The 7 Best BMX Bikes to Get in 2023

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After testing seven BMX bikes, I’ve found that the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike is the best for beginners and advanced riders.

Yet, that’s not the only impressive BMX bike on the market. Still, with so many models available, it can be tricky to find the right one for you.

Luckily, I’ve done extensive research until I found worthy candidates. And, after you take a look at their features, pros, and cons, your decision should be easier to make.

So, are you ready to dive in?

In this article, I’ll give you my opinion on seven BMX bikes, help you pick one, and answer a few questions you might have.

The 7 Best BMX Bikes Overview

  1. Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike – Best Overall
  2. Dynacraft Tony Hawk Park Series 720 BMX Freestyle Bike – Best Budget-Friendly Option
  3. Schwinn Sting Pro BMX Bike – Best for Racing
  4. Razor High Roller BMX/Freestyle Bike – Best Durability
  5. Mongoose Switch 18-Inch BMX Bike – Best for Kids
  6. Elite BMX Bicycle 20-Inch Freestyle Bike – Best for Teens
  7. Mongoose Title 24-Inch BMX Race Bike – Best for Larger Adults

My Top 7 BMX Bikes of 2023

Without further ado, let’s learn a bit more about our favorite products.

Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike – Best Overall

There are countless reasons why this bike is so popular on Amazon. But, what we appreciate the most about it is that it’s suitable for a wide range of users. So, naturally, it ended up being our top pick!

This freestyle bike can suit the needs of experienced bikers who like to show off their skills in parks or streets. Thanks to its durable Chromoly steel frame and 20-inch wheels, it can withstand high jumps and aerial tricks.

Better yet, if you’re still a beginner, the Mongoose Legion bike can be a great choice as well. According to those who tried it, it can be perfect for basic curb jumps and racing. And, the best thing is that it should stick with you until you become a professional!

This beauty features a U-brake that can offer precise speed control. Plus, it has a two-piece crank and an alloy chainring to increase its longevity.

However, the Mongoose Legion bike may be too pricey for someone who just wants to test out the sport. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Great for beginners and professionals alike
  • A good option for street, park, and dirt freestyle riding
  • Durable steel frame and shock-resistant tires

Cons

  • May be too expensive for those on small budgets

Dynacraft Tony Hawk Park Series 720 BMX Freestyle Bike – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Being on a limited budget doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a high-quality BMX bike. A good example of that is the Dynacraft Tony Hawk bike, which has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon.

This bike is available with a wheel size of 20 or 24 inches, making it a decent choice for both kids and adults. Better still, it can handle up to 275 lbs of weight, which, again, works fine with a wide range of bikers.

Plus, I’d definitely appreciate how sturdy the construction is, especially if I’m still new to BMX. At this point, the bike may be subject to so much wear-and-tear. So, it’s a relief that the steel frame and alloy parts can handle falls.

Another remarkable thing about this bike is its black finish and neon green accents. It comes with Tony Hawk graphics, encouraging you to become just like the skateboarding legend.

Yet, the bike doesn’t include paddle brakes, limiting your speed control to handbrakes. While this might not be a deal-breaker, some preferred to have the speed precision that a paddle brake offers.

Pros

  • Good for kids and entry-level adults
  • You can choose from 20 or 24-inch wheels
  • Available with a steel frame to keep up with jumps and tricks
  • Tony Hawk-inspired finish
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Lacks paddle brakes

Schwinn Sting Pro BMX Bike – Best for Racing

Nothing can be better than feeling the rush of the wind in your hair as you speed up with your bike, right? That’s what most people love about racing. But you can’t achieve this without the perfect BMX bike, namely the Schwinn Sting Pro.

This buddy is for those who are looking for a race bike that has several nods to the 1989 iconic design. This includes the classic BMX handlebar, laid-back seat post, the paint, and the vintage-looking parts.

Plus, I like how the frame is made of sturdy steel to last for years by your side. However, the manufacturers could’ve gone for Chromoly steel instead since it’s lighter. Still, many reviewers thought the bike was fast enough to their liking.

The bike is for those who are 4’8’’ to 5’4’’ in height. So, while it may not be compatible with people of larger frames, it’s still a pretty decent choice for kids and some adults. Also, the fact that it’s not overly priced adds to its overall appeal!

