Most of the options on this list were nominated by our test editors, who have experience with these and similar products in various conditions—from skatepark to street riding to racing. The rest we’ve evaluated based on user reviews, research, discussions with riders who are using them now, and how their specs compare to similar products we’ve tested in the past. Check out these options for the perfect BMX bike, from everyday essential to defiantly boutique. Turning back to the Mongoose story, the 1970s had treated the company well and momentum was only further embellished with the successful release of ‘E.T. At this point, Mongoose is still one of the leading companies in progressing BMX and have been designing and manufacturing products for close to a decade. For the most part, Mongoose was renowned for pushing the boundaries of BMX technology in a popular and authentic direction, however primarily in the BMX race scene.
The urban “bike life” movement has primarily been powered by 26-inch-wheeled singlespeeds, with enormous 29-inch-wheeled variants gaining steam in the past two years because they’re more stable and predictable for some of the more extreme stunts beloved of the community. 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. Sunday’s Primer can take you all the way to serious skatepark riding; riders between five to six feet tall will likely find exactly what they need with this bike. It features an Odyssey Springfield brake system, Path Pro tires, and a super durable hi ten steel frame for eating those inevitable spills.
Whether shop here at Albe’s BMX or at , we’re just stoked to help get these beauties to hardcore ‘Goose fans anywhere in the world. The L100 uses a complete 4130 Chromoly frame (not just the front half like the legion L100). The Legion L40 uses a 20.5-inch top tube, ideal for riders around 5’6”. This determines the “size” of the BMX, not the wheel size.
Race bikes are optimized for competition, with stiff frames and precise sizing. Middle-aged riders looking to recapture some of their youth without cracking their kneecaps will be interested in a flock of new “retro” bikes that repeat the styles schwinn mountain bicycles of the ’80s and ’90s forebears with more rider room and more durable materials. Last but certainly not least, “BikeLife” is a whole new approach to BMX born from avant-garde street riders in Harlem, Philadelphia, Oakland, and elsewhere.
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. The Mongoose Legion 16 is mongoose excursion a solid BMX bike for kids 3-feet-6-inches and under who need a 16-incher that can take a beating. The Legion 16 is simple to assemble and features gyro brakes for easy handlebar spins, loose-ball bottom brackets, and comfy grips.
Our culture is as fun and lively as the lifestyle brands we represent where innovative ideas are welcomed and customer satisfaction is top priority. Strongly consider getting a 24-inch wheel or larger. Most 20-inch BMX frames have the bottom bracket higher than the axles, for purposes of ground clearance.
Also, all Mongoose Legion BMXs will have the wheel size (20-inch diameter) unless it’s the Legion L16 or Legion L18 (which have 16-inch and 18-inch diameter wheels, respectively). Make it a trip to remember with camping and mountain biking combined! The kids will sleep great in their tents after all that riding.
These bikes have been around since the 60s, but they’re still fresh choices for a hot summer ride. If you’re a little older and are looking for something less agile than a 20-inch ride, consider Stolen’s Saint 24. Built for stability, this cruiser will get you comfy at the skatepark with less chance of wiping out.