One of the fundemental things to know about BMX frames is that there is a relationship between the cost of the frame and its strength and lightness. The more you pay for your BMX frame, the stronger and lighter it will be. If you intend to ride your BMX alot, over medium to long distances, it may be worth splashing out on a more expensive frame, as you will benefit in the long term. However, if you only intend to ride your BMX infrequently, it would probably be a better idea to buy a cheaper frame, despite the limitations in performance you will get as a result.



There are three materials which are generally used to make BMX frames. The most common is an alloy of cromium and molybednum, widely known as chrome moly. Frames made from chrome moly are the lightest and strongest, hence their popularity. However, they are also the most expensive, meaning they are used mostly by experienced riders.

However for this reason, chrome moly frames are expensive. Therefore, younger or less experienced riders may choose to buy a steel frame. Whilst these lack the lightness and strengh of chrome moly frames, they are less costly, and are still a suitable choice for new riders.

BMX frames are also sometimes made from aluminium. However, these tend to be specialised BMX race bikes. Aluminium provides extra strengh at the joints of the frame, which is useful due to the extra stress on these areas that racing provides. However, it is not recommended that you purchase an aluminium BMX frame unless you intend to use it primarily for racing. It would be better advised to purchase a BMX frame made from one of the other materials.

There is a reasonable amount of distinction in the size of BMX frames, and you will find that the sizes range from 'micro- mini' to 'pro XXL', which corresponds to 'less than 18"' to '21.5" and above'. In general, any frame labelled as 'pro' ('pro', 'pro XL' or 'pro XXL') are designed for adults (13 and over), those labelled 'expert' ('expert' or 'expert XL') are for 10-13 year olds, those labelled 'junior' are for 8-10 year olds and those labelled 'mini' are for 7 year olds and under.

When making the decision as to what size BMX frame to buy, whilst it is worth using the size guide mentioned above, much of what size BMX frame to buy should be determined by your own preference. Choosing a size that you are comfortable with etc is the most important factor in deciding what BMX frame to buy. Also, the size of the BMX frame will have some determination over the size of tyres etc, so this is worth remembering.

All in all, if you consider all of the points raised here, as well as your own judgment, it will be easy to make an informed choice on what BMX frame to buy. However, you must make this consideration wisely, as it is likely you will spend at least ?200 on your frame. But with the right amount of deliberation, this will be money well spent, and money you enjoy spending.