BMX - Buying Advice

BMXing is currently one of the most popular extreme sports on the market. First developed in America in the 1970's, BMXing has quickly evolved into an legitimate sport ( BMXing is even contested at the Olympics!). With such a wealth of products to choose from, it can be really hard to select the right type of BMX. In this section, we'll be offering some of our top tips when purchasing a BMX.

Types of BMX

There are two main types of BMX, each one tailored for different types of use. Below is a breakdown of the different types of BMX and the key differences between them:

Racing BMX - Racing BMX's are designed specifically for riding hard and fast on rocky, hilly and sandy terrain. They're generally designed to be lightweight with higher-end models being constructed from chromoly or aluminium. Most Racing BMX's will have thicker wheels with lots of tred to ensure you get maximium grip when riding. Whilst this type of BMX is designed to be very sturdy, we wouldn't recommend purchasing one if you're interested in jumps, tricks and stunts. 

Freestyle BMX - Freestyle BMX's are hardwearing, tough creatures designed to withstand a huge amount of punishment down the skatepark. They're perfect if you're looking to try loads of jumps, tricks and stunts. Generally the frames are constructed out of high-textile steel (although higher-end models may be made from chromoly, which is stronger and lighter). Most will also have Rotors/Gyros allowing you to spin you bars 360° without tangling up your bars.

Things to consider when buying a BMX

As there is such a wide range of BMX's available, there's some important things to keep in mind when choosing yours:

• Money - You don't want to spend more than is necessary, however the quality of a product can be discerned by the cost. The higher the cost, the better quality you are likely to get.

• Skill Level - Practically all models are suitable for beginners, but for anyone more experienced riders, you would get the most out of purchasing a higher-end BMX. More expensive BMX's tend to be made from stronger, lighter materials such as chromoly or aluminium.

• Age - If the skates are for a child it may be worth taking a look at the some of the smaller BMX's we have to offer. Make sure you purchase a BMX with a smaller frame as smaller kids will struggle with a larger, heavier BMX.

Warranty Information

Standard warranties are normally between 90 days and 6 months. Some brands offer a longer warranty which can be for as long as 1 year. The majority of all BMX's have a parts-only warranty.

As a general rule of thumb, a manufacturer will not replace the entire BMX unless it is a complete write-off. Instead once they’ve identified the fault, they’ll replace the part. The manufacturer doesn’t cover general wear and tear (for example, replacing worn wheels). A manufacturer will very rarely refund an item unless it’s out of stock.