Part of a special BMX Groms project documenting changing from an 18″ BMX to a 20″ BMX. Tips on BMX sizing and moving from one size BMX to the next as you grow. Check out the BMX sizing guide. Huge thanks to Nahum Billington and Sunday Bikes for helping with this project.
Hey fellas, for a kid that isn’t big enough for an 18 or a 20, but is interested in riding one like a cruiser (20 rider on a 24) should they run lower bars? Someone who rides a 20 with 9″ rise bars may ride a 24 with 7″ rise bars. Does it make sense that a kid who fits a 16 with 8″ rise bars would ride an 18 with 7″ rise?
Hi, Thanks for your comment. A kid on a cruiser should run smaller bars. Unfortunately the research we have done in bike-sizing is freestyle focused not racing, therefore I can’t say for sure what he should be running.
My idea was that for a kid riding 16″ at the park but 18″ on the trails should have bars a half inch shorter rather than taller. I’m finding the kid would just rather use the same bike for everything and let the 18″ wait another year.
A bmx bike is intended for doing tricks. The bike needs to be lightweight and have leverage to help with do so. Google search any top pro bmx rider bike check. Note where the handlebar, stem and the wheels are. Handlebar is about belly button or below. The stem is at or below the inseam and the knees is just around the top of the wheels. Also notice the angle of their arms while stand over their bike. For some it’s almost straight. Now put a 10 yr old on a 20″. Bars are at chest height and top tube is giving the kid a wedgie. Image a man riding a beach cruiser with 10″ high bars. Maybe for cruising around but for throwing barspins and tailwhips, not going to happen. Keep in mind the weight of the bike. An average 20″ is about 25lbs. Giving a 10 yr old that to ride is like us on a 75 lbs bike. These are the reasons why kids a so into scooters. They are light and easy to throw around.