Pros

  • A sleek vintage look
  • An awesome choice for racing
  • Solid steel structure for a longer lifespan
  • Mid-tier price

Cons

  • May not be suitable for adults taller than 5’4’’

Razor High Roller BMX/Freestyle Bike – Best Durability

Here’s a bike for someone who wants a combination of a decent price, performance, and durability. The Razor High Roller BMX bike is one of the sturdiest on the market since it’s made of high-tensile steel. Yet, that’s not the only impressive thing about it.

The freestyle bike has a unique appearance that can easily turn several heads as you fly by on the street. The color yellow gives it a vibrant and lively look, while the black accents add some edge to make it more stylish.

Also, because it comes with an easily adjustable seat, people of different heights may use it with no trouble. Not to mention that the durable frame can handle more weight than most bikes out there.

Still, my favorite part is that the bike has front and rear hand brakes for better control.

You’ll have some assembling to do, though, which a few might not like. However, once you follow the directions in the user’s manual, things can be a bit more simple for you.

Pros

  • Hi-tensile steel frame and fork for extra sturdiness
  • Great for street tricks and racing
  • No-tool adjustable seat height
  • A good option for adults and teenagers
  • Moderately-priced

Cons

  • Could be lighter

Mongoose Switch 18-Inch BMX Bike – Best for Kids

Here’s another Mongoose bike that I’ve quickly fallen in love with. If you have a kid that has begun to show some interest in BMX, the Switch 18-inch bike might be the best gift to give him or her.

The first reason why it may be a good option is that it comes with training wheels. So, it should help your little one enter the world of bike tricks confidently. And, once they master this art, you can remove the tiny wheels and let them explore advanced moves.

Second of all, the Switch should be perfect for younger kids with its 18-inch wheels. Plus, it comes with a durable, low-height steel frame so that five, six, and seven-year-olds can access the seat with ease.

Aside from being child-friendly, this BMX bike has some features many adults aim for when buying a bike. For instance, it comes with a reliable foot brake, front and rear brakes, and is made from solid steel.

Affordable, sturdy, and stylish-looking, the Mongoose Switch bike can be a great introduction to the world of BMX riding.

Pros

  • A nice choice for first-time riders of 5 to 7 years of age
  • Comes with removable training wheels
  • 18-inch wheels and low frame for easy mounting
  • Includes front, rear, and coaster brakes
  • Available with freestyle pegs to suit a multitude of bike tricks
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a kickstand
  • A bit tricky to assemble if you haven’t done this before

Elite BMX Bicycle 20-Inch Freestyle Bike – Best for Teens

Do you have a child that keeps insisting he’s not a kid anymore? Well, if you do, chances are the previous bike won’t work well for him. Instead, you may want to consider investing in this Elite bike, which should be perfect for kids who are 8 to 14 years of age.

I could understand the appeal of this all-black bike. With its edgy looks, sleek steel frame, and incredibly thick wheels, it’s an immediate eye-catcher. And, if your kid isn’t a fan of black, he’ll find six more colors to choose from.

Plus, its 20-inch wheels and durable construction are suitable for an adult. Yet, people who are taller than 5’5’’ might not be entirely comfortable riding it.

Thanks to the bike’s sturdy components and geometry, it can go on streets, parks, and dirt. Even better, the reinforced welds should be able to keep up with the majority of tricks and jumps without becoming loose.

Several of those who tried it loved its quality, saying it matched the cost pretty well. So, even if you don’t have the biggest budget, you could still get this decent bike at a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble in minutes
  • Available in 7 color options
  • The 20-inch wheels are suitable for teenagers and adults shorter than 5’5’’
  • Solid steel construction and reinforced welds for a longer life
  • Mid-range price

Cons

  • Not fit for taller adults
  • Makes loud noises when you ride it

Mongoose Title 24-Inch BMX Race Bike – Best for Larger Adults

This is the third time I’ve included a Mongoose product on this list, but that’s just because the brand is so awesome! It has released BMX bikes for each use and need, which earned the company a great reputation.

Now, if you’re taller than 5’5’’ and are into bike racing, I highly recommend the Mongoose Title 24-inch bike. Due to its larger wheels and sturdy, aluminium frame, it should align with your body just fine.

Also, because it’s constructed from aluminium, the bike can be as lightweight as any racer would hope for. Other things that can enhance the bike’s speed include the sleek and smooth finish and extra-light components.

