Ultimate Buyers Guide for BMX Bikes

The name “BMX” stands for “Bicycle Motocross,” which reflects the sport’s beginnings as a pedal-powered offshoot of the motocross scene that became extremely well-liked in the United States in the 1970s.

The California kids who started BMX racing have come a long way since then, and today’s top riders compete in the Olympics alongside the best athletes in the world.

The sport, however, has developed beyond the racing arena, with the aerial feats of Freestyle BMX and its various disciplines, including street, park, dirt, vert, and flatland, reaching a global audience through competitions like the X-Games and inspiring a new generation of riders to imitate the circuit’s top riders.

Which BMX type model is best for you?

The bikes have changed along with the development of the BMX sport. The three main BMX disciplines—race, freestyle, and street—are generally divided into these three categories of bikes.

1. Race bikes are built lighter and faster for Olympic-style track competition. Tricks and harsh impacts on concrete are not suitable for them.
2. Freestyle bikes are adept at a variety of activities, such as riding vert ramps, dirt jumping, and skateparks. These bikes typically have brakes, a gyro for bar spins, and pegs for riding rails.
3. Street bikes are like freestyle bikes but often have four pegs and run without brakes for flatland riding and urban tricks.

There is a lot of crossovers even though each BMX discipline can have its own requirements for bike design and specifications. Most “all-rounder” BMX bikes available are tough, agile vehicles made to handle a variety of tasks, from street tricks and skatepark sessions to extended summer days spent on dirt jump trails.

When buying a BMX bike, there are a few things to keep an eye out for, but keep in mind that these bikes are made to be the best tools for a particular niche of the cycling community. A lighter bicycle with larger wheels should be more proper if you’re looking for a more versatile bike to use for fitness purposes or as a mode of transportation to and from school or work.

Selecting The Right BMX Bike type:

There is never a better time to buy a new BMX bike. More manufacturers today offer more models in a wider range of price points than ever before. Additionally, BMX frames and parts are more powerful and lighter than ever. Because color schemes can be altered, you can design a special vehicle that reflects your personal taste. In fact, there are now so many appealing BMX options available that you might feel overwhelmed if you simply walked into our store. We are here to help because of this.

Ask yourself these questions:

Define yourself a little before coming to our showroom. When you get your new BMX bike, think about how you’ll use it. And to figure out which model is best for you, ask yourself a few questions.

• Are you a beginner at BMX?
• Are you up for a race?
• Do you enjoy riding on ramps and in parks?
• Are you interested in riding street features and cruising through town?
• Are you interested in recording airtime on the dirt jumps?
• Are you looking for a larger, more accommodating alternative to 20-inch wheel BMX bikes that still owns the same qualities?

What distinguishes the various BMX types?

It’s important to realize that there are three different kinds of BMX bikes because the term “BMX” is frequently used in a general sense: the true BMX bike, the street/dirt-jump/park 20-inch bike, and the flatland 20-inch bike. Because the wheels have a twenty-inch diameter, another name for BMX is simply “20-inch.”

Simple BMX is a light, nimble race bike having features are Thin, low-profile tires with a slightly knobby to slick tread pattern, strong rear V-brake. Slightly steeper head tube. It is ideal for racing on a BMX track

Street/Dirt-Jump/Park BMX are Sturdy versatile rigs that handle crashes and rough riding well. Includes features such as Knobby to low-profile tread pattern with wider tire, rear U-brake or brakeless, pegs and cable detangle. These are ideal for dirt jumping, street and park riding, tricks and grinding

Flatland BMX types are smaller frame/wheelbase, longer seat post, zero-offset fork. These have small frame geometry and specific components offer unique leverage for flatland tricks. Ideal to use on Flatland trick riding.

Cruiser BMX type is a light, nimble race bike, having features of larger frame accommodates 24-inch wheels. These are Ideal on a more forgiving race bike that is also good for tall, large riders and dirt jumping.

The cruiser is a relative of the BMX bike. It uses a larger frame to support 24-inch wheels, but it still has a light, snappy feel and precise handling. Tall riders might also find it more comfortable because it is a little more forgiving. If you do decide to compete in races, be aware that cruiser bikes compete in a separate cruiser-class division.

