| Best Choice |
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Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
Redline MX24 BMX Race Cruiser Bike | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Dynacraft Magna Throttle Boys BMX Bike | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
- 2. Dynacraft Magna Throttle Boys BMX Bike
- 3. TONY HAWK Dynacraft Park Series BMX Bike
- 4. X Games FS20 Freestyle BMX Bike
- 5. Kent Pro 20 Boy's Freestyle BMX Bike
- 6. Razor Agitator Freestyle BMX Bike
- 7. RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s BMX Bike
- 8. Framed Impact 20 BMX Bike
- 9. Redline MX24 BMX Race Cruiser Bike
- 10. Mongoose Title Pro XXL BMX Race Bike
BMX bikes have been around for a long time now, and there are no signs of them losing their popularity anytime soon. As you would expect from a product like this one, there are tons of different options available. And when you are investing a significant sum of money on a bike, you want to ensure that you are making a wise choice. There are plenty of individual components to consider, but the matter of which is most important depends on what sort of rider you are and your personal preferences.
To help make the task of choosing easier, we have selected 10 of the best BMX bikes for you to choose between. We will give you an overview of each of them in turn, as well as clearly displaying the key features that make them so special. After this, we have our more detailed buying guide section for even more info.
The Best BMX Bike
At the top of our list is this BMX from world-renowned brand Mongoose which is suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike. A couple of the core features include a 25T alloy chainring and American loose ball bottom bracket.
The design of the bike is straightforward, and it is easy to set up from the moment you get your hands on it. In terms of speed control, you have an aluminum U-brake and brake lever. The steering performance is designed to be high-quality, so you are able to manoeuvre around with ease. Make sure that you take your height into account before settling on the right one for you.
- Stylish BMX bike
- 20” x 2.3” tires
- 9T cog sealed bearing cassette rear hub
- Aluminum U-brake and brake levers
- Brand Mongoose
- Model M41509M10OS-PC
- Weight 34.4 pounds
Available in three different colors, this 20” bike is made for kids. It is relatively easy to put together, so your child can start riding in no time at all. Safety is a strong feature in this bike, and the coaster brakes ensure that they will come to a stop quickly. There is also a reflector on the front handlebars and spokes.
As for the seat, it is fully adjustable to your child’s height, and there is a kickstand included to ensure that it stays in place when needed. The steel frame is tough and durable, and it includes a lifetime guarantee on this section and the fork too.
- Suitable for kids aged between 6 and 10
- Durable steel frame
- Kickstand included
- Coaster brakes and handlebar pad
- Brand Dynacraft
- Model 8109-34ZTJ
- Weight 26.9 pounds
Number three on our list is this BMX from the legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk. With 24” wheels, it has been made for older kids, and it features the kind of awesome graphics which they will love. The handlebar stem is alloy threaded for additional strength and functionality.
Unlike the previous bike we discussed, this one is made for kids of 12 years and older – and it supports weights of up to 275 lbs. The saddle seat has an adjustable alloy clamp, and you can rest assured that there is a lifetime warranty on both the frame and the fork.
- Authentic Tony Hark frame graphics
- Seat post with alloy clamp
- Alloy, Promax rear U-brakes
- Alloy threadless stem
- Brand TONY HAWK
- Model 8153-24ZTJ
- Weight 31.1 pounds
Designed for freestyling, this bike offers a nice smooth ride for those who get behind the handlebars. The welded frame is made of sturdy steel for plenty of durability. As for the street tires, they have lots of grip to ensure that braking is strong, making it a great choice for kids’ first bike.
Another feature is the BMX cycle handlebar, which comes with a welded cross brace. The black and red color scheme is very appealing to kids. Its combination of safety and style are what has helped to make it so popular.
- Sturdy steel frame
- 4-bolt alloy stem
- 48 spoke setup
- Stylish and appealing color scheme
- Brand X Games
- Model 32022
- Weight 34.9 pounds
If your child is big enough to handle the 20-inch tires, this boys BMX bike is ideal for freestyling. And the blue and white design looks sleek and stylish too. It is not all about the looks though. The frame and fork have been crafted from tig-welded steel, which offers plenty of stability and strength.
