San Antonio Cycling Club Travel Journal

As far as sports go, bike riding is something that is enjoyable at all ages. Whether it’s a fun jaunt around town or something more competitive, riding one’s bicycle is a great way to both blow off some steam as well as have a great time.

When you’re a kid, this can translate a lot of different ways, but none are quite as exciting as having a BMX bike. These models are designed to both be fun to ride while also having the ability to do tricks and be racing bikes as well.

Overall, if you have a BMX bike, you’re ready for almost anything. Today we’re going to be going over the basic features and benefits of having a BMX bike as well as showing you some of the best models available on the market. Whether you’re buying one for your kid or you want one for yourself, these BMX bicycles are sure to delight everyone from all ages.

Recommended 10 BMX Bikes in 2022 – Reviews

1. Redline MX24 24 Inch Wheel BMX Bicycle

As with any sport, BMX biking takes all kinds. That being said, you don’t want to get a bike that is built for hardcore riding and tricks if you’re just starting out. The reason for that is because you’ll be paying for features and benefits that you might never use, which can be a waste of money. Thus, models like this Redline MX24 are perfect for those riders who want something simple and easy to use to get them used to the idea of BMX biking. With a lightweight aluminum frame and an anti-flex seat, this bike is easy to handle and will work on most terrains, although we do have to recommend street riding over dirt biking if you want to avoid any spills. Overall, this is an excellent entry-level machine.

Pros:

• Durable 6061 aluminum frame
• Anti-flex seat for a better ride
• Soft grip handlebars
• Durable u-clamp rear brake
• Ideal for entry-level BMX riding
• Alloy 3pc cranks
• Tioga power block tires
• Weighs only twenty-two pounds
• Twenty-four-inch wheels for larger riders

Cons:

• The seat may be uncomfortable for some riders
• Not built for smaller users
• Huffy Women’s Alpine Bicycle, 26 inch

Check Latest Price

2. SE Bikes Everyday BMX Bike

Kicking off our list is the “everyday” bicycle from SE Bikes. This particular model is designed for most kinds of BMX bikers, whether you love to ride to school or race on the track. It also comes with cutouts for pegs so that you can dabble in some trick riding as well, making this a well-rounded piece of equipment. What we like about this bicycle is the fact that it comes with a durable alloy frame, micro dropouts, a tapered leg fork, and extra-wide tires to keep you steady while doing jumps and tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or a BMX veteran, you can find a lot of high-quality parts on this bike.

Pros:

• Everyday frame design with mid-bottom bracket
• Integrated seat clamp
• Durable alloy frame
• Micro dropouts
• Tapered leg forks with cutouts for pegs
• SE 3-piece tubular cranks
• Extra-wide 2.3-inch tires
• Durable u-clamp brakes for better stopping
• Soft grip handlebars
• Ideal for racing, dirt biking or jumping
• Twenty-inch wheels
• Weighs less than twenty-five pounds

Cons:

• Heavier than other models
• Some components may not be as durable as others

Check Latest Price

3. Redline Romp Freestyle BMX Bicycle

While our first Redline model was built with beginners in mind, this next one is made for those who like to take on rougher terrain. The durable high-tensile steel frame and fork are built to handle dirt and gravel roads like no one’s business, as are the Kenda small block tires. To help manage yourself on the trail, this bike also comes with linear pull brakes to give you better stopping power. Other features include an SRAM SRX7 twist shifter, a Shimano Altus drivetrain, and an Alex VP-15 wheelset. Overall, you get a lot of high-quality parts with this bicycle.

Pros:

• Durable high-tensile steel frame
• Twenty-inch wheels
• SRAM SRX 7 twist shifter
• Shimano Altus 1 x 7 drivetrain
• Dual pull brake system
• Alex VP-15 wheelset
• Kenda small block tires
• Ideal for road, dirt, and gravel
• Soft grip handlebars
• Weighs twenty-six pounds

Cons:

• Heavier than other models
• Not designed for tricks

Check Latest Price

4. Diamondback Bicycles Grind BMX Bike

Next, we have a great all-around BMX bicycle from Diamondback. While other models we’ve seen are perfect for a particular group or riding style, this particular bike is built to handle most terrains and riders with ease. It works well as a casual bike to ride around town or something for light racing, which is why it can be a fantastic model for beginners and experienced bikers alike. The only downside is that you can’t push it too far in any one direction, so it’s built more for those who dabble in a lot of different things rather than any one specialty. Standard features include a high-tensile steel frame, one-piece cranks, 990 brake mounts, and wide tires that grip the pavement with ease and precision.

