BMX Wheel Black Friday: promotions in 451 and 406

What does the BMX wheels and tyres section cover?

During the operation, the section opens on a single page, that of the BMX wheels for Black Friday: front wheels, rear wheels and complete pairs. Tyres and inner tubes can be found all year round on the permanent page of BMX wheels and tyres. During the operation, race wheels are mostly sold in pairs, either rim or disc, while freestyle wheels are available as single rear wheels.

Understanding the designation of a BMX wheel

• 451 or 406: the diameter of the rim in millimetres. The 451 rim accommodates narrow tyres of 1-1/8 or 1-3/8 inches, while the 406 rim fits tyres of 1.5 inches and above.
• Mini/Expert: the wheel is aimed at race bikes for young riders, who most often use 451.
• 28H or 36H: the number of spoke holes in the rim; the higher it is, the more robust the wheel, at the cost of a few grams.
• CS or FC: cassette hub, direct engagement, or freecoaster, which allows rolling backwards without turning the pedals.
• LHD, RHD, LSD or RSD: the chain runs on the left (L) or right (R) side of the bike; the wheel must follow the setup of your bottom bracket.

Before comparing two discounts on a wheel

A promotion on a wheel only counts if the wheel fits your bike, and the rim diameter shouldn’t be changed lightly: between a 451 and a 406, the wheel's radius differs by more than 2 cm, so that the brake pads no longer align with the braking surface and the tyre must match. Then check the axle, which is 10 mm on most race wheels, and the brake: a "disc brake" wheel requires a frame with a caliper mount, while a rim brake wheel needs a rim with a machined surface. Finally, compare the crossed-out prices for the same content: unless otherwise stated on the product sheet, a wheel is sold bare, without tyre or inner tube, and the gear of race wheels is often sold separately.

What brands of BMX wheels are available?

Forward, a French brand of BMX race parts, offers the Joyride rim made from double-walled 6061 aluminium, designed for 1-1/8 and 1-3/8 inch tyres, mounted on its rear wheel Joyride EXP.

Excess offers its race wheel XLC in three levels, from XLC-1 to XLC-3 with carbon rims, in Mini/Expert version of 451, in either 28 or 36 holes.

Pride Racing, a French brand of BMX race, offers its Control V1 set in 451 or 406 rim, in disc version, as well as a pair combining Forward Joyride rims and Control hubs.

Eclat targets freestyle with its Trippin rear wheels, featuring Cortex Evo hubs either in cassette or freecoaster, with left or right transmission.

Other BMX and wheel pages

A new wheel is fitted with the BMX transmission for the gear and chain from Black Friday, and with the BMX braking for the pads and cables. All sections are gathered in the BMX section of the operation. For a mountain bike or road bike, check out the MTB wheels and tyres or the wheels and tyres for all types. The rest of the year, a clearance wheel might join the clearance, while a newly referenced wheel belongs to the new arrivals.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 451 wheel be replaced with a 406 wheel?

Not without adaptation: the tyre changes, and the brake pads must drop by more than 2 cm, which not all calipers allow. With a disc brake, the question arises only for the tyre and frame clearance. When in doubt, stick with the original diameter.

Cassette or freecoaster for street riding?

The freecoaster suits riders who perform tricks in reverse, as the pedals remain stationary when the wheel rolls back. The cassette engages with the first pedal stroke, is lighter, and requires less maintenance: it remains the simplest choice for jumping and riding fast.

Can a race wheel switch to disc brake?

Some can, like the XLC from Excess, whose rear hub accommodates a Center Lock disc with an adapter. You also need a frame with a caliper mount: without it, stick with rim brakes.

Do I need 28 or 36 spoke holes?

A wheel with 28 spoke holes is lighter and sufficient for young riders; a wheel with 36 spoke holes handles landings better and suits heavier or more committed riders.

When can I find BMX wheels on sale?

On Black Friday, which falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and throughout November, as Vélo-Store extends its Black Friday discounts to the entire month. Make a note of the rim diameter, 451 or 406, and the axle of your bike before comparing two wheels.