Whether it's racing, street cruising, or dirt jumping, BMX bikes encompass a wide range of riding styles. BMX bikes started back in the ’70s with dirt racing and have grown and spread to many new variations today. Although most forms of BMX bikes look similar, small tweaks in components, frame sizes, and wheel sizes allow BMX to have a surprisingly wide range of capabilities and riding forms.
What is a BMX Bike?
No matter the discipline of riding, all BMX bikes are generally small, lightweight, and fast. Most BMX bikes have 20” tires, however, they can be as small as 18” and as big as 26”. Most BMX bikes use a single-speed drivetrain and have smaller-sized cogs so you can do tricks and grind without hitting your cogs.
What are BMX bikes used for?
The three main variations of BMX bikes are racing, freestyle, and dirt jumping. Racing bikes are lightweight and have knobby dirt tires. Freestyle bikes encompass vert, park, street, and flatland riding. These bikes are sturdier, may have a steel frame, and usually have minimal tread for traction on the street. Dirt jump bikes have knobby tires for traction in the dirt, may have a steel frame, more progressive frame geometry, and might have a suspension fork to soften the blows.
What is the difference between a BMX bike and a regular bike?
BMX bikes have smaller tires and frames, don't use gears or derailleurs, don't have suspension, and most of the time only have a rear brake. They are specifically designed for doing tricks, jumps, and wheelies. With their smaller size, you'll be able to whip them around much easier compared to a larger bike like a mountain bike or road bike.
What is special about a BMX bike?
BMX bikes are special because of the diversity of riding styles they encompass. Whether you are just cruising around town, doing tricks at the skatepark, on the street, or at the dirt jumps, it could be on a BMX bike. Some styles of BMX riding use two brakes, while some only use a rear brake or even none. Higher-end BMX bikes may be made out of steel to better deal with high-stress riding.
What brands make the best BMX bikes?
Brands like Redline, Diamondback, Haro, Fit Bike co., and Eastern are some of the bigger names in the BMX industry. Check out our selection of Redline here.
