There is no better feeling than being a kid, getting your first bike, and learning how to ride it! However, when children graduate from their first bike, parents often wonder what the next step will be to help their kids improve their skills. Most of the time, the answer is BMX bikes! Such bikes are the next big upgrade for youngsters following balancing bikes, and a big reason!
A BMX bike (bicycle motocross) is a bicycle that is specifically constructed for performing jumps, tricks, and stunts. BMX bikes are less suitable for riding on roads and, depending on the riding style, typically require a specific space, such as a skate park or a pump track.
These bikes have a distinct design and are intended for extreme urban experiences. Their lightweight design provides a lot of stability and control, and they are a lot of fun to ride. With these bikes, kids and adults as well can have a fantastic time while also getting a great workout, which is essential for better blood circulation and overall wellness.
5 Best BMX Bikes
There is a wide range of BMX bikes on the market, and all those options can definitely be overwhelming when choosing one. To help you in this process, we have listed below the best BMX bikes and their properties. Stay along to learn more about each one of them!
Mongoose Legion L16 Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike for Kids
The Mongoose Legion L16 Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike for Kids is an excellent choice for your child. A robust Hi-Ten steel frame and fork give a fantastic entry-level performance, and the 40mm stem provides optimal steering performance.
In addition, this bike has an excellent stopping system that includes an aluminum U handbrake and a steel linear-pull brake, giving the rider complete control over the pace. The Mongoose Legion L16 Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike for Kids features wear-resistant wheels that are mounted on a single aluminum wall, and the aluminum rims absorb the high pressures and shocks.
The Mongoose Legion L16 is available in various appealing colors, with a design and functions tailored exclusively for children’s use. With efficient brakes and wide tires, the bike is sturdy and provides a safe and balanced ride. It is robust, simple to assemble, lightweight, and affordable, making it one of the best freestyle BMX bikes for kids.
Key features
- Hi-Ten steel handlebar and fork
- Rigid suspension type
- Aluminum frame
- 16-inch wheels
- 25T alloy chainring bottom bracket
Pros
- Effective braking system
- Easy to assemble
- Wide wheels
- Very balanced
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some users find the BMX a bit low.
Schwinn Sting Pro and Predator Team BMX Bike for Kids
The Schwinn Sting Pro and Predator Team BMX Bike for Kids is an excellent choice for your child who wants to have fun while driving around the neighborhood. This BMX bike has aluminum alloy rims, three gum wall tires, rattrap pedals, and caliper brakes. In addition, it is 30 inches long and weighs 30 pounds.
It features the classic BMX handlebar with a period-correct laid-back seat post and sting top tube pad for a very comfortable ride. Moreover, the aluminum rims add lightweight strength, and the tubular crankset adds strength and stiffness for faster acceleration. Single-speed drivetrain and rear caliper brake provide easy, low-maintenance riding.
This bike features bars, a fork, and a frame made out of Hi-Ten steel, making Schwinn Sting Pro and Predator Team BMX one of the best BMX bikes for beginners. When it comes to design, this bike includes decals, high-quality paint, and other features, giving this bike a fantastic vintage look.
Key features
- For riders 4’8” to 5’4” in height
- Period-correct laid-back seat
- Classic BMX handlebar
- Lightweight aluminum rims
- Single speed drivetrain and rear caliper brake
- Tubular crankset
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Aluminum alloy rims
Cons
- Some users find it hard to put it together.
Realtree 20″ Bike
If you are looking for a stylish, lightweight, and durable bike for your kids, the Realtree 20” Bike is the ideal choice. The Realtree 20” bike is sturdy enough to handle rugged terrain and the wear and tear of a day spent outdoors, thanks to its durable Hi-Tensile steel frame. The front suspension dampens the bounce of bumpy terrain, while the linear-pull brakes provide superb stopping force. Never fear, as the caliper brakes offer the most powerful stopping power.
Moreover, the Realtree 20” bike is a trendy way for your child to get around. Decked out in Realtree’s unique camouflage-dipped paint finish, it gives the bike a stylish design, making it very attractive. Finally, the BMX-style steel frame is lightweight and adaptable! The front and rear pegs are an exciting feature and a BMX bike mainstay!
Key features
- Hi-Tensile steel frame
- Front and rear pegs
- Front hand brake and rear V brake
- Camouflage paint finish
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Durable
Cons
- Some people find it hard to assemble.