Pros:

• Durable high-tensile steel frame and fork
• One-piece steel cranks
• Single-speed drivetrain
• 990 brake mounts
• Twenty-inch wheels
• Ideal for street riding
• Wide tires for better grip
• Soft grip handlebars
• Durable u-clamp brakes
• Freewheel design

Cons:

• In rare cases, the bike may arrive with parts missing or broken
• Not designed for off-roading or jumps

Check Latest Price

5. Mongoose Legion L60 Wheel Freestyle Bike

If you’re familiar with bikes at all, then you have probably heard of the Mongoose. This brand has been around since the ’60s, and it is one of the most well-known and respected names out there. This freestyle bike is perfect for a lot of different reasons, but most notably it’s because the quality of craftsmanship is second to none. This bicycle comes with a durable high-tensile steel fork and frame, a cassette rear hub for more responsiveness while riding, Chromoly cranks for better handling, and a four-bolt threadless stem. On top of all of that, it also comes with extra-thick tires that allow you to do tricks and ride on any terrain with ease. This is a fantastic all-around BMX bike.

Pros:

• Durable high-tensile steel frame and fork
• 25 x 9t gearing with cassette driver hub
• Three-piece tubular Chromoly 175 mm cranks
• Rear alloy u-clamp brakes
• Four-bolt threadless stem
• Extra-wide 2.3-inch tires for off-roading and jumps
• Lightweight unified saddle
• Twenty-inch wheels

Cons:

• Some components can be relatively flimsy
• Not built for hardcore riders or tricks

Check Latest Price

6. Framed Verdict BMX Bike

Next, we have yet another high-quality and well put together the bicycle. If you are looking for something with the best components and design, then you can’t do much better than this Framed Verdict Bike. It has a high-tensile steel frame, Velo Mushroom handlebars, and an alloy front load stem. It also comes with an incredible 9t cassette rear hub for better handling and forged steel cranks to give you that edge while riding. Finally, the Wanda King tires give you excellent traction on paved roads and dirt alike.

Pros:

• Durable high-tensile steel frame and fork
• Velo Mushroom 150mm handlebars
• Framed 2pc bars measure 8 x 28 inches
• Alloy front load stem
• Twenty-inch wheels
• Weighs twenty-five pounds
• 9t cassette 40mm rear hub
• Durable u-clamp brakes
• 1pc forged steel 175mm cranks
• Wanda King tires 2.125”

Cons:

• Unsealed bearings come loose over time
• Pegs not included
• In rare cases, the bike may arrive damaged

Check Latest Price

7. Razor Agitator BMX/Freestyle Bike

While the Fatboy bike above was also built for tricks, it may be a little too ostentatious for most riders, not to mention a bit too small for some people. So, if you’re looking for a trick bike that can handle a lot of different material, then this Razor Agitator is a great way to go. It has a lightweight aluminum frame, four axle pegs built-in, and front and rear brakes to allow you to stay in position regardless of what kind of riding (or tricks) you’re doing. One of the most notable features of this bike is the fact that it comes with a 360-degree rotating front so that you can spin the handlebars without them getting caught in the brake lines. That, coupled with soft grip bars and a thick padded seat make this one of the best trick bikes you can find.

