How to Choose BMX Bike for Beginner | Buyers Guide – 2022
A BMX bike that stands for the Bicycle Motorcross has gained popularity since it emerged in the 70s. Because of their super simple build and operation and their ability to successfully access certain roads and terrains, the BMX bikes have been on the top of the list for riders who love challenges.
Like many other riders out there, if you also wish to buy, go through this article carefully as we have discussed every little thing you must consider how to choose bmx bike so that it easier for you to pick up the one that best suits your bill.
How to Choose BMX Bike: Everything You Should Know
Know Your Intentions? What Kind of BMX Riding Will Be You Doing?
Before you search to buy, first, be sure what type of riding you want to do with this bike. As there are different types of BMX bicycles available in the market, it would be easier for you to choose the right one if you know your riding preferences beforehand.
Below, we have discussed the types of ridings you can practice with this bike to better understand.
Dirt Riding
Dirt riding (also known as trail riding) is one of the most popular types of ridings people practice with BMXs. As riding on the dirt is quite difficult compared to the other kinds of ridings, These bikes usually come with thicker tire tread to ensure extra grip yet better maneuverability.
Park/vert Riding
If you prefer to ride in the skate parks or on-ramps, then you should have a BMX that is exceptionally lightweight and has a thinner tread. Park style BMX bikes (or vert bikes, however you call them) feature a gear ratio that makes it easier for riders to pedal from a complete stop.
Moreover, as these cycles have pegs installed on either side of the front and rear wheel hubs, they offer the rider to perform stalls, grinds, or trick stands effectively for more fun.
Street Riding
When your preference is to ride on the streets, then don’t forget to adopt a street-style BMX bike for your riding sessions.
Even though this is slightly heavier than standard freestyle bikes, it can handle hard landings, impact, and crashes better than others and maintain integrity when riding under extreme stress.
Racing
If you love racing, then don’t hesitate to opt for a BMX racing bike. No matter what riding surface you choose to ride on, these bikes will never let you down.
Moreover, as you need greater speed and control while racing, these racing bikes have a higher gear ratio to ensure that the riders enjoy more power and speed while riding.
Flatland Riding
Flatland BMX bikes promise you to provide outstanding balance and control. People who want to enjoy relaxed, slow-speed riding tricks on smooth terrains should opt for this bike because of its different geometry and extraordinary balance.
Pick the Proper Size. How to Size Bicycle? What Size BMX Bicycle Should I Get?
Getting the right size is another essential aspect that you must keep in mind while buying the ultimate BMX bike for you. A right-sized bike not only ensures incredible comfort but at the same time, also offers adequate safety to the riders.
To determine the perfect sized BMX for you, you must consider the following so that you can score just the right one for your regular ridings.
Wheel Size
The wheel size is quite easy to choose. Most bicycles come with 20-inch wheels, which are the standard size, to accommodate all riders types.
However, for kids or super short riders, the 16" or 18" wheels are the best sizes.
On the other hand, “cruiser” or the BMX used for dirt riding always have 24 inches of wheels to provide the riders stability.
Frame Size
While finding the right-sized wheels is easy, it might not feel easy to find the right-sized frame as BMX come in various frame sizes. However, while shopping, you must keep in mind that the taller you are, the longer the frame you will need, and vice versa.
For example, if you are 5’10’’, you will need a 20 inches frame, whereas if your height was below 5’, an 18 inches frame would be the best choice for you.
Look for Weight
BMX are available in an array of weight ranges to choose from. However, a lightweight bicycle is preferable because it is easy to control and extremely effortless to maneuver.
Lightweight BMX tends to be quite expensive. Therefore, as it would be your first time, we suggest you skip high-end models and opt for a moderate weight one that ensures just the right amount of control and maneuverability and maintains your energy level perfectly.
What are Different Types of BMX Bicycles
We have mentioned before that different types of riding styles require different types of BMXs. So here we have discussed the top 3 types with different characteristics so that it’s easier for you to understand which type would serve you the best.
Race
The racing one is the original BMX bike. It is specially designed to tackle different racing surfaces and stunts effectively. From jumps, turns, and berms to riding with high speed in action-packed terrains, this will never fail to surprise you.
The racing one comes with an upright and taller riding position and extremely lightweight with added maneuverability and stability to provide the rider with immense control and speed to be as fast and as competitive as possible.