Kent 20 In. Ambush
The Kent International Ambush BMX bike provides an extremely smooth, sleek ride that will keep kids thrilled for hours of athletic fun. As one of the best BMX bikes, this fantastic kids’ bike from Kent International features front and rear hand brakes for ease and safety.
In addition, the Kent International Ambush BMX bike features a four-bolt alloy stem, alloy rims, and front pegs, providing your kids with a safe and comfortable ride in different terrains. This BMX bike is strong and features a durable steel frame while still remaining relatively light.
When it comes to wheels, the kent international ambush BMX comes with 20-inch wheels offering balance throughout the entire ride. Since this bike has such wide wheels, adults can also easily ride it. Finally, the Kent International Ambush BMX bike has a contemporary design making it very attractive for anyone riding it.
Key features
- Tig-welded BMX frame
- Single-speed
- Steel BMX handlebars
- Front and rear caliper brakes
- Alloy rims
- Padded BMX saddle
- Kickstand Included
- Front peg set
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- Features front pegs
- Stylish design
Cons
- Some people find it a bit heavy.
Kent 18 In. Abyss
Kent 18 In. Abyss is a beautifully-designed BMX bike at an affordable price. This 18 In boy’s abyss charcoal gray bike has all of the same features as the adult model but is designed for younger children who aren’t quite ready for full-size. It features a sleek design and is an excellent in-between model for the aspiring freestyler.
The Kent 18-In. Abyss has a steel frame for extra durability, and it features replaceable training wheels for a smooth transition. This kid’s BMX bike features a saddle seat with a good pad and hand brakes for safe stopping. In addition, this 18-In BMX bike features a modern and vibrant design that is very eye-grabbing, and your kids will admire it.
Key features
- Steel frame
- Steel front caliper rims
- 4-bolt stem
- Steel handlebars
- Rear foot brake
- Front pegs
- Single-speed
- Dual alloy hand brakes
- Plastic pedals
- Quick-release seat post clamp
- Removable training wheels
- Quick-release seat post clamp
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Padded saddle
Cons
- Some users claim that the bike fork bents easily.
How to Find the Best BMX Bikes
When shopping for a BMX bike, there are certain specifications you should consider. From picking the right size and suiting your riding style to deciding whether you want to buy a complete BMX or go custom—all these elements will greatly impact your overall experience with a BMX.
Pick the right BMX size for you
Picking the right size for you is essential when buying a BMX. The correct size for you is determined by your reach and height, as BMX bikes typically have one frame size that varies in length. The recommended BMX wheel size for those standing 110 to 122 cm tall is 16 inches. This recommendation is appropriate for children aged five to seven.
A wheel size of 18 inches is appropriate for children aged seven to eleven, measuring 122 cm to 147 cm in height. Moreover, people with heights ranging from 147 cm to 193 cm can ride 20-inch BMX bikes.
There is also a significant variation between BMX bikes for men and those for women. Women’s bikes typically have shorter stacks than men’s since women usually have shorter torsos and reach.
When selecting a BMX bike frame size, it is critical to prioritize comfort. Make sure you can stand above the frame with at least a 2 cm gap between the top tube and your body.
Pick the suitable BMX for your riding style
When choosing a BMX bike, it is critical to determine what type of riding you intend to do with the bike because this will lead you to different dimensions, geometries, components, and materials.
There are numerous things you may do with your bike, but most of the time, you will utilize it for racing or freestyling, such as performing tricks in skateparks, on the street, on dirt jumps, or on a flatland.
It’s not that you won’t be able to ride in a park if you have a racing bike or on a track if you have a freestyle bike, but there are differences between these two types of bikes that, while they may appear minor, can make a significant difference in the riding experience. Therefore, make sure to pick a suitable BMX bike for your riding style.
Decide if you want a complete BMX or go custom
When purchasing a BMX bike, you have two options: design a custom bike from the start and select each individual item or buy a complete bike off the floor and ride it out of the showroom. While purchasing a complete BMX is cheaper, a custom one has been customized to the rider, with parts that are chosen particularly to suit their body type and riding style. You can use our guide on how to build your own BMX bike to do it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from a regular bike to a BMX is definitely fun, but it can be overwhelming at the same time since it can be challenging to find the ideal one considering there are so many options available. However, make sure you take your time, consider your options carefully, and end up with a BMX bike that completely fits your needs and you enjoy riding.
