BMX Freestyle Sizing Guide
Wheel Size | Toptube Length | Recommended Rider Height (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
12" | 12" - 13" | 2'4" to 3' |
14" | 14" - 14.5" | 2'8" to 3'6" |
16" | 16" - 16.5" | 3'2" to 4' |
18" | 18" - 18.5" | 3'10" to 4'8" |
20" | 18.5" - 20" | 4'8" to 5'2" |
20" | 20" | 5' to 5'4" |
20" | 20.25" | 5'2" to 5'6" |
20" | 20.5" | 5'4" to 5'8" |
20" | 20.75" | 5'6" to 6' |
20" | 21" | 5'8" to 6'2" |
20" | 21.25" | 6' + |
What is Freestyle BMX?
Freestyle BMX involves performing tricks, stunts, and jumps. Riders use specially designed bikes that are smaller, more maneuverable, and tough, to handle the physical demands of the sport.
Here’s an overview of freestyle BMX and considerations for choosing the right bike size:
Disciplines
Street: involves tricks on urban obstacles like stairs, rails, and ledges.
Park: takes place in skateparks, utilizing ramps, bowls, and other structures.
Vert: performed on large half-pipes with high-flying aerial tricks.
Dirt: focuses on jumps and tricks on dirt tracks with large mounds and jumps.
Flatland: done on flat surfaces, emphasizing balance and intricate tricks without ramps or jumps.
Tricks: include a wide range of maneuvers such as flips, spins, grinds, and manuals. Creativity and technical skill are key components of freestyle BMX.
Bike Size and Components
Wheel Size: standard BMX bikes typically use 20-inch wheels, which provide a balance between maneuverability and stability. Smaller wheel sizes (16-18 inches) are available for younger or smaller riders.
Frame Material: Hi-Ten Steel is affordable, durable, and suitable for beginners. Chromoly Steel is lightweight and strong, ideal for more experienced riders.
Handlebars: the height and width of the handlebars affect control and comfort. Taller bars offer more leverage for tricks, while wider bars provide more stability.
Components:
Pegs: are attached to the wheel axles for grinding on rails and ledges.
Brakes: many freestyle bikes have rear brakes only, or no brakes for a cleaner look and lighter weight.
Tires: are designed with tread patterns suitable for different surfaces, such as smooth tires for park riding and knobby tires for dirt tracks.
Riding Style:
Street and Flatland: shorter top tubes and lighter frames for technical precision.
Park and Vert: longer top tubes and sturdy frames for stability and aerial tricks.
Dirt: frames with a good balance of strength and weight, often with larger tires for better traction.
When choosing a freestyle BMX bike consider your height, skill level, and preferred riding style. The top tube length is a critical measurement that affects the bike's handling and comfort, and the material of the frame and the specific components, such as handlebars and tires, play essential roles in the bike's performance and suitability for different freestyle BMX disciplines. Ride on!
