Updated on August 18, 2022
BMX bikes are an excellent choice for kids who have outgrown their balance bikes. From 7 to 14-year-olds, there are BMX bikes in sizes 14, 16, 18, and 20.
16-inch BMX bikes are ideally suited to children ages 5 to 8 years old. Size 16 inch BMX bikes are best suited for children between the ages of 3.7 feet and 4.6 feet, as height is the best indicator of the correct bike size.
It’s more difficult to determine an acceptable age range for a BMX bike than it is for a standard kids’ pedal cycle.
For example, a child who can ride a 20-inch pedal cycle will be able to ride a 16-inch BMX bike just as well. So, what’s the catch when it comes to determining the optimal BMX age?
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Table of Contents
What Size Bmx Bike For a 16 Year Old
Sizing Charts for BMX Bikes for Children
The size of the child’s frame is an important consideration when shopping for BMX bikes, say the pros at Bicycles Inc.
If you’ve decided on a 20-inch BMX, the chart below will help you choose which model of BMX bike is best for your age.
| Size | Description | Best for Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | The low standover height155-mm cranks20 x 1 1/8″ tires | 4-6 years old |
| Junior | Slightly larger frame than Mini165-mm cranks20 x 1 3/8″ tires | 6-9 years old |
| Expert | Longer top tube than Junior170-mm cranks20 x 1.5-1.75″ tires | 9-13 years old |
| Pro | Full-size” frame175-180-mm cranks20 x 1.75-2.2″ tires | 12 years plus
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|
An age-appropriate wheel size chart for children is provided here.
| Age | Appropriate Wheel Size in Inches | Appropriate wheel size in cm |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 years | Balance Bike | 70-90 |
| 4-6 years | 12 | 80-100 |
| 5-9 years | 14 | 90-130 |
| 7-14 years | 16 | 100-140 |
| 14+ years | 18 | 130-160 |
| 14+ years | 20 | 155-150 + |
In order to be clear, balancing bikes are preferable for children aged 1 to 5 or 6 years. Size 14″ BMX bikes are appropriate for children aged 5 to 9 who choose to ride a BMX bike.
Comparatively, the 14-inch BMX bikes are roomier, more comfortable and long-lasting than the 12-inch balancing bikes. Beginner youngsters can start to learn and do tricks on the ramps with these BMX bikes.
The 16-inch BMX bikes are appropriate for children aged 5 to 8 or 9 years old.
Most 7 to 13-year-olds can ride an 18-inch BMX bike comfortably. They provide a fantastic transition from BMX bikes of the 16-20-inch variety.
The handlebars are too high and too far away from the seat post for some riders to simply jump on a 20-inch BMX bike, but they’re a good alternative for those who are already skilled BMX riders.
In addition, the BMX bikes with a 20-inch wheel diameter are suitable for children ages 13 and up.
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Bmx size chart by height and top-tube length
Your kid’s love or dislike of the sport will depend on the fit of the BMX bike you buy for them. Be very careful when purchasing one for your child.
Additionally, you may determine your child’s proper BMX bike size based on the frame’s length, which is determined by using the top tube measurement. The following chart can be of use.
Size of the BMX Bike
| Height of Kid/Rider | Top-tube Length | |
|---|---|---|
| 12″ | 2-3 ft | 11.5”-13” |
| 14″ | 2’ 8” – 3’ 4.” | 12.8”-15” |
| 16″ | 3’ – 3’ 8” | 14.5”-17” |
| 18″ | 3’ – 4’ 6” | 17”-18.5” |
| 20″ | 4’ – 5’ 6” | 18”-20.25 (extra small, XS) |
| 20″ | 5’ – 5’ 8” | 20”-20.5” (Small-Medium) |
| 20″ | 5’ 6” – 6’ | 20.25”-21” (Large) |
| 20″ | 6’ + | 20.75”+ (XL) |
Consider your youngster or teen’s level of BMX experience before purchasing a BMX bike. The three levels are called “Beginner,” “Intermediate,” and “Pro.”
Beginner BMX bikes are often smaller than the usual 20-inch models, making them ideal for young riders just learning the ropes of BMX riding.
The intermediate BMX bikes offer a blend of cost and performance, while the pro BMX bikes have many sophisticated features.
Custom BMX bikes, on the other hand, are built to the specifications of the rider. All things considered, pro BMX bikes are more aerodynamic and feature stronger tubing.
Disciplines of BMX Bike Riding
It’s critical to know what kind of riding your child intends to do before making a BMX bike purchase.
BMX racing, road riding, free riding, flatland riding, and mud jumping are all examples of BMX disciplines. Freestyle and racing are the two primary divisions of BMX riding’s five primary sub-sports.
This includes flatland, dirt jumping, street, and ramp and park riding, which share a style, culture, and a variety of stunts. Skate parks and aggressive street riding both call for the utilization of Freestyle BMX Bikes.
Another type of competitive riding is BMX racing, which is similar to motocross in that it takes place on a track. Let’s have a look at the many types of BMX riding.
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.
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