How to Size a BMX Bike

BMX bicycle racing began in the late 1960s and quickly became popular among competitive thrill seekers throughout the United States. Bicycles that fall into the BMX category feature lightweight frames made from aluminum or chromoly steel. Like many other bicycle types, BMX bikes come in several different sizes to better accommodate a rider's specific needs or preference. Properly measuring the size of a BMX bike frame for your particular height is an important task you may wish to perform before making a purchasing decision.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the bicycle for any identifying information concerning the frame size. Certain bicycle manufacturers may affix a sticker to the frame that will provide detailed measurements and specifications related to the product.

    • 2

      Hold one end of your measuring tape to the center of the seat-mounting tube, located on the top side of the frame.

    • 3

      Measure the distance between the center top portion of the seat tube and the top middle portion of the handlebar tube. For an accurate measurement, allow the tape measure to run parallel with the bicycle frame's uppermost horizontal tube.

    • 4

      Round the measurement to the nearest half-inch and navigate to a suitable frame size chart to calculate the appropriate rider height for the particular frame (see Resources).