Best Cheap BMX Bikes For High-Value Thrills

You need a bike with a strong frame that can jump and swerve if you’re planning on joining the BMX game. The only problem is that these bikes tend to be more expensive.

Don’t automatically assume that cheap BMX bikes are low quality by default though. There are some cheap bikes that are just as good, if you know where to look…

Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things To Consider Before Buying A Cheap BMX Bike

Before we get into the reviews, I want to share with you my secrets as to how you can identify a good-quality, but inexpensive bmx.

Type of Material

You’ll be jumping around on your BMX bike, so you’ll want it to be tough enough. There are a wide range of materials used to construct the bike frame, but all of your options will be made from tubes.

It’s the connection of the tubes along with the material that helps determine the overall strength of the bike along stress points.

The material matters too. The weakest option would be 1020 steel, which is heavier as well. But it is less expensive than other materials. Many manufacturers use this material in combination with chromoly. Look for this material if you’re just starting out and want to get a taste of BMX.

Then there’s carbon steel. This is commonly used since it’s high-tensile, strong, and long-lasting. However, it’s not the lightest material. This is also good for starters, since the price is lower and it’s very resistant to fatigue. Not to mention that it’s easy to repair.

Try out carbon fiber too, which is formed together for a sturdy but lightweight bike frame. This is where your materials start to get more expensive and brittle. It can withstand a lot of bending and rough treatment too.

You can also get a bike made of chromoly steel, which is basically a steel alloy that’s a bit lighter than the carbon option. This material is made to withstand years of usage, and you can find different grades of chromoly too. There are cheaper options which are made thicker but thinner in the middle of the tubing.

Aluminum is always a good option, since it’s stiffer and lightweight. It’s actually become cheaper as it’s been used for more bike frames. This is in contrast to titanium, which is much more expensive but lighter than steel.

Size & Weight Of The Bike

The size and weight of the bike can affect your whole riding experience. Just think of it like riding a children’s bike, or a bike that’s too big for you: it won’t fit in your hands and you’ll have trouble doing the tricks that you’re usually able to perform.

Let’s address the weight first. A lightweight bike is usually the best option, since this means that it’s made from good materials and that it will maneuver easier.

You may want to pick up a heavier option if you’re just starting out though. Once you get more familiar and can control a lighter bike, you’ll be able to ride longer without getting tired.

BMX bikes are ridden by all types of people though. This means that while the wheel size will be the same for everyone, the size of the frame will change to suit the riding style and height of the rider.

Most bikes will have enough space to swing the bike underneath you when you’re performing airborne tricks. They have a shorter seat that you can use to whip the bike around.

There are also flatland frames which are lighter and have shorter tubing. They have better balance and control, but with a steeper head angle for smaller rear axles. If there’s a longer wheelbase too, you will sit further back on the bike while will help you handle the speed with good stability.

Determine the size of your bike based on your size, since there are different bikes generally fit for different ages of riders.

Parts Of The Bike

Frame

You already know a lot about the frame by now. Think about what materials you want and the weight you’re looking for, depending on your skill level. You’ll also want to look at the size of the frame and match it to your size to it’s easier to maneuver.

Brakes

Generally, you’ll see rim-brakes on your BMX bike. These are the brakes where the pads connect to the rim to slow momentum. Freestyle bikes will have a U-brake that keeps out of the way of the rider and that affects the back tire.

Many of these bikes may come with a detangler system too. This will prevent the brakes from getting tangled even while you spin the bars. This makes these perfect for doing more complicated tricks.

Drivetrain

A drivetrain is the area where you insert your chain. When you have a good chain line, your pedaling will be efficient, there will be less drivetrain noise, and you will have less chance of dropping a chain. Basically, your bike chain won’t fall off so often.

Wheels

The standard size for a BMX wheel is 20 inches, which will be smaller than a mountain or road bike. You can find smaller or larger wheels on kids bikes or bikes for larger people. But for the most part, your wheels will be 20 inches. If you find an option that’s 24 inches, it is called a cruiser bike. This is most popular amongst taller and older riders and offers more stability.

Small Parts

Beyond the main parts of the bike, think about even the small pieces like the hubs. BMX hubs house the bearings on the wheels, helping the wheels to spin automatically. Think about the type of bearings you want depending on the support you’re looking for, and don’t ignore the gearing either. BMX bikes don’t have multiple gears, but you should still think about the number of teeth on the chaining to pick out the best option for you. 

My 6 Best Cheap BMX’s Reviewed

Now you have a better understanding on what to look out for, you can use these reviews to make an informed decision.

1. Mongoose Legion L20

Key Features:

• 20″ wheels and 20 ¼” tube top 
• Comfortable design and seat padding 
• Ideal for users under 5′ 4″ 
• Easy, accessible speed control 
• Very durable build 

This BMX bike has the classic look of a Mongoose. And it performs with the standard set by the company’s long history of bikes.

It’s easy and smooth enough that beginners can take off right away, but even seasoned pros will enjoy the free feeling of the ride. It’s designed to give you that hop as you go over bumps, curbs, and even some ramps if you’re up to it.

Not only that, you have super precise control of your speed, and your steering.

Mongoose makes a variety of models in their Legion BMX and freestyle series; this model, the L20, has 20 inch tires.

The top tube measures about 20 ¼ inches, making it perfect for younger riders or adults under 5′ 4″. While there are larger bikes available, this one has accessible speed control and comfortable padding. That makes this ride ideal for people wanting to start BMX riding.