Your kid may want to experiment with different riding styles, and this BMX gives them the flexibility to do this. There are handbrakes on both the front and rear wheels, as well as a spinning rotor which keeps the brake lines free of tangles. And for people on a tight budget, it is one of the cheap BMX bikes.
- 20” wheels with pegs
- Freestyle rotor included
- Alloy seat clamp
- Recommended for ages 10 and upwards
- Brand KENT
- Model 12098
- Weight 32 pounds
Trick-type riding is the style which this bike is best-suited to, as you can tell from the 360-degree rotors in the handlebars for pro-style spinning. The saddle is padded for increased comfort, ensuring that jumps are better. At the heart of the BMX is a strong frame and front alloy caliper brakes.
The higher pedal efficiency that’s more suited for park and street riding and the tires also have minimal tread. Its combination of features is such that you would expect from a bike at the higher end of the price scale, but it is highly affordable.
- Dual cable brake detangler system
- 20” freestyle bike
- Plush, comfortable seat
- Sturdy steel frame
- Brand Razor
- Model 42086
- Weight 38 pounds
Available in a range of colors, this bike also comes in different sizes depending on your child. It is very easy to put together. In fact, 95% has already been pre-assembled. Other features include a bell, training wheels, water bottle, and quick-release seatpost. Ultimately, it is the kind of bike which has been made for a safe ride, which is especially important when your child is first starting to learn how to ride.
- Sport bike for both boys and girls
- Straightforward to assemble
- Front caliper and rear coaster brake
- Quick-release seatpost
- Brand Royalbaby
- Model RB16B-6R
- Weight 25 pounds
Made for older kids and smaller adults who are looking to get into BMXing, this is an entry-level bike which aims to make everything straightforward. The hi-ten steel fork is designed to reduce vibrations if you find yourself riding on rougher surfaces. Combined with the 8” rise handlebars, you will enjoy a riding experience which is both smooth and comfortable. The U-brake is mounted directly onto the frame to offer more reliable stopping power.
- Entry-level BMX bike
- Durable frame with vibration reduction
- 8” rise handlebars for smooth ride
- Alloy rear U-brake mounted directly onto the frame
- Brand Framed
- Weight 20 pounds
Another bike which is made for beginners, Redline have created this one to be suitable for both bigger kids and smaller adults. One of the main differences between this one and some of the others which we have discussed in this post is the frame. This one is made of aluminium, which is made to last for a long time. There is even a lifetime warranty on it, which is a demonstration of the confidence of the manufacturer.
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Pivotal race bike seat
- Pedals included
- Limited lifetime warranty on frame
- Brand Redline
- Model 06-0510063
- Weight 15.5 pounds
The last one on the list is made for adult beginner riders. Bear in mind that the largest size is meant for people over 6” tall. Check the sizing chart beforehand to select the one which is right for you. The frame is highly lightweight and features internal cable routing and integrated headsets. As for the alloy v-brakes and brake levers, they are designed in a way to offer a high level of speed control.
- Range of different sizes available
- Designed for beginner-level riders
- Aluminum frame with internal cable routing and integrated headsets
- Brand Mongoose
- Model M42708M60OS
- Weight 21.9 pounds
Best BMX Bike Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying BMX Bikes
Before you settle on a BMX bike that you would like to buy, you look in more detail about some of the key features which could sway you one way or another.
- Size
The size of the BMX is highly important in your decision-making process. After all, it needs to be big enough for you or your child to ride comfortably. All manufacturers should include a size guide, so consult with this before making your mind up.
- Riding Style
Not all BMX bikes are suitable for a single riding surface or style; they all differ somewhat. So, before you make your choice, you need to get your intentions clear. While they may all seem fairly similar at surface level, there are plenty of distinctions including wheels, frame materials, brake setups etc. There are different bikes depending on whether you want to do freestyling, dirt jumping or racing.
- Level of Construction
Some bikes will come already pre-assembled and ready to ride, whereas others require some assembly. Most of the ones which we have discussed above are simple to put together, which makes your life a lot easier. If you are planning on building your own bike from scratch, you need to remember that this is a more complex choice, and it can be tricky to know which parts to choose.
