For those in the BMX scene, you already know that there’s more to it than just trying to get crazy with your bike. It can be dangerous, it’s true, but when you take enough precautions, the fun will far outweigh those fears and the benefits are almost too many to list. For those who are toying with the idea of purchasing a BMX bike, for themselves or for their child, know that you (or your little one) can evolve in both a physical and mental way while honing your skills. After all, you’re going to need to know a pretty basic equation: F = m x a. That is, the force you are propelled into the air is dependent on how much you’ve accelerated and how big you are. As a rider, you may not have a moment when you consciously do that math, but you will begin figuring out very quickly how much faster you’ll need to go to make a jump unconsciously. The physical progress your body will see after regularly riding your BMX bike is going to be much more obvious. But none of those self-improvements can begin until you chose the right bike for you. And where to begin? Right here. We’ve done the legwork for you and found a bike for nearly any scenario you could encounter.
We reviewed dozens of BMX bikes to identify the best of the best. We looked at mini BMX bikes that will give you a little fun foray into tricks and jumps and the lightweight bikes that will let you get the lift you need on your jumps. We found the bikes that will help you sync to the bike and make you question where you end and your bike begins and the perfect bike to let your little one begin his own adventures (and stay safe doing so).
Choosing our top pick was an easy decision, no matter how deeply we researched. From the beginning, the Mongoose Title Pro BMX Race Bike for Beginner to Intermediate Riders stood out among its peers, making it the bike to get. It maintains some of the safety features you may need (and don’t always come on BMX bikes) but will still let you pull off those tricks and jumps you’re working towards, too.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated BMX Bikes
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Mongoose Title Pro BMX Race Bike for Beginner and Intermediate Riders | 4.1 |
| Runner Up | Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Buy | Mongoose Legion Mag Freestyle BMX Bike | 3.8 |
| Best BMX Bike for Kids | RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike | 3.9 |
| Best Mini BMX Bike | FatBoy Mini BMX PRO Model | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Mongoose Title Pro BMX Race Bike for Beginner to Intermediate Riders
The Mongoose Title Pro BMX Race Bike for Beginner to Intermediate Riders is perfect for the adult with a busy life. You may want to get out there and do some sick tricks, but if you have a family and job, there’s a good chance you’ll struggle to find the time to get to it often. And if you’re just starting out, you won’t likely have the time to hone that skill to expert level very quickly. That makes this BMX bike the ideal selection for you. You won’t be paying for features that you won’t need and there will be safety features that you’ll benefit from that may just hold back the pro-level rider.
With a handle control for the rear brake, you’ll be able to monitor your speed and stopping power, as is a little more necessary when you’re either just starting out or of a certain skill level. And it has a lightweight frame, the frame just weighing 3.31 pounds, so you’ll still be able to get up to a good speed.
Depending on the style you get, you can spend as little as $215 and as much as $250, so there’s not a huge price range, with this bike. Whether you’re looking for a mini or a Title expert, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get it for right around $250. And since the overall rating on Amazon is 4.1 stars, that’s not bad at all!
Mongoose Title Mini BMX Race Bike for Beginner Riders Key Features:
- 7 style options
- 2 color choices
- Tectonic T1 aluminum frame
Our Runner Up Pick: Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike
If you want your BMX bike to have more power than your legs can give, the Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike is the solution to your leg problems. While you may not think of a motorized bike when you think of the term “BMX bike,” BMX literally stand for bicycle motor cross and that is exactly what this bike is; just also motorized. With this bike, you (or your child, maybe) will be able to get a good feel of that motor before getting too heavily into the dirt bike scene.
The motor is battery powered and travels up to 14 miles per hour so you’ll have just enough speed and power to train yourself or your child on a few of the jumps and tricks you may want to get into later. In fact, repeatedly in the reviews, customer’s claim it is the perfect starter dirt bike. The battery lasts for 30 minutes of continuous use so you’ll likely be ready to quit riding well before the battery dies.
With well over 1,200 customer reviews on Amazon, you can trust its overall rating of 4.1 stars to be an accurate one. And because the rating is so solid, you know you’re getting a quality product. You can also pick one up for just under $235. For a dirt bike that is essentially a BMX motorcycle, that’s more than a good deal; it’s an absolute steal.
Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike Key Features:
- Travels up to 14 mph
- Max weight 140 lbs
- Designed for ages 13 and up
Best Budget Pick: Mongoose Legion Mag Freestyle BMX Bike
The Mongoose Legion Mag Freestyle BMX Bike is perfect to grab and head to the local bike park. With a hand controlled rear brake, you’ll be better able to control your path and that may come in especially handy for your safety. But by utilizing the cable de-tangler, you’ll be able to disengage the brake lines and still get that 360-degree handle bar spin.
There are aluminum cast mag wheels with sealed bearings that will prevent the dust and dirt of the bike path from degrading the quality over time. The wheels are 20 inches, and the hi-ten steel frame will support your tricks and jumps with no problem. With a single speed, this bike also has a one-piece, 170 millimeter crank.
While this may not be the most highly-rated Mongoose bike available, it still has more than a respectable overall rating on Amazon, 3.8 stars. The real selling point for the bike, though, is definitely the cost. You can pick up this reliable and durable BMX bike that is designed for an adult, for under $125.
Mongoose Legion Mag Freestyle BMX Bike Key Features:
- Steel BMX frame
- 2 color choices
- 360 handle bar spin
Best BMX Bike for Kids Pick: RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike
The RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike is a BMX bike that’s ideal for your little one for all kinds of BMX tracks, tricks, and jumps he may want to try. There are front caliper brakes that are controlled by a handle pump and assembly is a cinch. It will come partially assembled, you’ll just install the seat, handle bars, pedals, and kick stand, along with the reflectors and bell.
Because this bike is geared for children, it can’t skip on the safety features. It comes with a bell, a kickstand – even its own water bottle and an attached cage for that water bottle. Honestly, for a kid’s BMX bike, you should probably look into getting some of these installed if the bike you purchase doesn’t already come with them. And if ever you think a water bottle isn’t necessary, consider how often you have to remind your child to finish his water or suffer dehydration.
There are nearly 2,000 customer reviews for this kid’s BMX bike and that means you can take confidence in the 3.9 star rating, which isn’t too shabby. You’ll only need to spend about $120 on this bike, too, so your investment isn’t too great, even if it weren’t rated well. And if that’s not enough of a reassurance, keep in mind that it does feature a lifetime warranty, so your risk really is minimal.
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike Key Features:
- Kickstand included
- 5 size options
- 7 color choices
Best Mini BMX Bike Pick: FatBoy Mini BMX PRO Model
The FatBoy Mini BMX PRO Model has plenty of features that will be forgiving enough to make it an excellent starter bike. And because even those forgiving features just happen to also be high quality and durable enough to take the beating of a more advanced rider, it would be a smart choice for the experts, as well. (Although keep in mind, mini BMX bikes won’t be able to do all the same tricks as full sized BMX bikes.)
The tires on this BMX bike are made with a large and durable five bolt CNC that won’t wobble, so you’ll have more of a safety net for your jumps and tricks. You’ll be able to attain high speeds and with alloy dust caps, these wheels will be able to withstand the dirt quite a bit better than its competitors. The seat has a thick foam padding and a faux leather cover that is press bonded to the post and has a durable seat clamp.
This bike has an overall rating of 4.3 stars on Amazon and depending on your color choice, you can get this for anywhere from $260 to $300. When you take into consideration the quality and features, that is a more than fair price for what you’re getting.
FatBoy Mini BMX PRO Model Key Features:
- Chromoly arms w/3 pc crank set
- 10 color choices
- Rear brakes and 10″ wheels
Who Should Buy a BMX Bike
If you are a bike enthusiast or enjoy X-games type events, you may want to consider venturing into the BMX world with your own bike. For starters, navigating a BMX course is undeniably fun. You’ll have the rush of adrenaline and you’ll feel the pride when you finally nail a jump or perfect a trick on your BMX bike. And that fun is absolutely the best reason to buy a BMX bike. In fact, we wager that fun is the root of all reasons for buying one. However, if you do choose to grab one, there are numerous other benefits you’ll also get from regular riding.
