Select the Best BMX Bikes for Kids

Bicycle MotoCross or BMX are sports bikes that trace back to the 70s of California. In the 1980s, riding them became famous. It is even believed to be the best bike for mountain climbing.

However, riding BMX bikes is more about a culture and a lifestyle than sports. Note that cycling on these bikes has become a part of the Olympics.

A BMX bike is smaller in appearance and geometry. It is an off-road sports bicycle. People mostly use it for doing stunts or tricks and racing. So, they are fun to ride, virtually indestructible, and robust. Two kinds of BMX bikes are available: Custom and Production bikes.

Keep reading on how to select the best BMX bike.

Types of BMX bikes for kids

Here are the two types of BMX bikes.

Production BMX

Sellers display these bikes as a complete package of several things. You get handlebars, saddle, chainset, seat post, wheels, grips, frame, chains, etc. So, the company that produces them sells these BMK bikes as a gestalt.

However, the production of these BMX bikes guarantees value for your money. They are used and bought without any interference. Further, you can change the length of the crank and stem and even the saddle portion.

Custom-built BMX bikes

These kinds of bikes are flexible. One needs to source components from either multiple or one manufacturer to build a custom BMX. So, you can choose a handlebar, chainset, or brakes as per your kids’ preference.

Depending on the material chosen, the costs of framesets differ. Steel reduces the cost of frames and keeps them lightweight. When you buy a frameset, you also need a fork budget. BMX frames do not come with forks. In other words, to build a personalized BMX bike for kids, you must have a reasonable budget.

What are the things you can look for?

Frame materials

If you’re looking for freestyle BMX bikes for entry-level races, look for the frame material. Chromoly 4130 is a steel configuration that goes well in this case. This steel alloy has fantastic strength, which isn’t available in cheap stores. In addition, one can make it thinner in the middle. So, it saves weight by reinforcing the joints.

Since steel is less prone to failure and is fatigue resistant, it is preferred. So, it’s essential to consider the frame material before making a purchase. In addition, your bike will undergo a lot of beating because of participation in races.

Further, steel frames are easy to repair as they impart a modicum of compliance. Finally, these frames add comfort and make it easier for the rider.

Rims

The rim width of freestyle bikes is 33 mm. It is standard. But you may go for a rim of 36 mm if the former is resulting in some hard landings. Rims can be double-walled, single-walled, and fabricated through aluminum. Most of the entry-level racers prefer double-walled rims. It gives a perfect blend of strength and weight.

Pedals

There’s a wide-based plastic pedal present in all freestyle BMX bike types. They reduce weight and are inexpensive. However, there’s another advantage of such pedals. In case of a shin blow, plastic is safer and causes lesser damage than metal.

The required size is 9/16 inches for three or two-piece crankshafts. On single-piece crankshafts, the size needed is half inches. As a BMX bike rider, you need to know which size of pedals will be good for you. Generally, racers prefer clip-in pedals to create maximum power.

Handlebars and levers

When it comes to BMX race bikes, handlebars for freestyle rise are steeper. It increases your maneuverability. Usually, aluminum or Chromoly are used to make handlebars.

Since steel is heavy, it dampens vibrations and shocks apart from lasting for a long time. Aluminum is subject to fatigue even though it’s lighter. The 24-inch BMX handlebars may dramatically less rise and not have a crossbar. It is because the bigger wheels and larger frames add up to form a huge stack.

Whether flatland bars are pointed forwards or backward, they have the same feel and a minimal sweep. Another feature is a low crossbar. So, when performing tricks, a rider can easily swing his legs.

Tires

BMX tires are wider and chunkier. They should handle battering just as mountain bikes do. However, unlike mountain riders, BMX cyclists do not go much off-road. For these bikers, dirt tracks are hard surfaces not fouled with holes and rocks. If the ground is leveled and clean, flatland tires are perfect for executing tricks. So, the wide grip improves the rider’s balance.

Other features to focus on

Here are more factors and bike parts to consider.

Wheel size

The wheel size always plays a vital role in your bike. So, ensure that you check it before buying. The standard size for BMX bikes is 20 inches. But there are 12 to 18 inches of wheel sizes available for BMX bikes. So, depending on the size of your kids, pick a BMX of the suitable wheel size.

Sprocket or chainring

A chainring or sprocket holds the chain between the pedals and the crankset. It can have either 23 teeth or thirty-six teeth, depending on the gearing setup. The number of teeth on different chainrings is varied. So, before picking a BMX bike for your child, you must always consider it.

Build and length of the crankset

Cranksets are made of different builds and materials. They also come in varying lengths. Since these tubes connect the sprocket with the pedal, these factors are essential. Always check the length and build before making a purchase.

Commonly asked questions

Take a look at the most asked BMX bikes queries.

What age is best to ride BMX bikes?

Kids of five years and above can easily ride BMX bikes. However, learning is a gradual process. But once they start, they will love doing the tricks this bike offers!

If your kid is of five to eight years, 16-inch BMX bikes are the best. Consider several factors before deciding if these bikes are right for your kid. The top-tube length and the height of your kid also matters.

Are BMX bikes good for covering long distances?

You should remember that BMX bikes are for track performance or short racing. Even though there are seats, such bikes are never too comfortable. For long distances, pedal bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes are preferred and recommended.

Further, the frame geometry of BMX bikes is such that it does not permit you to take them very far. Yet, for streets with barriers, these bikes are suitable.

Why are the seats of BMX bikes lower?

BMX seats or saddles are set lower. It is done to allow the legs of the cyclist to have sufficient room. This feature reduces the impact when one lands with force. In addition, since there’s enough space, the lower bodies of the riders can stay safe from injuries.