The top tube on a BMX bike is the part that connects the front of the bike to the seat. The top BMX brands will often have a guide on their websites to help you find the right top tube size for your bike. The second is the wheel size. Most pro BMX bikes carry wheel sizes up to 20 inches, but some brands are starting to introduce larger and inch wheel sizes, which are great for taller riders.
When buying a new bike, how much it weighs can be a deciding factor. Racing BMX bikes and freestyle bikes tend to be very light to help with performance or tricks, but there are various factors that can influence the weight. The material that it is made out of can make the bike heavier or lighter. The more expensive material that premium BMX bikes are made from chromoly is lighter than others, and can therefore impact the bikes performance. The size of the bike can also affect the weight.
BMX bikes for adults have larger wheels and frames and will weigh more than those that are smaller. There are several disciplines of BMX riding, including freestyle, trail, vert in which riders use a large ramp to perform tricks , and racing.
These are similar to those disciplines found in skateboarding, too - check out our complete overview of the best skateboards on the market. There are many different BMX makes and models that are tailored to various events.
Racing BMX bikes are usually made of aluminium, which is not recommended for freestyle riders as it is more brittle and can break when performing tricks. Sturdier models will often have more stable construction, and therefore be suitable for more rugged terrains. Different BMX bikes designed for various events are usually made from different materials.
BMX bikes designed specifically for racing can be made from lightweight aluminium, perfect for quick acceleration and maintaining high speeds even in tight corners. On the other hand, bikes designed for freestyle use can be made of a material called chromoly, a light and durable type of steel that is stronger than regular steel, but that maintains that rigidity necessary for a solid bike. Many BMX bikes will specify if they have sealed vs.
Professional BMX bikes will usually have sealed bearings, which are more expensive to make and manufacture than sealed ones. Sealed bearings are considered higher quality as they are protected from any debris that the bike kicks up and can spin without as much friction as loose ones do.
Loose ones are prone to breakages and are often found on cheap BMX bikes, or those that are only recommended for use on smooth surfaces. The fork of a BMX is the part which connects the frame to the front wheel and is a vitally important part of the bike for multiple reasons.
Some forks are made from chromoly for extra strength on racing and freestyle bikes, even if the frame is made from aluminium or high tensile steel. Parts are also readily available from high street retailers and even some supermarkets, meaning they can be fixed for a comparatively small price.
Just bear in mind that the best BMX bikes for kids will probably be more expensive than other bikes out there due to the materials used and how they are constructed.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative for exercising your kids, explore our complete guide to the benefits of yoga for children. In a way, yes. BMX bikes usually come with one single gear, which can be adjusted to help the rider with their goals. That can range from trail riding down steep inclines, to performing tricks at a skatepark. Tall gearing helps riders get up to speed quickly, making it the preferred style of racers.
Each bike comes with a different gear ratio, which is how many times your back wheel will spin as you turn the pedals. This can easily be adjusted to be tall or short depending on your riding style. Make sure that you check what gearing ratio your new bike comes with and play around with what feels best for you. Bikes are required by law to have brakes on them, and BMX trick bikes usually install them at the back.
You also want a light bike, especially if your girl is on the small side. The tire requirements are also the same. They need to be large enough to grip the ground, but small enough that she can maneuver them as she needs to. The color has nothing to do with the bike but might make your girl more likely to ride it if color matters, just like a boy might be more inclined to ride a bike that looks a certain way.
Ensuring that your girl can stand over the bike with feet flat on the ground and a minimum 2-centimeter gap between her and the top tube provides the most comfortable ride. A full-sized wheel is 20 inches, but there are wheels as small as 16 inches for the smallest riders. Girls who want to freestyle will need a slightly more durable bike than racers, preferably with all Chromoly if you can swing it.
According to my opinion, Mongoose is the well-known bmx brands in the industry. However you should check the customer reviews of a bike before buying it. BMX bikes are ridden by both teens and adults.
The size of the wheels is consistent, however, the frame size can be changed subtly with the riding technique and the height of the rider. The frame size of racing BMX bikes come wider size and is best suitable for bikers who are serious about racing.