- Individual Components
When choosing a BMX, you really need to get down to the finer details to help make your mind up. For example, what sort of brakes are included? Some bikes come with both front and back brakes, some with just back brakes, and others with no brakes at all. How about the pegs? These are the steel tubes which stretch from the end of each wheel axel. In freestyle riding, these are used for grinding on obstacles, but there is no need for them at all in dirt jumping or racing.
- Weight
Again, the weight of the bike is a factor which can be influenced by what sort of riding you want to do. Heavier bikes tend to be better for beginners as they have increased sturdiness and stability. However, more experienced riders can get plenty of control over lightweight bikes.
Benefits of BMX Bikes
There are plenty of direct benefits to riding a BMX bike, so let’s look in more detail at some of the reasons why you should consider getting one yourself.
- Get into a Challenging and Innovative Sport
If you have never tried BMXing before, it is a sport which throws up more than its fair share of challenges – no matter what type of riding you want to do. But for many people, it is these challenges which make it so appealing. Not to mention it is also a sport which gets the adrenaline pumping and provides you with plenty of thrills. It is very different from your average team sport. Essentially, you have a great deal of freedom to learn a wide range of manoeuvres and tricks. This lack of structure gives you the chance to be as creative as you like in creating your own movements, which you can then share with others.
- Different Riding Options
There are plenty of individual disciplines involved in BMXing. You can partake in them all or simply choose your favorite. For example, there is street riding, which involves tackling obstacles in built-up metropolitan areas. You can also face natural objects on downhill courses and dirt jumps. Otherwise, you may prefer to ride around a specially designed BMX custom built park – the choice is entirely up to you.
- Health and Physical Benefits
The next type of benefits to talk about are the health and physical benefits that you naturally get from a sport such as this one. Obviously, it gets your heart pumping, but the action of pedalling also helps to get your leg muscles working, burn calories and keep your weight down. When you lift up the handlebars to perform tricks, this can help to build your muscles such as your biceps and triceps.
- Join a Worldwide Community
The sport of BMXing appeals to a vast array of people from all sorts of different backgrounds. In fact, it is a sport which is popular worldwide, unlike other activities which have only gained popularity in a single part of the world. And since the sport is not limited in terms of the terrain, you will be able to find somewhere to ride no matter where you live. The advancement of the internet has also helped to bring enthusiasts together.
Different Types of BMX Bikes
The types of BMX bike which you can choose between vary largely based on the area of the sport that you would like to get into the most. So, let’s give you a little more information about some of your main options.
- Park and Freestyling BMX
If you want a BMX to do jumps and tricks with, you will need the kind of bike which is going to be able to withstand this. You will be putting your bike frame through a lot of stress, so it should be made of a tougher material such as steel. As for the wheels, they should have at least 36 spokes for increased strength. The tires of BMX freestyle bikes are thicker and smoother to offer increased speed on wooden ramps and pavement. Also, you will have more shock absorption too. Pegs are required on the wheel hubs to perform tricks. Often, this type of bike comes with brakes at the front and back for increased control. A rotating hub helps to keep the cables from getting tangled up with one another.
- Dirt Jumping Bikes
As you would expect from the name, dirt jumping takes place on dirt tracks. You usually have a series of jumps or a single big-air jump. It is quite similar to freestyle riding, but the surface that you are riding on means that the bike needs to be slightly different in its design. The frame is very similar, but it is the components which vary more significantly. The tires are knobbier to give better grip when you are taking off and landing. The gearing is usually different too. But some riders will simply buy a different wheelset and tires when they would like to do dirt jumping.
- BMX Racing Bikes
If you have a need for speed, you will want a bike which is lightweight enough to give it to you! BMX race bikes are usually made from a material like aluminum or chromoly. As for the frame, it is designed to put the rider in a more upright and taller position. As well as giving you more control, it also puts you in a position to pedal faster. The tires have less knobby tread as you need smoothness for increased speed. The crank arms are longer to offer more pedal power. And braking is done on the right hand, and it is much stronger and more responsive than other options we have discussed. Bear in mind that this type of bike is not built for freestyling and street riding.
