BMX Bike Types

BMX Bike Types Explained

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BMX bikes are designed for tricks and stunts and are used in racing and freestyle competitions. Riders need a lightweight and agile bike with a strong frame that can withstand the demands of jumps and tricks.

A BMX bike can be an excellent choice for someone looking for a versatile and fun mode of transportation. Many different types of BMX bikes are available, and it can be confusing to decide which one is right for you.

My guide will explain the different types of BMX bikes and their benefits. I will also provide tips on choosing the right BMX bike for your needs. So if you’re thinking about getting a BMX bike, read on!

What Is a BMX Bike?

bmx bicycle

BMX bikes are designed for off-road riding, and they’re built with durability in mind. They’re equipped with knobby tires that provide good traction on unpaved surfaces. BMX bikes are also equipped with brakes that can handle the demands of off-road riding.

Because they’re designed for tough conditions, BMX bikes can be a great choice for anyone who wants to explore trails and back roads.

They’re also popular with people who enjoy doing tricks and stunts. Whether you’re looking to ride on dirt trails or concrete skate parks, a BMX bike can be a great option.

Where Did BMX Come from?

BMX began in the early 1970s when a group of kids in Southern California decided to race bikes like the motocross riders they saw on TV. They started building tracks in vacant lots and holding races. The sport quickly caught on, and before long, BMX racing was being featured on national television.

In the 1980s, BMX expanded into freestyle riding, with riders performing tricks on their bikes in skateparks and empty pools. Today, BMX is actually one of the most popular extreme sports across the globe, with riders competing in events around the globe. As the sport continues to evolve, there’s no telling where it will go next.

Types of BMX Bikes

You guessed it; there are actually different kinds for different skill levels and purposes. Let’s break them down.

Freestyle

Freestyle BMX bikes are designed to accommodate various riding styles, including street courses to halfpipes reminiscent of skateparks. They are less focused on speed than racing bikes, which may be seen in various ways.

Because the name “freestyle” refers to a wide variety of riding ways, I’ll briefly discuss some of these styles before describing the bikes’ characteristics.

Freestyle BMX bikes are designed for riders who enjoy performing tricks and stunts. The bikes typically have a smaller frame and lower seats than other BMX bikes, making them easier to maneuver.

The handlebars are also slightly bent to allow for better control when performing tricks. In addition, freestyle BMX bikes often have front and rear pegs, providing a place to rest your feet when performing tricks.

At its most fundamental level, freestyle riding refers to any form of BMX riding that prioritizes tricks and airs over racing or jumping obstacles as part of a predetermined route.

freestyle bmx bike

 

Jump

A dirt jump BMX bike is a specially designed bicycle for BMX racing. Dirt jump bikes have certain features that make them ideal for racing on dirt tracks. For example, they have a higher ground clearance to prevent the pedals from hitting the ground. They usually have only one gear to keep the weight down.

The dirt jump BMX bike tires are wider than those on a standard BMX bike, which helps to provide traction when racing on loose dirt. Dirt jump BMX bikes are also typically fitted with stronger brakes to help the rider slow down or stop quickly during a race.

jump bmx bike

Racing

A racing BMX bike is designed for racing on a BMX track. BMX tracks are typically made of dirt and include several features such as jumps, berms, and whoops.

Racing BMX bikes must be strong and durable to withstand the rigors of the track. Still, they also need to be lightweight and agile to facilitate quick acceleration and tight turns.

The most important feature of a racing BMX bike is the frame. Racing frames are typically made from Chromoly steel or aluminum and feature a geometry optimized for stability and cornering speed.

Other important features of racing BMX bikes include oversized handlebars, powerful brakes, and knobby tires. Racing BMX bikes are used exclusively for racing and are unsuitable for street or park riding.

A BMX bike built for racing always has wheels with a diameter of 20 inches. The crank is longer for increased pedal efficiency and power, the seat is smaller for more maneuverability, and the rear hand brake is very powerful and allows a significant amount of control over the brakes, both of which are required in competitive circumstances.

racing mbx bike

Vert

Most of the time, Vert BMX bikes are just ordinary freestyle bikes with a few minor adjustments or changes made to suit the rider’s preferences. They often have extremely good strength and tires that are quite smooth.

A Vert BMX bike is a bicycle designed for riding on Vert ramps. The main features of a Vert BMX bike are a shorter wheelbase, a lower center of gravity, and steeper angles. These features make the bike more stable and easier to control when riding on vert ramps.