BMX Race Bikes

BMX racing bikes typically have steel, incredibly light carbon fiber, or stiff aluminum frames that are specially made to maximize quick acceleration and stability. They have low-profile tyres with a shallow knobby to slick tread pattern and smaller rear axles. Strong rear V-brakes are needed for racing bikes. They have a marginally steeper top tube. Compared to traditional BMX bikes, they have bigger front sprockets and more gears for a smoother ride and faster speeds. They also have brakes.

Freestyle BMX Bikes

The park/vert, street, and dirt jumpers are included in the broader BMX freestyle bike category. Racers like Bob Haro create freestyle bikes to more effectively push the boundaries of appearance, functionality, and tricks. Nowadays, freestyle is often thought of when someone mentions BMX. Both the ETNIES backyard jam and the annual Summer X Games Extreme Sports competition now feature a main event for BMX Freestyle.

Steel frames on freestyle bikes are typically smoother, thicker, and heavier to accommodate larger rear wheel axles and withstand heavy abuse. Most freestyle frames don’t have any brakes or brake mounts at all. On bikes with them, the front and rear brakes are helpful for pulling off tricks. The model of freestyle bike you ride may require metal rod axel pegs for certain stunts. Additionally, freestyle handlebars have different shapes that enable riders to rotate the front wheel or the entire bike 180 degrees.

Please refer to our separate post on How to Install BMX Pegs.

Park / Vert Bikes

In addition to having smooth tyres, double brakes, a smaller crank and cassette, and a thicker, smoother frame transition that reduces weight and structural excess, vert bikes (also known as park-style bikes) are like street freestyle bikes. They typically have thin tread slicks and semi-slicks for park riding and are lighter than street or dirt bikes.

To ride on ramps, pipes, rails, bowls, boxes, stairs, or in skate parks, vert bikes are ideal. They can briefly accelerate thanks to their gear ratio, which also makes it simpler to pedal after a complete stop. To enable the rider to perform stalls, grinds, or trick stands, these bikes have pegs placed strategically on either side of the front and rear wheel hubs. Vert bikes may, or may not, have installed brakes.

Street BMX Bikes

Street style BMX bikes are heavier than traditional freestyle bikes, allowing them to better withstand impacts, crashes, and hard landings. Street bikes can keep integrity under extreme stress when meeting hard, flat street surfaces because they are stronger than traditional vert or dirt BMX bikes.

For better grinding on rails, street bikes have metal pegs attached to the axles. Typically, they lack brakes. Without any brake cable in the way, the rider can rotate the handlebars. To slow down, the rider is compelled to place their foot against the top of the back tyre.

Dirt Bikes / Dirt Jumpers

The tread pattern on dirt bikes is typically thicker (wider), knobby to low profile, which gives the bike more traction, maneuverability, and control on loose surfaces. Otherwise, vert and street bikes are quite like dirt bikes. Many dirt bikes forego their brakes to increase mobility and prevent cable tangles.

In addition to having a rear V-brake or disc brake and an uncompromising knobby tread pattern that supplies the extra grip needed to safely perform tricks from high vertical jumps, dirt jumper bikes often have trick handlebars. Compared to BMX street bikes, they are built stronger and have longer top tubes. The tread pattern on dirt bikes is typically thicker (wider), knobby to low profile, which gives the bike more traction, maneuverability, and control on loose surfaces. Otherwise, vert and street bikes are quite like dirt bikes. Many dirt bikes forego their brakes to increase mobility and prevent cable tangles.

In addition to having a rear V brakes or disc brakes and an uncompromising knobby tread pattern that supplies the extra grip needed to safely perform tricks from high vertical jumps, dirt jumper bikes often have trick handlebars. Compared to BMX street bikes, they are built stronger and have longer top tubes.

Flatland BMX Bikes

BMX bikes that aren’t designed to jump, grind, or ride up ramps are known as flatland bikes. Flatland riders spend more time honing their skills on flat surfaces and easy terrain. They are made for slow-speed stunts on flat ground.

Bikes designed for flatland riding have a shorter frame and wheelbase, a longer seat post, and a fork with no offset. Typically, frames are made of lightweight steel. Unlike those for freestyle or race bikes, they are made for maximum clearance and weight distribution. Because riders demand precise balance that puts strain on many parts of the bike, this type of freestyle bike has a shorter top tube length, a shorter seat tube angle, and other geometrical differences from other freestyle bikes.

