Want the best BMX bikes for doing tricks, pulling off moves at skateparks, or riding offroad? You’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re counting down the top 10 best BMX bikes (that are not expensive) for your needs. Welcome to Team Extreme and let’s get the show on the road!
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Top 10 Best BMX Bikes For Adults Reviews In 2019
Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
(Best For Beginners)
Are you new to this amazing sport and want an awesome BMX bike to get started? Well, here is the perfect choice for beginner riders.
Making it to the highlight is the bike’s amazingly light frame. Because of that, you can control the bike and begin practicing tricks easily from day one.
Stopping the bike is hassle-free when you have responsive steel U-brake right under your hands.
For the best grip and durability, the bike is equipped with aluminum single wall 36-spoke rims with 2.25” tires.
Measuring 20 inches in length, the top tube makes it most comfortable for riders from 4’4” to 5’0”. You can use the bike if you’re taller but it is not ideal. You may find it short for you.
This seat is not the pivotal style and quite hard. However, it suits younger riders well.
Loving those 360 bar spins, superman, or catwalk tricks? Go ahead and grab this amazing but cheap bike for yourself and pull off your most amazing moves today!
Pros:
- Lightweight frame for enhanced maneuverability for starters
- Steel U-brake provides the most precise speed control when doing tricks
- BMX tires for excellent grip and balance on the ground
- 20-inch top tube suitable for 4’4” to 5’0” riders
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable for taller riders
- Double-wall rims could make the wheels extra durability
- The seat is quite hard
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Hi-Ten steel |
Tires: | 2.25” BMX |
Stem | 48mm |
Handlebars | Steel 8” riser bars |
Crank | 170mm hollow spindle |
Brake | Steel U-brake |
Weight | 26 lbs |
Highlight features | Steel U-brake, BMX 2.25” tires, 36H rims |
Framed Impact 20 BMX Bike
(Best For Intermediate Riders)
So you’ve mastered all those basic moves and are looking for a high-performance bike to level up your game? Right here, this BMX beast would be your best bet.
With the top tube measuring a little over 20 inches, the bike makes it comfortable but still challenging for skilled riders to move on to the next new heights.
When you do those cool air tricks, the Hi-Ten steel fork on this bike will help absorb the extra vibration to keep your body safe and injury-free.
The handlebar is carefully crafted with 2 metal pieces, making it buttery smooth to practice barspin, fakie, or bunny hop.
An impressive 175mm crankset is provided to give you the flexibility to use the bike the most aggressively without any worries of breakdown.
The bike would be easier to maintain if it featured a sealed bearing hub instead of an unsealed one. Also, we don’t recommend using it if you weigh over 200 lbs.
Riders over 6’ may find the bike too short to control. Well-built, fun, and challenging, this bike will certainly motivate you to practice your moves every single day after you’ve got it home!
Pros:
- Lightweight frame for enhanced maneuverability for starters20 ¼” top tube for intermediate riders taking their skills to the next level
- Hi-Ten steel fork reduces vibration when making high-jump landings
- 2-piece matching 8” handlebar for smooth riding, landing, and spinning
- Large 175mm crankset to withstand abusive pedaling forward & backward
Cons:
- Sealed bearing hub would make maintenance a bit easier
- Would not do very well for riders over 200 lbs
- Folks over 6’ may find the bike short for them
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Hi-Ten steel |
Tires: | 20" X 2.125" Front, 20" X 1.95" Rear |
Stem | Framed alloy front load |
Handlebars | 2-piece Hi-Ten steel |
Crank | 1-piece forged steel |
Brake | U-brake |
Weight | 25 lbs 2 oz |
Highlight features | Shock-absorbent fork, matching 2-piece handlebars, 175mm crankset |
Redline MX 24 BMX Bike
(Best For Racing)
Ready for your amazing BMX race? Let’s get yourself geared up with this powerful race weapon from Redline.
Featuring race-ready Chromoly crankset, the bike allows you to pedal aggressively at high speeds to outrace your competition.
