Cheap BMX Bikes – Essential Buying Tips
Starting out in a new sport like BMX can be overwhelming in price sensitive times. But is buying a cheap BMX bike really a good idea? Knowing what type of bike you really want can ensure you get the right bike at the right price.
Armed with the tips below I hope you can find the right BMX bike to suit your needs and importantly, your budget.
Tip 1 – Know Your Budget
Typically good quality beginners BMX bikes start at around $200. Remember that you will also need a few extra dollars for additional BMX gear including a good quality helmet, knee and elbow pads, and gloves.
Tip 2 – What Kind of Cyclist Are You?
BMX as a sport can be broken down into three categories; true BMX or Bicycle Motor Cross, Freestyle, and Dirt Jumping. Knowing what type of BMX cyclist you are aspiring to be will obviously help determine what bike you end up buying.
Tip 3 – Frames
BMX frames are typically half the weight of their Freestyle and Dirt Jumping counterparts and are made of light weight materials like aluminium. Freestyle and Jump bikes are by far more demanding and require sturdy frame construction with Freestyle frames being the heaviest. “Mini” frames are targeted at 4 to 6 year olds whilst adults should look at “full size” frames.
Tip 4 – Wheels and Tires
BMX bikes usually have 20-inch wheels and larger riders should look at 24-inch. For speed the wheels for a BMX bike will be lighter than Freestyle bikes, where the tires are wider and better suited to pavement use. Additionally Freestyle bikes are used for tricks and will have axel pegs. Jump Bikes are heavily treaded enabling greater traction.
Tip 5 – Handlebars
The handlebars on Freestyle and jump bikes are steeper than BMX bikes to allow for greater movement. Please ensure that the handlebar grips totally cover the metal on the ends of the handle bars to ensure maximum safety.
Tip 6 – Brakes
BMX and jump bikes normally only have a rear brake whilst a freestyle bike allows for the handlebar tube to completely rotate without tangling the front brake cable.
Tip 7 – Safety
Ensure the bike has padding on the crossbar, stem, and top tube. It is more than normal to find that the kickstand, fenders, reflectors, and chain guards have been removed. Please ensure that there is at least one working break.
You will be able to find great value bikes online at auction sites such as eBay or Craigslist. If you are buying new or used ensure you are armed with the tips above and get the right bike suited to you. Do not be afraid to email the seller and ask for additional photos of the bike, it’s recent history, and if possible (and the seller is located nearby) visit and take the bike for a test ride.