Updated on August 18, 2022
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What size BMX bikes do adults ride?
It is common for adults to ride BMX bikes with a greater frame size than 20 inches. The top tubes, on the other hand, might be anywhere from 20.5 to 21.5 inches in diameter.
For example, there are 22-24 and 26-inch sizes available. Choose a Junior or a size smaller than 20 inches if you’re under 5 feet tall. BMX wheels are normally 20 inches in diameter.
For taller and older people, a cruiser wheel size (24 inches) is ideal.
Choosing the right size depends on your age, height, and personal preferences.
How do I choose the right size BMX bike?
Age:
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 6 to be on a BMX bike. 15 to 18-inch bike frames are the norm for children’s bikes. Micro Mini, Mini, and Junior are all subsets of this group.
Height & Weight:
The most important factor in determining your shoe size is your height. In order to ride a bicycle, you must have a height of less than 163 cm and a wheel size of less than 20 inches.
A top tube length of at least 20 inches is recommended if you weigh more than 100 pounds.
Location:
It’s also a good idea to think about where you’ll be riding. Shorter top tubes are sufficient if you’re buying a BMX bike to ride in the park.
Top tubes that are at least 20 inches long are required for trail or dirt riders. It’s a matter of personal preference when it comes to street-riding bikes.
Experience:
You’ll find four distinct sections to the experience. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced are the four levels. The smaller the BMX bike frame, the easier it is for novices to learn how to ride.
If your height is between 12 and 18 inches, this is the best option for you. Riders who weigh 130 pounds or more and stand 140 centimetres tall should select BMX expert as their level of skill. Twenty-to-twenty frame size This category’s top tube measurement is four inches.
In order to ride BMX Master, you must have a frame size between 20.5 and 21 inches in diameter. BMX pro is for professional riders who weigh more than 165 pounds and is therefore only suitable for those who ride BMX professionally. Over 20.5-inch frames fall into this category.
Do they make BMX bikes for adults?
From children to adults, BMX bikes are available. The typical BMX bike has wheels that are 20 inches in diameter and a frame that is 21 inches in width. To choose the best BMX bike for your needs, you need to consider two factors: the frame size and the wheel size. All of this hinges on your physical stature, weight, and ultimate goal. The most popular wheel size is 20 inches because it accommodates the majority of riders. There are, however, larger frames and wheels available.
The Size Of The BMX Frame
BMX frames come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as weights, due to the use of various materials. Depending on the discipline, some forms are better suited than others. To keep things simple, we’ll assume you’re buying your first BMX bike (or your first one as an adult) and that you have no prior experience.
When purchasing a bicycle, the size of the frame is the most critical decision you’ll make. Buying the first bike you fell in love with isn’t always the best idea. But do not be alarmed; this is not a difficult task. We’ll use your height to figure out which frame size is best for you. As a result of this, we’ll be able to determine the ideal top tube length for you. chromoly is the greatest material for any situation. You may have to shell out a little extra for it, but it’s more durable than standard hi-ten steel.
What are some safety precautions when riding a 20-inch BMX bike
- It is illegal to ride a 20″ BMX bike without proper safety gear like gloves, a helmet, and knee and elbow protection.
- When riding a BMX bike, it is important to wear clothing that won’t get caught on the handlebars or the bicycle’s frame, which can be deadly.
- Wearing long pants and sleeves can help prevent accidents like as scratches and cuts from sharp tree branches, gravel underfoot, or contact with surfaces while performing stunts in midair, among other hazards.
- Before setting out, make sure your brakes are in good working order.
The Size Of The BMX Wheels
Here we go: now that you’ve figured out the dimensions of your bike frame, let’s speak about tyres.
Choosing the right wheels for your vehicle is critical. Wheels come in a variety of sizes, widths, materials, tyre sizes, rim sizes, spoke counts, and more, all of which can be customised. Depending on what you intend to do with your bike, all of these components have an impact on its quality, weight, and performance. For the sake of brevity, we’ll avoid the more technical aspects and keep it as straightforward as possible.
The normal BMX wheel diameter is 20 inches. It’s the most common wheel size, and it’s significantly smaller than either a mountain bike or a road bike’s. The term “cruiser” refers to wheels with a diameter of 24 inches. They race in their own division. Dirt jumps and trials are the most common uses for these larger wheels.
As a result, the track, park, and street should all use 20-inch tyres. For long-distance commuting, 24-inch wheels provide additional stability and comfort. At least in the beginning, they may be beneficial if you’re planning to ride to work on your bike and then prefer greater stability in the park and don’t plan to execute any risky feats. If you’re a larger person, you may choose a bike with a 22-inch top tube and 24-inch wheels.
So, depending on how you want to ride, you can go with either wide or narrow tyres. Wide tyres (like 2.4 inches) are preferred by many freestyle riders since they are easier to land on and absorb all kinds of impacts. As a result, you’ll likely be going slower with these tyres.
Typically, the diameter of a racing wheel is measured in millimetres. There is a tradeoff between weight and speed when racing, thus the wheels and tyres are thinner than when freestyling because the ultimate goal is to travel as fast as possible.
Conclusion
Welcome if you’re just getting started or if you’re re-starting. Take your old BMX bike to your local BMX shop for a short restoration, then hit the road. It’s a good idea to think about your goals before purchasing a new bike. You may now proceed to the park. Your skin will be hot and your heart will be racing.
Enjoy yourselves! That’s the essence of BMX racing.

Hey, all I am Joe Marino I love to ride bikes and teach others how to ride them. Most of my articles are about which bike is best for others. I am passionate about cycling and it shows, whether I am writing about a $25 bicycle from any random website or a $5000 Santa Cruz.
I have always been the guy who gets calls from friends while at work asking which bike they should buy. I have written about the best city bike for commuting, the best folding bike for use on public transit, and even what to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ bikes.
You can follow my blog and read all of my other articles on my website.