Bmx bikes do not perform well on trails. They are light, easy to maneuver, and perfect for stunts, jumps, and tricks. However, bmx bikes are sturdy and inexpensive to maintain but not a good choice for trail and off-road riding.
Bmx bikes have proven to be accident prone and unsuitable for roads that aren’t smooth and paved like asphalt or concrete.
Off-road biking and trail biking are popular activities for people of all age groups for various reasons, the most popular of which is the thrill and fun it provides. Bmx bikes, though bad for this activity, are used a lot mainly because they are light.
This article explains more about Bmx bikes, why they aren’t good for trails, what they are best used for, and the best bikes for trails.
Can You Ride A BMX Bike On Trails?
Though Bmx bikes are not designed to be ridden on trails, they can indeed be used on trails. However, these bikes typically have a robust and solid frame, which is best suited for sports and freestyle.
If you intend to ride a Bmx bike on trails, which isn’t advised, it is important to note that you will need to find trails suitable for riding with a Bmx. Otherwise, you stand the risk of acquiring bruises and injuries.
Bmx bikes typically have small tires and require their riders to pedal constantly, especially while on trial. This can be a great workout as it works the calf muscles to the extreme.
Also Read : Are BMX Bikes Good For Commuting? (Explained)
5 Reasons Why Bmx Bikes Are Not Good For Trails
There are multiple reasons why Bmx bikes are not ideal for trails, and we’d be discussing five of these reasons.
1. Insufficient Brakes
Bmx bikes generally come with single brakes located on their rear tires. This makes it impossible to make emergency stops and unsuitable for trails.
Trails typically possess big holes and numerous turning points. This requires using a bike with a robust braking system that combines both the rear and front brakes to allow easy maneuvering with minimum effort.
2. Small Tires Coupled With Limited Gear Systems
Bmx bikes are built for freestyle riding and stunts; therefore, they typically feature a single-gear system.
This greatly reduces their effectiveness on trails as a gear set with various gears is required to maintain momentum while riding up and down slopes and through rocky terrain.
They also feature small tires, which force the rider to put in more effort pedaling. Bmx bike tires generally lack the deep grooves found on mountain bike tires.
More often than not, they feature very smooth tires. This makes it difficult to ride through muddy trails, loose terrain like gravel, or slippery terrains like grass.
3. Bad Riding Position
Bmx bikes typically lack suspension to provide maximum power and thrust while performing stunts and tricks.
However, this makes it an inefficient tool for activities such as trail riding, off-road riding, and long-distance riding. Suspension systems help absorb the shock produced while riding on rough terrains.
They also provide a good grip and help lessen the pressure to provide a better riding experience.
4. Raised Handle Bars And Lowered Seats
The handles of Bmx bikes are raised high to allow for better stunts. This, however, prevents the rider from riding the bike while sitting.
The handles of these bikes also revolve 360 degrees making them unstable and difficult to control on rocky terrains.
Additionally, the seats on Bmx bikes are lowered well below the waist level of an average-sized man. This makes it impossible to sit while pedaling the bike.
5. They Just Aren’t Made For It
Bmx bikes are built for use on smooth, even surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Their thinner tires and lighter frames are ideal for stunts and tricks but would be accident-prone offroad and on trails.
Also Read : Are E Bikes Faster Than Normal Bikes?
What Bikes Are Good For Trails?
Though Bmx bikes are not good for trails, other various bikes handle trails perfectly.
Here are some of the best bikes for trails in the world right now :
1. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Assembly tutorial video located beside the images; with a Denim Blue hardtail frame and 21 speeds to conquer the trails, the Huffy Stone Mountain is ready for outdoor adventures; just follow the steps in our product manual .Brake Type: Linear Pull
- An exclusive: Ideal for ages 13 and up and a minimum rider height of 5 feet; durable steel frame backed by our limited lifetime warranty (see owner's manual); suspension fork handles bumps and dips for a smoother-feeling ride
- The indexed Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur combines with the micro-shift twist shifter to deliver 21 speeds on-demand for uphill climbing, downhill riding, or pure acceleration; removable rear derailleur guard ensures consistent gear operation
- 26" X 1.95" knobby tires tear into dirt bike paths with ease; linear pull hand brakes deliver consistent stopping action; premium padded ATB saddle has stitched sides for lasting quality; alloy quick release provides easy seat height adjustment
- Slight-rise handlebar enables upright riding to minimize back and shoulder strain; ATB-type resin pedals on the 3-piece crank have responsive feel; Kraton grips remain comfortable to the touch; alloy wheels in matte black; kickstand included
Quoted by many users as a bike with “excellent frame finish and performance,” this bike delivers all day long.
It features two 26-inch wheels and a geometry allowing full control while riding. Using a four-bar linkage suspension, this bike features one of the best suspension systems for trail bikes.
2. Norco Optic C2
This bike features a custom DH shock suspension system with a suspension travel length of 125 mm.
It also features a superbly balanced geometry and frame dynamic using a carbon frame that allows for comfortable riding. This bike is available in 4 sizes: S, M, L, and XL.
3. Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Bike
This bike is designed for optimal agility and control, making it perfect for trails. It features a carbon frame, 29-inch wheels, 4 sizes ranging from small to extra large, and 150mm suspension travel.
- Lightweight 16.5 inch aluminum mountain frame is the perfect bike for rides around your neighborhood or trails with 26-inch wheels fit riders 5’4” to 6'2” inches tall
- Bicycle is equipped with an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes, requiring minimal maintenance
- Mountain bike has twist shifters with a rear derailleur to make gear changes quick and easy
- Lightweight and sturdy alloy wheel and wide knobby mountain tires offer stability and balance to riders on all terrains and in all weather conditions
- Quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments, arrives 80% assembled, will need the following tool: Phillips head screwdriver, 2.5-8mm Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers with cable cutters
Disregarding its stunning looks, this bike also offers unique features like a MIND suspension and ultra-responsive handling. A major downside to this bike is its slow freehub pickup.
4. YT Izzo Core 3
This ultra-light bike is often said to be one of the best short-travel bikes in the world.
With a full carbon frame, two 29-inch wheels, and suspension travel of 130mm, this bike excels on undulating terrains, climbs uphill brilliantly, and easily handles tough trails. The major downside to this bike is its laggy freehub pickup.
What Are BMX Bikes Good For?
Bmx bikes are good for a lot of things, some of which are listed below:
- They are designed for completing jumps, tricks, and stunts.
- They are often used for street racing and freestyle riding.
- They are excellent for races on smooth, paved roads, like asphalt or concrete.
- They are a good choice to be ridden to school.
- They serve well for any short-distance journey, such as to the gym or anywhere nearby.
Conclusion
Finally, when riding on trails or off-road, you’d want a bike that provides enough braking power and gear control, amongst other things.
Bmx bikes can be used for trails and off-road rides at the risk of accidents. This isn’t advised, though an exception can be made for those seeking a thrill and looking to exercise their lower body.
Bmx bikes can be modified to work on trails. However, they’d still underperform when compared to bikes designed for off-road journeys.
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