A Street/dirt-jump/park 20-inch
The dirt jump BMX bikes are specially made to handle the jumps on a dirt track. This type of freestyle ridings is especially performed in competitions in front of judges.
This particular kind of BMX combines a freestyle bike with a lightweight frame and higher tread tires for better control, grip, and speed. Also, because of its weight and design, this is easy to maneuver and ride.
A Flatland 20-inch
The flatland bikes are the most different from all the other BMXs available in the market.
One of the most significant differences is that a BMX comes with a “free coaster” hub and a zero-offset fork to provide incredible balance and the ability to roll the bike in any direction you want for better performance.
Aside from this, flatland bikes are generally small, compact and come with a longer seat post than usual. Moreover, their tires are super smooth and always inflated to their fullest point.
What Materials Are Used to Make BMX Bicycles? What Are They Made From?
Different BMX bikes are meant for different riding styles and come with different characteristics. Manufacturers make these frames with different materials to match their purposes. Some of the most common materials used to construct the frame are:
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most common material used in the frame construction. It is extremely lightweight yet super strong and stiff, so it is more popular than the other frame materials.
Moreover, even though aluminum-constructed frames are a bit stiff and have a lower stress rating, it still manages to enhance speed and provides the rider with a speedy ride for more enjoyment.
Steel
Steel is the most used frame construction material for street and freestyle bikes because of its amazing qualities like incredible durability, high-stress rating,and ability to withstand impacts and abuse.
Moreover, because of its innate stability, steel frames tend to reduce pressure on the rider’s body and are more comfortable to ride than the bikes in the market.
However, steel constructed BMXs are a bit heavier than aluminum ones.
Chromoly
Chromoly is an extremely strong yet super lightweight and durable high-tensile material used to construct the frame of higher quality, more advanced race BMX bicycles for better convenience and riding. Aside from being incredibly lightweight, Chromoly constructed frames can absorb road vibration to provide you a comfortable ride as well.
Components Are Important
Knowing the components is essential. When you understand each of the components functions, it is easier for you to operate it with more comfort and confidence. Below, we have listed and discussed the prominent parts of a BMX bicycle for your better understanding.
Frames and Fork
The frame is the most crucial component because it ties the bike together and determines the comfort level.
As the frame materials, the frame style also differs from one another to match the bike's purpose. You must choose the one that best suits your body type and riding style.
In addition to the frame, the fork of also ensures the riders comfort level. The fork influences the bike's capability to handle certain tricks and improves the overall general feel to make the riding experience more delightful for the rider.
Handlebars & Stem
Besides the frame and fork, the handlebar also plays a part in how well the BMX performs. The handlebar and the stem are responsible for steering and handling the bicycle properly when in need. We would suggest you choose the handlebar position according to your height and your riding style to enjoy the best of it.
Gearing
The gearing mechanism of a BMX is quite different from the ones you find in road or mtbs with multiple gears. Generally, BMX incorporate one single gear with just one speed to use.
Also, because of the limitation of gears, the bicycles actual configuration becomes really important in terms of the riding type and the style riders want to enjoy.
Even though it comes with only one gear, the BMX offers two types of gearing mechanisms to choose from- the taller gear and the shorter gear.
While a taller gear is harder to pedal, it needs fewer cranks to increase the speed. On the other hand, a short gear is easier to pedal but requires more cranks to get up to the preferred speed.
Brakes
The brake is an essential aspect of a BMX as it determines the safety of the users. Most cycles come with rear brakes, while a few, like the flatland, incorporate front brakes to provide adequate stopping power to the rider to avoid accidents and injuries.
Wheels
The wheels are what hold the tires in place and the wheels must be strong and durable enough to withstand any type of trail and riding surfaces easily without falling apart.
As BMX wheels are defined by different characteristics like weight, spokes, rims, and sizes, you should be very careful while choosing the right pair according to your riding style and the type of surface you would be riding on.
Rims
Aside from increasing the bike's aesthetics, the wheel rims also plays a part in the overall performance; the smoothness of the ride and the durability of the wheels largely depend on the type and the quality rims.
Generally, there are two types of BMX rims- single-wall or double-wall. While the double-walled rims are stronger and more durable, you must opt for the ones you feel the best for your ride.
