Ready to dive head first into the BMX world?
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a ready-to-go budget for the biggest and best bike out there or working with a smaller budget, there are countless BMX bike options out there for every wallet and enthusiast level. But how do you know which one is the best quality, skill level, and all around right for you?
Let’s dive into the best bikes and brands for all kinds of riding—Park, Vert, Flatland, and Street riding.
What is BMX?
The word BMX stands for bicycle motocross. The sport started in the 1970s. Southern California kids would race their bikes on dirt tracks. Overtime there was a growing focus on the jumping, speed and style of their races. As more and more tricks and maneuvers became a part of the BMX we know today, the sport evolved into two distinct disciplines: BMX racing and Freestyle BMX. BMX Racing obviously focuses more on the racing aspect. BMX Freestyle incorporates more artistic maneuvers and tricks into your display of skills. Today, BMX is popular across the world, with competitions being held on a regional, national, and international scale.
The Best BMX Bikes of 2022
Haro Blackout
Price: $1,249
The Blackout is designed with the pro BMX rider in mind. It is in a class all of its own. This bike is built low to the ground for optimal speed and agility, and it shows. The deep black color is a visual reminder of the power and skill this monster commands.
The Blackout has a PTC frame and features a tapered head tube with 3D dropouts compatible with 3/8″ axles. Plus, at the front of this bike you’ll find the CLiQ Citizen carbon fork combined with Addict 8″ bars and CNC alloy top load stem. Additionally, the drive train has a set of alloy 2 piece cranks mounted to the sealed bearing CLiQ BB86 press fit bottom bracket, which aides in the power output of the bike. Ending with sealed bearing alloy wheels, this bike is the powerhouse all skilled BMX riders are looking for.
Mongoose BMX-Bicycles Legion BMX
Price: $469
A perfect bike for those starting out in the world of BMX, it’s built solid to withstand rough use and practice by a beginner. It’s not the lightest bike around, but it is a great all around bike used for park, street or dirt riding. The aluminum single wall 36H rims and 2.4” BMX tires give a controlled grip and strong durability for all kinds of riding. It was made for riders ranging in height from 5’0” – 5’6”, so for taller riders, you’ll have to check out some of the bikes below!
Kink Liberty
Price: $670.99
One of (if not the best) budget BMX bike out there, the Kink’s Liberty BMX bike is great for bigger riders. With a comfortable 20.75″ TT, full Chromoly construction throughout, sealed bearings, removable brake hardware and more, you are getting the most bang for your buck with this ready-set-go BMX package deal.
Mafiabikes Kush 2+
Price: $349
With an affordable price of $349, this entry-level Kush 2+ bike is from Mafiabikes, one of the hottest BMX bike companies out there. As the world of BMX expands, Mafiabikes combine the best details, specs and design into an affordable bike for people looking to get into the sport.
Sporting a classic frame, it features a CNC machined internal headset, top load stem and sealed bottom bracket, a better upgrade from previous models. Another notable point is the double-wall rims that can handle heavy, hard use. Mafiabikes claims their Kush 2+ is the best BMX for riders building their skills, and we’d have to agree.
We The People’s The Envy
The name rings true—you’ll make other riders envious when they see you cruising through on one of We The People’s best BMX bikes out there. While being light, don’t let yourself think that it lacks power – it’s super strong for the ultimate agility. The Envy includes the signature Envy XLT frame as well as the Eclat Storm SLT fork, as well as the cutting-edge SEISMIC cassette hub—the best of the best. With a lifetime guarantee of the frame and fork, this is one of (if not the best) BMX bike out there.
Kink Tony Hamlin Signature Solace Freecoaster
Price: $629.00
This street machine comes from one of the most prominent names in the BMX world. The Tony Hamlin Signature Solace Freecoaster is their flagship model, and it is a complete BMX package for those serious in the sport. Built completely with 4130 chromoly, the Solace is the type of bike that can handle anything. Completing the Solace is the butted toptube, downtube along with Kink’s own Foundation II fork.
Haro Bikes Racelite Pro
Price: $639 – $689
You get it from the name—this bike is designed to place first on the podium. Combining a lightweight 6061 alloy frame with skinnier 20” wheels, you’ll have a competitive edge over everyone on dirt or paved race circuits. Haro Bikes are one of the original BMX brands, you know you’ll be getting quality craftsmanship with every detail carefully thought through. The Racelite is available in different frame sizes so that riders of all ages and heights can ride this speed machine. If you race in that category, there’s also a 24” wheel version. The oversized down tube and BB86 press-fit bottom bracket add stiffness to improve power transfer from the pedals.
We The People Audio 22
Price: $889
We The People are back on the list with their Audio 22 BMX adult bike. This bike is known for being the best for fast-paced trail riding or taller riders looking for the perfect fit. The German-designed bike has a larger 22” diameter wheel, which is an innovation in the BMX world, as most wheels are around 20” or 24”. Is it worth it? We’re inclined to believe that We the People’s innovation is leading to new and exciting expansion within the BMX world.
So, are you in the market for your next (or first!) BMX bike? We’ve covered the best for all skill levels from the top BMX brands in the business. Ready to start your BMX journey? There has never a better time than now. If you’ve tested some of these models, we’d love to hear your feedback—share your thoughts in the comments below!
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