How Many Types Of BMX Bikes Are There? (Answered)

BMX bikes are popular sports bicycles constructed for stunts, tricks, and different competitions.

With different types of brands, constructions, models, and sizes on the market, many users may be in a tight corner when choosing one for themselves.

First, many users are unaware of the different types of BMX bikes. These bicycle motocross have different designs for different purposes, varying in size, mechanism, and other features.

There are seven types of BMX bikes. Each bike type performs a different function, and most designs require riders to use a particular path. Also, these different types of bicycle motocross vary in size and design. They come with different tires, tread types, and frames and also come in different sizes.

In this article, I’ll explain the different types of BMX bikes, the best available type, and whether these bicycle specifications are the same. In the end, you’ll know the oldest BMX brands.

How Many BMX Bike Types Exist?

Seven types of BMX bikes exist. First, BMX bikes are available in three categories:

• The original or race BMX
• The freestyle
• The jumper BMX bike

These categories have unique features that make them ideal for specific riding styles.

The original BMX bikes are also known as race bikes. They are specifically for BMX racing, a recognized form of BMX.

This sport became a part of the Olympic Games in 2008. Also, these race bikes are light in weight, with a longer wheelbase to ensure better stability at high speed. 

Furthermore, BMX tracks are a special off-road path for BMX racing. It contains elevations, bumps, and obstacles with a smooth surface.

So, the original bicycle motocross has features suitable for this road.

However, freestyle bikes have a different construction. They are for BMX freestyle, which debuted in the Olympics in 2020.

These bikes are heavier and constructed with sturdier materials.

Manufacturers design them to enable riders to perform tricks and stunts on different paths, including parks, streets, vert ramps, and flat lands. 

On the other hand, jumper bikes are a special type of BMX bike specifically for jumping on dirt tracks. They’re very heavy and have wider tires than the original bicycle motocross.

What Are the Different Types of BMX Bikes?

Seven different types of BMX bikes fall into the different categories of BMX. These bikes have a special type of construction, differing in size, tire type, frame, and seat level.

Below are the seven types of BMX bikes:

#1. Race 

Race BMX bikes are a type of BMX bike suitable for racing on the BMX track.

These bike types are lightweight, featuring an aluminum or Chromoly steel frame, and have a high gear ratio.

But they’re also strong enough to be able to handle the toughness of the BMX track.

These qualities enable these bikes to accelerate quickly and maintain high speed, easily maneuvering tight corners.

Also, they’ve oversized handlebars and smaller seats, with thin and low-profile tires with good grip to maintain traction on dirt tracks. The wheel size is typically 20 inches.

In addition, brakes are compulsory in race BMX bikes, and they feature a strong rear hand brake, offering optimum control.

#2. Dirt Jump

Dirt jump bikes are a type of BMX bike that somehow fit between the freestyle and race bikes and are specifically for jumping on dirt roads.

They feature a strong build that allows freestyle jumping stunts and have a quality grip on tires for the dirt.

The tires have thicker tread than race bikes, allowing them to have a better grip on loose surfaces.

Also, these bikes have a taller ground clearance that blocks the pedal from touching the ground and generally have one gear.

In addition, the brakes are stronger, allowing riders to stop quickly during a ride.

#3. Street

Street BMX bikes are freestyle bikes for performing tricks and stunts in an urban environment. These bikes are more versatile, allowing riders to ride in different environments.

Moreover, they’re strong and durable, with a heavy frame to withstand the occasional falls and jumps, including obstacles and rough road paths.

Also, these bikes have thick tires with smooth treads and quality grip for increased speed and stability. They generally feature 24-inch wheels to combine stability and flexibility.

In addition, these bikes usually come with brakes at the rear or front. Also, they may have nylon pegs on the axles to help riders balance on elevated obstacles.

#4. Park

The park BMX bikes are another type of freestyle street bike, where riders can course through a special park, a bike, or a skate park.

This park may feature cement or wood surfaces, with many ramps, boxes, rails, and sometimes halfpipes and stairs.

Also, just like street bikes, they’ve thick frames, smooth tires, and a double braking system.

In addition, these bikes may have pegs that enable users to perform grinds and stalls.

#5. Vert

Vert BMX bikes are another freestyle bike with slight modifications to suit the rider, suitable for riding on vert ramps.

They’re also known as halfpipes, where riders go back and forth to both sides, plunging into the air and performing several stunts. 

These bikes have shorter wheelbases and stiffer angles, with a decreased center of gravity, providing more stability and control on vert ramps.

#6. Flatland

Flatland BMX bikes are a type of freestyle bike for performing tricks and stunts on level ground.

They have short wheelbases, low center of gravity, taller handlebars, and short wheels, making them maneuverable to perform tricks.

Riders may use pegs to control the bike in different positions.

