Is BMX good for long rides?

Is BMX good for long rides?  That depends on the number of teeth on your chainring.

If you are buying a BMX for doing tricks, you would want to buy one with lesser number of teeth on it. This is so that you can start to ride off faster after doing your twists and turns. However, if you like to go a longer distance, if that is what you mean by long rides, choose one installed with larger number of teeth on chainrings, eg one with 48 teeth.

This is a GT BMX 43T (teeth) chainring. You should be able to find BMX with 28T (teeth) right up to 48T (teeth) chainring.



A BMX with larger wheel size instead of the common 20” will also help you cover more distance. You can calculate your gear ratio and how far you can go each revolution by knowing your wheel size, the number of teeth on your chainring and on your rear sprocket.

There is a table posted at link to article BMX Madness Gear Ratio and Sizing Charts which shows the distance you can cover based on the above information.  I have also extracted from the site to show you how that is calculated:

“For example, if your front sprocket is a 45 tooth, and your rear sprocket is a 16 tooth, then your gear ratio would be 2.8125 (45 divided by 16 = 2.8125). You then take that number (in this case 2.8125) and multiply it by 20 (the diameter of a BMX wheel). 2.8125 x 20 = 56.25 (the gear size). You can apply this simple formula to cruisers (BMX bikes with 24" wheels) by multiplying the gear ratio by 24 instead of 20.”

If "long rides" means ride for a longer period, you have to note that most BMX are made of steel to handle the stress of load during jumps from a height so it is a heavier bike to ride. Make sure that you choose a frame size that is suitable for your height. If the bike is too small, you are more likely to stand up to pedal, each time you want to relieve the fatigue on your legs. That will damage your pedals more quickly than they should.

Choosing the right BMX for doing stunts.

If you plan to get a BMX  to learn some tricks with it, first you must find one that is suitable for your height. The top tube length will determine that.

You can find charts online that  provides information on choosing the right bike size based on your height.

Since you are doing stunts on it, choose one that is installed with gyro brake system so that you can make twists and turns without entangling your cables.

Make sure that the chainring have lesser number of teeth on it. This is so that you can start to ride off faster after doing your twists and turns. This photo shows a GT BMX 43T chainring. You should be able to find BMX with 28T (teeth) right up to 48T (teeth) chainring installed.

You can also decide if you want one with sport rims to withstand hard knocks or one with the standard rims with spokes inserted. This model with sport rims have disc brakes and pegs installed on its front and rear wheels so that you can stand on them as you perform your tricks.

While this model installed with V-brake has the standard rims with 68 spokes installed. The more spokes there are, the less likely it will be for you to damage the wheels when your BMX hit the ground during high jumps.

You also have the option to choose BMX with hi-tensile steel frame or chromoly which is lighter but more expensive. Cyclists who have ridden bikes with steel frame and also on chromoly frame find that the later is flexible and more comfortable to ride on.

If you are talking about what brand you should buy, do a search for reviews on the brand you are interested in getting. Since you are learning, it may not be a good idea to buy an expensive model to start.

Maybe you should consider borrowing or getting a used unit that is still in good working condition. After some tries (ouch, ouch), you may decide that doing stunts is not for you.