- Flatland BMX
Flatland riding is when you stay on a small, flat area, performing tricks as the bike moves along. This could involve everything from walking along the frame to standing on the handlebars backwards! Obviously, this is not for everyone. But if you are going to take part in this type of riding, you need a frame which is flatter and more compact. Front and rear U-brakes are common, though some more experienced riders don’t use brakes at all. The tires are smooth and low-profile. The crankarms are usually shorter to ensure that they don’t get in the way.
- Kids/Balance Bikes
If your child is just learning to ride their bike for the first time, you want a bike which is suitable for this purpose. BMX bikes for kids often have a lot of the same featured, but in a size, which is more scaled down. You need to choose the correct size by measuring the standover height of your child, which is how tall the bike is in relation to your kid when they are standing up. The frame should be lighter and the handlebars smaller. Often, the style is ‘cooler’ than adult bikes. If your kid is a complete beginner, you will probably be looking for a bike which has even more safety features like stabilizer wheels.
BMX Bikes: Safety Precautions Matter
As you would expect with any extreme sport like BMXing, it comes with its fair share of dangers. But you don’t have to let this put you off learning. The first precaution that you should take is wearing protective gear. A helmet is the most important (a full-face covering is important if you are going to be doing jumps and tricks), but you should also consider wearing knee, elbow, and shin guards. Ideally, as much of your skin as possible should be covered, so you should wear long-sleeved trousers, a long-sleeved top, socks which cover up your ankles, and gloves. The cost of this equipment should all be taken into account as you can’t put a price on your safety.
You also need to ensure that your bike remains in good condition. Your frame should be solid rather than cracked and broken. The brakes need to be in good working order and the tires should be properly inflated. The chain and bearings need to be properly greased. And the pedals should have an effective grip. And you should be checking your bike every time you are about to embark on a ride to ensure that it is safe to ride.
Best BMX Bike FAQ:
The best brands of BMX bike depend on what you are looking for, but there are some big players in the industry. Mongoose is a well-known brand which has been around since the 1970s. They are known for creating great products for beginners at affordable prices. Ultimately, it is worth looking at the brand credentials and previous customer reviews to get a fuller picture of the brand that you are investing in.
While affordable is good, you don’t want anything that is so cheap that it is going to compromise the quality of the bike. Most of the bikes that we have discussed above run between $100 to $200, which is a reasonable amount to spend. Be wary of anything under the $50 mark. Of course, if you are buying an adult bike, you can expect these prices to multiply by into several hundreds of dollars. Whatever you pay, don’t expect that the bike is going to last forever. The more you use it, the more that general wear and tear is going to become a problem.
Maintaining your BMX bike regularly is the best way of ensuring that it has a long life. Your first important step is to check the tire pressure. Remember, you can overfill as well as underfill tires. Either way is not good. You should make a habit of checking the tire pressures on a weekly basis. The next thing to do is keep the bearings and chain greased to avoid any malfunctions. When you are riding over rough surfaces, it is highly likely that the bars are going to become loose. You should use a wrench to keep these properly tightened. And there are also some tasks which are best undertaken by professionals like keeping your tires trued, so take it in for maintenance from time to time.
Choosing the right size of BMX is important in ensuring that you have a good and safe riding experience. All manufacturers should provide a proper sizing chart. You need to measure your height accurately and check the manufacturer’s measurements too. For kids’ bikes, manufacturers often give an age guideline, but kids obviously vary in size, so use height at the most accurate measurement to go by.
Our Top Pick
This stylish bike is designed for beginner riders. The Mongoose brand is well-known for using high-quality components coupled with exceptional craftmanship. It is the kind of bike which deals with a whole host of different surfaces that you choose to ride on. And for all its positive features, you are also paying a price which is not too expensive. We have chosen it as our top pick of the best BMX bikes.
Sources:
- A Rad Life in the World of BMX – HuffPost
- The Joy of Biking Outdoors – WebMD
