Consult your preferred manufacturer’s spec chart before ordering. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Whether it be freestyle or race every single one of our staff is a die-hard BMXer so you know that you’re always getting the best advice. Safety is always a top priority when it comes to BMX riding, and the California Special delivers with its DiaCompe MX brake kit.
It is a well-meaning recommendation, but one that is six or eight months premature. Most racers south of middle age will want a twenty-inch wheel. There is no common agreement as to sizing; “Pro XL” from one company might be “Pro” or “Pro XXL” at another.
Those bigger wheels can be intimidating, but they aren’t completely uncontrollable. The Big Ripper is an icon from SE, lending a stable ride for those who want to pop big wheelies and cruise down the block. Those larger wheels, however, can be downright intimidating for smaller or younger riders. The 26-inch Flyer is the way to go if you want to jump into the Bike Life culture without feeling like you’re mounting a steed of a 29-inch. Plus, it looks fantastic with its retro style based on BMX culture of decades past.
The 29-inch Street Performer is a big-wheeled beauty with a retro front triangle frame, double wall rims, and fully sealed bearings. These specs are just a little better than the run-of-the-bike-life mill. The only things that would be notably different would be the tyres (larger volume and knobblier), fork (more travel) and seatpost (much, much longer).
Is annoying heavy for bunny hops, plus the internal wiring prevents barspins. That specialization means that, as with the mountain bike cousins, you will give up performance in one area to gain it elsewhere—but the diversity of adult-sized BMX bikes is not nearly as outrageous as it is on the mountain. It’s possible to race on your skatepark bike or vice versa. As with most things we buy, our final decision is based not only on what we want but also on what we can afford—and somewhere in the middle is the best option for the money and the riding you do. So while a $6,000 custom commuter bike might make you starry-eyed, there are plenty of sub-$1,000 possibilities that fit your needs. And while a $500 city bike is easier on the wallet, it might not offer the best features for longer commutes or those with mixed terrain.
He also helped with the launch of WSJ’s Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks. Both models feature a flip-flop mongoose dirt bike hub with a cassette body and fixed thread that lets you easily swap between fixed and freewheel cogs with a standard bottom bracket tool. And all adult Priority models use a quieter, cleaner, less-mess Gates belt drive instead of a traditional chain and cassette. A 680mm-wide, flat handlebar and 28mm WTB ThickSlick tires round out this clean-looking, stylish city fixie.
Our range of entry level race bikes are perfect for first time racers, usually priced between £200 and £400 most of these are constructed of heavier steel rather than aluminium. mongoose racing bike These are great to get a feel for the sport but would not be able to keep up in a competitive environment. The Vado 4.0 is one of the best commuter bikes on the market.
The powerful and straightforward, RadCity 5 Plus is a city bike with commuter potential. Strapped with a 750w geared hub motor, this e-bike moves along at a comfortable 20 mph with a throttle to help you get up to speed or the top of punchy hills. Its range is pretty far at up to 50 miles per charge, and including fenders, a rack, and integrated lights is a nice bonus. Plus, the 27.5 x 2-inch-wide proprietary tires, along with a front-suspension fork, provide comfort on pavement and bumpy bike paths.