Pros:

• Durable aluminum frame
• Trick style bike with four axle pegs
• Twenty-inch wheels
• Front and rear caliper brakes
• 360-degree rotors for handlebar spinning
• Thickly padded saddle for comfort
• Soft grip handlebars
• Textured bars for better grip
• No spokes for a sleek and elegant look
• Weighs 38 pounds

Cons:

• Maybe too small for some users
• Heavier than other models
• Tires are built for tricks and jumps, not high-speed traction

Check Latest Price

8. Fatboy Assault Mini BMX Bicycle

When you first look at this mini BMX bike, you can’t help but be in awe of the sheer audacity of the design. If you are a trick master, then this model screams in your face to ride it and make the most of its excessive features and frame. Simply put, this is the bike that could put you on the map if you know what you’re doing. First of all, like a mini BMX bike, it comes with a smaller frame that is easier to control when doing tricks. It’s not really a pleasure to ride, but that’s not the point, is it? It also comes with extra-thick Fatboy tires that allow you to make jumps and do tricks that would be impossible with other models. Finally, the color scheme of this bike is incredible and will make sure that everyone will be watching your every move. If you don’t mind a little flash, then this is a great bike to get.

Pros:

• High-tensile steel mini frame
• BMX trick pedals
• Extra-thick four-inch tires
• Soft grip handlebars
• Durable u-clamp brakes
• Weighs twenty-six pounds
• Holds up to two hundred pounds
• Ten-inch wheels
• One-piece crank system
• Black grinding pegs built in

Cons:

• Not made for standard riding, only tricks
• Not designed for taller users
• Brake line may get in the way with some tricks

9. Sapient Titan BMX Bike

For those who want something a bit simpler and easier to handle, this bike from Sapient Titan is an excellent choice. The high-tensile steel frame is actually lighter than most other models, but that is also due to the size. This particular bike is built for kids, so you will want to pay attention to the height when picking it out as it will make a difference to whoever rides it. That being said, the features and specs on this bike make it a fantastic all-around edition that works well on the streets and the trails. With thick two-inch tires, you get better traction and handling, but they are not built for heavy jumping, so keep that in mind while you ride. Also, they are 24-inch rims, so the wheels are larger than normal, giving it a bit more height advantage overall.

Pros:

• Durable high-tensile steel frame
• 14 mm dropout forks
• 8 x 22-inch riser handlebars
• Soft grip for better handling
• The durable u-clamp braking system
• Weighs only twenty pounds
• Forged 175mm 3PCS crank
• 24-inch wheels
• Thick two-inch tires for better handling

Cons:

• Peg bars not included
• Brake line can get in the way when doing tricks

10. Grenade B2 Men’s BMX Bike Grey

While the Redline above is perfect for those just starting their BMX careers, this model from Grenade is built for those who know more about what they are doing. With a high-quality Chromoly frame and high-tensile steel fork, this bike can take a beating and keep on ticking without any issues. Additionally, it comes with shrapnel fragment grips for better handling and u-clamp brakes for incredible stopping power. Other features that make this bicycle conducive for most BMX riders are the Chromoly cranks, a rear cassette hub that is highly responsive, and thick tires that work well on both pavement and dirt.

Pros:

• Durable Chromoly frame
• High-tensile steel forks
• Eight-inch riser bars
• Shrapnel fragment grips
• Twenty-inch wheels
• Durable alloy u-clamp brakes
• Chromoly cranks
• Rear cassette hub
• Thick 2.125” tires for street riding
• Weighs twenty-five pounds

Cons:

• Heavier than other models
• Seat may be uncomfortable to some users

How to Choose Best BMX Bikes

As we’ve seen, many of these bikes have a lot of different technical specifications regarding the frame and the drivetrain, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be a mechanic to know the difference between a good bicycle and an okay one. In addition to the more particular aspects of a BMX bike, here are some other, easier to understand considerations that you should pay attention to before making a final decision.

Size

Whenever picking out a bicycle, it’s imperative that you find one that fits your body perfectly. However, with BMX bikes it’s a little different because a) they’re usually built for kids and b) if you buy a model with which to do tricks then you don’t have to measure it the same way as if you are going to be riding it like a regular bicycle. Nonetheless, a good place to start is to measure how the frame stacks up to your body. When you stand over the top of the bike itself (not including the saddle), it should come about two to three inches below your crotch area.