Pros:

• User friendly for beginners 
• Lasts for several years 
• Easily hops bumps 

Cons:

• The L20 isn’t suited for tall adult riders 

2. Mongoose Legion L80

Key Features:

• 9”  rise handlebar with a unique design
• 75” top tube length, ideal for riders up to 6” 
• Wheels grip on landing 
• Highly durable construction 
• Precise steering and braking 

For a cheap BMX bike, the Legion L80 packs a lot of value. It works just as well on a dirt track as it does being used as a regular street bike. There are a lot of things that make this an ideal bmx bike for people that want to take their riding further and start working up some tricks in the park. 

First, it’s comfortable. When you ride it, you can get a good feel for its reliability. The tires give just enough bounce and plenty of grip. That’s a bonus for people getting into ramps and jumps for the first time, since it gives you that extra peace of mind and a smooth landing. 

It’s a good looking bike too; so it brings great rides and great design to the table. The Hi Ten Steel rise handlebar has a classic low-rider look mixed with modern bmx design. That’s a good thing, since this sturdy bmx bike will last for years and years.

Pros:

• Excellent for bmx or street riding 
• Easy for beginners to start on tricks with 
• Tires give feeling of more controlled landings 

Cons:

• Not for riders under 5’ 6” 

Mongoose Legion Mag

Key Features:

• Designed to fit riders between 4’ 8” and 5’ 4” 
• Unique mag wheel design 
• Made for single speed riding 
• Includes 4 freestyle trick pegs 
• Designed to support low stance for bmx riding 

The striking thing about this bike is its appearance: it’s a real head turner, especially with the Mag wheels.

They’re made of aluminum and sealed bearings, which gives you everything you need for stability, durability, and good movement in a bmx bike. While you’ll appreciate that when you’re riding, you’re really going to enjoy the wheels’ design, whether you’re riding or not. 

The frame and fork are perfect for getting that bmx riding stance down, while keeping you (and your ride) as aerodynamic as possible.

They’re also made of Hi Ten steel, so you can be confident that no matter what you take this bike through, it’s going to last. It’s perfect for new bmx riders, and those under 5’ 4”.

Pros:

• Handlebar can spins 390 degrees (has cable untangler) 
• Very cool, flashy mag wheel design 
• Great support for beginner level bmx riders 

Cons:

• Self assembly may take longer 

Last update on 2024-12-05 at 14:07 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Kent Pro 20

Key Features:

• Includes front and rear hand brakes 
• Four freestyle pegs (easily removed by unscrewing them) 
• Durable build can withstand rough use 
• Includes standard 20” bmx wheels 

This Kent Pro boy’s freestyle bike can take quite a bit of rough use, and still come out looking like unaffected.

The wheels are 20 inches, which is fairly standard for bmx bikes. It also has the pegs you need to do those high intensity freestyle tricks, with two on both the front and back wheels. If you don’t want the pegs on, that’s easily remedied by simply unscrewing them. 

This bmx bike is also unique, because it includes both front and rear hand brakes, while most bmx bikes include only a front hand brake. This freestyle bike has a really cool, sporty yet edgy design; it’ll turn heads anywhere you take it.  

Pros:

• Very cool, edgy design 
• Pegs are easily put on and removed 
• Performs well on hops  

Cons:

• Somewhat heavier than other bmx bikes 

5. Razor Nebula

Key Features:

• Adjustable seat height and angle 
• 20” bmx wheels with front and rear freestyle pegs 
• Ideal for younger riders 
• 360 degree rotating handlebar 
• Includes front and rear handbrakes 

If you’ve been looking around for the ideal freestyle or bmx bike for your budding rider, you can stop the search. The Razor Nebula is perfectly sized for younger riders, and it’s easy enough to ride too.

There’s more speed control with front and rear hand brakes, which tend to be easier for newer bmx riders to get used to. Having both options for brakes as well as freestyle pegs on the front and rear wheels make it easier to start learning tricks.

Another nice thing about this freestyle bike is that the seat is adjustable, so your young rider can grow in to it for a while. Not only that, the angle of the seat is adjustable too.

You can adjust it forward or back depending on your preference. This is perfect for helping them get used to a lower stance for bmx riding. As an added bonus, the handlebar rotates a full 360 degrees. 

Pros:

• Adjustable seat angle makes for a more comfortable stance 
• Great for bmx and freestyle tricks 
• Offers more control for younger riders 

Cons:

• Assembly instructions could be improved 

Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Razor High Roller

Key Features:

• Frame and fork are 100% high quality steel 
• Easy, tool free seat adjustment 
• Includes freestyle pegs 
• Front and rear hand brakes 
• 20” street tread tires 

The Razor High Roller stands out in how easy it is to adjust and modify features when needed. Need to adjust the seat height?

It takes 10 seconds and zero tools. It’s the perfect medium balance of ease of use and assembly, alongside high performing design. This is a bike that could easily fool you into mistaking it for a much more expensive bike.

That’s because it includes the most important features that expensive bmx bikes include that cheap bmx bikes often neglect. All while remaining extremely budget friendly.

It’s made of high quality steel which is unique for this price range. This BMX will bring you a custom frame, a head turning design and everything you need to execute freestyle tricks.

Pros:

• Quick seat adjustment is ideal for growing bike riders 
• Extremely durable steel construction 
• Very cool design and color matching  

Cons:

• Assembly is much easier with an adjustable wrench 

Choosing the Best One For You

When you’re looking for a bmx bike, price shouldn’t be everything. But it is understandably a big factor in how you make your choice. These bmx bikes are inexpensive and have been tested for quality and performance.

Bikes that offer easy adjustments are ideal, especially when you’re getting comfortable with bmx riding. Other things to look for include axle pegs and rotating handlebars if you want to do some freestyle tricks and most importantly, a sturdy, high quality frame and fork combination.

Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API