A shorter wheelbase also makes the bike more maneuverable, allowing riders to perform tricks more easily. Vert BMX bikes are typically used for BMX racing, freestyle BMX, and Dirt Jumping. But they can also be used for other types, such as street and park riding.

vert bmx bike

Street

A street BMX bike is designed to perform tricks and stunts. The most important feature of a street BMX bike is its strength and durability. Street BMX bikes are built to withstand the constant impact of jumps, landings, and occasional falls.

They also have thick tires with plenty of grips to help keep riders stable while performing tricks. In addition, street BMX bikes usually have shorter wheelbases than other BMX bikes, which makes them more maneuverable.

This is important for doing tricks like the 180s and 360s. Street BMX biking is about performing creative and stylish tricks in an urban environment. Riders often use stairs, handrails, and ledges as obstacles to perform flips, spins, and other stunts.

The pavement will make up the majority of the surface. These bikes will have tires with smoother treads for increased speed and traction. Because it requires more strength to deal with all of the impacts, the frame will be a bit heavier. In most cases, the bicycle will also come equipped with brakes at the front and the back.

street bmx bike

Park

A park BMX bike is a type of bicycle designed for riding in skate parks. Park BMX bikes typically have shorter wheelbases than others, making them more maneuverable. They also often have smaller wheels and higher handlebars, making them easier to perform tricks.

Park BMX bikes are used for riding on concrete and asphalt surfaces and doing tricks on ramps and other features in skate parks.

The fact that the park can have both wooden and cement features indicates that the bike will be set up in the same manner as a street freestyle BMX bike. This means that the tires will be smooth, the frame will be sturdy, there will be two sets of brakes, and the cassette and crank will be smaller.

Freestyle bikes are usually always heavier than race bikes and have a significantly larger amount of strength. This is because freestyle bikes are designed to handle more abuse.

The handlebars’ construction is a little different, and it is typical for them to have a complete brake system. Pegs are another element typically found on bikes like these.

park bmx bike

Flatland

A flatland BMX bike is a specially designed bicycle that performs tricks and stunts on level ground. Unlike other BMX bikes, which are designed for racing or off-road riding, flatland BMX bikes have a shorter wheelbase and lower center of gravity, making them more maneuverable.

They also typically have smaller wheels and higher handlebars, which make them easier to control when performing tricks. In addition, flatland BMX bikes often have brakeless hubs, which allow the rider to perform more technical tricks. While flatland BMX bikes can be ridden on any terrain, they are most commonly seen in skateparks and street settings.

For lack of a better phrase, flatland BMX can be considered dancing performed on a bicycle. While the rider remains stationary in one location on a paved surface, the bike will be moved around and manipulated in several different ways.

Combining all these features results in a bicycle that is excellent at performing various on-ground tricks but is only really suitable for a little else, not even riding for recreation.

flatland bmx bike

Comparison Table for Types of BMX Bikes

Type Best for
Freestyle Versatile
Jumping/Dirt Dirt track jumps
Vert Double-sided ramps
Park Courses
Flatland Flat roads
Racing Dirt track sprints
Street Urban areas, commuting

BMX Bikes Sizes

It’s really important to choose not only the right type but also the right size for you. If the bike is too large or too small, it just won’t work for you.

Mini

The Mini BMX bike is a 10-inch version of a regular BMX. It has a low standover height, 155mm cranks, and 20 x 1 1/8″ tires.

Junior

A junior bike sports a rager frame than the mini, 20 x 1 3/8″ tires, and 165mm cranks. Mostly suitable for children between the ages of 6 to 9,

Expert

This bike size is suited for children between the ages of 9 to 13, with longer top tubes. They have 20 x 1.5-1.75″ tires and 170mm cranks.

Pro

Pro BMX bikes have a full-sized frame and are suited for everyone older than 13 years. They have 20 x 1.75-2.2″ tires and 175-180mm cranks.

beastern

How the Different Gears Work on a BMX Bike

The gearing system on a BMX bike is distinct from any other type of bike with more than one gear. Because BMX bikes almost never have more than one gear, the layout of the bike is of the utmost significance in determining how the bike is to be ridden and the rider’s preferences.

When you have taller gear, there is also an increased ratio between the number of teeth of the sprocket and the rear cog. That makes the bike harder to pedal.

With short gears, things are the opposite. These bikes are easier to pedal and require more cranks for more speed. The preference depends on what type of rider you are. Short gear ratios mean fewer teeth.

Flatland riders, for example, like short gears, while racing riders prefer taller ones.

BMX Bike Frames

Depending on the BMX bike you purchase, it can have different frames.

  • Race
  • Freestyle/Dirt Jumping
  • Flatland
  • 24” & 26”

Best Brands of BMX Bikes

We talk about a lot of different brands on our site, but I think these are some of the best if you’re looking to buy one.

