BMX Bikes
BMX bikes aka Bicycle Motocross, with their robust frames and small wheels, have captured the hearts of thrill-seekers worldwide.
Born from the dirt tracks of motocross racing, BMX has evolved into a sport with a vibrant culture and a rich array of disciplines.
A BMX bike is more than just a sturdy set of wheels.
It’s a ticket to a world of extreme athleticism and gravity-defying stunts.
On this page you’ll find information about…
Link to BMX Buying Considerations
A Look into the Past
BMX bike racing emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, inspired by motocross racing.
Kids began to mimic their motocross heroes, creating dirt tracks and riding their bikes in a new, daring way.
By the mid-70s, BMX racing had become a phenomenon, with the creation of the first professional BMX racing organization, the National Bicycle League (NBL).
Today, BMX Racing is an Olympic sport, a testament to its global popularity and competitive nature.
There are dozens of exciting BMX events across the globe, every year, that showcase the incredible skills of these talented BMX riders.
Types of BMX Bikes
Race BMX Bikes
Race BMX bikes are designed for competitive BMX racing on dirt tracks.
With their lightweight aluminum frames, they offer maximum speed and maneuverability.
They have longer top tubes for stability, 20-inch wheels, and high gearing.
Equipped with reliable V-brakes or disc brakes for efficient stopping, these bikes are built for speed and precision.
For racers who seek thrilling, high-speed competition, Race BMX bikes are the ideal choice.
Freestyle BMX Bike
Freestyle BMX are designed for riders who love performing tricks and stunts in skate parks and urban environments.
These bikes are built with robust frames, often made of steel, to withstand the rigors of jumping and trick riding.
They feature compact gearing, 20-inch wheels, and wide tires for better grip and balance.
Equipped with both front and rear brakes for optimal control, these bikes are perfect for creativity and style on two wheels.
Dirt Jump BMX Bike
Dirt Jump BMX are designed for riders seeking adrenaline-pumping jumps and aerial tricks on dirt tracks.
These bikes boast a sturdy frame, typically made of chromoly steel or aluminum, that can withstand the impact of hard landings.
Key features include a front suspension fork for shock absorption, large knobby tires for excellent grip on loose surfaces, and single-speed gearing.
Typically equipped with a rear brake only, these bikes offer a thrilling ride for daredevil cyclists.
Street BMX Bike
Street BMX bikes are designed for urban riders who enjoy performing tricks on city structures such as rails, curbs, benches, and stair sets.
These bikes have strong frames and forks made typically of chromoly steel to endure the stress of street riding.
They feature smaller gearing for quick acceleration, wide tires for better grip on concrete surfaces, and both front and rear brakes for optimal control during tricks.
Perfect for riders who see the city as their playground, Street BMX bikes transform ordinary structures into exciting stunt opportunities.
Park BMX Bike
Park BMX bicycles are designed for riders who love performing tricks and stunts in skate parks.
These bikes have durable frames, often made of chromoly steel, built to withstand the high-impact landings associated with ramp jumps and aerial tricks.
They come with compact gearing, 20-inch wheels, and wider tires for better balance and control.
Equipped with both front and rear brakes, these bikes are perfect for mastering tricks on park obstacles.
Flatland BMX Bike
Flatland BMX bikes are tailored for riders who perform intricate tricks on flat surfaces without the aid of ramps, jumps, or rails.
These bikes feature lightweight frames and forks, often made from chromoly steel, and have a shorter wheelbase for quick and responsive handling.
They come with smaller, freewheel gears, 20-inch wheels, and both front and rear brakes for precise control during complex maneuvers.
Ideal for riders who appreciate creativity and finesse over speed or airtime, Flatland BMX bicycles transform simple flat surfaces into a canvas for innovative stunts.
Vert BMX Bike
Vert BMX are designed for riders who thrive on performing high-flying tricks on vertical ramps or “half-pipes”.
These bikes come with robust chromoly steel frames and forks to withstand the intense landings from lofty heights.
They feature 20-inch wheels, compact gearing for quick acceleration up the ramp walls, and typically have only a rear brake.
Ideal for riders who love defying gravity and executing complex aerial stunts, Vert BMX bikes provide a thrilling, heart-pounding ride.
Cruiser BMX Bike
Cruiser BMX bicycles are designed for leisure and comfort, offering a laid-back ride over gentle trails or around the neighborhood.
These bikes feature larger 24-inch wheels, or even larger, for a smoother ride and better stability.
They have a relaxed frame geometry with a taller standover height, making them ideal for older or taller riders.
