24Jan

Understanding which bike is right for you can be something you might not have ever thought about before, but like a well-fitting pair of 501’s, each BMX bike geometry has been put together based on the size, weight, age and more importantly the height of the rider. Smaller bikes have become more popular in the past years with several companies getting into the balance bike market. At the other end of the spectrum, for the riders out there that are just “too tall” for BMX, there is another option available with 22” and 24” BMX bikes becoming more available. Regardless of what size bike you ride it’s important, you understand why. Having the right size bike will change the way the bike rides, does tricks and feels when your cruising. A bike that’s too small will feel less stable for a taller rider, where a bike that’s too big will be far more difficult to ride and lift for the smaller rider. As mentioned in the Frame Buyers Guide, BMX bike frames are built to fit different heights of riders and different geometries will consequently have different effects. This article will summarize some things to consider when choosing the right bike size for you and highlight some advantages of using the correct size bike that will make every ride a banger!  

 How to Find the Correct Size 

You may not have ever thought about the size of your body impacting how your bike feels, but that’s exactly how bike mechanics find the perfect size of bike for you. The table below gives a rough idea of how big of a bike you will need at the corresponding heights of the rider. Furthering this if your interested to know which bike fits you properly here’s how you can. First; you will need to measure yourself, once you have this number measure the distance from the floor to the inside of your groin now you have your height and your leg height. After this, you will need to measure your reach. Reach can be found by measuring the distance from your armpits to your fingertips. Once you have all these numbers you will need to find your ape index (or your height less your reach) If you have a positive ape index then go for the larger size bike, or if you have a negative ape index go for a smaller size.  

 Distribution of Height and Wheel Size 

The table below shows the recommended bike wheel size for the corresponding height of the rider. 

Age1-44-65-97-1414+14+
Wheel Size (inches)Balance12″14″16″18″20″
Size (cm)70-9080-11090-130100-140130-160155-180<

12” Bikes for the Kids   

Getting your Kids into BMX can be the best decision you ever make as a parent, but choosing the right BMX bike it’s as easy. For the kids 1-4 yrs that are showing some interest in things other than putting stuff in their mouth, you have the 12inch balance bikes and BMX bikes. These bikes have made dramatic improvements using parts from 20” BMX bikes these little bikes are truly incredible and have made the transition from walking to riding seamless. Since this bike is built to improve balance it’s important that the child’s feet can touch the ground when sitting over the bike. The next thing to look at is the distance between the handlebars and the rider’s chest. If the rider is unable to comfortably hold the bars because they are too far away then the bike is too big (or) may need to have the bars adjusted. This distance will make riding the bike easier or more difficult depending on the length of the rider’s arms and how much pull the rider can make on the bars.    

14 Inch BMX Bikes  

The next step up from the 12inch Balance Bike is the 14inch BMX bike. These bikes are designed to fit children that stand between 90-130cm tall. These bikes are kitted out with Alloy frames and bridge from the 12inch to the substantially taller 16-inch bike nicely. 14 inch BMX bikes offer children a bike slightly bigger, heavier and more durable than the 12inch. These 14-inch bikes are perfect to start learning tricks and becoming more confident on larger ramps. Thankfully in 2020 Buying a 14inch BMX bike doesn’t have to be so hard with many companies including Kink, DK and many more starting to offer 14inch bikes for our younger generation. These 14ich BMX bikes pack a high quality, ready to ride a complete bike that will allow your child to comfortably learn to ride their BMX Bike safely and comfortably.    

16 Inch BMX Bikes  

The next step up is the 16ich Bike. 16-inch bikes have been popular over the years in freestyle BMX with several companies offering a 16-inch option before most were offering 12 and 14-inch options. 16-inch bikes offer Chromoly frames, sealed bearings, 3 piece cranks, and normal 20-inch BMX hubs. Building a 16inch bike from scratch can be an expensive process however 2020 has made it more affordable with many companies offering 16-inch complete bikes. These bikes have been designed for riders at are between 100-140cm or 5-9 yrs old. At this height, a 16-inch bike will fit the rider correctly. 

18inch BMX bikes  

18-inch bikes are built for the riders that are ready for a 20inch but are still a little vertically challenged. These bikes are built to last usually costing similar to a 20-inch bike of similar quality. 18-inch bikes are best suited for riders that stand between 130-160cm or 7-13yrs old. These bikes are a great transition for all riders going from a 16 to a 20inch. Coming in under 10kilos, most of the 18inches available in 2020 are a lightweight, versatile bike ready for the young shredders to make the jump to the 20-inch. With many brands including Colony, Wethepeople, Cult manufacturing 18inch BMX bikes the hard part is choosing the right ride for you.   