A BMX bike is mostly for short, fast races. It does not include suspension and has only one gear. On the other hand, mountain bikes are loaded for longer rides and have suspensions and climbing gears. Frames Bikes are good, affordable BMX bike. The brands focus on their quality and bulletproof frame.
All the models have Hi-tensile steel frames that will survive everything. The bike weighs under 5. Affordable BMX bikes are good, you don't want to spend so cheaply that will compromise the quality of the bike.
A basic BMX bike is a good option when you have to ride on dirt trails, or if you want to do some tricks and jumps. Freestyle bike os best to learn street tricks or ride in skateparks. Jumper BMX bikes are best to get going with some air jumps. Make sure you choose the perfect size frame according to your body.
Riding a BMX bike can be uncomfortable if you got a long journey. It can cause you trouble while climbing hills due to the short seat height and length of the bike. BMX bikes are more suitable for tricking and stand-up rides. Hopefully, we helped give you a head start on determining your BMX bike purchase, which includes knowing what to look for in a bike. All of these bikes are highly recommended and are the very best in their respective categories and price ranges.
Feel free to let us know in the comments below! I am looking for a super-sturdy stunt and trick bike and came to mongoose legion reviews here. Is it really the lightest bmx bike and should I purchase it?
Any suggestions? Steven, I got this bike last month. My son wants a new BMX bike and I was clueless what to buy or what the look for. Thank you for a great and informative article. I learned a lot about what he needs in a bike as well as brands in my price range to check out. Great piece! Can you suggest me the best beginner bmx bikes. I am interested in doing tricks around the neighborhood and would love a great bike.
You guide has helped me a lot. There are definitely good bmx bikes listed out here. I was bale to pick one of the best without any issue. Your email address will not be published.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content. Spread the love. To kick things off, are you looking for the best BMX bike for adults or kids? In a hurry? The test winner after 11 hours of research:. Why is it better? Researched sources. REviews considered. Our Buying Guide Daily Biking can solve all the health issues and help you stay in shape. How We Picked We began with an online research by going through the best ranges available in the market for BMX bikes.
Best BMX Bikes Adult BMX bikes are broken down into 3 main categories:. Professional BMX Bikes. High-End Materials.
Sealed Bearings. You also need sealed bearings. Buying a Complete Bike. What We Like. What We Don't Like. Freestyle BMX Bikes. Freestyle Bikes are built to withstand a lot of abuse. Wheels And Rims. MafiaBikes bmx bike.
Racing BMX Bikes. Case in point : the Mongoose L X Games Freestyle Bicycle. What Are Your Riding Intentions? Dirt Jumping Dirt jumping takes place on dirt tracks that have either a series of jumps all in a row, or one big-air jump.
Flatland BMX Riding. For this, you can find out the BMX stunt bikes available online While flatland riding originated with regular BMX bikes, they eventually evolved to be specifically for this style. What About Kids? Boys BMX Bikes. Girls BMX Bikes. Until she develops her muscles, weight is going to be key. What's the best BMX bike for a beginner? Can adults ride BMX bikes? What is the best cheap BMX bike? Can adults ride inch bikes? Can BMX bikes go fast?
Are framed BMX bikes good? What's the lightest BMX bike? How much should I spend on a BMX bike? How do I choose a BMX bike? Are BMX bikes comfortable to ride? Conclusion Hopefully, we helped give you a head start on determining your BMX bike purchase, which includes knowing what to look for in a bike. The test winner after 17 hours of research:. Mongoose legion The BMX sizing chart below gives an idea of what size bike you need.
There is some slight crossover, as there are certain heights whereby the rider would be suited to two different wheel sizes. You can then customize it with parts that improve its performance, and better suit your riding style. Check out our guide to BMX helmets here. Sure, you can save yourself a few dollars by going with a cheap and unknown brand. BMX Helmet Prices. These pedals provide the rider with the ability to generate maximum power for and get up to speed as the gate drops.
Of course, if you are new to BMX, a flat pedal will suffice while building confidence in handling and gate starts.
Saddles do not play much of an essential role in the setup of BMX bikes, so the preference for saddles is for minimalism, even so far as to have completely plastic saddles. Entry level BMX bikes will have a bit more cushion and larger surface area as again the assumption is that the rider will be sitting down and pedalling more than an advanced rider who will be floating above the saddle a lot.