Your speedy performance is greatly improved thanks to the Powerblock 24-inch tires.
With pivotal race saddle carefully equipped, you can enjoy the most efficient riding position that will minimize chances of injuries.
You can also adjust the angle of the pivot to suit your riding style best.
The bike comes in a blue coating with orange letters. While it is a good colorway for boys, girl riders may not like it a lot.
Because this is a BMX race bike, it would not be a good idea to use it for hitting obstacles at skateparks. The moves can cause damage to its alloy frame.
Taller riders should also be aware because your knees may touch the handlebars when sitting on this bike.
All the cons aside, this Redline MX-24 is a worthy contender to take out on the track on your race to the finish line!
Pros:
- Race-ready 3-piece Race Chromoly 175mm crankset for extreme pedaling
- Powerblock 24-inch race tires for speedy performance
- Pivotal race saddle with no padding for the most efficient position when racing
Cons:
- Not the most suitable color scheme for girl riders
- Not ideal for hitting obstacles at skateparks
- Riders over 6’ tall may find their knees hit the handlebars
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Aluminum |
Tires: | Powerblock 24-inch tires |
Stem | RL Hollowpoint Aluminum |
Handlebars | RL Race 5.5", 12° Back 1° Up |
Crank | Race Chromo 175mm |
Brake | Tektro 918 Linear |
Weight | 22.9 lbs |
Highlight features | Chromoly crankset, Powerblock tires, pivotal race saddle |
Elite BMX Bike Destro
(Best For Freestyle)
Loving those awesome high jumps and spins people do at the park or on the street? For freestyling, this Elite BMX model is your best partner.
With a 14mm rear sealed hub, you can pull off tricks easily on the bike. Maintaining it is also easier compared to unsealed one.
Many riders experience the issue of hurting their wrists because the handlebars are not configured properly. With the 4-piece alloy handlebar here, not only will you ride tension-free, you also can take your performance to new heights.
Thanks to the reinforced frame, the bike can withstand the most punishment caused by jumping without any cracks.
The lightweight 1 1/8″ head-tube will also help you control the bike masterfully. It is quite disappointing that the bike doesn’t sport a gyro (detangler).
You may also want to add some front pegs to make certain tricks easier to perform. For newbies, setting up the brake can be quite confusing.
Other than those points, the Elite Destro can be a reliable companion for your best freestyle moves!
Pros:
- 14mm rear sealed hub for freestyling tricks like fakie or mid-air tricks
- 4-piece alloy handlebar makes doing tricks easier & safer for your wrists
- Reinforced frame to withstand impact from jumping or hard landings
- Integrated head-tube that is lightweight, long-lasting, and smooth for barspins
Cons:
- You may want to add a gyro so the brake cable doesn’t get tangled up
- Front pegs can be added for doing certain tricks easily
- Setting up the brake can be confusing for beginners
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Chromoly |
Tires: | Street 2.4” tires |
Stem | Alloy 55mm reach |
Handlebars | 4-piece alloy |
Crank | Chromo 3-piece |
Brake | u-brake |
Weight | 26 lbs |
Highlight features | 14mm rear sealed hub, 4-piece alloy handlebar, integrated headtube |
Mayhem Riot Mini BMX Bike
(Best For Tricks)
Doing tricks cannot be any easier with this Mayhem Riot MIni BMX. Made with rubber grips, the bike offers great safety for young riders while practicing their moves.
The BMX trick pedals help riders learn how to steer the bike easily at every angle. Thanks to the Kevlar top load saddle, little ones can have the most comfortable riding position.
Adults over 20 can ride this bike too, however, it is more suitable for smaller riders. There are no hand brakes that come with the bike, unfortunately.
Some wobbling noises are noticed when users ride the bike. To be fair, the overall construction is actually really good.
Although this mini BMX is not entirely complete, assembling the bike is easy. Your kids can join in to help.
The big fat tires also provide a great deal of support on many surfaces. If you’re looking for a bike to do tricks, this bike would certainly be a good choice.
