BMX Bikes
What Is a BMX Bike?
BMX bikes are instantly recognizable thanks to their thick tires and wide handlebars. They can be smaller compared to a road or mountain bike in order to reduce weight and maximize the tricks and stunts you can do. Originally designed for off-road racing, BMX bicycles are built to be sturdy and durable so that they can handle aggressive riding.
The Different Types of BMX Bikes
There are several disciplines of BMX riding. BMX racing is the original version of the sport. Here, competitors aim to get around a dirt track with ramps and jumps as fast as they can. Fast-paced and frantic, BMX race bikes are built solely with the purpose of racing.
Freestyle BMX has the goal of performing tricks and stunts. Within freestyle riding, there are numerous styles such as Street, Trails and Flatland. Freestyle bikes come in a range of different styles and are usually made out of Chromoly or aluminum. A 20-inch wheel size is standard, however, 16-18 inches may be better suited to younger riders.
Mini BMX is a newer type of BMX bike. Mini BMX have a wheel diameter of approximately 10 inches and stand out thanks to their chubby wheels and often vibrant designs. However, despite their size, mini BMX are suitable for all BMX riders.
What BMX Bike Should I Get?
It ultimately depends on what you want to do with your BMX. If your goal is to master tricks and hang out at the skate park then it makes sense to go for a freestyle setup. If you love the competitive element of sport, then consider trying out BMX racing. Of course, many people take part in both, and many of the skills you learn from one discipline are transferrable to another.
Once you have decided what style you want to get started in, then the next step is to choose a model that is the right size. As mentioned, the regular size for BMX is to ride with 20 inch wheels, but there are several sizes available catering to different heights and preferences. To give you more of a guide of what size to get, we have made a size chart for race BMX bikes and a size chart for freestyle BMX bikes.
If BMX sounds like something for you, but you’re still not sure what style to get, then head to our Buying BMX guide to read more about finding the right model for you.