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Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing Complete BMX Bikes
Selecting a complete BMX bike involves thorough evaluation of various elements to guarantee it aligns with the rider’s requirements and preferences. Here’s our all-inclusive guide to purchasing complete freestyle BMX bikes.
Choosing a complete BMX bike that fits your needs doesn’t need to be challenging. By reviewing the individual product details and using the size charts provided for each bike in our range, you can make an informed decision. The following sections provide more detailed information to help guide you in making the best choice.
Overview
Is a Complete BMX Bike a Worthy Investment?
Newcomers to BMX cycling? We suggest purchasing a complete bike instead of piecing one together. A decent complete bike provides a better return on your investment, and you can always modify bike components later if needed.
For seasoned cyclists with specific tastes, examining some of the more premium complete BMX bikes from our collection is advisable. If you can identify a complete bike with specifications that meet your needs, you will receive exceptional value for your money.
In conclusion, complete BMX bikes are certainly worth the investment if you dedicate time to selecting one that meets your specifications.
We offer a selection of top-notch complete freestyle BMX bikes. Options range from cost-effective, beginner-friendly configurations to elite bikes composed of high-quality aftermarket components. Explore our offerings:
BMX Bike Sizing – Which BMX Bike Size Should I Opt For?
1. Top tube length 2. Wheel diameter
Selecting the proper size BMX involves finding the ideal fit based on your height, style of riding, and personal preferences.
The typical wheel diameter for all freestyle BMX styles is 20 inches, even for adult-sized bikes. However, you will also find freestyle bikes with 22 and 24-inch wheels available.
The smaller wheels contribute to the agility and trick adaptability of freestyle BMX bikes. Children or those of smaller stature interested in tricks may require even smaller wheels. Sizes for children’s BMX bikes range from 12 to 18 inches depending on their age and height.
Individuals who are particularly tall or are seeking a bike for casual rides with occasional trick attempts might consider a 22 or 24-inch freestyle BMX. Still, these bikes are less nimble and enjoyable for executing technical tricks in parks or on the streets due to their larger wheels.
Additionally crucial for BMX sizing is the top tube length, typically ranging between 19.5 to 21 inches for freestyle BMX bikes. Taller individuals may find a longer top tube more comfortable.
Refer to the BMX size chart below for general recommendations on selecting the correct BMX size:
| Rider Age | Rider Height (cm & inches) | Wheel Size (inches) | Top Tube Length (inches) |
| 3-5 years |
95 - 112 cm / 37 - 44" |
12” | 12” |
| 5-7 years |
112 - 126 cm / 44 - 49" |
14” |
13” |
| 7-9 years |
126 - 138 cm / 49 - 54" |
16” | 15” |
| 9-11 years |
138 - 149 cm / 54 - 58" |
18” | 17” |
| 10-12 years |
145 - 160 cm / 57 - 63" |
20” | 19.5 - 20.25" |
| 11-13 years |
150 - 168 cm / 59 - 66" |
20” | 20 - 20.5" |
| 13-15 years |
160 - 175 cm / 63 - 69" |
20” | 20.25 - 20.75" |
| 15-17 years |
175 - 183 cm / 69 - 73" |
20” | 20.75 - 21" |
| over 183 cm / 73" tall |
183 cm + / 73” + |
20” | 21" + |
Note: This chart serves as a general reference. BMX size is heavily influenced by riding style. As an example, an adult involved solely in flatland BMX might favour a top tube that’s up to two inches shorter than the recommendations above.
Freestyle BMX Styles – What Type of Freestyle Bike Fits My Riding Style?
Freestyle BMX has different disciplines such as park, street, and flatland BMX. In this section, we’ll explore some of the important specifications relevant to different riding styles. It’s prudent to consider your preferred riding style when choosing a complete BMX.
If you are new to BMX, opting for a versatile BMX is a good idea, as it helps you to develop fundamental skills and identify your preferences along the way.
BMX Street Bikes
Street BMX is known for its technical nature, involving rail and ledge grinds, stair jumps, and a variety of street tricks. Much like other street sports, street BMX encourages creative interaction with urban structures.
- Short Chainstay/Wheelbase: Street BMX bikes often feature shorter chainstays, enhancing manoeuvrability and responsiveness.
- Taller Seat Tube: Slightly higher seat tubes favoured by street riders make it easier to position the saddle between the legs during tricks.
If you find the allure of technical street BMX captivating, aim for a setup that is snappy, reactive, and highly manoeuvrable.
BMX Park Bikes
Practised in skateparks, park BMX involves performing freestyle tricks on specifically designed obstacles. Skateparks allow the practice of air tricks and riding sections that emulate street obstacles. Park BMX offers versatility, enabling you to mix different riding styles.
- Long Chainstay/Wheelbase: Park riders often choose a longer rear end or chainstay for enhancing stability on large ramps at high speeds, leading to a longer wheelbase.
- Lower Frame: Shorter seat tubes enable riders to hover over the frame during tail whips and air tricks.
If you're into park riding and executing larger air tricks and transitions, a more stable setup with a longer wheelbase and minimized standover height will be preferable.
Flatland BMX Bikes
Flatland BMX necessitates nothing more than a flat area like a car park or town square. An ideal flatland BMX bike’s geometry should encourage spins and tricks at low speeds. It needs to be light, easily balanced, and very responsive.
- Compact and Low Frames: Smaller frames promote agility and effortless handling. Shorter top tubes and chainstays yield a fast and reactive setup. A shorter seat tube avoids interference with trick execution.
- Pegs on All Wheels: Most flatland setups feature pegs on all four wheels, offering limitless trick possibilities.
- Zero-Offset Fork: Facilitates direct pressure transfer from handlebars to the front wheel, aiding balance.
- Gyro Brakes: Prevent cable entanglement during tricks.
1. Chainstay 2. Seat Tube 3. Wheelbase 4. Wheel Offset
Look for these features if you plan to specialise in flatland. For street riders interested in flatland tricks, consider smaller offset forks or adding extra pegs.
Key Specifications to Consider When Buying a Complete BMX
Opting for a complete BMX bike that can be upgraded with high-quality aftermarket parts is recommended. Here are some specifications to focus on:
- Bottom Bracket and Cranks: Bikes equipped with American bottom brackets and one-piece cranks are less robust, positioned at the lower spectrum of quality. Choosing a bike with MID bottom brackets will facilitate a stronger upgrade to your crankset.
- Integrated vs. Non-Integrated Headsets: Integrated headsets with sealed bearing cartridges are more durable and allow better upgrade potential compared to non-integrated headsets containing open ball bearings.
- Driver Hub vs. Single-Speed Freewheel Hub: Driver hubs excel in durability and maintenance ease over freewheel hubs. As most aftermarket freestyle sprockets offer optimal gearing ratios for 9T rear sprockets, a 9T driver hub enhances your prospects for future upgrades.
These specifications are worthwhile considerations when comparing BMX bikes. A durable freestyle BMX is crucial for tricks, and planning for upgrades is advantageous.
If you're upgrading your bike and need guidance on assembling the parts, see our guide:
