How to choose the best kids bike tires

Kids can be tough on their bikes, and often need a little extra versatility and durability built into their bikes and bike parts. After all, a neighborhood ride may take them through grass, mud, puddles, gravel, and more. That’s why when it’s time to replace or upgrade their tires, a solid set with proven, grippy tread patterns and durable construction is a great place to start.

Kids’ bike tire sizes

Kids’ bikes come in a wide range of wheel sizes and widths. So the best place to start when searching for replacement tires is to look at the current tire’s sidewall to find the size. Look for two numbers printed on the side of the tire with an “x” between them (e.g. 12 x 2.125). The first number represents the bike tire diameter while the second number is the bike tire width in inches. The first number in the size is the most important because the diameter of the tire must match the diameter of the wheel in order for it to fit.

Kids’ bike tire tread

Kids’ bike tires generally feature a mountain-style tread for traction and confidence on a wide variety of terrain. Keep in mind that the more tread a tire has, the more grip it will provide off-road—but the tradeoff is a slower roll on pavement. Similarly, the smoother a tire’s tread, the faster it will roll on pavement, but the tradeoff is less traction on rougher ground.

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