451 - 20x1-1/8th and 20x1-3/8th Race Rims

The skinny wheels the kids ride, that's exactly the terminology we use when explaining what a 451 wheel is. Technically, and physically, the two tyre sizes familiar to any parent of a rider that is riding a expert (or smaller down to a mini) are 20 x 1-1/8th and 20 x 1-3/8th. Both of these tyres fit a rim that has a diameter of 451mm.

Where these rims/wheels differ is in their width, though even then there's really only a few millimetres difference in what some brands call their 20 x 1-1/8th rim, and their 20 x 1-3/8th rim.

The reality is that you can run both tyre sizes on any 451 rim, but you can't run anything from a 20 x 1.4 and up tyre as these typically (nearly exclusively) will fit a 406mm diameter rim. This is what we term here at LUXBMX a "pro" sized rims and you will see this rim/wheel size on BMX race bikes from pro up. (Though disclaimer, some expert XL complete bikes on the market also run this rim/wheel size)

Let's sum up then, this selection of rims here are 451mm in diameter and can vary in width between 15mm and 25mm, and they can be a 28 spoke hole rim, or 26 holes. The average width across our brands/products is approximately 19-22mm and our tip is that if you're building a wheel set, choose a rim that sits in this sweet spot, especially if your rider is on a mini and you plan on running this wheel set right through as they grow. You'll be able to move from the 1-18th tyres onto the 1-3/8th tyres no problem.

And of course, if you're still a little confused as to which rim will suit your wheel build, then Contact Us! After all, that's why we're here.