Pros:
- Rubber BMX grips for greater safety while young riders are doing tricks
- BMX trick pedals make it easy for smaller feet to practice their moves
- Kevlar top load saddle for the most comfortable & natural riding position
Cons:
- More suitable for younger riders
- The bike doesn’t ship with hand brakes
- Some wobbling found when riders pedal
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Tig-welded Hi-Ten |
Tires: | 4 Ply 10.5-inch x 4.10/3.50-4 |
Stem | BMX Top Load System |
Handlebars | 28 x 9 inches trick BMX |
Crank | Cro-Mo 1-piece |
Brake | No brake |
Weight | 25 lbs |
Highlight features | BMX trick pedals, rubber grips, Kevlar top load saddle |
Elite The Stealth BMX Bike
(Best For Street Riding)
Want to bomb those streets with the best moves you’ve got? Here is the best selection for that purpose.
With the lightweight 25-9 gearing, you can manage jumping tricks much easier. Plus, the gears don’t get in the way on grinds.
For a fast street riding experience, you are equipped with low profile 6061 rims that support your body weight and move fast on the ground.
The welds on the bike frame have been reinforced carefully to take on much more impact without cracking.
Underneath the bike is strong BMX tire to support your every twist and turn and smooth riding.
For all of the amazing things this bike offer, it may not be ideal for larger riders because this is a 20-inch bike. Also, you may want to install a gyro so your brake cable doesn’t get tangled up.
In any case, you are going to love riding on the street, dirt, or even at skateparks with this Elite Stealth street bomber!
Pros:
- Light 25-9 gearing that gets you going fast & won’t get in the way on grinds
- Low profile 6061 rims for a fast & efficient street riding experience
- Reinforced welds to take on an impressive amount of load without cracking
- Great base support thanks to the 2.5” BMX tires with high-pressure casing
Cons:
- May be small for larger riders
- Gyro can be added for easy brake cable management
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Hi-Tensile steel |
Tires: | 20 x 2.5 BMX tires with high-pressure casing |
Stem | 50mm alloy top load |
Handlebars | 8.75 inches |
Crank | 170mm 1-piece Chromoly |
Brake | u-brake |
Weight | 35.2 lbs |
Highlight features | Light 25-9 gearing, reinforced welds, low profile 6061 rims |
Redline Asset BMX Bike
(Best For Trail & Skatepark)
Showing off your coolest moves at the skatepark where everyone goes “Ohh” and “Ahh” certainly is one of the best feelings ever. And for such use, you can’t miss this awesome Redline machine!
Having Redline Monster pedals right under your feet, you can control the bike however you like–fast, slow, or insanely fast.
Helping you achieve greater performance are the tubular 3-piece cranks. Made from high-quality Chromoly, they can take on a great amount of impact without breaking down.
Big-box handlebars also make it easy for you to hold on in case you are grinding over obstacles or spinning your bike.
If you think maintaining your bike is a hassle, be worry-free because the sealed hub on this model requires minimum maintenance over time.
We would say this model fits riders from 5’2” to 5’8” well. We recommend taller riders to get the Asset 24 version if you’re interested. Also, the paint does chip away easily if you’re not careful.
The big picture is this awesome Asset can get you up and riding like a superstar on trails and your local skateparks!
Pros:
- Redline Monster pedals to conquer any obstacles at the skatepark or on trails
- Tubular cranks for the easiest control of your bike at every corner
- Big-box handlebar for extra support when you need to hold on to them
- Sealed rear hub makes maintenance easy & less time-consuming
Cons:
- Not the most suitable for riders under 5’2” or over 6”
- Paint coating does chip quite easily
- May require professional assembly
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Hi-Tensile steel & Chromoly |
Tires: | 20 x 2.25 |
Stem | 50mm front load |
Handlebars | Hi-Ten |
Crank | 100% Heat treated Chromoly |
Brake | Tektro FX 340 Rear U |
Weight | 26 lbs |
Highlight features | Redline Monster pedals, Tubular cranks, big-box handlebars |
Rocker Mini BMX Bike
(Best For Off-Road)
Getting a mini BMX is one of the best ways to help kids develop their motor skills from early on. Rocker BMX Mini will bring out the champion in your little kids.
