How Are BMX Race Bikes Sized?
Race BMX bikes typically use names instead of measurements for each size. Each brand can have a slightly different size guide so in this blog post we will use the Meybo Bikes Size chart as this is one of our most popular Race BMX bikes we sell. Diving into each brands size charts you will see commonly mentioned the Top Tube Length, this is quite literally the top tube of the bike between the Stem and the seatpost and will give you a more indepth comparison if comparing two different brands, as a Pro size in one brand may be short or longer than a pro size in another brand.
Rider height matters more than age, for racing you want the bike to be a good fit so that they are not struggle to throw the bike around, pump the jumps and get out the gate quickly. So measure yourself up and continue reading to find your size.
BMX Race Bike Size Chart
| Rider Age | Rider Height | Frame Size | Crank Length | Gear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 | 90–105cm 35.4"–41.3" |
Micro 18" | 125–130mm | 36x16T |
| 4–6 | 100–115cm 39.4"–45.3" |
Micro 20" | 125–135mm | 35x16T |
| 5–7 | 115–125cm 45.3"–49.2" |
Mini | 140–145mm | 36x16T |
| 7–9 | 120–138cm 47.3"–54.3" |
Junior | 145–155mm | 37x16T |
| 9–11 | 133–150cm 52.4"–59.0" |
Expert | 150–160mm | 39x16T |
| 10–13 | 145–158cm 57.1"–62.2" |
Expert XL | 160–165mm | 40x16T |
| 12–15 | 155–169cm 61.0"–66.5" |
Pro L 21" top tube |
165–170mm | 42x16T |
| 14+ | 160–175cm 63.0"–68.9" |
Pro XL 21.5" top tube |
170–175mm | 43x16T |
| 16+ | 170–179cm 66.9"–70.5" |
Pro XXL 22" top tube |
170–185mm | 43x16T |
| 16+ | 177–190cm 69.7"–74.8" |
Pro XXXL 22.5" top tube |
175–180mm | 44x16T |
| 16+ | 186cm+ 73.2"+ |
Pro XXXXL 23" top tube |
175–180mm | 44x16T |
| 24 Inch Cruiser Race BMX Sizes | ||||
| 12–15 | 155–169cm 61.0"–66.5" |
Cruiser Pro L 21" top tube |
170–175mm | 40x18T |
| 16+ | 170–179cm 66.9"–70.5" |
Cruiser Pro XXL 22" top tube |
175–180mm | 41x18T |
| 16+ | 186cm+ 73.2"+ |
Cruiser Pro XXXXL 23" top tube |
175–180mm | 41x18T |
Sizes are a guide. Measurements vary slightly between brands, so check each frame's geometry or ask us if your rider is between sizes.
Race BMX Sizes for Kids
Micro Race BMX Bikes - 90-115cm - Approx 3-6 years
Mini Race BMX Bikes - 115-125cm - Approx 5-7 years
Junior Race BMX Bikes - 120-138cm - Approx 7-9 years
Expert Race BMX Bikes - 133cm-150cm - Approx 9-11 years
Expert XL Race BMX Bikes - 145-158cm - Approx 10-13 years
Race BMX Sizes for Teens and Adults
Pro Race BMX Bikes - 155cm-169cm - Approx 12-15 years
Pro XL Race BMX Bikes - 160-175cm - Approx 14 Years +
Pro XXL Race BMX Bikes - 170-179cm
Pro XXXL Race BMX Bikes - 177-190cm
24 Inch Cruiser BMX Race Bikes - 155cm +
Should I Buy a Size Up So My Child Can Grow Into It?
Typically to be competitive down at the race track you want to ensure they are on the correct size. If they are just at the edge of a size then yes, we would suggest going a size up, just be aware they will struggle more to pump the rollers and learn to manual down at the track.
Race BMX vs Freestyle BMX – What’s the Difference?
Race BMX Bikes are purposely designed to be lightweight and fast rolling to be as competitive as possible down at the race track. Compared to freestyle bikes, race bikes will typically have alumnium frames compared to steel frames which are made super lightweight for racing, but are unable to handle the rough and ready riding of freestyle.
Race bikes also have thinner tyres for faster rolling at the track compared to the alrger and chunkier freestyle tyres which absorb more impacts but are slow rolling. To match the narrower tyres the wheels are typically built to be much lighter and cannot handle the impacts of freestyle riding or bumping curbs.
If you are intending to ride the bike to and from school or anywhere apart from a race track, then a freestyle bmx bike is going to be a better choice for you.
What Does My Child Need to Start BMX Racing?
To start BMX racing you will need a few things:
Gloves - Gloves are a requirement to wear down at the race track
Long Pants and Covered Arms - Although you dont explictly need Knee Pads or Elbow pads, you will need long pants and a long sleeve shirt or Race Jersey to ride at the race track.
Full Face Helmet - This is a requirement to ride at the track. BMX Race helmets are specifically designed for racing and are lighter and have more airflow than motorcycle helmets.
Optional extras:
Although not 100% required we do suggest getting a Box Race Number Plate. If you have registered with British Cycling then the last 3 digits of your membership number are your racing numbers, otherwise you can pick whatever you want if you are racing at a club level.
Need help choosing? Picking the right race BMX size can be tricky, especially if your rider is between sizes or growing fast. We've been helping riders find the right bike since 1981, so if you're unsure, just ask. Give us a call on 01942 826 598, email sales@alansbmx.com, or send us a message with your rider's height and age, and we'll point you in the right direction.
Better still, bring them down to our Wigan store to try a few sizes for themselves. If you buy and collect in store, we'll assemble the bike and do a free pre-delivery inspection, so it's ready for their first race. Ready to choose? Shop all BMX race bikes.