BMX

A BMX bike is a compact, extremely robust bicycle with 20" wheels (sometimes 16"/18" for kids), a short wheelbase, and sturdy components. It is consistently designed to withstand jumps, drops, grinds, and hard landings.

Unlike "normal" bicycles, a BMX has a significantly shorter, more agile, and more minimalist build – without unnecessary attachments. This ensures maximum control in the air, on ramps and rails, and opens up a huge range of tricks from bunnyhops, 180s, spins, and tailwhips to technical street combos.

Depending on the spot and riding style, the geometry and equipment of BMX bikes vary slightly:

• Street BMX: Designed for rails, ledges, stairs, and urban spots. Often features pegs for grinds, robust rims, and tends to have a slightly more stable geometry.

• Park/Ramp BMX: For skateparks, bowls, and halfpipes. Often slightly lighter, with agile geometry for aerial tricks, flairs, and technical lines.

• Dirt/Trails BMX: For jump lines and dirt lines, usually with a slightly longer front end and tires with more tread for grip on dirt.

• All-round BMX: Bikes with balanced geometry that cover street, park, and first dirt attempts well – ideal for beginners.

BMX bikes are primarily selected based on wheel size and top tube length:

• 16" & 18" BMX: For children and smaller riders who are starting out in the sport and need handling suited to their size.

• 20" BMX: The standard in the freestyle sector – for teenagers and adults, with varying top tube lengths depending on body height.

• Top tube length: Typically approx. 20.0"–21.25". Shorter lengths are more agile and good for smaller riders, while longer lengths offer more stability at high speeds and for large jumps.

Benchmark: Smaller riders tend to start around approx. 20.25"–20.5", while taller and more advanced riders often move into the 20.75"–21.25" range and above.

BMX components are designed for durability and control:

• Frame & fork: Robust steel or chromoly frames for high stress. High-quality models often rely entirely on chromoly (CrMo) for stability at a moderate weight.

• Drivetrain: Usually single-speed with a small front sprocket (e.g., 25T, 28T) and a matching cassette. Cranks, bearings, and pedals are extra massively dimensioned.

• Hubs: Classic cassette hubs or freecoaster hubs for a fakie-heavy street focus, where the cranks do not turn while rolling backward.

• Brakes: U-brake on the rear wheel (sometimes with a rotor/gyro system) or "brake-less" setups for advanced street riders.

• Tires: 20"x2.2–2.4" with either smooth park tread or a coarser profile for street and dirt, depending on the application.

• Pegs & guards: Steel, aluminum, or plastic pegs for grinds, as well as sprocket and hub guards for protection during street tricks.

A BMX bike is ideal if you:

• Have fun with tricks, jumps & creative lines in the skatepark, at spots, or on the pumptrack,

• Are looking for a compact bike that you can easily transport – in the car, on the train, or under your arm into the park,

• Want to introduce children or teenagers to the bike park, pumptrack, or skatepark,

• Want to improve your riding feel on all other bikes – BMX teaches balance, bike control, and reactivity like almost no other discipline.

A suitable BMX bike helps you learn tricks faster and more safely. Start with basics like bunnyhops, manuals, and 180s – and gradually adapt your setup (pegs, freecoaster, handlebar height) to your riding style instead of changing everything at once. This way, you will notice exactly which changes really help you.