In flatland tricks, the bike is balanced or spun in a variety of ways. Aluminum or plastic pegs with grip tape are used to stand on and maneuver the bike into position. The front and rear pegs are bolted on to prevent brake cables from tangling when they freely and continuously rotate. The rear brake cable fork and front brake cable fork are both fitted with hollow compression bolts.

Additionally unique to flatland riding is the free coaster rear hub. The device enables the back wheel to roll backwards without contacting the hub. The cranks do not rotate in the opposite direction as they would on a hub with a typical cassette or freewheel design.

Flatland bicycles also have forks with zero offset. The front sprocket has a small tooth count of 18–28. The narrow handlebars and 100 psi tyre pressure needed are significantly higher than on other models.

BMX BIKE SIZES

The only measurement that really matters is the rider’s height, and the basic BMX bike frame sizes, tube and stem lengths, bar rise, and width, crank length, and gearing are all related to that measurement.

While adult bikes are sized based on the frame and top tube height, children’s bikes are sized based on wheel diameter. The young rider should have no trouble getting off the bike and straddling it with their feet flat on the ground.

Kids BMX Size Chart

Rider Height	Wheel Size
3’0” and under	12″
3’0” – 3’6”	16″
3’4” – 4’4”	18″

BMX Bike Sizing Chart

BMX Sizing: 16-20″ Wheels

Rider Height	Top Tube Length	Wheel Size
4’4″ and under	15-16.5″	16″/18″
4’2″-4’10”	16-17.5″	16″/18″
4’6″-5’1″	17-18.5″	18″/20″
5′-5’4″	18.5-20.5″	20″
5’2″-5’6″	19.25-21.5″	20″
5’3″-5’8″	20-21.5″	20″
5’7″ and up	20.5″-22″	20″

Big BMX Size Chart

Over 20″ Wheels

Rider Height	Top Tube Length	Wheel Size
5’2″ +	21-23.5″	24″
5’4″ +	21-24.5″	26″
5’5″ +	21.5-25″	29″

SKILL LEVEL

First things first, how good you are in riding? When selecting a new BMX, your level of BMX ability matters. The strength that the components need to have to withstand the testing, practicing, spills, and abuse depends on your experience and abilities. The level of bike that is best for you depends on your balance, gearing, and skill. If you’re new to BMX, you might want to start with the fundamentals to get the ball rolling.

As with everything else, there are various BMX bike levels available, from “beginner” bikes for those of you who are just getting started to fully “pro” bikes. See what best describes you below.

Kids BMX

Anyone under the age of 12 can learn to ride a bike without much hassle by purchasing a BMX. Kids can experiment and find their comfort zone with riding a bike while tackling a variety of terrain, including footpaths and hard packed dirt trails, thanks to the lack of gears and the sturdy frame.

Kids BMX bikes are available as smaller versions of adult 20-inch bikes, and some brands also sell freestyle bikes made of Chromoly steel that are 16- and 18-inches long. Kids who are interested in racing can buy “mini-micro” and “micro” race BMX bikes.

Typically, a high-tensile steel frame at a lower price point will include a coaster brake, one-piece cranks, training wheels, and accessories like chain guards, a basket, or frame pads. These are suitable for younger children just learning to ride a bike, but they are not made to withstand the same punishment as a freestyle BMX. Update the equipment to match the skill if a child is displaying an interest in pushing boundaries and trying new things.

Beginner

The ideal first BMX bike is what beginner bikes are intended to be. A beginner bike will be ideal for you if you intend to ride on the trails, in the skatepark, or just for fun. You might want to look at the intermediate level of bikes if you already frequent the skatepark every evening.

Finding a bike that can jump curbs and generally shred around town is a good idea for a beginner. A starter BMX bike with a standard 20”-wheel size and extra-durable parts is a good choice. As you learn tricks and hone your abilities, you will be exercising the bike. Purchase a bike with brakes as well. There are some BMX bikes without brakes. Some more experienced riders forego using brakes to increase their freedom and the level of difficulty.

Intermediate

You’re beginning to sense what more you want to do with a BMX bike and what it might take to advance now that you’re feeling at ease in the saddle. Getting a bike that is lighter for speed or stronger for higher jumps may be necessary.

