BMX culture is synonymous with the street and free styling. Since its inception in the ‘70s, BMX paved the way for teens and enthusiasts to mimic motocross race antics and passion. The old school BMX bike is favourite to the kids and the adults alike. Buyers buy these old school bikes even now, to have the smoothest ride.

You can get the traditional vintage styles that have an asset value of their own:

Moreover, nothing spells more vintage and adrenaline than an old school BMX Bike. You will come across a premium 1981 Diamond Back Silver Streak or a class 1978 JAG Café Racer, but it unlikely that you will realize the differences aside from their appearance.

BMX bikes are about performance and durability. You can master its manoeuvrability and try stunts in skate parks, flatlands, or dirt jumps. Generally, the standard bikes use lightweight materials and unique geometric alignments to improve stability and agility.

  • Parks have ramps that make it an ideal indoor environment to twist and turn your BMX for new skills.
  • Enthusiasts often view the urban infrastructure like rails and stairs to get creative with their talent.
  • Flatlands do not offer an environmental setting for skills and tricks, so it is entirely up to the rider to pivot and balance their old school BMX bike to break-dance on it.
  • BMX is all about ‘Bicycle Motocross’ and hence, racing on pump tracks or race track with speed and technique never ceases to be a cultural aspect of BMX.

Riding Styles To Consider

Based on where you are likely to ride and play with your BMX bike, three riding styles make each bike stand out from another –

Flat: These bikes feature a curved lower tube and a unique seat as a part of their distinctive geometry. Endurance and perseverance are the essences of flatland bikes. The steering wheel is narrower, and usually, there are four pegs.

Race: It is the classic form factor of BMX, with bikes made with light materials, a large gear ratio, and front seat, narrow wheels, etc. It targets race track enthusiasts who want to negotiate hills and sharp turns with their bikes. The raching bikes are sturdy and durable and they give you the best value for money.

Dirt/Park/Street: Compared to the other variants, these old-school BMX bikes are the heaviest, most durable, and generational. It features Cr-Mo frames, double rims, and wheels using bushing with industrial-grade bearing on hollow steel axles. The heavier bikes are more beginner-friendly as the lighter ones require more technique to control them.

Picking The Right Size

Riders need to feel their old-school BMX bike as a part of themselves. The tricks and stunts come naturally once the rider feels at one with their bike, and choosing the right frame and wheel size is critical. Also, remember that age has nothing to do with the correct bike, as it depends on the rider’s physicality.

Here are the standard frame sizes you will find –

  • 15” to 16” for physical height 122cm or less
  • 16” to 17” for height between 122cm to 142cm
  • 17” to 18.5” for height between 137cm to 149cm
  • 5” to 19” for height between 147cm to 163cm
  • 20” to 20.5” for height between 163cm to 181cm
  • Over 20.5” for height 181cm and over

The standard wheel size is about 20”, but you will find smaller wheels on kids’ bikes and bigger ones on old school BMX bikes for dirt jumping.

Conclusion

You can find numerous verified sellers online listing old-school BMX bikes and their spare parts. You may have to assemble the bike yourself. Review your options and take your time to find the right one not to have any regrets.