What Sizes Do BMX Bikes Come In? Do Size Matter?

Bmx freestyle. A man jumping with bmx

BMX bikes are the perfect ride for the thrill-seeking, the adventure-loving person in all of us.

Whether you’re tearing up the streets or hitting the dirt trails, these bikes are built to handle all kinds of terrain and stunts.

But before you can start riding, you need to make sure you have the right size bike for your body.

So, let’s take a closer look at the different sizes of BMX bikes and how to choose the best one for you.

What Sizes Do BMX Bikes Come In

Size Matters

When it comes to BMX bikes, size definitely matters. You want a bike that fits you properly, otherwise, you could end up feeling uncomfortable or even unsafe while riding.

The last thing you want is to be struggling to reach the pedals or handlebars because your bike is too small, or feel like you’re perched on top of a mountain because your bike is too big.

How to Measure Yourself

The first step in determining the right size BMX bike for you is to measure yourself.

You’ll need to know your height and inseam length, as these are the main factors that will determine the size of the bike you need.

To measure your height, stand up straight with your bare feet about shoulder-width apart and your back against a wall.

Have someone measure the distance from the floor to the top of your head, or use a tape measure to measure yourself.

Make sure to stand up straight and keep your head level for an accurate measurement.

To measure your inseam length, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your back against a wall.

Have someone measure the distance from the floor to the top of your inner thigh, or use a tape measure to measure yourself.

Again, make sure to stand up straight and keep your feet level for an accurate measurement.

Choosing the Right Size

Now that you have your height and inseam length measurements, it’s time to use them to determine the right size BMX bike for you.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

Types of BMX Bikes

Types of BMX Bikes:

There are three main types of BMX bikes: racing, freestyle, and cruiser. Each type is designed for a specific riding style and has its own set of size options.

Racing BMX Bikes:

Racing BMX bikes are designed for high-speed racing on a track. They typically have a lightweight frame and narrow tires for maximum speed and agility. Racing BMX bikes come in four size categories: mini, junior, expert, and pro.

  • Mini: Mini racing BMX bikes are designed for riders under the age of 7 or those who are less than 4’6″ tall. These bikes have a wheel size of 16 inches and a top tube length of 16-18 inches.
  • Junior: Junior racing BMX bikes are designed for riders aged 7-10 or those who are 4’6″ to 5′ tall. These bikes have a wheel size of 20 inches and a top tube length of 18-20 inches.
  • Expert: Expert racing BMX bikes are designed for riders aged 11-14 or those who are 5′ to 5’4″ tall. These bikes have a wheel size of 20 inches and a top tube length of 20-22 inches.
  • Pro: Pro racing BMX bikes are designed for experienced riders or those who are 5’4″ or taller. These bikes have a wheel size of 20 inches and a top tube length of 22 inches or longer.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and that every brand and model of BMX bike may have slightly different size recommendations.

It’s always a good idea to check the size chart provided by the manufacturer and, if possible, test-ride a few different sizes to see which one feels the most comfortable.

Adjusting Your Bike

Once you have the right size BMX bike, there are a few adjustments you can make to ensure that it fits you perfectly. Here are some things to consider:

  • You know how the seat on your bike is really important, right? It should be at a comfortable height so you can easily pedal, but not so high that you feel like you’re stretching to reach the pedals. You should be able to fully extend your legs while pedaling, but not have to stand on your tippy-toes. If you need to adjust the seat height, just loosen the seat post clamp and slide the seat up or down.
  • Oh, and the angle of the seat matters too. If it’s too upright, you might feel like you’re sliding forward and straining your wrists and shoulders. But if it’s too angled, you might feel like you’re being pitched forward and putting too much pressure on your hands. To adjust the angle, just loosen the seat post clamp and tilt the seat forward or backward as needed.
  • The handlebars should also be at a comfortable height for you to reach and control the bike. If they’re too high, you might feel like you’re stretching or leaning too far forward. To adjust the handlebar height, just loosen the stem bolts and raise or lower the handlebars as needed.
  • And lastly, the cranks (which are the rods that connect the pedals to the bike’s chainring) can affect your comfort too. If they’re too short, you might feel like you’re stretching to reach the pedals or don’t have enough leverage to pedal effectively. But if they’re too long, you might feel like you’re hitting your heels on the pedals or pedaling in an awkward position. To adjust the crank length, you can just swap out the cranks for ones of a different length.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right size BMX bike is an important step in enjoying a comfortable and safe ride.

By measuring yourself and using the size guidelines provided by the manufacturer, you can find a bike that fits you perfectly.

And by making a few adjustments to the seat, handlebars, and cranks, you can fine-tune your bike to fit you like a glove.

So don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments until you find the perfect fit – your body (and your bike) will thank you for it!”


Similar Posts