Though the BMX bike looks small, it can hit an average speed of 35 mph. With its light frames and small wheels, riders can even reach a speed of over 55 mph.
Are you planning on getting yourself a new bike?
You might be thinking of getting the bike because of its speed. Well, you’re right because a BMX bike is known for its speed and is made for racing.
However, you might compare them with a mountain bike and wonder which is faster.
In this article, we’ll look at which is faster among them and how you can make your BMX bike faster if you buy one.
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Are BMX Bikes Good?
BMX bikes are an ideal alternative for commuting. It offers riders the opportunity to experience health endurance and core strength.
They are designed after the motocross motorcycles to replicate their movement on dirty jumps and dusty tracks. With this design, they’re considered the most robust bikes in the market.
The BMX bike is designed for off-road riding and stunting. They’re made of smaller wheels and lightweight frames, which many find indestructible and compact.
Even though all bikes have a similar structure, there are various bike types with the BMX model. Each of these bikes has different designs because their utility requires that.
In a standard BMX bike structure, you will find:
- Aluminum or Steel Frame
- Average 21-inch top tube
- Normal 20-inches wheels
- Wide plastic pedals and clip-ins for racing
- Cassette-style hubs like road/mountain bikes
Read our another related article Are BMX Bikes Good For Long Distance? (Answered)
Are BMX Bikes Fast?
Yes, BMX bikes can be very fast. An experienced rider can even hit above 55 mph despite its small size.
The BMX bike is built with performance and durability in mind. They are durable and built for speed.
Their frames are lightweight chromium steel, contributing to how fast a rider can get.
The speed a rider attains depends on their muscle power and technique. On average, a BMX bike can reach 30-35 mph, but many riders push to break the speed barrier.
Also Read : Are BMX Bikes Good For Trails?
Bike Type & Average Top Speed
Below is a reference chart for the top 6 bicycle styles and their average top speeds:
| Bicycle Style | Average Top Speed |
|---|---|
| BMX | 30-35 mph |
| Cruiser | 15-20 mph |
| City | 20-25 mph |
| Road | 25-30 mph |
| Mountain | 45-50 mph |
| Electric | 20-28 mph |
Hope you will also like our article, Are Bmx Bikes Good For Trails (Answered)
What Is The Top Speed Of A BMX Bike?
The top speed of a BMX bike is 35 mph while descending the start of a race ramp. Compared to a mountain bike which starts at 30 mph, the BMX bike has a higher top speed than its grades.
For any rider to attain top speed depends on a few things. One such thing is the gear ratio. Some BMXs have low gear ratios, which can provide torque but at reduced speed.
Another factor is the rider’s ability to pedal, power, and rhythm.
Are BMX Bikes Faster Than Mountain Bikes?
Yes. BMX bikes are faster than mountain bikes, with 5 mph on average when riding downhill. However, both bikes are still very fast.
The difference in speed between these bikes depends on where you ride them. The BMX bike will not thrive more than a mountain in rough terrains or unpaved surfaces.
Likewise, the mountain bike thrives on a smooth surface or dirt track.
However, when going down a ramp, the BMX bike can pick up some serious speed to beat the mountain bike by 5 mph.
The bike’s design is another factor that determines the bike’s speed. A mountain bike is designed to offer safety to riders, while the BMX bike is designed to be flexible and enable riders to do tricks.
This also plays a role in the difference in speed between these bikes. The mountain bike comes with many features that add to its weight.
The BMX bike does not have these features, making it able to move faster.
- Legion L10 is a great first BMX bikes for beginners with standard 20 Inch wheels, the recommended rider's height is 4'4" to 5'0"
- Durable Hi-Ten steel frame and removable brake mounts with 20” top tube length
- Single speed drivetrain features 170 mm one-piece forged steel crank with a 25T steel chainring and American loose ball bottom bracket
- Wheelset features 20” x 2.25” tires mounted on aluminum single wall 36H rims with 3/8” female axle front hub and 9T cog sealed bearing cassette rear hub
- Steel U-brake and aluminum/resin brake levers provide precision speed control, while the Hi-Ten handlebar and fork are joined by a 48 mm stem and threadless sealed integrated headset for maximum steering performance
Why is BMX So Fast?
We have explained that BMX bikes are lightweight due to the material used in producing them. This has aided them in attaining fast speed in short distances.
Let’s take a look at these materials that make the BMX fast :
(i) Frames
The BMX bike is made with smaller frames that make them lightweight and aids them in moving faster than many bikes.
(ii) Wheels
Even though you can cover more ground if you’re riding a big-wheeled bike, they also have disadvantages.
An example is that due to the large size of the tire, it will take a lot of effort to pedal and get the bike to speed up.
With smaller wheels, you can make your bike move faster because it’s easier to pedal. This is one reason why the BMX is so fast.
(iii) Handlebars
The BMX bike comes with two handlebars: a two-piece bar and a four-piece bar. You can stay upright on this bike using these handlebars, which can boost your speed while you pedal.
(iv) Bearings
BMX bikes come with sealed bearings, which makes the bike durable. Due to its durability, you can ride this bike very fast because its parts can handle the impact of such a heavy ride and stop whatever will interfere with your speed.
Here is our another article, Hope you will like this Are BMX Bikes Good For Commuting? (Explained)
How To Make Your BMX Bike Go Faster?
Before you purchase this bike, know that the bike is meant for doing tricks and stunts. You might experience challenges if you push this bike over its limit.
But nothing stops you from making certain modifications to boost its speed and performance.
Some of the changes you can make include the following:
1. Adjust Seat Post
Make sure to make your seat short enough to achieve a top speed or more. You will find it challenging to pedal fast if your seat post is short.
When you buy a BMX bike, they come with shorter seats to enable riders to perform tricks and stunts. This can affect your riding speed because you’ll have to stand and pedal.
But with the seat tall enough, you can easily pedal, sit comfortably, and ride faster.
2. Lubricate Your Chains
Your chains are an important part of your bike. While you ride, they can encounter friction which can cause them to jam or get damaged.
You can prevent this from happening by lubricating your chains. This will cause them to move smoothly and help you ride faster.
3. Monitor Tire Pressure
Your bike tire will suffer damage if it has low pressure. This can slow you down when you ride because you’ll find it difficult to control your bike.
Therefore, ensure you monitor your tire pressure weekly to ensure that it has the right pressure needed for fast riding.
4. Clean Your Tires
Many riders have discovered that regularly cleaning their bike can cause them to move faster. Due to the structure of the BMX bike, they’re exposed to mud and dirt, which can cause rusting to its metallic parts.
The more dirt you accumulate can slow down your ride as well. You must try and consistently clean your bike and then watch an increase in your bike speed.
Related Article : Are BMX Bikes Good For Commuting?
Recommend BMX Bike
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
A BMX bike is fun to ride. It provides a combination of speed, tricks, and jumps that can make you feel happy. New bike riders can pedal and hit a speed of 10 to 14 mph on a BMX.
However, if you’re interested in a fast and furious styled ride, can train yourself correctly.
You also need to achieve your ideal weight, and reduce resistance then you can push yourself to cycle up to 30 miles per hour on a BMX.