If it is pressing up against you, then it’s much too high, and if it’s too far down, then you risk having your knees knock up to your elbows while you ride. That all being said, there are generally four size classes for BMX bikes, such as the mini, the junior, the expert, and the pro. Starting at the bottom, they are built for kids of varying ages until you reach the Pro, which is designed for older children and adults. However, some people still like to get smaller models for trick riding, so it’s important that you know what you plan to do before making your final purchase.

Material

When looking at standard road bikes, there are a few different materials from which to choose, but with BMX it’s usually steel or aluminum because these bikes are built for different purposes than a standard model. Here are the pros and cons of both materials.

Aluminum

If weight is an issue for you, then aluminum is by far the better choice as it will weigh significantly less than steel. However, it’s also not as strong, meaning that if you plan on doing jumps or stunts with your bike, then you could risk damaging it if it’s not made of steel. One other benefit of aluminum, however, is that it doesn’t rust, so you won’t have to worry about treating scratches and dings and the like.

Chromoly Steel

Usually, a BMX bike will use high-tensile steel for the frame and/or the front fork due to its cost-effectiveness and durability, but if you can find Chromoly steel, then it’s a far better choice overall. This material is lighter than high-tensile steel (called HiTen) and will usually last longer. The only downside is that it can cost a bit more, but you get a better bike in the end, so it is usually worth the added price.

Type

As we’ve already pointed out, BMX bikes come in a variety of flavors depending on the type of riding you want to do. For example, if tricks are more your thing then you want a freestyle or jumper model so that you can land more complex moves without damaging your frame or tires. While there are various subsections of BMX bicycles, they usually fall into one of three categories. Here is a breakdown of each.

Classic

This is the one that started it all, which means that it’s the best option if you want to dabble in a little bit of everything. These models are usually made of tougher and cheaper materials so that they can handle more variety, but that also means that you can’t go too far in either direction (racing or tricks). Overall, a classic BMX bike is a perfect Edition if you like to ride on dirt but also want to be able to do some tricks from time to time.

Freestyle

If dirt tracks are not necessarily your thing, then a freestyle bike is the better way to go. These models are designed for flat, paved surfaces as well as doing some more tricks than you could with a classic design. Some freestyle bikes allow you to spin the front wheel 360 degrees, and most of them come with axle pegs so that you can practice tricks right out of the gate.

Jumper

Whether you plan to get serious air on the racetrack or at the skate park, a jumper bike is built for harsh landings and heavy use, which means that it will most likely be made of high-tensile or Chromoly steel. Also, the tires are usually thicker to withstand more impact so that you don’t have to worry about going flat.

Tires

Speaking of tires, you have to pay attention to the types of treads you’re getting so that you can maximize your effectiveness out on the road or the trail. Usually, BMX bikes will come with knobby tires, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find some variety as well. Here are the most common treads you can find out there.

Trail

If you plan to spend most of your time on dirt roads, then you need to make sure that you get proper traction all the way through so that you aren’t slipping and sliding along the way. These tires are more knobby than normal and have grooves to allow for mud and water to be displaced to give you better handling overall.

BMX

If you dabble between trail riding and street biking, then you want standard tires as they will give you better traction in both environments. These are also beneficial for doing tricks as they won’t slip out when you stick your landings.

Street

You’ll notice that these tires have a much smoother profile, so don’t try to do any dirt biking with them as you will have problems. These are designed purely for pavement and asphalt, so don’t attempt any other surfaces without swapping your wheels.

Fatboy

If you’re all about doing tricks and don’t care much about riding in general, then these tires can be a great option. Usually, they are found on mini models that are built for doing all kinds of different spins and jumps, and you’ll notice the difference right away. The reason that they are called Fatboy tires is obvious as they are much thicker than anything else you could find.

Final Verdict:

When looking through all of these different bikes it’s difficult to pick a clear winner, so we have decided to make a couple of them our top picks so that you can decide on one that works for your particular needs. If you’re a beginner to BMX riding, then we highly recommend the Redline MX24. If tricks are what you’re after, the Fatboy Assault Mini is a flashy and versatile model that can do a lot of different things while making you look good. Finally, for hardcore BMX enthusiasts we like the Razor Agitator as it is a fantastic all-around model that works for tricks, racing, and casual riding.