not all. Always check the specs – hub guards protect your hub during grinds and extend its lifespan.
Are double-wall rims necessary for rear BMX wheels?
Yes, especially if you’re doing tricks or hitting rough terrain. Double-wall rims are stronger and more durable, making them essential for serious riding.
How much slack should a freecoaster hub have?
Slack is personal preference. More slack is better for fakie tricks, while less slack feels more like a cassette for riders who want quicker engagement. Many freecoaster hubs allow for slack adjustment.
You may also be interested in my other collections:
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Note: This article was originally published on November 19, 2022. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