You should get maximum steering ability thanks to the way that the handlebar, fork, and front wheel come together. Plus, the linear-pull brake ensures full control of the speed. This increases your safety, and, therefore, your confidence.

Overall, the Mongoose Title combines amazing performance and a convenient price.

Pros

  • Suitable for adults taller than 5’5’’
  • Lightweight and durable frame, making the bike a good fit for racing
  • Max speed control using the linear-pull brake
  • Well-connected parts promise smooth steering performance
  • Mid-range price

Cons

  • You may need to lubricate it pretty often
  • The seat height isn’t adjustable

Factors to Think About Before Buying a BMX Bike

There are so many bikes to pick from to the point that might leave you a bit lost. So, how do you ensure that you make the most out of your BMX bike?

Luckily, the answer is simple. You’ll only have to consider the following factors in order to make a well-thought decision.

Size

When choosing a bike, some people tend to decide based on the wheel size. It isn’t necessarily wrong, but the frame size is a more important factor to think about.

Usually, a brand will produce two bikes with 20-inch wheels and different frame sizes. Therefore, the size of the wheels may not be a valid comparison point.

So, how do you know which size suits you best?

Easy. Take a quick look at the size and weight chart that most bike manufacturers provide with their products. After you find the right match that fits your body type, you can order it with confidence.

Bike Type

As you’ve probably noticed while reading my reviews, some bikes shine in certain areas more than others.

For example, one BMX bike may be better for racing because it’s more lightweight than other options. Another choice comes with stronger welding, making it a good choice for high jumps and more advanced stunts.

Also, some bikes are suitable for park and street riding, while others can go on several terrains, including dirt.

Thus, you must determine why you need the BMX bike, then make your decision based on that purpose.

Materials

When shopping for a BMX bike, most of us will head straight to one with a steel frame for its incredible strength. Yet, this approach isn’t entirely correct if you want a racing bike. So, how do you pick the right frame material?

Again, this depends on what you intend to do with your BMX bike.

Because racing bikes have to be as light as possible for faster speeds, you’ll need to shoot for an aluminium frame. This way, you should end up with a lightweight bike without sacrificing much in terms of durability.

On the other hand, if you need a bike for tricks, jumps, and flights, you may want to go for a steel frame instead. So, when you land on the ground from a high point, the frame should be able to endure that.

Chromoly is a good candidate as well in that scenario.

FAQ

What does BMX stand for?

BMX is short for Bike Motocross, which is a cycle sport that relies on racing on off-road terrains or trick riding. The term originated in the 1970s in California when kids began to use their bikes for racing on dirt tracks.

Soon enough, the sport branched off to two genres; BMX racing and Freestyle BMX. While the former sport is pretty straightforward to understand, the latter focuses on tricks and stunts.

Are there different categories of Freestyle BMX?

Yes. There are four types of Freestyle BMX, including:

●  Street

●  Park

●  Dirt

●  Flatland

As you’ve probably presumed, each one of the sub-categories refers to the terrain where the sport takes place. For example, BMX street riding has competitors jumping on stair sets, curbs, rooftops, and more.

On the other hand, BMX park riding occurs at skateparks where riders perform flips, spins, and more. The same goes for dirt and flatland riding, where bikers use the unique nature of each terrain to show off their skills.

How is a BMX bike different from a mountain bike?

At a first glance, a BMX bike may look similar to a mountain bike. However, there are a few differences between the two that you should probably know about.

First off, the design of a BMX bike is suitable for short, man-made tracks. On the contrary, a mountain bike goes for longer distances and on rougher terrains.

Second of all, a BMX bike has a simple, durable, and rigid frame to handle jumps. A mountain bike has a much sturdier and larger frame for more challenging trips. Plus, a mountain bike usually has attachments for a water bottle, front lights, and more.

The wheel size is another huge difference between the two bikes. While a BMX bike has 20 or 24-inch wheels, a mountain bike comes with 26 and 29-inch wheels.

Conclusion

After going through our list of the best BMX bikes on the market, it’s easy to see which one is the winner. Our favorite is the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike for its high-end build, versatility, and precise speed control.

However, if your budget doesn’t allow it, you could go for the Dynacraft Tony Hawk Park Series 720 BMX Freestyle Bike. It comes with a cool finish, top-quality parts, and, most importantly, it doesn’t break the bank.

So, are you ready to start your BMX riding journey?

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