Best BMX Bikes for Tricks and Street Riding

Cycling has gotten complicated with all the gear and training methods flying around. As someone with extensive cycling experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.

BMX Bikes: A Buyer’s Guide

BMX is straightforward compared to road and mountain bikes. Smaller selection, simpler components. But there are still important differences to understand.

What Kind of Riding?

Freestyle: Park, street, flatland tricks. Pegs for grinding, often 20″ wheels, shorter wheelbase for maneuverability.

Race: Sprinting around a dirt track with jumps and berms. Longer frames, bigger gearing, no pegs.

Dirt jump: Hitting dirt jumps (obviously). Balance of sturdy construction and reasonable weight.

Most people asking about BMX want freestyle. That’s what I’ll focus on.

Frame Material

Hi-Ten steel: Heavy but cheap. Fine for beginners learning basics. Will hold up to crashes but weighs you down.

Chromoly: Lighter and stronger. Standard for any serious BMX bike. Worth the upgrade if you’re going to stick with it.

Size Matters

BMX size is measured by top tube length. Generally:

• Under 5’0″: 18-19″ top tube
• 5’0″ – 5’6″: 19.5-20.5″ top tube
• 5’6″ – 6’0″: 20.5-21″ top tube
• Over 6’0″: 21″+ top tube

Preference varies. Some riders like smaller bikes for tricks, larger for stability.

What to Look For

Sealed bearings: In wheels, cranks, headset. Keeps dirt out, lasts longer.

Double-wall rims: Stronger than single wall. You’ll bend wheels otherwise.

3-piece cranks: More durable than one-piece. All decent bikes have these.

Brands That Make Good Stuff

Entry level ($300-500): Mongoose Legion (the better models), Kink, Sunday.

Mid-range ($500-800): Cult, Fit, WeThePeople, Sunday.

High-end ($800+): Same brands, better components. Full chromoly everything, lighter parts.

Avoid Walmart Bikes

Those $150 BMX bikes at department stores are junk. Heavy, weak components, terrible to ride. You’ll break it quickly and hate the experience. Save up for a proper bike or buy used from a reputable brand.

Used Is Fine

BMX bikes are simple. A used bike from a good brand beats a new cheap bike. Check for cracks in the frame, bent wheels, and working brakes (if it has them).