Inner and outer tires of 24-inch mountain bikes

Mountain Bike Tires 04/09/2025 103

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If you’re looking for 24-inch mountain bike tires, chances are you need a good set for trail riding, commuting, or even a junior or adult BMX bike. Picking the right tires can make a big difference in how your bike performs, grips the road, and lasts over time. In this guide, we’ll break it down for you:

✅ The best 24-inch MTB tires for trails, city rides, and kids’ bikes

✅ How to pick the right tire width and tread pattern

✅ What inner tubes and valve types work best

✅ Step-by-step tips for replacing your tires

1. So, what are 24-inch mountain bike tires used for? You’ll often see 24-inch wheels on:

• Kids’ and junior bikes (ages 10-14) • Smaller-frame adult bikes (great for shorter riders) • BMX bikes and dirt jumpers Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing:

✔ Tire Width – Go with 1.75″ if you want something slim and fast, or 2.1″+ for wider, grippier tires.

✔ Tread Pattern – Smooth tires are great for city riding, hybrid treads handle mixed terrain, and knobby ones are perfect for off-road adventures.

✔ Inner Tube Type – Schrader valves are like car tires, while Presta valves are slimmer and more common on higher-end bikes.

2. Top Picks for 24-Inch Mountain Bike Tires (2024)

🥇 Best Overall: Maxxis Holy Roller (24×2.0″) • Great for: Trail riding and dirt jumps • Why we love it: Deep tread, puncture-resistant, and super durable • One downside: It’s a bit heavier

🥈 Best Hybrid: Schwalbe Smart Sam (24×1.95″) • Perfect for: Riding on pavement and light trails • Why we love it: Low rolling resistance and excellent grip • Not ideal for: Deep mud

🥉 Best Budget: Kenda K1029 (24×1.95-2.1″) • Ideal for: Casual rides and kids’ bikes • Why we love it: Affordable and all-around solid performance • One note: The tread isn’t as aggressive as some others (We’ve got a few more options with pros and cons below!)

3. How to Choose the Right 24-Inch MTB Tire

1. Tire Width Width Best Use 1.75”-1.95” → City riding, fast rolling 2.0”-2.1” → Trail riding, better grip 2.2”+ → BMX, dirt jumps

2. Tread Pattern

🔹 Slick/Minimal Tread → Perfect for smooth roads

🔹 Hybrid Tread → Great for mixed terrain (like Schwalbe Smart Sam)

🔹 Knobby/Aggressive → Best for muddy or loose trails (like Maxxis Holy Roller)

3. Inner Tube Compatibility •

Schrader Valve → Wider, like car tires

• Presta Valve → Slimmer, common on nicer bikes

• Size Match → Make sure the tube fits your tire width (e.g., 24×1.75-2.1″). 4. Replacing Your 24-Inch MTB Tires What you’ll need: • Tire levers

• A pump (with the right valve type)

• A new inner tube (if you’re replacing it) Here’s how to do it:

1️⃣ Let all the air out of the tire.

2️⃣ Use the tire levers to pry one side off the rim.

3️⃣ Take out the old tube and check the rim for any damage.

4️⃣ Put the new tube in place, then reseat the tire.

5️⃣ Inflate slowly, making sure everything is seated evenly. (Tip: Check out some images or videos for an easier time!)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can adults use 24-inch mountain bike tires? A: Absolutely! They’re great for BMX or dirt jumps, though most adult bikes use 26″ or larger wheels.

Q: Which 24-inch tire is best for wet conditions? A: Try the Maxxis Holy Roller or Kenda Small Block Eight – they’ve got deep treads that handle mud well.

Q: How often should I replace my MTB tires? A: Every 1,000-3,000 miles, or whenever the tread starts to wear out or crack.