Though not tailored for high-speed racing or stunt riding, Cruiser BMX bikes are perfect for those seeking a comfortable ride with the distinct BMX style
Electric
BMX
These bikes combine the compact, agile frames and trick-friendly geometry of classic BMX bikes with the power of an electric motor.
The addition of the motor allows for greater speeds and more effortless riding, opening up new possibilities for both street riding and off-road adventures.
You’ll find electric BMX bikes equipped with various power options, from modest assistance for a little extra push to robust motors that take over the bulk of the pedaling effort.
They also often include features like rechargeable batteries, pedal-assist modes, and sometimes even throttle mechanisms.
Junior BMX
Junior BMX bikes are designed specifically for younger riders who are just getting started in BMX racing.
These bikes have smaller frames and 20-inch wheels, making them more manageable for kids.
They feature lighter components, shorter top tubes for better control, and are typically equipped with V-brakes or disc brakes for reliable stopping power.
Junior BMX bikes provide a great introduction to BMX racing, allowing young riders to build their confidence and skills in a safe, controlled manner.
Proper safety gear, including helmets and pads, along with regular bike maintenance, are vital when introducing children to BMX riding.
Features To Look For When Buying a BMX Bike
Choosing the right BMX bike depends on the type of riding you intend to do.
However, certain general features should be considered when making your purchase – check out our guide for ‘Considerations When Buying a BMX Bike here before purchasing a your bike.
Racing & Freestyle
The disciplines of BMX primarily encompass Racing and Freestyle, with the latter having several subcategories like Street, Park, Flatland, Vert, and Dirt Jump.
BMX Racing
This is the original form of BMX, which started in the early 1970s.
It involves racing on purpose-built, off-road single-lap racetracks where up to eight riders race simultaneously.
The tracks are typically dirt and feature a starting gate, banked corners, and a variety of jumps that riders must navigate over in order to reach the finish line.
The bikes used in BMX Racing are lightweight, with a larger frame for stability, and typically have 20-inch wheels.
BMX Freestyle
This discipline is all about performing stunts and tricks, and it includes several subcategories:
Street
This style involves using urban and public spaces to perform tricks. This could include grinding down railings, jumping off ledges, or performing tricks on staircases. Street riders need to be creative, making use of their surroundings.
Park
This involves riding in purpose-built skate parks, which contain a variety of ramps, bowls, and jumps, made from wood or concrete. Tricks in park style riding often involve a lot of aerial maneuvers, so the bikes used typically have a sturdier frame and wheels.
Flatland
This is a form of freestyle riding performed on a smooth flat surface with no jumps or ramps. It’s often compared to breakdancing and involves spinning and balancing on the bike in a variety of positions. Bikes used for flatland have a smaller frame and wheels for better control.
Vert (Vertical)
This style involves performing tricks while airborne on a half-pipe. The goal is to get as much height as possible to perform flips, spins, and twists. Vert bikes are similar to park bikes, with sturdy frames and wheels for high impacts.
Dirt Jump
Also known as “trails,” this style involves jumping over mounds of dirt or soil. Riders will attempt to gain airtime to perform tricks before landing smoothly on the other side. Dirt jump bikes are similar to BMX racing bikes, with a sturdy frame and larger wheels for better traction on dirt surfaces
Respected BMX Brands
These brands have a reputation for high-quality construction, innovative design, and commitment to the sport of BMX.
Redline Bicycles
Founded in 1974, Redline Bicycles has a rich history in BMX, initially producing BMX frames before moving on to complete bikes. They make bikes suitable for every BMX discipline and are particularly renowned for their racing bikes.
Mongoose
Founded in 1974, Mongoose has been producing high-quality bikes for over 40 years. They offer a wide range of models for different riding styles and have maintained their position as one of the dominant names in the BMX industry.
GT Bicycles
GT Bicycles has been a significant player in the Bicycle Motorcross world since the 1980s. They manufacture bikes for all disciplines of BMX and have a solid reputation for quality and design.
WeThePeople
WeThePeople has been a part of the BMX scene since 1996. They are known for their innovative design and high-quality materials. Their range is extensive, catering to beginners and pros alike.
Haro Bikes
Founded by Bob Haro, the “father of freestyle BMX”, Haro Bikes has a legendary status in the Bicycle Motorcross community. They produce a wide range of bikes, from affordable entry-level models to high-end competition bikes.
