BMX stands for Bicycle Motor Cross. These are off-road bikes that were initially intended for racing and freestyling. BMX bikes are customized for off-road tracks as they are easy to handle and can perform well. So what is the best age to start riding a BMX? Let us find out.
BMX bikes are customized for easy control as well as management. Thus, a person can begin riding a BMX at any age. There is no specific said age bracket for riding a BMX bike. Learning how to ride a BMX bike does not necessarily require you to have a certain age or special skills. If you know the basics of riding a bicycle, riding a BMX bike is very easy.
People often find themselves wondering as to when to start riding a BMX or if they are too old to start. The truth is, you can begin riding a BMX at any age. This article will guide you regarding this topic and provide you with the best advice related to riding BMX bikes.
Can Adults Ride BMX Bikes?
When it comes to riding BMX bikes, people of all age groups can do so. BMX bikes come in various frame sizes depending on what age group the rider belongs to. BMX bikes are not just for kids; teenagers and adults ride these bikes too. Due to the availability of various frame sizes and larger wheels, many adults can take part in BMX racing and other involved activities. The right wheel sizes for adults are chosen according to their heights to ensure that they can ride the bike comfortably.
However, other factors influence the size of the BMX bike, such as the seat posts’ height. A BMX bike with a higher seat post and higher handlebars will allow an adult to comfortably ride the bike, even if the wheel size is relatively smaller. The dimensions of BMX bikes are divided into four categories, as follows:
- Mini: These BMX bikes fit individuals aged four to six years old.
- Junior: These BMX bikes are suitable for individuals aged six to nine years old.
- Expert: These BMX bikes are made for individuals aged nine to thirteen years old.
- Pro: These BMX bikes are made for individuals aged 12 and above.
Adults fit in the Pro category, but the sizes can be adjusted according to the adult riders’ comfort. The Expert and Pro sometimes come in XL sizes too. Adults need to choose a BMX bike with the right frame size and wheels because if the bike is not suitable for their relative height and weight, they will find it very difficult to maintain their balance.
It is also essential for adults to get the handlebars and seats of their BMX bikes adjusted according to their requirements; otherwise, they may be risking knee problems. A wrong BMX bike will also limit the use of the bike. You may not be able to perform stunts with your BMX bike or be able to ride relatively faster than your peers because reaching a higher speed can be extremely difficult if the handlebar of the BMX is lower than you.
Alongside this, a lower handlebar will also put a tremendous amount of strain on your back and shoulders, which will make it extremely uncomfortable for you to ride your BMX bike. Therefore, it is essential for an adult to choose the right sized BMX bike to engage in BMX riding and get the most out of this activity.
Hence, when it comes to whether adults can ride BMX bikes or not, the answer is an absolute yes! All that is required is to adjust the bike according to the rider’s requirements, and you’re good to go!
Are BMX Bikes Only for Kids?
BMX bikes are a type of sports bicycle, and these are often used for racing. Although these BMX bikes differ from other bicycles, they are fit to be ridden by kids. Alongside being used for racing, these bikes are also used for stunt riding, an activity many young teens enjoy engaging in, and many other activities as well.
Since there are various sizes of wheels available for BMX, there are varying wheels suitable for kids of different ages. The wheel sizes for BMX bikes start from 12 inches and go as far as 24 inches, and this allows for a large variety of BMX bikes available for people of all different ages to choose from. We will be explaining the various available sizes of BMX bikes below.
Often children between the age of 5 and 8 are comfortable with a 16-inch BMX bike. However, it is much better to decide the right size of BMX bike for your child according to their height, as it is bound to allow you to choose a more suitable BMX bike. A 16-inch BMX bike is usually appropriate for kids who are heightened between 3’7 and 4’6.
This might seem small for a child this age, but it is important to remember that the age range for BMX bikes differs from that of regular bikes. There are quite some geometry differences between traditional bikes and BMX bikes. Therefore, a comfortable riding child on a larger wheeled regular bike will only be comfortable riding a much smaller wheeled BMX bike.
Am I Too Old For BMX?
Many people have the misconception that BMX riding is only for children or, at most, teenagers. However, this is entirely false because anyone can ride a BMX bike as long as they have a good quality bike and know how to handle it. There are many different kinds of BMX bikes available in the market, and you are guaranteed to find a good bike for yourself.
Many people either begin BMX cycling or restart engaging in this type of cycling at an older age because it can be enjoyable and allows for great physical activity. This is because many people start BMX riding when they are a lot younger, but as they grow older, they often let go of the action and lose their practice in BMX riding.
However, many people feel an intense urge to engage in BMX riding once again at a much older age because it provides for a great activity that they will be able to socialize and make many friends in as well as being able to have a lot of fun, adventure, and excitement.
Many adults actively engage in BMX races and continue to practice in their nearby parks. Although there is a much larger percentage of young children or teenagers involved with BMX racing, there are still many adults who find themselves extremely fond of this sport. There are absolutely no age restrictions regarding BMX cycling, and many people believe that there is no age too old for BMX.
The only important point to remember when deciding whether or not to start BMX cycling or racing is your health. As with almost every other type of sport, you will need to be in good shape physically to engage in the sport safely, and BMX riding is no different.
BMX riding requires a lot of strength to be present within your lower limbs, particularly your knees, and therefore, it is essential to note whether or not you are healthy enough for the sport. As long as you feel satisfied with your health and think you are fit to engage in BMX riding, no age can be considered too late, and age should not be a reason why you refrain from riding a BMX bike.
Final Thoughts
Riding a BMX bike is one of the most engaging and fun sports activities that one can engage in. It is enjoyed by people of various ages throughout the world, and many people even gain enough expertise to take part in often high-scale BMX competitions.
These competitions involve mesmerizing BMX bike stunts and racing. There is no specific fixed age group that can ride BMX bikes exclusively. BMX riding can begin at any point in your life, as long as you are physically fit for it and are willing to put in the effort and practice BMX riding requires.
I always had a thing for cycling sports and love almost anything that involves bikes and boards. I work part-time as a designer in the tech industry and work on my blogs whenever I can.