20-inch BMX Bikes  

What most people think of when the word BMX is thrown into their head, the 20inch BMX frame is the original BMX frame. Over the years this frame has been made in a variety of sizes ranging from 19.8-21.75inches, with variations to the chainstays, head tube angles, and seat tube angles, the 20inch BMX frame has been through a lot, however, one thing has remained the same, the riders. The correct fit for a flat 20inch BMX Bike would be a rider that stands 155+cm. BMX frames come in such a variety that choosing the perfect frame can take a little personal preference, as the size of the bike can dictate the style of riding. Like peas in a pod taller riders fit longer bikes, shorter riders fit shorter bikes. However, like freestyle having no rules, some riders prefer their bike a little longer or shorter than “recommended”. 

Since 20″ bikes come in a variety of sizes now days we have broken the 20″ sizing down a little more.

Bike Size (inches)Hieght (cm)
19-19.5140-150
20″150-160
20.5160-170
21170-180
21.25<180<

22 & 24-inch BMX Bikes   

For the taller rider that has had enough of a sore lower back and trying to locate the longest BMX frames available are the 22-inch and 24-inch options. These Bikes are built for both cruising but can handle the regular abuse of BMX. 22Inch bikes are built for riders 170+cm and offer high-quality parts throughout the array of completes that are available in 2020. This bike is longer and therefore requires more reach, 22-inch BMX bikes are obviously a little heavier, this needs to be considered when purchasing a 22inch since they can be more difficult to do tricks on. Similarly, the 24-inch Bikes offer a more comfortable, commuter style bike while still keeping the essence of BMX in the design. With current graphics and BMX parts throughout, these cruisers are built for just about anything and suit best to the riders that stand over 170cm tall.   

To sum all of this up, BMX bikes come in many shapes and sizes and choosing the right one for you (or someone else) can be the difference in having epic sessions and not really feeling comfortable on your new BMX BIKE. Finally, if you are unsure about the size of the bike you’re about to buy, then pull into your local bike shop and ask the question.  

From Lux BMX – https://www.luxbmx.com/guides/size-does-matter-bike-size-guide/

12Jun

BSD‘s Reed Stark with more travel adventures from his BMX life on the road, this time from a pilgrimage to the land of sushi and kendama – Japan. Proceed to pick your jaw up off the flaw after laying eyes on the stacks of incredible and one-off spots. There’s even some tree hugging in there! Love it. Reed smashes it as always. – Content from DIG BMX

Check out his range of products:

8Jun

Check out the latest video from BSD! They dont have just a bunch of talented riders but they have the parts to handel them! Check out their product here!

24Apr

The Grime frame is the latest frame from BSD, built for the young shredder from Huntington Beach, Denim Cox. Whether he’s riding motocross, Barbie bikes or BMX, you know Denim tears it up on all terrain.

Designed to Denim’s specification, with a steep 75.5 headangle, a 12.8 – 13.2” rear end length with an invest cast chainstay yoke for extra tire clearance and a 9” standover, we introduce to you, the GRIME frame…

FRAME WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MAY AND IS ON PRE-ORDER

BSD GRIME FRAME SPEC:

 Toptube Sizes:20.6″ / 20.8″ / 21″ / 21.2″
Rear End:12.8 to 13.2″
Headtube Angle:75.5°
Seattube Angle:71°
Standover:9″
BB Height:11.7″
Colours:Military Green / Raw / Black
  • BMX Frames

    BSD ALVX AF FRAME 2020

    The BSD ALVX AF is the latest incarnation of the ALVX frame, this version features a super tech invest cast chainstay yoke which gives even more tire clearance as well as stiffening up the rear triangle. Your wheel can be slammed at an extremely short 12.5″ CS length with no worries of your tire rubbing!!

    380.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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  • BMX Frames

    BSD ALVX AF+ FRAME 2022

    The BSD ALVX AF is the latest incarnation of the ALVX frame, this version features a super tech invest cast chainstay yoke which gives even more tire clearance as well as stiffening up the rear triangle. Your wheel can be slammed at an extremely short 12.5″ CS length with no worries of your tire rubbing!!