Rails: Just like a mountain or road bike, the has rails on either side that sit in a clamp attached to the seat post. Pivotal saddles: The saddle is connected to the seatpost via a single bolt that goes through the middle of the seat and into the seatpost. Not ideal for sitting on, but reduces weight significantly. Freestyle handlebars rise steeper than race BMX bars to be maneuvered better. Usually made from Chromoly or aluminium, the latter being lighter but more susceptible to fatigue, and steel will be heavier but dampen vibrations better and last longer.
Bars found on inch BMX bikes might not have a crossbar and have significantly less rise to account for the higher stack due to the larger frame and bigger wheels.
Flatland handlebars usually have a very minimal sweep, so the bars feel basically the same when pointed forward or backward, as well as a low crossbar so riders can swing their leg over for tricks.
BMX bikes will typically feature rim-brakes, where the pads connect to the rim to slow momentum. Freestyle bikes are equipped U-brake that sits inside the rear triangle and out of the way of the rider. Many freestyle bikes may also come with a 'detangler' or 'Gyro' braking system for the rear brake. Distinguishable by the division of two cables around a mechanism fitted at the headtube, the detangler allows the bars to spin a full degrees without the brake cable getting tangled.
This is incredibly helpful for advancing tricks such as barspins and tailwhips. If these sorts of tricks are not going to be on your radar, a standard brake will suffice.
Although a front brake is allowed in racing, it is not necessary with most racers opting for a secure, linear-pull rear brake only, also called V-brake. Helmets for freestyle BMX cover a large proportion of the head and take a more 'bowl' shaped look than the low profile, highly-vented road cycling helmets.
These helmets will have minimal vents and can extend to covering the ears as well. This is to take into account that BMX riders may take a stack while attempting a trick and are at risk of landing in any direction. When racing BMX, there are rules and restrictions around equipment on the racetrack. In training and competition, a full-faced helmet must be worn along with long pants and long-sleeved jersey.
Gloves: Regardless of whether you're riding freestyle, or racing your BMX bikes, full fingered gloves are a must. BMX specific gloves will typically feature grip on the palm of the glove that extends to the tips of the fingers.
Shoes: If you are riding with clip-in pedals , look for some mountain bike or BMX specific clip in shoes that offer a good amount of stiffness and comfort. Pegs: Pegs are metal cylinders or sometimes solid plastic that are fitted to the axles of the BMX bike so the rider can balance on them for tricks in flatland, or perform grinds on rails or ledges in street and park riding. Flatland will usually have pegs on all 4 axles, whereas street riders will have just one side with pegs on the front and rear.
Pegs are strictly banned in BMX racing. Buying a BMX for anyone under the age of 12 is an excellent way to get them on the bike in a fuss-free fashion. No gears and a sturdy frame mean kids can experiment and find their comfort zone with riding a bike along with tackling a range of terrain including footpaths hard packed dirt trails. Kids BMX bikes are available as scaled-down versions of adult 20in bikes, with some brands offering Chromoly steel 16in and 18in freestyle bikes.
Race BMX bikes are available as 'mini-micro' and 'micro' for kids getting into racing. More traditionally, at the lower price point, a high-tensile steel frame will come equipped with a coaster brake, one-piece cranks, training wheels and accessories such as chain guards, a basket or frame pads. These are suited to younger kids just getting on their first bike but are not designed to take the hits that a freestyle BMX will. If a child is showing interest in finding new limits and trying new things, it might be time to update the equipment to match the skill.
For information on what to know about kids bikes, see our comprehensive buyers guide. Most kids bikes will fall into this category, with the lower end offering one-piece cranks, hi-tensile steel frames, and more beginner level gearing.
Sealed bearings might be non-existent or found in the rear hub only. Expect to see single walled rims for the lower end of the spectrum. A Chromoly frame will typically feature at this price point along with, two or three piece cranks and accessories like stunt pegs. The upper end may see Gyro brakes and smaller, lighter chainrings with sealed bearings featuring both in the wheel hubs and the bottom bracket.
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