The four main types of BMX
Race BMX bikes are built for BMX racing, sprinting from a start gate over jumps and berms on a purpose-built track. Lightweight aluminium or carbon frames, high gearing, narrow slick tyres, and often clipless pedals. Sizes run from Mini and Junior for young children up to Pro and Pro XL for adult racers. British Cycling runs a regional league structure, and BMX racing is an Olympic sport.
Freestyle BMX bikes are built for jumps, grinds, and tricks. Heavier frames, lower gearing, pegs for grinding on, and fat tyres with grippy tread. These are the bikes you see in skateparks. Standard size is a 20.5 to 21 inch top tube for adult riders.
Dirt jump BMX bikes sit between race and freestyle. Built for dirt tracks, table tops and big jumps. Slightly longer frames than freestyle, 24 to 26 inch wheels on some models, and suspension forks on others.
Kids BMX bikes are scaled down versions of freestyle bikes. 16, 18 or 20 inch wheels, usually steel frames, often with coaster brakes on the smaller sizes. These are the right first bike for many UK children.
Typical prices on the used market
Under a hundred and fifty pounds the used BMX market is mostly older kids bikes, first bikes that have been outgrown, and basic adult freestyle bikes that have been well used. Condition varies. Check frames carefully for cracks, particularly around the head tube and the bottom bracket.
One hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds buys well-used mid-range freestyle and kids BMX bikes. Better components, lighter frames, reasonable condition. For a child's first serious BMX, this is often the sensible starting point.
Three hundred to five hundred pounds gets you into quality freestyle bikes. Mongoose, Haro, Fit, Subrosa, Cult, Sunday and the other respected street BMX brands. Components at this price are strong enough for serious skatepark riding.
Above five hundred pounds is where race BMX and premium freestyle sits. Redline, Supercross, Chase and DK race bikes in this range are competitive at regional level. Flagship freestyle bikes from Subrosa, S&M and Fit at this price are built for pros.
Brands to know
For racing, Redline, Chase, Supercross and GT are the established names in the UK. Parts availability is strong, frames are proven, and resale values are consistent. Haro and Mongoose also produce race bikes and their older models appear on the used market regularly.