With matching Hitmain grips, riders will have the most secure and safe experience steering the bike off the road.
Thanks to the extra-wide street pro tires, you can roll on any surfaces with ease. Massive handlebars make controlling the bike more secure. It also makes the riders look super cool.
Embedded with 30/13 gears, the bike can run up to 15 mph for a fast and fun experience. Technically, shorter adults can ride this bike too. But it would make the riders look quite silly.
Younger girls may wish for more color options like pink for their bikes.
In any case, this Rocker Mini BMX sure is a cool bike. Avoid using it on the highways or busy sidewalks. You’re best sticking to off-road uses with this one.
Pros:
- Matching Hitmain grips for the best grip when riding off-road
- New street pro tires to take on any surface with ease
- Massive bars for better control and steering
- 30/13 gearing that runs up to 15 mph for a fast & fun experience
Cons:
- Younger riders may love this bike more
- Color options are limited
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Hi-Tensile steel |
Tires: | New street pro |
Stem | Front-load |
Handlebars | Massive |
Crank | Forged steel |
Brake | No brake |
Weight | 20.9 lbs |
Highlight features | Hitmain grips, 30/13 gearing, massive handlebars |
Framed Twenty9er BMX Bike
(Best For Large Riders)
If you weigh 250 lbs, this BMX bike will provide enough awesome support for your body.
It features an extra-long 25-inch top tube to help you find the perfect balance point when you lift your bike up to do tricks in the air.
With Avidd BB5 alloy disc brake protecting you on the rear wheel, you can stop responsively at every twist and turn.
Another outstanding feature is the unique combo of Hi-Ten steel and Chromoly constructing the fork. This makes sure the bike can handle a great amount of impact while still providing you a great deal of grip and control.
We would love it if the hubs are fully sealed because that makes maintenance easier. Also, compared to other models, this bike is heavy. Some riders have a hard time assembling the bike.
That said, the bike still offers incredible value, especially for big riders looking for a reliable BMX bike.
Pros:
- Long 25” top tube makes it easy to balance for your overall body
- Super strong BB5 disc brake for the most responsive stop on every move
- Perfect combo of Chromoly & Hi-Ten steel fork for the strongest support
- Big fat wheels to withstand your weight & gnarliest tricks reliably
Cons:
- Hubs are only semi-sealed
- The bike is heavier than other models
- Putting the bike together may be difficult for some
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Hi-Ten steel & Chromoly |
Tires: | 29 inches |
Stem | Framed alloy top load |
Handlebars | 2-piece Hi-Ten steel |
Crank | 3-piece forged steel |
Brake | Avidd BB5 disc |
Weight | 29 lbs 4 oz |
Highlight features | Avidd BB5 disc brake, 25” top tube, Hi-Ten steel & Chromoly fork |
Mongoose Title BMX Bike
(Best For Tall Riders)
For riders from 5’7” and up, this Mongoose model will provide you with spacious legroom and excellent support while steering.
Its outstanding alloy V-brake with easy-to-use brake levers give you the powerful speed control on your track.
Boosted by the 3-piece Chromoly crankset, you can exert all your power to race to the finish line beautifully.
From dirt road to flatland, the Arisun XLR8 tires can take you around safe and sound. Despite that, this bike is not ideal for cruising, especially if you have back pain.
Be aware that the bike is heavy. It weighs over 36 lbs. Putting the drawbacks aside, you will have a great time pulling off the coolest moves or racing with your friends on this true BMX super machine!