Also, these bikes are usually brakeless, allowing users to perform more difficult stunts.

#7. Cruiser 

Cruiser BMX bikes are specially for leisure rides and have been around since the 80s. They’re lightweight with longer frames, which allow for large wheels.

Also, the tall frame makes them convenient for tall people, enabling them to stretch their legs.

These bikes are great for pleasurable cruising but also fit for racing.

What is the Best Type of BMX Bike?

The best type of BMX bike will depend on the occasion for riding, the path you’ll be coursing, and the best size for you.

For instance, if you want to perform racing on a BMX track, you should opt for the race BMX bikes.

However, freestyle bikes are the perfect choice for performing different stunts. Also, you can choose from the freestyle bikes depending on where you’ll be coursing.

Furthermore, different size options are available for kids, adults, and people with short or tall heights.

The BMX brand is also a factor to consider. So, these factors will determine the best BMX bikes for you.

Below are the factors you should consider when choosing the best BMX bikes.

#1. Purpose 

The style of BMX you want to perform will determine the type of bike you should go for. If you want to perform on a BMX track, race bikes are the best option.

But dirt jump bikes are the right choice if you want to perform jumps on dirt roads. However, if you prefer freestyle racing, there are different freestyle bikes you can choose from.

Also, these bike types have different wheel, frame, and handlebar sizes, with different tire designs.

It would help if you chose the type that suits your purpose and skill to get the best performance.

#2. Riding Path

The riding path is another point to consider when choosing a BMX bike.

Freestyle bikes have various options best suited for different areas, including skate parks, streets, flatlands, and vert ramps. 

It would be best if you made your choice depending on where you want to ride your bike.

#3. Riders Size

The rider’s size is another important factor to consider when choosing. There are different size options available for users to choose from depending on their size.

So, calculating your height will help you choose the right-sized BMX bikes.

#4. Age

The rider’s age is another important factor when buying a BMX bike.

There are different sizes suitable for different age grades. So, check the size chart before purchasing.

#5. Brand 

To get the best BMX bike, consider the brand you’ll buy from. Redline and Mongoose are some of the popular brands.

Are BMX Bikes Essentially the same?

No, BMX bikes aren’t the same. These bikes differ in design, having varying construction materials, wheels, frames, tires, seat levels, and sizes.

The unique designs make them suitable for specific purposes. 

The different BMX bikes must have different modifications. These modifications enable them to handle the different road paths, elevations, and stunts.

Also, it enables these bikes to maintain adequate stability, irrespective of their purpose, and to course at varying high speeds.

Below is a table explaining some of the distinctive features of BMX bikes 

Features	The tread pattern differs across each BMX bike. For instance, dirt jumper bikes are more heavily trodden than the rest.
Frame	Frames are made from different materials, including aluminum, steel, Chromoly steel, Chromoly, carbon fiber, carbon steel, and titanium.
Weight	The different frame materials make the BMX bikes have different weights for different purposes.
Purposes	Each type of bike has a specific purpose
Wheel size	These bikes have different wheel sizes to suit their purpose
Tires	The tread pattern differs across each BMX bike. For instance, dirt jumper bikes are more heavily treaded than the rest.
Size	Each bike also has different sizes

What Are the Oldest BMX Brands?

The oldest BMX bikes date back to the 1970s. Redline and Mongoose are some of the popular brands of the 70s.

However, several other brands started manufacturing these bikes when the sport became popular in the late 70s.

Below are some of the oldest BMX brands:

#1. Redline

Redline is one of the oldest and most popular BMX brands by Linn Kastan and Mike Konle. It started in 1970 as a producer of motocross, speedway, and other racing bike parts.

It wasn’t until 1974 that they ventured into the production of BMX bikes, producing the BMX bike fork. Till today, they keep producing quality BMX bikes and parts.

#2. Mongoose

Mongoose is another very popular BMX brand that started in the 70s. Skip Hess began the brand in 1974, making the first Mongoose bike in 1975. 

It’s one of the first brands to sponsor professional riders. Today, they continue to produce different models of bicycle motocross.

#3. Haro

Bob Haro started the Haro Bikes Corporation in 1978 and quickly became popular in the BMX industry.

They’ve also sponsored professional riders and continue to make great designs and models of BMX bikes.

#4. GT

GT stands for Gary Turner. Gary Turner started the GT brand in 1972 by creating the first GT frame for his kid.

In 1977, he and Richard Long started the GT Bicycles, specializing in BMX bikes. They launched the first bike, GT Pro, in 1980.

They’ve continued to produce a wide range of BMX models.

#5. SE Racing

SE Racing is another old brand that began in the late 70s. Scot Breithaupt started Scot Enterprises in 1977 and birthed SE Racing soon afterward.  

This brand produced its first bike the following year, and till today it continues to make a name in the BMX world.