Redline

redline bike

 

Redline is practically synonymous with BMX because of their significant role in popularizing and expanding the subculture.

The brand saw the light of day in 1974, and everyone with even the mildest interest in BMX knows about it.

Redline is a one-stop shop for BMX, from racing and freestyling to commuter and urban riding. Their in-house riding teams have designed, tested, and refined all the bikes they sell.

It isn’t the cheapest brand, but they aren’t the priciest, either. Their bikes are reasonably priced, though shoppers on a strict budget might do well to search elsewhere.

Diamondback

diamondback bike

Diamondback is the greatest BMX bike brand if long-term reliability is your top priority. Their bikes are well-known for their resilience and ability to survive the harsh conditions of extreme BMX.

Like Redline, Diamondback has deep roots in the BMX community. Western States Imports established the company in 1977, and since then, it has become a trusted and well-known brand in the BMX industry. The high price of many Diamondback bicycles is a major drawback of the brand.

They offer strong and durable bikes, with something in their product line for every BMX enthusiast. While their bikes are quite expensive, they offer a lifetime warranty on the frames, which is always a plus.

Elite

elite bike

Elite is a BMX company recognized for making simple bikes to put together. They have a low price and easy assembly, and they also make high-quality BMX bikes. Check out Elite if you’re in the market for a new BMX bike but don’t have much cash to invest.

In contrast to industry veterans Redline and Mongoose, the company appeared in 2016. Whether you’re a complete BMX newbie or a seasoned rider on a tight budget, you’ll love their Destro and Stealth bikes.

Elite bicycles are reasonably priced without sacrificing quality. Most of their bicycles have frames made of hi-tensile steel, which is resistant to damage even after being subjected to repeated slams, smacks, and other forms of contact.

Eastern

eastern bike

When starting out on a BMX bike, many people turn to Eastern, which has been selling bikes for the sport for over 20 years.

The North Carolina-based business has earned a name for producing quality BMX bikes at reasonable prices and in sizes suitable for novice riders. Eastern is a great option if you want to get into BMXing and are in the market for a beginner bike.

Some have complained that the low price of Eastern bicycles has compromised their longevity. Although an Eastern bike won’t break after a few hard rides, many won’t be as sturdy as more expensive ones due to the low price.

Although the Eastern brand went through some financial difficulties a few years ago, they have rebounded, and its bicycles are readily available.

Mongoose

mongoose bike

Another BMX company with deep historical ties to the scene, Mongoose was founded in the ’70s. Founded and operated by Skip Hess out of his garage, the firm has now grown to become a household name in the BMX industry.

Mongoose is a great option if you’re shopping for a BMX because they have a wide variety of bikes available in various colors and cycling styles. Their product collection includes everything from dirt jumping to freestyling bikes.

Because of their low weight, versatility, and durability, Mongoose bikes are popular in many different BMX categories. In addition, the majority of riders report that Mongoose BMX bikes are among the most comfortable they’ve ever ridden.

The construction process for a Mongoose bike might be challenging. It’s worth keeping in mind that many people have trouble assembling a Mongoose bike if it isn’t already mostly put together.

Where Can You Get BMX Bikes?

When buying a BMX bike, there are several advantages to purchasing one online. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you have a much wider range of products. Not all local bike shops will carry BMX bikes; even if they do, they may not have the model or size you’re looking for.

You can easily find the perfect BMX bike for your needs by shopping online. You can often get a better price when you buy a BMX bike online. Because online retailers don’t have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar stores, they can sell their products at a lower price.

Here are some great BMX bike retailers to check out:

FAQs

Question: What Type of BMX Bike Should I Get?

Answer: It depends on what you’re interested in. For racing, the original freestyle BMX is the best choice. A park BMX is better if you want to perform stunts in a skatepark. Consider a street BMX for commuting.

Question: What Age Is a 24-Inch BMX Bike For?

Answer: 24-inch BMX bikes are best suited for kids between ages 8 and 10. However, it’s best to check out the bike’s sizing guide to make sure it’s suitable for your child.

Question: What Does 20-in in a BMX Bike Mean?

Answer: 20-in refers to the size of the bike’s wheels. Most BMX bikes have 20-inch wheels.

Bottom Line on BMX Bikes

Believe it or not, BMX actually originated from motocross! In the early 1970s, riders began to experiment with taking their motocross bikes off-road and doing stunts and tricks with them. From there, the sport BMX gradually grew in popularity until it became the phenomenon that it is today.

Several different types of BMX bikes are available on the market today, each catering to a specific set of needs or riding styles. If you want more tips and recommendations on BMX bikes, head to our site!