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It can be a confusing process understanding which size bike will best suit you're child when surrounded with many different options, to help with this we've created a basic sizing guide to help get you started on choosing the perfect size BMX bike for your little shredder! Back when I first started riding BMX back in the early 1980's children's bikes were limited to 12" and 16" sizes before making the leap to a full size 20" BMX. Fast forward a few decades to 2023 and we are spoilt for choice with 12" balance/BMX bikes (Balance Bikes are a great option for those just starting out on two wheels, allowing riders to learn the basic fundamentals of balance and coordination before introducing pedaling), 14" BMX bikes, 16" BMX bikes and 18" BMX bikes, the introduction of balance bikes along with 14" and 18" bikes helps bridge the gap between sizes allowing young riders to feel more comfortable and confident on their bike.
Sizing is one of, if not the most important choice when it comes to selecting a new bike. Choose a bike that is too small and the rider will feel cramped whilst finding it difficult to pedal and maneuvere. On the flip side, a bike that is too big will be again be uncomfortable for the rider with difficulty reaching the handlebars and/or putting their feet on the ground along with causing issues with handling and maneuverability (all serious safety concerns). On the correct size bike a rider should be able to hop on and off without difficulty, feel comfortable and be easily able to reach the handlebars and put their feet flat on the ground. When it comes time to ride, a correct fitting bike should feel both responsive and maneuverable whilst being able to be easily thrown around for those brave enough to hit up the local jumps or skatepark. Keep in mind that BMX bikes are designed to ridden standing up. Most children's BMX bikes will feature a lower standover height than a regular children's bike to allow room for the rider to move around on the bike whilst jumping and turning etc. A regular children's bike will have a higher standover than a BMX bike to allow the rider to be seated whilst pedaling and maintain a smooth pedaling motion.
| Wheel Size | Height From | Height To |
| 12" Balance | 65cm | 85cm |
| 12" | 70cm | 95cm |
| 14" | 90cm | 115cm |
| 16" | 95cm | 120cm |
| 18" | 120cm | 145cm |
20" BMX bikes have long been considered the "standard" BMX size. Sizing for 20" bikes is based off of the length of the frames top tube (measured from the centre of the seat tube to the centre of the head tube) and for complete bikes can vary from 18.5" to suit young riders moving up from an 18" wheel BMX, to 21.25" for riders 180cm + in height, with aftermarket frames available in lengths of up to 22". With these variances in top tube length also come changes in frame geometry such as chainstay length, standover height, bottom bracket height along with head tube and seat tube angles, these all play an important role in rider comfort along with the intended style of riding the bike is designed for. While there are a variety of top tube lengths available for different brands, please see below for a breakdown of the most common top tube lengths for 20" BMX bikes along with their corresponding suggested rider heights.
If you have any questions in regards to the information in this guide please feel free to visit us in store at 108 High Street Cranbourne, call us on 0359961049 or email [email protected].
