Is a 20 inch BMX bike for adults?
The answer to this question is yes but that’s not the only thing to consider when choosing the ideal BMX bike size for you.
20” is the true and the most-preferred wheel size by BMX enthusiasts because it provides good maneuverability and is well-suited for performing tricks and jumps.
Although bigger wheels (24” cruisers, 26”, 27.5”) suit older and taller riders better with precise handling, their larger frames make them heavier and more difficult to perform stunts.
But beginners often don’t know the fact that rather than wheels, it’s the top tube measurement that matters most. Bigger is also not better here.
While the top tube (TT) lengths of most 24” cruiser wheels and 12” to 18” wheels are relevant to their wheel sizes, 20” BMX bikes come with different TT sizes.
The size of the wheel you choose will depend on your riding style, your body size, weight, and height, and personal preferences.
Here’s a chart to make it easy for you.
Some Popular Types of 20-Inch BMX Bikes
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Street Bikes
These are the most common type of BMX bikes, and they’re well available in 20-inch sizes. Street bikes are larger in size and have stronger frames and thicker tires.
These bikes are usually smaller and more agile than traditional BMX bikes, and are built to handle the demands of performing tricks and stunts.
Some key features of a street BMX bike include a sturdy frame made of high-tensile steel or chromoly steel, lightweight wheels with high-pressure tires for easy maneuverability, a low seat and short seat tube for clearance, and a freestyle-specific handlebar for greater control and leverage.
Some street BMX bikes also have a gyro system that allows the handlebars to rotate 360 degrees without tangling the cables, making it easier to perform tricks like bar spins and tail whips.
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Freestyle Bikes
Freestyle BMX bikes are bicycles designed for performing tricks and stunts, typically in skateparks, on dirt tracks, and on urban terrain. Although somewhat similar to street BMX bikes, they feature even more specialized components to maximize performance and durability during extreme riding.
They have a medium-sized top-tube length of 19-22 inches. Many 20-inch freestyle bikes have a 20-inch front wheel and a slightly larger back wheel, which facilitates more comfortable pedaling for tall riders.
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Dirt Jump Bikes
These are specialized BMX bikes designed for riding and performing tricks on dirt jump tracks or pump tracks. These can withstand the impacts and stresses of jumping, spinning, and landing, with the maneuverability and control needed to perform a wide variety of tricks on air.
They usually have a lightweight and sturdy frame, a rigid fork, and high-volume tires with aggressive tread patterns that provide traction and stability on loose dirt surfaces.
They also have a shorter wheelbase than other types of BMX bikes for greater maneuverability in the air. The bottom bracket is placed higher for clearance during takeoffs and landings.
What’s more, the handlebars are wider than those on other types of BMX bikes so you have greater control and leverage.
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Flatland Bikes
As you can guess, this type is for performing tricks on flat ground, rather than for racing or other uses.
They usually have a shorter wheelbase and smaller and lighter frames than other BMX bikes so the riders can perform intricate and technical maneuvers e.g. spins, flips, and balance tricks.
While the compact build makes them more maneuverable, they are only suitable for lighter BMXers.
What to Consider When Getting a 20-Inch BMX Bike for Adults
1. Age
As mentioned earlier, 20-inch BMX bike variants don’t have any upper age limit. Teenagers above 13 to all adults can ride these bikes if the other requirements like height and weight meet.
2. Height
Before getting a 20-inch BMX bike, you should match your height against a sizing chart of 20-inch BMX bike height. Different variants of 20-inch bikes can be suitable for riders from 4’8” to 6’2”.
The range is quite wide because even in 20-inch bikes, you can get variations in frame length, which we will discuss in the following point.
3. Frame Length
How big a 20-inch BMX bike is depends on its frame size. And the size of the frame is determined by the top tube length.
Increased tube length gives you slightly better comfort and legroom while pedaling.
4. Body Weight
The weight capacity of a 20-inch BMX bike varies depending on the model and the frame material. However, the weight range for 20-inch BMX bikes can vary from 70 lbs to 220 lbs.
For more specific weight-related inquiries, check your bike’s manual and ask your dealer. Mainly larger BMX bike frames made of stronger materials like high tensile steel or aluminum will be able to carry heavier riders.
Final Words
In summary, the answer to the question “is a 20-inch BMX bike for adults?” is definitely yes. 20” BMX bikes are specifically designed for racing and doing stunts and tricks.
Don’t choose a 20-inch BMX bike that is not fit for your height and weight. Choosing the wrong one can limit your performance and put you in danger.
FAQs
1. Can I commute using 20-inch BMX bikes?
Ans. BMX bikes are not suitable for commuting in general. They’re mainly built for racing and doing stunts and tricks. But there is a specific type of BMX called a cruiser BMX bike. They’re comparatively better options for cruising than other models.
2. What is the minimum age for riding a 20-inch BMX bike?
Ans. In general, kids can start riding BMX bikes from 4 years of age. For 20-inch BMX bikes, the minimum age can be 10 to 13 years, but the rider must be at least 4’8” tall. Smaller wheel sizes like 18” or 16” would be more suitable for kids shorter than 4’8”.
3. Are 20-inch BMX bikes easy to wheelie?
Ans. 20-inch BMX bikes are better wheelie machines because of their compact build and high maneuverability. The lighter the build of the bikes, the easier it is. But executing a wheelie also depends a lot on the rider’s skill. So, you should practice a lot to do it easily.