The term “intermediate bikes” refers to all models that fall somewhere between an entry-level and professional-level bike, combining performance components with affordability. Most riders today, whether it is their second bike, their third or fourth bike after moving up from the entry level range, will have their needs met by intermediate bikes.

Progressive/ Pro

Riders who are advanced or progressive want BMX bikes that can handle more punishment and enable them to perform trick progressions. To get the most out of them, they ought to be adaptable.

Pro Level bikes come with a variety of improvements, such as stronger and lighter tubing, pro level aftermarket parts, and rider endorsements. Only by building your own custom bike will you be able to obtain a bike of a higher caliber than these.

HOW TO BUY A BMX BIKE

Since kids in southern California first started racing BMX bikes on dirt tracks in the 1970s, the bikes have advanced significantly. These vintage 20″ single-gear BMX race bikes are now tearing through skate parks and city streets while pulling off aerial stunts, tricks, and jumps. Frames and other BMX parts are becoming lighter and more robust thanks to manufacturers. Since colors can be changed, each rider can graphically brand themselves. There is a BMX bike that will help you get there if you can imagine it. These are the things you should think about when buying a BMX bike:

Where to shop for BMX Bikes

Most bike shops carry BMX freestyle bikes, though the selection may not be extensive. There are also stores dedicated to BMX, which will have BMX-specific knowledge and are likely to be passionate BMX riders themselves, making them better able to respond to your inquiries. When looking for specially built bikes or wheels, visiting a BMX-focused store is an excellent choice. The same is true for BMX race bikes because the market is specialized and some shops can supply on-the-spot, first-hand, professional advice because they are experts in this field.

Here are some suggestions to help you focus your search for the best deals on bicycles and accessories at Top Cyclists Choice (TCC), which is a suitable place to find them year-round:

EOFY: Buying a bike at the end of the fiscal year is a great idea. The perfect opportunity to get a great deal on the current or previous year’s model has arisen as retailers look to get rid of outdated inventory to make room for new.

Christmas: Shopping during the holiday season can be advantageous. The busiest time of the year for retailers is around Christmas, and this is also true for the bicycle sector. Many retailers will try to get rid of unsold inventory during the end-of-financial-year period or add incentives like a helmet or pair of gloves.

Online shopping: By cutting the agent and passing the savings on to the customer, online shopping from a manufacturer lowers the overall cost. Although approaching this with caution is warned, it can be a terrific way to save money. Online shopping has its drawbacks; typically, you can’t inspect the bike, test drive it, see if it fits, evaluate special features, make adjustments, or ask questions. If you don’t know your precise size and specifications, the game is dangerous.

Buying Used: A lot of BMX race clubs and online forums either have a connection to BMX dealers or list bikes for sale within the club, both new and used. The BMX club can also offer advice on what to look for when you first begin competing. When buying a used bike, you should, of course, exercise some caution because you don’t want to discover later that you were taken advantage of.

BMX PARTS & COMPONENTS

The value and cost of the bike can increase along with the quality of the BMX parts and components. Bikes with name-brand components (such as Odyssey and Shadow, etc.) are more expensive and of higher quality than those with generic components. Other desirable characteristics include smaller front sprockets, smaller gearing, and lighter weight.

Below, we’ve disassembled a BMX bike and described each component in detail, so you’ll know what to watch out for when purchasing a BMX bike!

FRAME

The frame is where every bike begins. Hi-tensile steel tubing is typically used in entry-level and intermediate bikes, but higher-level bikes should look for 4130 chromoly for increased durability and lighter weight. The geometry of the frame also affects how the bike will handle; this is usually a factor with more advanced bikes.

The materials used to make BMX bike frames include chromoly, carbon fiber, aluminum, and steel alloy. Tensile steel, which is more expensive but still strong, is used to make lower-end, less expensive bicycles. High-end, light-weight bikes, however, are made of stronger chromoly steel alloys. This weight loss enhances performance and acceleration.

Aluminum

Due to the material’s distinctive strength, stiffness, and lightweight characteristics, aluminum BMX frames are a popular choice for racing bicycles. Aluminum increases speed despite having a lower stress rating. A low-quality aluminum frame might be heavier than a high-quality tensile steel alloy (chromoly) frame, despite aluminum frame tubing being significantly stiffer and lighter than steel.