Tires
As the tires are the only component in direct contact with the riding surface, their type and quality greatly affect the speed, grip, and handling.
As a different type of BMX requires different tires for maximum performance, you should be overly cautious while choosing the ones.
While smooth rolling, wider tires are preferable for street and park riding, you would require more tread, slimmer ones to handle the dirt surfaces successfully.
Spokes
The spoke count is another thing to consider when choosing or buying a new pair of wheels for it. This is because the spokes are not only responsible for reinforcing the wheels but at the same time, it offers stability for a safer ride.
Even though most BMX used to have 48 spoked wheels, we suggest opting for 36 spokes with a thicker size to save on weight.
Front & Rear Hubs
The BMX hubs are the wheel's centerpiece that connects the wheels to the fork and rear drop-out on the frame. BMX bicycles usually come with front and rear hubs to provide the bests to their riders.
Cranks
The cranks or crankset are the tubes that connect the pedals to the sprocket of the cycle. There are three different types of cranksets available in the market, one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece, with different lengths, materials, and builds so that you can choose the right one according to your needs.
While the one-piece crankset has left and right crank arms and spindle, the two-piece one incorporates a spindle that is fixed to only one crank arm. On the other hand, the three-piece cranks tend to be much stronger and have crank arms and spindles.
Pegs
Made from aluminum or plastic tubes, pegs are the BMX components fitted to the front axles to provide better balance to the riders. Because of the pegs, the rider can control the bicycle more precisely while performing tricks or riding on difficult surfaces.
Pedals
Platform pedals are attached to crankset to make it easier and more comfortable to ride.
Even though there are different types of pedals available for BMX bikes, it would be best for you to opt for flat pedals considering that this would be your first BMX to use.
Saddle
Even though the seat saddle doesn’t play much of an important role while choosing the right BMX for you, it is still essential to keep an eye on it because the saddle determines the sitting position's comfort.
It would be wise to choose a wide, well-cushioned saddle if you don’t want to hurt your back and feel numb even after riding long hours.
Accessories to Buy
Even though the accessories are not an integral part of a BMX, they are still essential to make your riding experience even more enjoyable and keep you safe from any potential accidents and injuries.
Let’s talk about some of the much-needed BMX bicycle accessories so that it's easier for you to find out the ones you need.
Helmet
A helmet is one of the essential accessory pieces you need to pair with your bike. It keeps your skull safe and makes sure it doesn’t smash even when you meet with a fatal accident.
The helmets of BMX differ from the ones used with the road or mountain bicycles. These helmets cover a large proportion of the head and ears to ensure the riders' maximum safety.
>>> Want to Know More How to Choose Shoes? Check Biking Helmet Buyers Guide <<<
Gloves
It doesn’t matter whether you are riding freestyle or racing with your BMX; the full-fingered hand gloves are a must for you.
Gloves specially made for BMX typically include an excellent grip on the palm that reaches the fingers tips to ensure a firm, non-slip grip of the handlebars to avoid any potential accidents.
Shoes
Similar to the hand gloves, the riding shoes also ensure a non-slip grip of the feet. In addition, riding shoes specially made for BMX riding offer a good amount of stiffness and comfort and make sure your feet remain in place during the riding sessions.
>>> Want to Know More How to Choose Shoes? Check Biking Shoes Buyers Guide <<<
What Are Good BMX Bicycle Brands
Even though the market is full of brands that produce BMX bicycles, only a few could establish themselves as the best and most popular. So here, we have listed the top ten most popular brands that manufacture BMX bikes to feed you with more information.
Mongoose
Established in 1974, Mongoose was originally a part of BMX Products, Inc. and produced BMX bikes of that era. Over the years, it eventually became a part of the Pacific Cycle and since then, there was no looking back for this bicycle producer.
Situated in Simi Valley, CA, Mongoose now markets two separate BMX to satisfy its customers' various needs.
Its entry-level bike line can be found in large chain department stores and online stores, whereas the higher-end bicycles are exclusively available online and through specialty bike retailers.
Diamondback
One of the most famous bicycle manufacturers, Diamondback, was founded and formed in the late 1970s in Kent, Washington, especially to produce and market BMX to the customers.
Over the years, it evolved and now manufacturers some of the best and most affordable bicycles in the market to ensure that riders with every budget can enjoy a bike of their own.
