Ever seen a BMX rider doing a cool trick and thought, “I want to do that!”? That feeling is the first step into an awesome world of riding. But before you can even think about bunny hops or tailwhips, you need the right bike. Choosing your very first BMX can feel like a puzzle with way too many pieces.
So many bikes look similar, and figuring out what makes one good for beginners and another not so much can be confusing. You want a bike that’s tough enough to handle learning new things, comfortable to ride, and won’t break the bank. It’s easy to get lost in all the technical terms and brands, leaving you wondering where to even start.
This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what really matters when you’re picking out your first BMX. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, understand the key parts of a BMX bike, and feel confident in making a choice that will get you rolling and having fun in no time. Let’s get you on the path to your first BMX adventure!
Our Top 5 Beginner Bmx Bikes Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Bmx Bikes Detailed Reviews
1. WEIZE Freestyle BMX Bike
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for awesome tricks and smooth rides with the WEIZE Freestyle BMX Bike! This 20-inch bike is built for fun, whether you’re hitting the skatepark, cruising the streets, or just learning new moves. Its tough steel frame and cool features make it a fantastic choice for any young rider looking to explore the world of BMX.
What We Like:
- Durable Frame: The high carbon steel frame is super strong. It can handle all sorts of riding, from jumps to grinds.
- Smooth Tires: The big 20×2.40” tires give you a comfy ride. They also grip the ground well, helping you stay steady.
- Easy Pedaling: The simple single-speed setup means less to worry about. You get direct power to the wheels for easy acceleration.
- Safe Braking: Reliable V-brakes give you quick stopping power. This keeps you in control when you need it most.
- Trick Ready: The 360-degree rotor lets you spin the handlebars completely around! Plus, four pegs give you more options for awesome tricks.
- Simple Setup: The bike comes mostly put together. You can get it ready to ride quickly by following the easy instructions or watching the video.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While great for beginners, mastering all the tricks might take some practice.
- Single Speed: For very hilly areas, a geared bike might offer more options, but for BMX, single speed is standard.
The WEIZE Freestyle BMX Bike is a solid choice for anyone wanting to get into BMX riding. It offers great features for learning and performing tricks at a good value.
2. JOYSTAR 24 Inch Kids Bike Freestyle BMX Bikes for 8-12 Years Old Boys Girls and Beginner Riders
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the JOYSTAR 24 Inch Kids Bike! This awesome BMX bike is designed for young riders aged 8-12, perfect for beginners who want to hit the streets, parks, or even light trails. With its cool green tires and frame, it’s sure to turn heads. It’s built tough and easy to handle, making it a fantastic first BMX bike.
What We Like:
- Great for beginner BMX riders, offering a solid introduction to the sport.
- The durable hi-tensile steel frame provides reliable support and lasts a long time.
- Easy to control with a single-speed drivetrain and effective U-brake and hand-brake levers for precise stopping.
- The reliable wheelset with sturdy rims and good tires handles various terrains well.
- Comes with most of the bike pre-assembled and includes the necessary tools for final setup.
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind.
- The bright green tires add a stylish, eye-catching look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The suggested rider height range (4’6″ – 5’0″) might be a bit limiting for some kids in the target age group.
- While designed for beginners, more advanced riders might find the single-speed drivetrain and brake system less suitable for complex tricks.
This JOYSTAR BMX bike is a fantastic choice for any young rider ready to explore the world of cycling. It balances durability, ease of use, and a cool style, making it a winner for beginners.
3. cubsala 24 Inch BMX Race Bike Trident Bicycles Beginner-Level to Advanced Riders with 2 Pegs Trick Cycling and Professional Riding
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to hit the streets and the dirt with the cubsala 24 Inch BMX Race Bike! This awesome bike, in a cool grey color, is built for fun and performance. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned rider, this BMX bike has got you covered. It looks super stylish and is ready for all your adventures.
What We Like:
- The Hi-Ten steel frame is strong and built for lots of riding.
- It’s an affordable bike that still offers great performance.
- The rear V-brake helps you control your speed easily and doesn’t need much fixing.
- It comes with two pegs for doing tricks!
- The bike is almost all put together, so assembly is quick and easy.
- It includes the tools you need and even comes with free pedals.
- The 24-inch wheels are perfect for riders between 51 and 66 inches tall.
- Its slick grey color and BMX race style will make you the coolest rider around.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if the pegs are removable for riders who don’t want them.
- It would be helpful to know the weight of the bike.
This cubsala BMX bike is a fantastic option for riders of all levels. It’s built tough, looks great, and is ready for any challenge you throw at it.
4. cubsala Freestyle BMX Bike
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the cubsala Freestyle BMX Bike! This awesome 20-inch bike is designed for kids aged 7 to 13 who are just starting out in the world of BMX. Its cool black frame with vibrant green tires will make any rider stand out at the skatepark or on the street. This bike is built to handle everything a beginner rider needs to shred.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic first BMX bike, perfect for learning new tricks and cruising.
- The strong Hi-Ten steel frame provides excellent support and is built to last.
- Riding is a breeze thanks to the easy-to-use brakes and smooth drivetrain.
- It comes with four cool BMX pegs, ready for grinding and tricks.
- Assembly is simple, with 85% of the bike already put together, and it even includes the tools you need.
- The bike is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind.
- The suggested rider height of 4’3″ to 5’4″ means it’s a great fit for many kids.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 19.5″ top tube length might be a bit short for taller riders in the 7-13 age range as they grow.
The cubsala Freestyle BMX Bike is a solid choice for any young rider eager to explore BMX. It offers a great balance of durability and user-friendliness for beginners.