Steel – The Most-Used Frame Material

The most popular material for street and freestyle BMX bike frames is steel. It is durable, capable of withstanding impacts, and has a high stress rating. Steel is a heavier material, but unless you’re looking for a BMX racing bike, this is not important. Steel is a durable material that is also simple to repair. Due to their inherent stability, steel bikes are also marginally more comfortable to ride and put less strain on the rider’s body.

Carbon Fiber

One of the strongest and lightest bike frame materials is carbon fiber. However, they can be more expensive, and it seems like they might break more easily. Although carbon frame development has advanced, there is still a fine line between making a frame that is stiff but still responsive.

Chromoly – The Best BMX Frame Material

Better, more advanced freestyle and novice race BMX bikes are made with Chromoly, a highly efficient, lightweight, and long-lasting high-tensile alloy steel. Chromoly bicycle frames have lighter and thinner tubing in the middle of the frame and reinforced ends and joins for increased strength. As a result of its durability and vibration-reducing abilities, it is the best option for “high impact riding.” The frames and lower components of mid-range, less expensive BMX bikes may also be made of chrome steel (exposed to harsh conditions).

FORKS

The same idea as the frame in terms of the type of material; Chromoly is more lightweight and durable than high tensile. For greater durability and tapered legs for weight savings and a cleaner appearance, look for steerer tubes that have been CNC’d.

The fork of a BMX bike affects how the bike handles when performing tricks because it connects the front of the frame to the handlebars and stem. Like and from the same materials as the frame, forks are constructed. When selecting the fork, you also choose whether the bike will have brake mounts. Most often, flatland and street BMX bikes need both a front brake and a typical rear brake.

HANDLEBARS

Bars, also known as handlebars. Same idea applies to the materials: 4130 is ideal, and multi-butted tubing reduces weight even further by thinning the tubing where strength isn’t as important. The term “rise” refers to how high they are, and the size is a matter of personal preference.

Your BMX bike’s handlebars are essential for steering and controlling it. There are various handlebar designs from which to select, depending on your preferred grip and style of riding. For instance, when riding trails and unsteady dirt tracks, a wide grip gives the rider more control. On the other hand, smaller handlebars offer a better grip when performing spins and x-ups. Other things to think about are:

• Weight of the handlebars.
• Height of the handlebars.
• Sweep and angle of the handlebars.
• Two- or four-piece construction
• If you ride without brakes.

Freestyle and jump bike handlebars typically have a steeper rise from the clamping area than other types of handlebars, allowing the rider to be more maneuverable when executing flatland and airborne tricks. The handlebars on a 24″ BMX freestyle or jumper bike will also have a slightly lower rise than those on 20″ bikes.

HEADSET

Headsets come in two varieties. While integrated headsets have sealed bearings that are housed inside the frame itself, a-headsets are the conventional type with external cups (where the bearings sit). Traditional A-headsets function just as well, but integrated headsets are lighter, look better, and last longer.

BRAKES

Some riders employ them, while others don’t. Use a back brake if you’re new to BMXing or live on a hill. All complete bikes are sold with brakes, but higher-end bikes also come with easily removable/installable brakes.

Hand levers are used to operate BMX brakes. The front brake cable on most freestyle bikes with front and rear U-brakes is routed through a Gyro, which enables the rider to rotate the front bars and wheel 1800–3600 degrees for tricks. Although they offer more control, they can’t stop as quickly as linear V-brakes.

Only the rear V-brake or disc brake is available on dirt jumping bikes. In a similar vein, BMX racing bikes only have strong linear V-brakes on the back wheel.

BMX WHEELS & HUBS

Dirt bike and BMX racing wheels need to be sturdy enough to perform well when accelerating out of the starting blocks. When compared to freestyle or jump bike wheels, these wheels are typically lighter. They come in sizes ranging from 16′′ to 26′′. For all BMX bike designs, the 20′′ wheel is the most common size. The wheel sizes for dirt jumping and freestyle bikes are 16′′ and 18′′ for younger and smaller riders.

The fork and rear drop-out are connected to the center of the wheels by hubs. Riders of freestyle and BMX bikes often use cassette hubs. With these hubs, a separate driver is mounted to the hub shell. They are lighter, easier to install, and require less maintenance.

The freewheel hub is nearly obsolete. They jam and skip more often than cassette hubs and are less reliable.

