Different Types of BMX Bikes

BMX challenges participants to race their bikes through courses that range in difficulty and often contain obstacles. To make sure they are safe, BMX racers should acquire helmets and other types of padding, and they should make sure to keep as much of their body covered as possible. When beginning as a BMX rider, it is also important to know the types of bikes available. In total, there are three main types of BMX bikes for racers to choose from.

  1. BMX Style Bikes

    • Fittingly enough, the first type of BMX bike is called the BMX style bike. BMX style bikes are designed to be raced on dirt tracks and are constructed to weigh as little as possible. For the most part, they are supposed to be able to reach high speeds for short distances, but they are not designed to hold up well during longer competitions. BMX styles bikes were the first created for the sport and have wheels sized at either 20 or 24 inches. While BMX bikes vary in terms of frame size, almost all of them are made from aluminum or chrome.

    Freestyle Bikes

    • Freestyle BMX bikes are made to accommodate BMX competitors who specialize in stunt and trick competitions. Due to this, freestyle bikes have extremely strong frames and typically weigh more than their BMX style counterparts. While BMX style bikes are designed to ride in dirt, freestyle bikes are made to ride on paved areas so they can be used on streets and at skating facilities. Freestyle bikes can also be used as transportation due to their agility on pavement. The tires on freestyle bikes are thick and smooth, and there are brakes at both the front and back ends of the bike.

    Jump Style Bikes

    • Jump style BMX bikes are made to help BMX competitors combine the different positive qualities of BMX style and freestyle bikes. While they can absorb the impact that accompanies tricks and stunts, jump style bikes do not weigh as much as freestyle bikes. Jump style bikes can also adapt to both paved areas and rough terrain. Jump style bikes have fewer spokes than freestyle bikes and more tread on their tires than any other style of BMX bike.