Sunday Bikes
Sunday Bikes are a relatively new name in the Bicycle Motorcross world, but they have quickly gained a reputation for high-quality bikes and innovative designs. They offer a range of models that cater to all types of BMX riding.
Subrosa
Subrosa is another newer name in BMX, but they have quickly established themselves as a top manufacturer. They offer a wide range of bikes, from beginner to pro-level, with a focus on street and park riding.
Fitbikeco
Established in 2000, Fitbikeco has a reputation for creating some of the best pro-level bikes in the industry. They focus on performance, and their bikes often feature cutting-edge BMX technology and design.
Kink BMX
Kink BMX, based out of Rochester, NY, is known for their innovative designs and commitment to the Bicycle Motorcross community. They offer a range of bikes suitable for all styles.
Cult
Founded by former Bicycle Motorcross pro rider Robbie Morales, Cult focuses on creating bikes that reflect the progressive style of modern BMX. They offer both complete bikes and custom parts.
Flybikes
Flybikes is a Spanish brand that has been creating BMX bikes since 1999. They’re known for their innovative, stylish, and high-quality designs.
SE Bikes
Founded back in 1977, SE Bikes is one of the oldest BMX manufacturers. They are known for their retro designs and high-quality construction. They offer a range of bikes for different Bicycle Motorcross disciplines.
Colony
Based in Australia, Colony is a rider-owned company that emphasizes quality and performance in their BMX bikes. Their bikes are designed to withstand the rigors of pro-level riding.
Stolen Bike Co.
Stolen Bike Co. offers a diverse range of BMX bikes with a particular focus on street bikes. They provide value-oriented bikes that do not compromise on quality or performance.
Enki Cycles
Enki is a promising player in the world of cycling, recognized for its innovative approach to designing sleek, performance-driven bicycles. Focusing on the fusion of aesthetic appeal and modern technology, Enki offers a range of electric and conventional bikes that seamlessly blend style, functionality, and sustainability.
FAQs About BMX Bikes
What is a BMX bike, and what does BMX stand for?
A BMX bike is a type of bicycle designed for off-road and stunt riding. “BMX” stands for “Bicycle Motocross,” which reflects its origins in motocross racing and the sport’s emphasis on agility, tricks, and jumps.
How much does a BMX bike cost?
BMX prices can vary widely depending on factors like brand, features, and quality. Entry-level bikes start around $150, while high-end models can range from $400 to over $1,000.
What size BMX bike do I need?
Choosing the right bike size is crucial for comfort and performance. Generally, BMX bikes are available in different wheel sizes, with 20-inch being the most common. To find the right size, stand over the bike’s top tube. For 20-inch wheels, you should have about 2 inches of clearance.
Do BMX bikes have brakes?
Many BMX bikes are equipped with a rear brake only, while some models designed for certain riding styles might have front and rear brakes. Some riders prefer brakeless setups for specific tricks, but having brakes is common for safety.
Is a 20-inch BMX bike for adults?
Yes, a 20-inch bike can be suitable for adults, especially if they are interested in street and park riding. However, taller adults might find larger wheel sizes (22-inch or 24-inch) more comfortable for their proportions.
What is the best BMX bike brand?
There are several reputable BMX bike brands, each with their own strengths. Some popular brands include Haro, Sunday, Kink, GT, and Cult. The “best” brand depends on your preferences, budget, and intended riding style.
What size BMX for a 12-year-old?
For a 12-year-old, a bike with 20-inch wheels is generally a good fit. However, considering the child’s height and leg length is essential for optimal comfort and control.
Are BMX bikes good for commuting?
BMX bikes are not ideal for long-distance commuting due to their design optimized for short bursts of agility and tricks. However, if your commute involves short distances and a bit of fun, a BMX bike could work.
Are BMX bikes good for cruising?
BMX bikes are not specifically designed for cruising due to their smaller wheels and frame geometry. If you’re looking for a bike primarily for leisurely rides, a cruiser bike might be a better choice.
At what age is a 24-inch BMX bike for?
– A 24-inch bike is often considered suitable for riders around 8 to 14 years old, depending on their height and skill level. It’s a transitional size before moving to full-size adult BMX bikes.
What size BMX bike is appropriate for a 10-year-old?
– For a 10-year-old, a BMX bike with 18-inch wheels is generally a good option. This size offers a balance between maneuverability and comfort for young riders. The height of the child is an important factor to consider.
What size BMX bike is right for a 6-foot tall man?
– A 20-inch bike with a larger frame can accommodate a 6-foot tall man. However, he might also consider 22-inch or 24-inch wheel options for a more comfortable ride.