Are BMX Bikes Bad For The Knees? (Read This First)

When riding BMX bikes, you make use of your lower body parts. As a result, riding BMX bikes can benefit your health by ensuring proper blood circulation, building muscles, etc.

At times, you may experience knee pains after riding your BMX bike. When you notice such, you may wonder; Are BMX bikes bad for the knees?

No, BMX bikes are not bad for the knees. You would only experience knee pains when you overuse your lower body parts. Ensure your biking routine is workable to avoid overusing your lower body parts.

In this article, you’ll learn about the symptoms of various knee pains and how to relieve them. 

You’d also get information on the appropriate BMX bikes for adults and the health benefits they will gain from riding them.

Are BMX Bikes Bad For the Knees?

No, BMX bikes are not bad for the knees. However, you may develop knee pains if you overuse your joint due to a strenuous biking routine.

When you notice any symptoms of knee pain, you must arrest it immediately to avoid further complications.

Here are some areas of your knee where you may experience knee pain and the symptoms:

#1. Anterior 

The anterior part of your knee is the center and front of your knee.

Here are the symptoms of pain in the anterior part of your knee:

• You may experience pain when bending your knees or when you sit for an extended period with your knees bent
• Pain at the front of your knee
• You may hear a popping noise when you stand up or climb stairs
• You may experience pain when you change your activity level

#2. Posterior

The posterior part of your knee is the back of your knee

Here are the symptoms of pain in the posterior part of your knee:

• You may experience swelling in the affected area
• Pain and difficulty in walking

#3. Lateral

The lateral area of the knee involves the lateral collateral ligament. 

Here are the symptoms of pain in the lateral part of your knee:

• Swelling
• Pain on the inside and outside of your knee
• Feeling of instability

#4. Medial 

The medial part of the knee is its middle part. Pain in the medial area of your knee is mostly due to plica syndrome.

Pilica syndrome has to do with inflammation of your knee’s synovial fluids.

Here are the various ways to treat knee pains gotten from BMX biking:

• Once you develop knee pains, ensure to rest that knee and avoid putting any weight on it
• Use an ice pack on your knee for 20 minutes each day. Ensure that you do not apply directly to the knee to avoid further complications.
• Wrap your knee with a soft bandage and place it above the level of your heart

You should seek medical attention (physiotherapy) in any of the following conditions:

• The affected knee is discolored
• You are unable to move the knee joint properly
• Severe pain, swelling, and loud popping noises from the knee
• The knee cannot accommodate any form of weight

Why Does Riding a BMX Bike Hurt My Knees So Much?

You might experience knee pain due to overuse of your lower body joints when riding a BMX bike.

Here are some of the specific reasons why you may experience knee pain when riding a  BMX bike:

• A dislocated kneecap
• A strain or a sprain
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Bleeding in the joint
• You might have an infection in the bones of your knee
• A torn cartilage
• Tendonitis
• A torn ligament

Does Riding a BMX Bike Workout Your Legs?

Yes, riding a BMX bike helps to work out your legs. Riding a BMX bike is an exercise for your lower body, including your legs.

Here are some of the health benefits of riding a BMX bike;

• It helps to ensure the efficient circulation of blood through the body.
• It reduces the risk of heart diseases
• It helps to strengthen bones
• It is a great way to burn calories and lose weight
• It is a great way to gain muscles in your upper and lower body.

Should Adults Ride BMX Bikes?

Yes, adults can ride BMX bikes because they are not limited by age.  

To choose the appropriate BMX bike, you have to consider certain factors. Here is a breakdown of some of the factors you need to consider:

#1. Wheel Size

One important thing to note about a BMX bike before an adult rides is its wheel size. The wheel size of a BMX bike is usually chosen according to the height of the adult in question.

Here is a table showing the appropriate wheel size for various heights:

Wheel Size	Height
18”	107-132 cm
20”	122-152 cm
24”	142-168 cm
26”	163-188 cm

#2. Tube Length

The Tube length of the BMX bike must also be considered when choosing an appropriate bike for an adult.

The right tube length of a BMX bike is chosen according to the height of the adult. 

Here is a table showing tube lengths for various heights:

Top Tube Length	Height
18.5-19.5 inches	5’0”-5’4”
19.25-20.0 inches	5’2”-5’6
20.0-20.75 inches	5’3”-5’8”
20.75-21.25 inches	5’7”-6’0”
21.25-22.0 inches	6’0” plus

The standard BMX bike size is 20-inch is usually associated with young people. However, adults can also ride bikes of 20-inch size.

Adults must know certain safety precautions before purchasing a 20-inch BMX bike. 

Here is a list of the safety precautions that adults need to follow:

• An adult must have all the necessary safety gear on before riding a 20-inch BMX bike. The safety gear includes gloves, a helmet, and pads.
• An adult should always check and test all parts of the BMX bike, especially the brakes, it ensures they are in good working condition.
• An adult should wear appropriate clothing to ride a BMX bike. Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect yourself from bruises and injuries.

Best BMX bikes suitable for adults

Here are some of the best BMX bikes suitable for adults:

#1. XSLY 26-inch Folding Mountain BMX Bikes

Here are some of the features of this BMX Bike:

• 26-inch wheel size
• Made of steel and light aluminum alloy
• This BMX bike has a disc brake style
• This BMX bike has seven speeds
• This BMX bike weighs 35.2 pounds

Here are the advantages of XSLY 26-inch folding mountain BMX bikes:

• This BMX bike has non-skid tires that help it to maintain stability during non-skiddy conditions
• This BMX bike is suitable for riders that weigh up to 330 pounds.
• The aluminum alloy makes the bike relatively lightweight and easy to travel around.

The con of this BMX bike is that it is only available in one yellow color. 

#2. Mongoose Hitch Men’s All-Terrain Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Here are some of the features of this BMX bike:

• 26-inch wheel size
• Made of steel
• This BMX bike has a rigid suspension type
• This BMX bike has seven speeds
• This BMX bike weighs 55 pounds

Here are the advantages of mongoose hitched men’s all-terrain fat-tire mountain bikes:

• It has both front and rear disc brakes
• It is suitable enough for people of height 5’3-6’2 

The con of this BMX bike is that it is not suitable enough for really tall and big people.

#3. Mongoose Single-Speed BMX  Freestyle Bike

Here are some of the features of this BMX bike:

• 26-inch wheel size
• Made of steel
• Linear pull brake style
• This BMX bike has a single speed
• This BMX bike weighs 38.15 pounds

#4. B5R-24 Inch Bicycle BMX Stunt Bike

Here are the features of this BMX bike:

• 24-inch wheel size
• Aluminum alloy frame
• It has a disc brake style
• It weighs 33 pounds

Here are the advantages of B5R-24-inch bicycle BMX stunt bikes:

• You get access to 3 month’s warranty for the bike parts
• It is light-weight
• It is available in various colors

The one disadvantage of this BMX bike is that the wheels might not suit big riders.

#5. Mongoose Elite 24 BMX Race Bike

Here are some of the features of this BMX bike:

• 24-inch wheel size
• It is made of aluminum
• It has a linear-pull brake style
• It weighs about 24 pounds

Here are some of the advantages of the mongoose elite 24 BMX race bike:

• You get access to a 5-year warranty and 1-year warranty for each of its parts
• It is lightweight and suitable for riders whose height falls between 5’7-6’2

One disadvantage to this bike is that it is unsuitable for mountain biking.

#6. Mongoose Title 24 BMX Race 

Here are the features of this BMX bike:

• 24-inch wheel size
• It is made of aluminum
• It has a linear-pull brake style
• It weighs about 24 pounds