5. Mongoose Legion Mag Kids Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for awesome adventures with the Mongoose Legion Mag Kids Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike! This cool orange bike is built for fun, whether you’re cruising the sidewalk or hitting the skatepark. It’s designed for beginner riders, both girls and boys, and comes with stylish 20-inch aluminum mag wheels that really stand out. Plus, it includes four axle pegs so you can try out some basic tricks!
What We Like:
- Stylish Looks: The bright orange color and shiny aluminum mag wheels make this bike a real head-turner.
- Built for Beginners: It’s perfect for kids just starting out in BMX riding, helping them feel like pros.
- Durable Construction: The strong hi-ten steel frame can handle lots of riding and learning new tricks.
- Smooth Ride: Sealed bearings in the wheels help make riding super smooth and enjoyable.
- Safety First: The alloy rear U-brakes give you reliable stopping power for control and safety.
- Ready for Tricks: With the included pegs, you can start experimenting with basic freestyle moves.
What Could Be Improved:
- Gearing Options: While the 40x16T gearing is good for beginners, more versatile gearing options might be better for progressing riders.
- Weight: Although the mag wheels look great, they can sometimes add a bit of weight compared to traditional spoked wheels.
This Mongoose Legion Mag bike is a fantastic choice for any young rider eager to explore the world of BMX. It balances style, durability, and beginner-friendly features for hours of outdoor fun.
Your First BMX: A Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Ride
Getting your first BMX bike is an exciting step into a world of tricks, jumps, and pure fun. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best beginner BMX bike for you.
Key Features to Look For
1. Frame Size
BMX bikes come in different top tube lengths. This is the most important measurement for comfort and control. Taller riders need longer top tubes, while shorter riders do better with shorter ones. Most beginner bikes have top tubes between 19.5 and 20.5 inches. Try to test ride a few bikes to see what feels best.
2. Wheel Size
BMX bikes typically have 20-inch wheels. This is standard for most riders. Some smaller bikes might have 18-inch wheels for younger or shorter riders. Stick with 20-inch wheels unless you’re buying for a very young child.
3. Brakes
Most beginner BMX bikes have a U-brake. This is a simple and effective brake that mounts on the frame. Some bikes might have a gyro system, which allows you to spin the handlebars 360 degrees without tangling the brake cables. While cool, it’s not essential for a beginner.
4. Cranks
Look for bikes with 3-piece cranks. These are stronger and easier to repair than 1-piece cranks. The length of the cranks is also important, but most beginner bikes come with a standard length that works for most people.
5. Pedals
Plastic pedals are common on beginner bikes. They are lightweight and offer good grip. Metal pedals offer more durability but can be heavier.
Important Materials
The frame is usually made of steel. Chromoly steel is stronger and lighter than hi-tensile steel. While hi-tensile steel is okay for very basic riding, chromoly is better for durability and tricks. Most beginner bikes use a mix, with chromoly in key areas like the front triangle.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a BMX Bike Better:
- Chromoly steel frame and fork: This makes the bike stronger and more resistant to bending or breaking.
- Sealed bearings: These keep dirt and water out of the hubs and bottom bracket, making them last longer and feel smoother.
- Good quality tires: Tires with good grip will help you control the bike better and prevent slips.
What Might Reduce Quality:
- Hi-tensile steel frame: This is heavier and less durable than chromoly.
- Unsealed bearings: These can wear out quickly and feel gritty.
- Heavy, cheap components: These can make the bike hard to handle and prone to breaking.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good beginner BMX bike should be fun and easy to ride. It should feel sturdy under you as you pedal and maneuver. You’ll want a bike that can handle some bumps and jumps as you learn. These bikes are perfect for cruising around the neighborhood, riding at the skatepark, or learning basic tricks like bunny hops.
Don’t expect to do advanced flips and grinds right away. Your first BMX is for learning the basics. A well-chosen bike will make this process much more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best BMX bike for a complete beginner?
A: The best beginner BMX bike is one that fits your size, feels comfortable, and is built with durable materials like chromoly steel.
Q: How tall should I be for a 20-inch BMX bike?
A: Most people between 4’10” and 5’6″ can comfortably ride a BMX bike with a 20-inch wheel and a top tube length around 19.5 to 20 inches.
Q: Do I need brakes on a BMX bike?
A: While some riders remove brakes for certain styles of riding, it’s recommended for beginners to have at least a rear U-brake for control and safety.
Q: What’s the difference between a 1-piece and 3-piece crank?
A: A 3-piece crank is made of three separate pieces (two crank arms and a spindle) and is much stronger and easier to repair than a 1-piece crank.
Q: Is it okay to buy a cheap BMX bike?
A: Very cheap BMX bikes are often made with lower-quality materials that can break easily, making them unsafe and frustrating to ride. It’s better to invest a little more for a durable bike.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a beginner BMX bike?
A: You can find decent beginner BMX bikes starting around $250-$400. Bikes in this range offer a good balance of quality and affordability.
Q: Can I use a BMX bike for commuting?
A: BMX bikes are not ideal for commuting. They are designed for tricks and short rides, not for long distances or carrying cargo.
Q: What is a “gyro” on a BMX bike?
A: A gyro is a brake system that lets you spin the handlebars 360 degrees without the brake cables getting tangled.
Q: Should I get a bike with pegs?
A: Pegs are useful for grinding and doing tricks that involve the pegs, but they are not necessary for a beginner just learning to ride.
Q: What maintenance do I need to do on my BMX bike?
A: Regularly check tire pressure, tighten bolts, and keep the chain clean and lubricated. Basic maintenance will keep your bike running smoothly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!