Aside from BMX, Diamondback also makes other bikes, including road , mountain and women’s bikes, to meet its customers' demands.
Kink
Based in Rochester, NY, Kink Bikes was initially a parts manufacturer company. However, over time, it expanded its business. Besides offering a wide variety of replacement and upgraded bicycle parts, it also manufactures craft detail-oriented BMX bicycles to provide its customers the best.
Fit Bike Co
Founded in 1999 by legendary Chris Moeller, the main goal of Fit Bike Co is to provide high quality, low budget BMX to its customers so that they can enjoy the best quality at a very affordable price range.
In addition to different BMX, Fit Bike Co also produces other bikes, including road and mountain bikes, to offer its customers choices.
GT
Based in Santa Ana, California, GT was founded in 1979 to spearhead BMX bicycles' prominence among its customers. It has a vast line of BMX bikes with several different models to cater to different customers' needs successfully.
In addition to producing different bikes, GT has been super active in the racing circuit and has sponsored numerous race teams and individuals over the years.
Haro
Founded by Bob Haro in 1978, the Haro Bikes is considered as the pioneer of developing and manufacturing the freestyle aspect of BMX bikes. It introduced its first-ever successful line of freestyle bikes in 1983 and has never had to look back since.
Even though the company faced some turmoil in the 1990s, it didn’t take much time for Haro to establish itself as a leader in producing and marketing BMX in the market.
Aside from manufacturing BMX, Haro also sponsors race riders to show its support and love for BMX biking.
SE
Based in Long Beach, California, SE Bikes was founded and established in 1977 by Scot Breithaupt, considered the Godfather of BMX racing. SE specializes in producing high-end bikes suitable for racing as the Scot Enterprise is heavily involved with BMX racing.
SE is one of the oldest and most popular BMX manufacturing companies that launched its first bike in the year 1978 and ever since has been producing top-notch ones to stratify the demands of racing bikers.
Redline
BMX was never just a bike. It’s how you ride. It’s who you are- with a tagline like this, Redline never fails to impress you with its amazing BMX bicycles. Founded in 1970 by Linn Kastan and Mike Konle in Chatsworth, California, it is one of the oldest companies to design and produce BMX to offer to its customers.
Over the years, Redline has been consistently improving and developing innovative BMX race and freestyle bikes to ensure that they can take the heat when you push your limits on the track.
Aside from BMX, it also produces cyclo cross, mountain (MTB), and road bicycles to offer choices to its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age is a 20 Inch BMX Bicycle for?
Rather than age, the size of a BMX bike is determined by the height of the rider. So if you are someone between 5’ to 6'4" in height range, then a 20" Bike would be just the right one for you.
But then again, from the height range, it is very easy to assume the probable age range of the riders suitable to ride a 20 inch BMX. A rider above 11 years of age can ride this bike effortlessly if he/she has a height of 5’ or more.
Do Adults Ride BMX Bicycles?
Of course, they can. BMX are not just for kids. As from the above discussion, you understand that a BMX is a serious bike mostly used for racing and stunt purposes. It is mainly meant for adult riders. Therefore, you must not have a hint of doubt about the purpose and users of BMX.
How Much Does a BMX Bicycle Cost?
BMX is not your regular bike with a starting price range of $200- $300. Even though you can find kids BMX within a budget of $500, adults BMX would cost you somewhere between $800 to over $4000. Such varieties of price range give you the flexibility to find the best one according to your budget.
What Makes a BMX Bicycle Different From a Regular Bicycle?
The main difference between these two types of bikes lies in the name. While a BMX is an excellent combination of a bicycle with a motocross sans the motor, a regular cycle is just a traditional bicycle used for daily activities and off-road ridings.
Also, the frame of a BMX is far smaller than that of a regular bike one. Compared to the 45-inch long tubes of a standard road bicycle, the 20-inch tubes of BMX are far smaller, which gives its smaller and compact shape.
Wrapping Up
After going through the article thoroughly, we hope that now you have a much better idea about BMX than before. Even though it is not the bible of BMX, we can still guarantee that the information we provided how to choose bmx bike would help you know everything you need to understand this amazing bike type better.
Furthermore, we can assure you that if you follow this article as a guide, you would surely be able to buy the perfect one in the market according to your needs and riding style.