Although free coaster hubs are more expensive than regular cassette hubs, they give flatland riders the choice to pedal backwards without doing so. The wheel can move backwards without the cranks turning thanks to an internal clutch system in the hubs. Free coaster hubs click when coasting but are quiet when pedaling.

FRONT HUB

On higher end bikes, look for sealed bearings; they will last longer and need less maintenance than the loose ball models. Axles come in both male and female varieties. The female axles look more attractive, but both fit all fork and bike types.

REAR HUB

There are primarily three kinds. a cassette hub or free coaster, which is more dependable and responsive. These days, most decent bikes have cassette hubs, which have smaller gearings (typically 9t). Cassette hubs that are branded after-market are even better than semi-sealed or sealed cassette hubs. On more expensive bikes, keep an eye out for Free coaster hubs, which let you fakie (go backwards) without having to pedal backwards at the same time.

GEARING

All BMX bicycles have a single speed. The gear ratio varies, though, depending on the rider’s style. For instance, flatland riders favor a short gearing (fewer teeth), while racers favor taller gears (more teeth).

BMX bikes for the streets and flatland have a low gear ratio of 25/8. (25 teeth on the chain wheel; 8 teeth on the rear sprocket). This makes it easier for the rider to maneuver around narrow obstacles while performing difficult tricks. Better clearance is also possible with a smaller chainring.

Chainrings (36–38 teeth) and sprockets (16–18 teeth) are larger on racing and dirt bikes to improve acceleration and keep speed. A bigger chainring enables the rider to produce more powerful acceleration. For race bikes, the gearing will typically be 55 gear inches. BMX racers choose gear ratios that are right for both their level of ability and the requirements of the specific track they intend to compete on.

The chainring (25 teeth) and sprocket (9 teeth) on freestyle BMX bikes are smaller. To accelerate quickly into a trick or a jump, this ratio requires less effort. However, this results in a sacrifice of maximum speed and power.

More ground clearance is made possible by a shorter gear ratio and a smaller chain, which improves riding out of tricks and the ability to execute grinds and stalls on a vert or street course.

BMX RIMS & SPOKES

Spokes strengthen rims and wheels. They additionally offer stability. Today’s bikes typically have 36 spokes that are thicker in order to reduce weight without sacrificing the strength needed to withstand hard landings. There are numerous weights, spoke count, and rim size options for spoke setups.

Although smaller riders may use 16″ or 18″ sizes, the standard rim size is 20″.

36 spokes are typical for BMX race bike wheels. A lightweight 32-spoke aluminum BMX racing wheelset cannot withstand ramping or dirt jumping. Younger racers’ BMX race bikes sometimes have wheels with 18 or 28 spokes.

Although the majority have switched to the 36 thicker spoke setup, some more aggressive freestyle and jumping riders still use the traditional 48 spoke or mag wheels for maximum rim protection.

To prevent rim collapse, 20″ BMX dirt bikes typically have a 48-spoke rear rim and a 36-spoke front rim. However, BMX dirt jumper wheels have 36 incredibly meaty 13-gauge spokes. Depending on whether the bike is geared for jumping or for dirt riding, other dirt bikes have 48 spokes similar to freestyle bikes.

For BMX rims, aluminum is most often used. Rims for BMX bikes can have one or two walls. Double-wall rims are more durable and less likely to dent than single-wall rims.

TIRES

Here, branded aftermarket tyres work best. The sizes (width) of tyres vary and are dependent on the rider’s preferences. The average width is about 2.2″.

The type of BMX bike they will be mounted on, and your riding style will figure out what kind of BMX bike tyres you need. There is no interchangeability between tyres and rims or between tyres and other rims.

Both pavement and dirt performance are needed from BMX racing tyres. To accelerate and turn without losing speed, they have a moderate amount of tread. Additionally, they must function well on tightly packed off-road dirt tracks where low rolling resistance is crucial.

Despite being thicker and built to withstand landing shocks, street and freestyle bike tyres typically have little tread. Performance requirements for freestyle tyres include both outdoor and indoor use. To reduce rolling resistance, lessen tyre deflection during landings, and improve rim protection, premium tyres are inflated to higher pressures.

The tyres on dirt jumpers have the most tread. They are built with the most traction possible. Additionally, their lugs are thicker. Wide, robust, knobby tyres enable better control and maneuverability through mud and over jumps, as well as around bends. The majority of 20″ BMX “micro geared” dirt bike tyres have threads, an 85-100 psi Kevlar bead that prevents flats, and are resistant to tears.