Pros:
- Perfect fit for riders from 5’7” & up thanks to the frame and long top tube
- Alloy V-brake design for the easiest & quickest speed control
- 3-piece Chromoly crankset for extreme performance & power
- Arisun XLR8 tires to ride over a light dirt road or flatland easily
Cons:
- The bike is quite heavy
- Not ideal for cruising
Product Specifications:
Frame & fork | Tectonic N1 aluminum frame |
Tires: | 24 inches |
Stem | 48mm |
Handlebars | Hi-Ten Chromoly |
Crank | 3-piece 175mm Chromoly |
Brake | Alloy V-brake |
Weight | 36.2 lbs |
Highlight features | Alloy V-brake, Chromoly crankset, Arisun tires |
What Are The Best BMX Bikes For Adult Brands?
Mongoose
Mongoose specializes in making BMX and mountain bikes that put no limits on the riders’ performance. Their products are built to last for real riders from entry-level beginners to pro riders and even taller folks.
Framed
Framed BMX bikes keep your adventures going. They make affordable bikes for starters and challenging bikes for intermediate and advanced riders. The build quality is top-notch and the design is one of the best of its kind.
Redline
Redline is a popular brand in the BMX world because of its superior bikes crafted from the finest materials. You will find many Redline BMX series ranging from Race series, Freestyle series to Big Bike series, all of which fit kids under 4’4” to adults over 6’ tall.
Elite
Whether you’re shredding the park, street, or dirt, Elite bikes can deliver. Elite offers great BMX bikes for the biggest bang for your buck. Their Stealth and Destro collections are made for beginner and mid-entry level riders.
Kink
Kink BMX is founded by a team of pro BMX riders. They make dope bikes from 12-inch to 26-inch. If you’re quite tall and heavy, go for the Drifter 26-inch with big tires and a long top tube. They also carry other series like Downside, Curb, or Whip if you’re looking for bikes with 20- or 24-inch tires.
Odyssey
Odyssey makes awesome BMX bikes with its signature handlebars that are 10-inch rise, 30-inch wide, 11-degree back, and 4-degree up. When choosing bike parts like rims, forks, or handlebars, you can freely choose between their rust-proof black, chrome, or any other color choices. Odyssey also makes great pegs that are long-lasting.
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best BMX For Adults In 2019
Freecoaster vs Cassette
This is the hub of your BMX bike, controlling how you can pedal on it.
The main difference between a free coaster hub and a cassette is the backward pedaling.
On a free coaster hub, when you go backward, the pedals will stop rotating. Freecoaster hubs are recommended if you ride more flatland or freestyle.
On a cassette, when you go backward, the pedals will keep on rotating as the wheels are turning. Cassette hubs are more suitable for BMX racing.
Bike Size
BMX bike size is usually presented using the length of the top tube or the size of the wheels.
On the top tube aspect, you will usually find the length going from 20 to 21 inches. If you’re around 5’, then a 20-inch top tube would fit you well.
If you’re taller, 20.5, 20.8, or over 21-inch top tubes would be alright. Larger riders would be best using a 25 or longer top tube.
The length of the top tube is important for you to find the perfect balance when doing mid-air tricks or riding.
People also use the wheel size to talk about BMX bike size. For example, you will see a 24-inch bike, a 26-inch bike, or a 29er. Simply, that means the diameter of the wheels.
The smaller size wheels, like 20 or 24, may fit smaller riders. The bigger wheels, like the 29ers, will fit heavier riders better for the support they provide.
BMX Handlebars
There are usually 2 types: 2-piece and 4-piece.
2-piece handlebars are constructed with only two pieces of metals whereas 4-piece handlebars are connected using 4 pieces.
Arguably, we could say that the 2-piece is slightly stronger because there are fewer welds on the frame.
However, there are not really that many advantages and disadvantages of using either one of them.
You just need to make sure that the width of the handlebars is comfortable enough for your shoulders and wrists. A width of 29 or 30 inches would fit most adult riders.
A slight back sweep of 11 or 12 degrees can also help you control the bike easily.
Stem
Here are the most common BMX stems: front load & top load
Front-load stems have a vertical front plate to install the handlebars and have a lower bar position.