As with any kind of physically strenuous activity, you’ll have the benefit of fitness with a BMX bike. Your body will become more toned, of course, but maintaining an active lifestyle is always going to maintain or improve your overall health. And while this is a demanding and occasionally tough sport, it isn’t so rigorous that you’ll be destroying your body by doing it. You’ll give yourself challenges with this new hobby, both physical and mental. While you’ll obviously need to develop new muscles to attain new goals, your mind will also need to overcome the “I can’t do this” you fight when you miss a jump or trick – for the 100th time.
Riding your bike on a track will demand 100% of you, both physically and mentally – if even for a short time. It won’t give you a long-term distraction from your life; it doesn’t pull you away from your responsibilities like some hobbies can. It will offer you a temporary escape, though. And that escape will do wonders for your stress or anxiety; even your grief. You won’t be thinking of anything else, because it will demand both your mind and your body to stay focused and that is such a relief for some people that the BMX hobby is an unparalleled one. As is often said, it’s a lot cheaper than therapy. You might also want to check out our reviews of the best cyclocross bikes and the best electric mountain bikes.
Important Features to Consider
A BMX bike should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a a BMX bike:
- Freestyle. A freestyle bike is ideal for tricks and stunts. It’s extra durable and has a beefier frame with pavement-ready tires, a cable de-tangling headset and axle pegs. If you want to ride at skate parks or paved areas, this is the perfect bike for that. It’s a BMX bike, but rather than strictly for racing, it’s meant more for short bursts of show. It does well with vertical jumps off a ramp or aggressive street riding.
- Jump. A jump bike is a kind of blend between a traditional BMX bike and the Freestyle. It has a sturdy frame but it’s not as heavy. It also has a rear brake, but not a front brake, usually. It’s better suited for trails and dirt along with ramps, for example. If you see the BMX tracks made of dirt, these bikes are usually the bikes meant to go on those tracks. These also work great for kid-built mounds in your back yard, if your little one is venturing into this sport.
- Mini. The general consensus among the BMX community seems to be that mini bikes are just good fun. Sometimes they are hilarious to ride or to watch other rides, and sometimes you can do different tricks on them due to their size. You can sometimes even get away with taking them on public transport because they’re smaller than a regular sized bike. (But don’t count on that without checking first.) However, if you’re serious about either racing or tricks, a mini BMX bike is probably not the one for you. You will likely struggle to get your bigger body to sync with such a small bike the way you will need to be competitive.
- Chromoly. Chromoly is a material that is made with a strong and lightweight metal and some bike frames are made with it. Most bikes are made with a less expensive high-tensile steel that will be completely acceptable for your every day use, but the higher end bikes tend to feature the higher end construction with chromoly. They’re a bit more durable and quite a bit lighter. Usually not all of the frame will be made of the chromoly, even in high end bikes, but the more made of it, the better.
- Tires. The type of wheel you want in a BMX bike is dependent on what you want to do with it. If you plan on riding exclusively on the street, that’s an entirely different (and more smooth) tire than the more rugged, deeper tread necessary for a BMX bike you plan on using on dirt ramps. Most BMX bikes you buy will be ready for anything; that’s the point of a BMX bike, really. But your tire choice will help you shred better on what you want to use it.
- Sealed bearings. No matter what type of wheel you choose, you’re going to want your wheels to come with sealed bearings in your wheels. Unsealed will undoubtedly be cheaper but the sealed bearings, (along with the bottom brackets and headsets) will help your bike ride smoother for longer. And for a company to list “unsealed” isn’t especially common. But you can look for the phrase “sealed cassette hub” and if the description does not include that, you’re probably dealing with unsealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BMX Bike and what does it do?