Smooth treads are present on Flatland BMX bike tyres, which also need to be inflated to their maximum psi.

CRANKS AND BOTTOM BRACKET

On a bike, cranks are subjected to a lot of abuse and must be strong enough for your level of riding. The best cranks are tubular, and the best cranks are branded. Bottom brackets come in two different varieties. The largest and typically shipped with unsealed bearings are the U.S. The Smaller Mid bottom brackets are almost always sealed, which makes them stronger, more durable, and low maintenance.

The sprocket is connected to the pedals by the cranks. They come in a variety of lengths, shapes, and materials, but they must be sufficiently sturdy to support the riding style you prefer. The range of crank lengths is 145mm to 190mm. The most powerful and long-lasting cranks are made of chrome.

For clearance during tricks, freestyle riders typically opt for 165mm cranks that are shorter. To reduce weight, BMX race bike cranks are often made of aluminum. The height of the rider typically affects their size.

Steel used in single-piece cranks is thinner. The spindle and left and right crank arms are made up of a single piece. They are typically only found on very affordable youth BMX bikes and are relatively flimsy. Good BMX bikes typically have a two- or three-piece crank. Two-piece cranks are thicker and more durable, like the tubular or branded crank. One of the crank arms has the spindle attached. The other is distinct. Stronger cranks come in three pieces. The crankshaft and spindle are both three distinct units attached to the axle. At the base, a bolt holds each piece together.

PEDALS AND PEGS

Today, most bikes come with plastic pedals; the best models tend to be branded. Alloy pedals typically weigh more and last longer, but they also hurt your shins more when you slip.

Pegs are tubes made of aluminum or plastic that are fastened to the front axles of BMX bikes. They are designed to be used by the rider as a support while they grind on rails or ledges in street and park/vert riding or perform tricks in flatland.

Pegs are typically bolted to all four axles of flatland bikes. Typically, street riders only have one side with bolted-on front and rear pegs. Pegs are not allowed at any time during a BMX race.

Find out more on the Ultimate Pegs Buying Guide here.

Review of our separate post on understanding How to install BMX Pegs

We have also covered the BMX Pegs safely removals

SADDLE

Since saddles are not particularly necessary for BMX bike setup, simplicity is preferred, even to the point of having all-plastic saddles. Assuming once more that the rider will be sitting down and pedaling more than an experienced rider who will be floating above the saddle often, entry level BMX bikes will have a little more padding and a larger surface area.

1. Rails: Has rails on either side that fit in a clamp attached to the seat post, just like a mountain or road bike.
2. Saddles with pivot points: A single bolt that passes through the middle of the seat and into the seat post secures the saddle to the seat post.
3. Integrated seat/seat post: Some producers create an entire unit that combines the seat and the seat post. Although uncomfortable for sitting on, it significantly reduces weight

4. STEM the part that fastens your bars to your forks. Although the strength of all stems is comparable, CNC’d versions are lighter and have a much cleaner appearance. Either the front (front loader) or the top (top loader) bars are clamped (front loader)

BMX GEAR & PROTECTION ACCESSORIES

BMX bikes are designed to withstand abuse, but BMX riders are not. Because of the demands of the sport, crashes and impacts—often on hard concrete in a park or on the street—are an inevitable part of the learning process.

Put on the proper safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, elbow and knee pads, before you start riding a BMX bike. The latter will protect shins from the cheese-grater effect of spiky platform pedals as well as cushion crash damage. For the best pedal traction, skate-style shoes with waffle soles are also recommended.

Knowing how to buy protective riding equipment is just as crucial as knowing how to buy a BMX bike. There are added restrictions and guidelines for attire and headgear in BMX racing and freestyle competitions. BMX racers must wear a full-face helmet, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants while competing or practicing.

Suitable safety gear includes:

BMX helmets

BMX helmets differ from standard cycling helmets in several ways. They fit and look like bowls and have few vents. Some helmet designs cover your ears in addition to your head. Any potential landing direction a rider might unintentionally make has been considered in the overall design of the BMX helmet.