    450.00 Add to cart
    Compare
  • BMX Frames

    BSD Freedom Frame

    Kriss Kyle is the type of rider who likes to ride everything, bowls, street, dirt, the lot. His signature Freedom frame is designed to perform well on all terrain, this frame combines the stability of a low 11.5″ BB, the responsiveness of a 75° headangle and the versatility of a short rear end. To create a stiffer rear triangle we’ve utilized an invest cast wishbone and invest cast seatstay bridge, great for sideways landings!!

    420.00 Add to cart
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  • BMX Frames

    BSD Grime Frame 2022

    Denim Cox is a wild man! The Grime frame is built to hold up to the abuse that Denim dishes out on the daily! ‘MORE SPEED LESS DOUBT!’

    Designed to Denim’s specification, with a steep 75.5 headangle, a 12.8 – 13.2” rear end length with an invest cast chainstay yoke for extra tire clearance and a 9” standover…

    430.00 Add to cart
    Compare

29Jan

by Robin Pearson

Courage Adams returns to Nigeria to meet up with the Lagos BMX Crew, trace his roots, see his family, and just generally get involved with how they do things there.  Fraser Byrne and Tyrone Bradley did an amazing job with this film – it’s an impressive documentary that serves as a real eye-opener, a true insight into the scene with the pioneers of BMX in Nigeria.  Grab a brew and enjoy.


More info:

At age 12 Courage Adams started riding BMX, but by age 16 he’d turned pro, taken the BMX world by storm and made the most of his parents’ bold move. Now, he returns to his roots in Nigeria, discovering new connections amongst a community of like-minded bike lovers.

BMX street is one of the most frequently evolving sports in the world. Fashions come and go as pro riders flit between the contest scene and their latest video release. In Nigeria, things are a bit different.

As it is around the globe, riding bikes can be about breaking down walls and allowing an ever-growing group of riders to connect and feed off each other’s inspirations and influences.

Follow Courage, Starboy, KK Money and S-King as we return to the streets of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, to illustrate just what a difference riding bikes has made to their lives and what their hopes are for the history of the sport in their town.

BMX on the streets of Lagos seems to be a blend of both old- and new-school influences and looks set to head off in its own unique direction as the riders and scene evolves. We can’t wait to see just what the future brings for BMX in Nigeria.

16Jan

Most of the new school riders wont really know who FDM as a company are, who the man Steve Crandall is. You might have heard of the name FBM but only riders in their late 20’s+ will know what that brand really stood for, it was for the LOVE of BMX and nothing more. Even the name, FBM which is short for FAT BALD MAN, a dig at the coprate companies that tried to control BMX in the begining and still try till this day. It was this Brand that always made sure BMX will be free and im sure it will stay with their memory. Check out their videos below and get a feel of how awesome they where.

Although their doors are closed, im sure what Steve and his crew stood for will live on in the memories and riders they touched over the 17 years of producing Bike Parts. here is the full statement from them:  

Keep on reading!
2Jan

Written by Tyson Jones-Peni. Photos credited. 

If you want to hear a truth, it’s that, as a BMX rider in my 30s, I have had an issue in the past with proving the validity of riding BMX to others. You might think ‘why would you care what other people think of you?’.  

A fair question.  

Most people think it’s silly to worry about how you’re viewed in the world. I agree to some degree. As I have gotten older, I have questioned a lot of the things that I do, to wonder if it’s worth doing, just because I enjoy it. 

After a lot of thought over the years, I came to the realisation that I really enjoy BMX, but it’s the slew of positive aspects to BMX that not only help me enjoy BMX, but contribute to a higher value of life itself.  

I’m a firm believer that BMX is not just riding a little kids bike. If you are doing things that have positive traits, you are not only improving at the thing you’re doing, but those traits are contributing to a stronger and better self.. Helping you to become a better person. 

BMX is full of these positive traits. 

So who needs to read this? 

Perhaps you’re new to BMX and wondering what’s in it for you. Or you’re someone who has been riding for a while and are having the same question of validity that I had. Maybe you have someone who doesn’t ride BMX that doesn’t understand why you’re still on that ‘kids bike’.  

BMX is awesome, this list will help you to understand why it is. 

Keep on reading!
24Dec

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Xmas and Happy New year and thank you for your support over 2019. It was a great year where we started our adventure in supporting the local scene with the best brands and products in the market.

You can expect more of the same next year! So Stay Tuned! Here are a few pictures of the year.