BMX is an abbreviation and initialism that refers to the term, “bicycle motor cross.” They’re off road bikes originally meant for a dirt track but have evolved a bit to also include bike parks, or street events. BMX bikes are, generally speaking, designed for man-made tracks and competing. They’re not meant to be used for your everyday commute, feats of endurance, or your mountain trails. They’re meant for jumps and racing and because their tasks are higher impact, the frames are simple, strong, and relatively rigid. They won’t usually have the attachments for a water bottle or lights – some won’t even have too much in the way of brakes. They’re meant for short bursts of use, and won’t have the luxury seats that are comfortable for extended use. Tackling obstacles during a sprint means they won’t have a suspension; they’ll need maximum thrust and power and the riders legs and body will absorb the impact. The lighter BMX bikes will be best suited for speed and for catching the most air during jumps. They’ll also be able to take the landing after just such a jump.
What size are BMX bikes?
BMX bikes will typically have 20 inch tires, just a bit smaller than those of the cruiser class tires (24 inches, usually). Also unlike a cruising bike, where you’ll want the seat to come to your hip level, the BMX bike should be just low enough that you can stand over the frame without standing on your tip toes. (You’ll need to measure your own body to know what height you’ll need.) Beyond that, the frame and crank sizes can vary some, as well. For the average male, you’ll probably want a bike with a frame 21.5 inches long and a crank size of around 7 inches, or more specifically, around 180 millimeters. For a woman of average size, the frame should be about 20″ and the crank around 6.5 inches. If you want to make sure you’re absolutely getting the right size, there’s a BMX size calculator that you can try to give you just what you need. And if all else fails, we highly recommend going to your local bike shop and trying different sizes. Even if you end up buying online (as that will often be the better deal), it may be worth it to you to make sure you’re really getting what you want.
Mini BMX bikes are a fun style of BMX that you may take interest in, but you’ll need to be careful when sizing. You’ll want to ride lower, true, but you still need room for your movements. So you will probably want to try these out before buying. The handle bars will still need to ride pretty high, even if the seat is only, say, 10 inches off the ground.
Do BMX bikes need brakes?
Whether or not BMX bikes need brakes really just depends on what you’re using them. Street BMX bikes commonly don’t have brakes installed at all but for park BMX bikes, they’re installed about half the time. Racing BMX bikes are required to have brakes installed. Even so, though, they’re going to usually only have a rear caliper brake to control your speed when you’re taking corners or about to do a jump. Again, these bikes aren’t for your everyday use, so the brakes situation won’t be what you’ll find on a street or mountain bike. You’re just not going to need the brakes as much and that means they won’t necessarily be a standard installation.
Do BMX bikes have gears?
BMX bikes haven’t, traditionally, had gears, but they have evolved a bit to sometimes incorporate them (especially if it’s a hybrid of sorts). For the most part, as you’ve probably gleaned, BMX bikes are a relatively simple design. The complications of shifting gears adds a step that is relatively time consuming (when seconds count in a race, you want to avoid that), not to mention it’s not exactly safe to try to do more than is necessary when you’re in the air. Therefore, the BMX bike usually just has the single gear. That means you will build up speed on a flat surface, but not it won’t be as easy to go uphill. For a BMX track, you’ll gain the speed quickly and rely on built up speed quite a bit between hills and jumps.
Other BMX Bikes We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other BMX bikes. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best BMX bikes list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for you or your family. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Adult BMX Bikes
Elite BMX Bicycle The Stealth Freestyle Bike New 2019
This freestyle bike will definitely help make your BMX adventure go smoothly.
Key Features:
- 8.75″ handle bar
- Works on street, dirt, and park
- 7 color choices
Cost: $215
FatBoy Mini BMX Stunt Model Freestyle Bicycle
This bike will ship mostly assembled, you only need put on the pedals, handle bar, and seat.
Key Features:
- Rear brake
- High tensile steel welding
- Rear hand brake
Cost: $250
Not only is the frame chromoly, the high-end material of which the best BMX bikes are made, the fork and handlebar are also made of this luxury material.
Key Features:
- 100% chromoly
- Rear brake; hand pump
- 20″ wheel
Cost: $280
Gravity Area 51 Aluminum BMX Bike
This bike is ideal for someone with a height between 4’8″ and 6’3″ – quite the range!
Key Features:
- 26″ wheel
- Light aluminum frame
- Rear pull brakes
Cost: $300
Mafiabikes Madmain Splatter Harry Main BMX Bike
This is a BMX Freestyle bike that will allow you to use it for the stunts you love with the accessories you need.
