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).
