Are BMX Bikes All The Same Size [2022 Guide]

A frequently asked question before purchasing a brand new BMX is ‘are BMX Bikes all the same size?’. In short, the answer is no, you will need to buy the best BMX to suit your build for a comfortable, quality riding experience. Having even a little bit of knowledge with regards to the measurements you need to look for will help massively when buying your very own BMX for the first time.


Owning a BMX that suits your height is essential for a seamless ride and below, we will run through the key things you will need to consider before making that purchase.

 

Top Tubes & Wheels

When looking at the wheel and top tube sizes, it’s not a case of ‘the bigger the better’, since, as mentioned above, you will want a BMX bike to fit your stature. You can learn more about the relevant top tube and wheel measurements for your height by reading our article ‘Best BMX Bikes For Your Height! [2022 Guide]’.

 

What is the Top Tube?

In simple terms, the top tube, also known as the cross-bar, is the bar which connects the top of the head tube to the top of the seat tube. Therefore, you will make sure the top tube is just right depending on your height, one that is too long or too small will have you riding very uncomfortably!   


The top tube you go for is absolutely essential and will have a huge impact on your ability to ride, it can even be argued that it is more important than wheel size. Once you choose a BMX with the correct top tube, the bike’s tyres will fit proportionate to the frame of the bike and thus, your height too.

 

How can you be sure that the top tube of your bike is correct for your height?

One way to determine if your bike is the correct size for your height is by taking a photo or video of yourself riding your bike and viewing back to see how you sit. You can also simply just tell by how it feels to ride the Bike. Are you over-stretching to reach the handlebars? Or do you find your knees hitting the frame of the bike, feeling quite cramped? These are tell-tale giveaways that the size of the bike is either too large or small for your build.

 

If you are between:

  • 3’ to 3’8” in height, you’ll want a BMX with a top tube length of 14.5” to 17” and a wheel size of 16 inches
  • 3’6” to 4’6” in height, you’ll want a BMX with a top tube length of 17” to 18.5” and a wheel size of 18 inches
  • 4’ to 5’4” in height, you’ll want a BMX with a top tube length of 18” to 20.25” and a wheel size of 20 inches
  • 5’ to 5’8” in height, you’ll want a BMX with a top tube length of 20” to 20.5” and a wheel size of 20 inches
  • 5’6” to 6” in height, you’ll want a BMX with a top tube length of 20.25” to 21” and a wheel size of 20 inches
  • 6’ and over in height, you’ll want a BMX with a top tube length of 20.75” + and a wheel size of 20 inches

 

Take a look at the infographic below which summarises everything you need to know with regards to selecting the best BMX for your height.

 

BMX Guidelines For Children Depending On Height

 

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