Sooner or later, the day will come when you’ll want—or worse, need—to replace the wheels on your BMX. And since wheels are one of the most important parts of your bike, it’s worth giving them some attention.
I know, it might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
How are you supposed to know which BMX wheel to buy? Or which wheel will fit your BMX best?
If you’re not sure which BMX wheels to choose, you’re in the right place.
Depending on your needs, you can replace a single wheel or buy a complete BMX wheelset, which includes both a front and a rear wheel. Once you know how many wheels you need, check the size.
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BMX Wheel Sizes:
Wheel size should match your bike’s frame size. The most common options are:
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16” BMX Frame – 16-inch wheels – for young kids approx. 3–8 years old, height between 90–135 cm.
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18” BMX Frame – 18-inch wheels – for kids approx. 6–13 years old, height between 120–150 cm.
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20” BMX Frame and above – 20-inch wheels – the most universal and popular size, suitable for teens and adults from about 145 cm tall.
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Front BMX Wheel or Rear BMX Wheel?
Both spin, but they serve different purposes. The front wheel provides steering and stability, while the rear wheel transfers power and allows you to perform tricks—hence the significant differences in their construction.
The front wheel has a front hub designed to mount on the bike’s front axle. It may have fewer engagement points compared to a rear hub since it doesn’t transfer power.
The rear wheel has a rear hub, which is more complex as it transfers power from the chain to the rim. It contains either a freecoaster or cassette mechanism.
What is a Freewheel in BMX?
A BMX freewheel keeps the wheel spinning when you stop pedaling, allowing you to perform tricks, jumps, spins, and balance moves.
This freewheel is built into the rear BMX wheel, and its type depends on the hub:
- Cassette hub
- Freecoaster hub
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BMX Rims – Construction and Size
For BMX bikes, we recommend double-wall aluminium rims. This combination ensures that the wheels are both light and strong, capable of handling bigger impacts—especially during landings on obstacles.
Also pay attention to rim width. It should match your BMX tire width, which in standard 20-inch BMX bikes is usually between 2.3” and 2.4”.
Everything you need to know about BMX tires – read here.👈
Still wondering where to buy BMX wheels?
It just so happens I know a great place 😉