Top load stems have a top plate that is removable for bar installation. They are higher than front-load stems.
When choosing a stem, take into account the height and length of your arms. Look at their reach and rise as follows.
Front load | Top load |
---|---|
Reach: 48 - 53 mm Rise: 7 - 8 mm | Reach: 50 - 52mm Rise: 36 - 38 mm |
The higher the reach, the further out the stems are from the handlebars. For barspin tricks, shorter reach is good. For trails, longer reach is fine.
A higher rise would be suitable for taller riders so you don’t need to hunch over your handlebars. A lower rise is good for shorter riders.
FAQs
1. What are the differences between BMX bikes and regular bikes?
Features | BMX Bikes | Regular Bikes |
---|---|---|
Pegs | Have pegs to stand on while doing tricks | No pegs |
Handlebars | Spinning handlebar without tangling the brake cables | Handlebars cannot be spun 360 |
Size | Usually quite small | Bigger size |
BMX bikes are not the type of bike you would want to use for cruising around town, daily commuting or exercising for long periods of time.
They are made specifically for racing or stunt riding, or simply doing tricks. Because of that, you will find that many BMX bikes have features that regular bikes don’t.
BMX bikes have pegs for riders to stand on while doing their tricks. Regular bikes don’t have these.
You can spin the handlebars on a BMX bike however you like without worrying about the brake cables getting tangled up. Regular bikes do not support this feature.
Generally, BMX bikes are smaller than most typical bikes. This makes performing on the bike easier for the stunt artist.
2. What are the differences between BMX bikes and mountain bike?
Features | BMX Bikes | Mountain Bikes |
---|---|---|
Kickstand | No kickstand | Sometimes have a kickstand |
Gears | Single gears to maintain | More gears to go over rocky roads |
Shifters | No shifters to change the speed | Shifters to shift gears accordingly |
While some mountain bikes sport a kickstand, BMX bikes don’t have kickstands.
The reason is the component is not necessary and may get in the way of the performer. It also adds weight to the bike.
BMX bikes usually have a single gear configuration whereas mountain bikes have plenty of gears.
BMX bikes don’t need that many gears because riders usually do tricks on flatland, park, street, or vert ramp which don’t require as much power as climbing mountains.
Because there are fewer gears, BMX bikes don’t have shifters. Mountain bikes have shifters so the riders can change speed whenever they need to ride over obstacles.
3. What are the best BMX bikes for girls?
Little girls would be best with BMX bikes that have 20-inch top tubes. If you care less about the color of the bikes, then these would be good choices:
- Framed Impact 20
- Elite BMX Destro
- Elite Stealth
Younger girls may choose Rocker Mini BMX or Mayhem Riot Mini BMX to get started.
4. What are the most lightweight BMX bikes?
Redline MX is the most lightweight BMX bike on our list. Other lightest BMX bikes (26 lbs) are:
- Elite Destro
- Mayhem Riot Mini
- Redline Asset
5. Are all BMX bikes the same size?
BMX bikes come in a variety of sizes. The main size many people talk about is the top tube length. For example, a 20.8-inch bike has the top tube length of 20.8 inches. The usual range goes from 20 to 21 inches. Some models have a top tube up to 25 inches.
6. What age is a 20 inch BMX bike for?
Generally, a 20-inch BMX bike is suitable for younger riders from 7 and up. Because of its shorter top tube length, the bike makes it easy for starters to find a good balance point while doing spinning tricks.
7. What size BMX do pros ride?
Generally, pros ride BMX bikes with the top tube length of 20.5” to 21”. Dennis Enarson rides a 21” because he is quite tall. Chad Kerley rides a 20.8” because he is slightly shorter. Still, there are many shorter pro riders that ride bikes shorter than 21”. It depends a bit on the type of tricks you’re doing and where you want your balance point to be.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the guide has helped you in making a decision on the best BMX bikes to choose for you. Keep in mind the bike size, the hub, and you’re good to go. Thanks for reading and have an awesome time conquering new heights!
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