BMX Buyers Guide

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a new BMX bike and with that in mind, we've put together a basic buyers guide that will have you shreddin' your local in next to no time.

With so many different brands available to the consumer, along with varying wheel sizes, spec levels and price points it can become confusing as to which bike will suit your needs best. We've taken three vital factors to take into consideration when buying a new BMX and broken them down below, beginning with rider skill level, rider size and budget.

RIDER SKILL LEVEL

A riders skill level is one of the most important factors to consider when looking to purchase a new BMX bike. We've broken this down into three categories of rider, beginner, intermediate and expert. Choosing the right bike for your skillset is vitally important. For instance, if you're an intermediate level rider who is doing gaps and drops, you're not going to want a bike with a one-piece crank that could possibly bend upon harsh landings, whilst a beginner rider may not need necessarily need 3-piece cranks, sealed bearings or a chromoly frame.

BEGINNER

You've just begun to take an interest in BMX and are learning some basic tricks like bunnyhops and jumping off curbs.

INTERMEDIATE

You've mastered barspins, 360's and basic grinding tricks, the locals at the skatepark know you by name and you're pushing your riding to new levels.

ADVANCED

You ride with confidence and skill. Having mastered your balance and coordination, you're moving onto bigger, more technically advanced moves.

RIDER SIZE

A riders' height is another important factor to consider before the purchase of a new BMX. A bike that is to small will be uncomfortable and throw off the riders' center of gravity off, while a bike that is to big will be slow, difficult to maneuver as well as being uncomfortable to ride. For further information on sizing be sure to check out our BMX Bike Size Guide.

UNDER 145CM

The youngest of riders are spoilt for choice with 12"balance/pedal bikes as well as 14", 16" and 18" bikes.

145CM TO 170CM

Riders in this size range will best be suited to a bike with 20" wheels with varying top tube lengths from 18.5" to 20.75".

170CM PLUS

Riders of 170cm in height or taller will feel right at home on a 20" bike with a 20.75 to 21.25" top tube. 24, 26 and 29" wheeled bikes are also another option for taller riders who are after a more comfortable, relaxed ride.

BUDGET

When buying a new BMX, it's important to keep your budget in mind. Sure, it'd be awesome to have the exact same set up as your favorite pro, but it isn't necessary in order to have the maximum amount of fun on your bike. If you're shopping for a new BMX bike and are on a budget, consider choosing a bike that suits your current skill level that you can upgrade parts on as your riding continues to progress.

$399 to $659

Most bikes in this price range will feature hi tensile steel frames, forks and handlebars, one-piece cranks are common on bikes under $400 while others will have three-piece cranks with an unsealed American bottom bracket. Single wall rims are common while most bikes will run a sealed bearing rear hub. 

$660 to $999

Bikes in this price range will feature frames with either partial or full lightweight chromoly tubing in addition to a chromoly fork steerer tube, handlebars and crankset. Sealed bearing integrated headset and mid bottom bracket are standard along with sealed bearing hubs front and rear.

$1000 PLUS

Lightweight chromoly frames (with removeable brake mounts) along with full chromoly forks, handlebars and cranks are standard along with full sealed bearings throughout and double wall rims. Bikes priced from $1499 may consist of full aftermarket parts and are often the exact same spec as the pros run.

WE RECOMMEND

If you have any questions in regard to the information in this guide, please feel free to visit us in-store at 108 High Street Cranbourne, call us on 03 5996 1049 or email sales@caseycycles.com.au.