BMX Styles

Much like mountain and road bikes, manufacturers offer different styles of BMX bikes. The different styles of BMX bikes are aimed at different demographics and riding styles. The styles feature different frame construction, with a range of components making each bike style suited to its respective market. Nearly all BMX bike styles possess a compact double-diamond shaped frame, 20-inch wheels, single speed gearing, upright handlebars and a rigid fork, lacking shock absorbers.

  1. Juvenile

    • Juvenile bikes share the same silhouette as the competition-oriented models. These feature heavier components to meet a reasonable price point for their core demographic, youth riders. Juvenile BMX bikes are generally built around steel frames. Wheel are typically of the 36-spoke variety, but some models may feature plastic mag-style rims.

      Juvenile BMX bikes are typically equipped with knobby tires that are distinctive for their coarse tread pattern and a side profile resembling a scaled down version of the tires on an off-road motorcycle. Some models may feature hand brakes, but they will generally rely on a coaster brake system. The coaster brake allows young, and often inexperienced, riders to pedal backward to stop the bike. This is a safety feature, but limits the ability to adjust the crank position going into jumps or corners; a free-wheel lets riders backpedal, adjusting the crank position for the best ground clearance over jumps and weight distribution in corners.

    Racing

    • Racing style BMX bikes are geared toward those seeking a lightweight and fast bike. It allows them to race competitively in BMX races, which focus on sprinting and acceleration. The frame of racing style BMX bikes is generally made of chromoly, a relatively lightweight steel alloy, or aluminum. Aluminum allows for the pinnacle of frame rigidity, giving the most efficient pedal strokes possible. The wheels on these bikes are made out of lightweight alloy, with an average width of 1.5 inches. Racers mount knobby or semislick tires on these style bikes. Linear-pull brakes are the norm, and are only mounted to the rear wheel, to keep weight to a minimum.

    Freestyle

    • Freestyle BMX bikes are designed for flatland trick competitions and air-based tricks launched from half-pipes. Durability is the priority for these bikes, and speed sprinting is of little importance. The function is reflected in the construction of the bike's sturdy chromoly frame. Freestyle BMX bikes have 48-spoke rims to handle the extra stresses of the discipline, and they are also wider to prevent the tires from folding over. The tires are slick, allowing for precise traction on wood and concrete surfaces. Front and rear brakes are the norm, allowing for control of both wheels. The brakes are U-shaped, minimizing their profile and the possibility of the brake interfering with the rider during certain tricks. Freestyle BMX bikes often feature a gyroscopic headset, commonly called a gyro, that allows the rider to spin the handlebar without tangling the brake cables, as well as axle pegs.

    Dirt/Jumping

    • Dirt and jumping bikes are a hybrid of the racing and freestyle forms of BMX bikes. Freestyle BMW frames are made of steel or chromoly, but not aluminum due to its propensity to develop stress fractures. The freestyle frame's tubing is often reinforced with gussets at key welding spots; the gussets disburse the impact from a hard landing, reducing the risk of frame failure. Dirt and jumping bikes use similar rims to freestyle bikes, but favor knobby tires for traction on imperfect dirt jumps. This style of bike uses the same brake style as a freestyle bike, but eschews the front brake in the name of weight and safety.