BMX

Mongoose BMX bikes form a large part of our range.

The Legion series are freestyle, street and dirt jump BMXs. The Title series are designed for BMX racing.

A lot of our range is Legion BMX bikes because they are so versatile.

The Legion range starts from the Legion L10 and ends at the Legion L500. 

Mongoose’s Legion L40 is definitely the sweet spot bike though.

Haro’s BMX range starts off at the Parkway. Then moves into the mid-range Haro Leucadia BMX which is available in 2 options:

- Leucadia 18.5 for pre-teens
- Leucadia 20 for teens and adults

And the upper-end Downtown for those who want a little more robustness or less maintenance (more sealed parts). There's also 3 different versions of the Downtown:

- Downtown 18 for smaller riders.
- Downtown
- Downtown DLX

The DLX gets a couple of extra over the Downtown such as the gyro (for 360-degree bar spins) and pegs.

BMX sizing.

BMX sizing is what we'll cover first.

First, check the wheel size.

Most BMX brands will have a number at the end of the name (16, 18, 18.5, 20…) and this indicates the wheel size in inches.

Next, is the frame size.

The only dimension that matters is the top-tube length.

16, 18 and 18.5 (generally) will not have a choice of top-tubes.

When you get into 20-inch wheel BMXs, the frame sizes (top-tube lengths) change from model to model.

These are not always visible, so you'll need to check the specs.

Here's an (approximate) size guide to get started (rider height: top-tube length):

- 60-90cm: 11.5-13" (top tube)
- 80-100cm: 12.8-15"
- 90-110cm: 14.5-17"
-105-135cm: 17-18.5"
-135-155cm: 18-20"
-147-169cm: 20-20.25"
-167-183cm: 20.25"-21"
-180cm+: 20.75"+

BMX frames.

Basic #2 is the frame.

Lower priced BMXs will use high-tensile steel (also called Hi-ten steel).

As the price increases, more Chromoly (or Cr-Mo for short) will get used.

It might start with being the front-half (or the front triangle) of the BMX frame.

Then move to a full Chromoly frame.

Lastly, Chromoly parts will get added such as forks, handlebars, cranks etc.

Chromoly BMX frames are used because:

- They last longer.
- They are lighter by up to 20%.
- They are more elastic; less impact is felt by the rider.

There's a couple more nice frame features you get too:

- Gussets (plates welded onto the frame that provide strength for high stress areas).
- Integrated head tubes.
- Mid bottom brackets.

BMX cranks.

And basic #3 is crank types.

There's 3.

One-piece cranks need the most TLC.

We call them 1-piece because the both crank arms and axle are made from a single piece (usually steel). And are weaker than the other 2 types.

But, if your riding doesn't include stunts, then they'll be fine.

Next is the loose-ball American 3-piece crankset.

The 3 pieces include: left hand crank arm, right hand crank arm and the axle.

These are so much stronger than the 1-piece setup.

The only downside is they still rotate on unsealed bearings.

Lastly, there's the Mid-sealed bearing 3-piece crank. It's the smoothest rotating system and has the least maintenance.