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 tricks, stunts, and jumps. To handle the physical demands of the sport, riders use specially designed bikes that are smaller, more maneuverable, and tougher.
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 skills are key components of freestyle BMX.
Bike Size and Components
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 - What works best
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!