Freestyle helmets BMX helmets are more “bowl-shaped” and cover a larger part of the head than the low-profile, heavily vented road cycling helmets. These helmets can extend to cover the ears and will have few vents. This is to account for the possibility that BMX riders could stack while trying a trick and run the risk of landing anywhere. Equipment on the racetrack is subject to regulations when racing BMX. A full-faced helmet, long pants, and a long-sleeved jersey must be worn during practice and competition.

Gloves:

Whether you are riding freestyle or racing, gloves are a necessity. Full-fingered gloves with grips that reach from the palm to the tips of the fingers and thumb are needed for BMX riding.

Full fingered gloves are essential whether you’re riding freestyle or competing on your BMX bike. Gloves made specifically for BMX usually have grip on the palm that reaches the tips of the fingers.

Knee and elbow pads:

The purpose of knee and elbow pads is to soften the impact of a hard landing. Additionally, they might prevent your shins from rubbing against sharp platform pedals.

Shoes:

Waffle-soled shoes in the skater style offer the best pedal traction. If you’re using clip-in pedals, put on BMX-specific clip-in shoes. They will offer the right amount of comfort and stiffness.

Look for some mountain bike or BMX-specific clip-in shoes that offer a good balance of stiffness and comfort if you plan to ride with clip-in pedals.

Pegs:

The BMX bike’s axles are fitted with pegs, which are metal cylinders (or occasionally solid plastic) that allow the rider to grind on rails or ledges in street and park riding or balance on them for tricks in flatland. While street riders typically have just one side with pegs on the front and rear, flatland riders typically have pegs on all four axles. BMX racing strictly prohibits the use of pegs.

EASY BMX TRICKS FOR BEGINNERS

You won’t begin at a skate park, to begin with. It’s best to practice on your own driveway or an empty parking lot if you’re just starting out. Skateparks are great for picking up new tricks and advice from other riders but mastering the fundamentals and setting up a solid foundation will boost your confidence and prevent a few more spills. Before moving on to concrete ramps, practice some of these fundamental BMX tricks and bike control.

Bunny Hop –

Using both wheels, perform a bunny hop. Easy-peasy. However, it’s a fundamental BMX beginning trick that you build on.

BMB Bronco –

The BMB Bronco performs a bunny hop, but while moving, the front wheel rises first. Start off by jumping small objects, like sticks. Jump it if it’s in the road. To Bronco bunny hop curbs is your goal.

180 and 360 Bunny Hop –

Jump both wheels off the ground and spin in a bunny hop (half and full turn).

BMX Manual –

Another crucial maneuver is the BMX manual. Learn to stand on the back wheel without using the pedals. You are aware of the outcome.

BMX Wheelie –

Now that you are proficient with the manual, let’s try the BMX wheelie. Read on for more information on BMX wheelies.

BMX Jump –

Simple to understand. Here, you’ll need to take baby steps. Start with a temporary, short ramp. The goal is to practice taking off, controlling the air, and landing. then make it bigger. Put on a helmet.

QUICK TIPS FOR BUYING A BMX BIKE:

Here are a few quick suggestions for buying a BMX bike, to sum up.

Know how skilled you are at BMX.

If you’re new to BMX, you might want to start with a bike that has the standard 20″ wheels. And make sure brakes are included.

What kind of BMX biking are you going to do? 

All BMX bikes can be ridden anywhere, but some of them are more tailored than others.

Find the right size BMX.

The bike’s size will depend on your height. The top tube on a frame is used to gauge BMX bikes. The feel of the bike can change by fractions of an inch. For instance, many riders may feel that 20′′ top tubes are too small. Beginning to be produced are complete bikes with 20.5- or 21.5-inch top tubes. Like this, handlebars might be too narrow or too low.

Think about the elements and parts of the bike.

Here, price may be a deciding factor. Chromoly is often used to make the best BMX frames. It is lighter than steel and more scratch- and dent-resistant than aluminum. Inspect sealed bearings (in headsets, hubs, and bottom brackets). Even though they are more expensive than unsealed bearings, they are easier to keep, last longer, and guarantee a smoother ride.

Before buying, research different BMX brands.

Some of the most dependable BMX brands on the market today, including SE Bikes, Subrosa, GT, Eastern, Framed, and Wethepeople, have been around for many years.

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Our articles are developed after considerable research and studies online and also including seeking informational experience based tips from professional rides. Key sources of information are interviews, google search and youtube.