Key Features:
- Easy assembly; includes tools
- Rear brake hand pull
- 20″ tires
Cost: $290
This mini adult bike will be a fun method for testing your ability to adapt your tricks to a certain set of circumstances.
Key Features:
- 6 color choices
- 10.5″ tires
- Hi-Ten steel frame
Cost: $200
Each of these bikes is manufactured with a serial number that will help establish ownership if ever stolen – so be sure to file a copy of it!
Key Features:
- Hi-ten steel frame
- 4 stunt pegs
- Rear brake hand pump
Cost: $290
Redline MX24 24 Inch Wheel BMX Bicycle
This is a lightweight bike that will be ultra responsive to your movements, allowing you to achieve better tricks, more easily.
Key Features:
- Aluminum frame
- Steel tubular cranks
- Lifetime warranty on frame
Cost: $270
Schwinn Predator Team 24 BMX Bike
Schwinn may be most well-known for its street bikes, but this BMX bike proves that the manufacturer is more than meets the eye.
Key Features:
- 24″ Wheels
- Steel axles
- Vintage 80’s style
BMX Bikes for Kids and Youth
Diamondback Mini Viper Complete Youth Bike
This BMX bike will begin your little one with training wheels, so she’ll be more comfortable on the BMX bike style when it comes time for her to really hit the track.
Key Features:
- Junior padded seat
- 2 size options
- 2 color choices
Cost: $120
Dynacraft Magna Gravel Blaster Boys BMX Street
This bike is incredibly durable, but should something go wrong, you will still have its lifetime warranty of the frame and fork to fall back on.
Key Features:
- Handlebar pad
- Adjustable training wheels
- Recommended ages 3-5
Cost: $60
Dynacraft Magna Throttle Boys BMX Street
This tough BMX bike has a steel frame and comes with a kick stand.
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 105 lbs
- Recommended ages of 6 – 10
- Lifetime warranty on the for and frame
Cost: $80
Hot Wheels Dynacraft Boys BMX Street
With a “Rev Grip” that will let your child pretend he can see his bike’s acceleration, this is a blend of both toy and bike.
Key Features:
- Rear coaster brakes
- Lifetime warranty of frame and fork
- Bike Dimensions .75″ x 17″ x 36.25″, 24.03 pounds
Cost: $85
KENT Bundle – 20″ Boys’, Ambush BMX Bike
One purchase will give you all your little one needs to start biking: namely a bike, a helmet, and pads.
Key Features:
- Single speed
- Front and rear brakes
- 20″ wheels
Cost: $170
Depending on your size (and there is a chart included with this listing), this bike will fit anywhere between 2 and 8 years of age.
Key Features:
- 4 size options
- 3 color choices
- Includes bell and dual brakes
Cost: $140
Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike Line for Kids
This BMX bike is made with a hi-ten steel frame and is perfect for anyone from 4 to 5 feet tall.
Key Features:
- 20″ wheels
- 4 colors available
- 3 style options
Cost: $150
Redline Bikes Roam 20 Youth BMX
This bike has a hi-ten frame and fork and a monster padded saddle seat for maximum comfort and durability.
Key Features:
- Rear hand brakes
- 20″ wheels
- 2 color choices
Cost: $200
Titan Tomcat 20-Inch Wheel Girls BMX Bike
This bike has rear brakes that are operated easily with a squeeze of your child’s hand.
Key Features:
- Hi-ten steel frame and fork
- Arrives 85% assembled
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $160
TONY HAWK Dynacraft Park Series 720 Boys BMX Freestyle Bike
Can you even talk about BMX without finding something by Tony Hawk? This bike answers with a resounding NO.
Key Features:
- Lifetime warranty on frame and fork
- 24″ wheels
- Recommended age: 12 and up
Cost: $130
X Games FS20 Freestyle Bicycle
This freestyle bike will give your child plenty of options when he has to choose what to do for the day with his bike.
Key Features:
- Front and rear pegs
- X-Games saddle seat
- 2 color choices
Cost: $150
