Can Adults Ride 20 Inch BMX Bikes? Detailed Breakdown

It would be hard to find a person who doesn’t love bicycles. From children to adults, everyone wants to paddle around the neighborhood or mountain for a short, relaxing, yet joyful ride on their bikes.

But, what about the enthusiasts and thrill-seekers who refuse to take life for granted and want to try something off the traditional road?

Yeah, you got it right; this is all about off-road cycling that takes the riding experience to a whole new level. Nothing beats a BMX bike when you are ready to dare the dirt. It is lightweight, durable, classy, and exciting.

But can adults ride 20 inch BMX bikes? The thousand-dollar question is answered – of course; they can. Come along for the ride as we frame what makes a 20-inch BMX bike one of the best bicycles for adults who want to chill the thrill.

BMX Bikes Confine Boundaries: A Myth Busted

It is believed that BMX bikes for adults have limitations. But, tell you what, it’s a myth that should have been busted long before now. Standard bikes don’t offer all the riding liberties that you will find in a BMX bike. And, when it comes to 20 inch BMX bikes, you have a better trade-off.

For instance, 20 inch BMX bikes for adults are for average to advanced riders who wish to ride something on the smaller side. Yes, smaller bikes fit neatly everywhere. You can use them as regular bikes or, at times, cruiser bikes.

For those more adventurous riders, you have freestyle geometry on board that allows you to do extraordinary tricks.

Besides, a bigger wheel size aids in popping wheelies on any given surface.

Worried about cruising speed? Don’t. You have a perfect balance between frame sizes and wheels, making it one of the best cruiser bikes for adult riders.

Does it wipe the floor with other adult size BMX bikes? It does. Period.

What Makes the 20 Inch BMX Bike So Special?

BMX is one of the best bike brands for advanced riders. On top of that, a 20 inch BMX bike comes with a durable steel frame that makes it the right bike to garner interest in adults. It also has bigger and sturdier wheels, knobby tires, and a superior top tube that offers a lot more balance with a free-riding style.

There are several reasons adults ride BMX bikes. A better, precision-made frame size and robust build make it a good fit for “older children.” Yeah, older children. Your body might age with time, but your heart remains the same as kids.

Adults are kids, but heavier in size. So they need smaller wheels and strong top tubes so that the bikes can run like a springbok and carry their loads as an elephant does. On top of that, BMX bikes are known for performing off-road tricks as you get a variety of tube-ranging options in them.

Therefore, the question, “can adults ride 20 inch BMX bikes” should be eliminated as they perform better in hostile conditions like dirt, vert, park, street, and, of course, flatlands.

So, riding BMX bikes is always an advantage if you want to explore the horizon.

What Can a Rider Do with Small Size BMX Bikes?

It’s always better to look before you ride. Choosing a bike in your league is always important before you head toward the bicycle store, be it offline or online. For those who don’t know yet, BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross.

It was first popularized by the motocross superstars in the early 1970s as kids began to race on the specks of dirt with their children’s cycles. Soon after that, it caught the attention of everyone as adults ride BMX bikes more than ever now.

Having 20inch BMX bikes translates into class. You don’t need to do BMX racing with a 20 inch bike. Yeah, you may try out the sport every now and then. But, it’s about the mojo that you will get riding a BMX bike.

BMX bikes will let you normally ride, just like your regular afternoon bike rides. But, they have tricks up their sleeves, and you may need to be a magician to conjure up the tricks.

It will also let you set the off-road tracks on fire, climb a mountain (watch the brakes) or even show some backyard skills.

In short, it’s a complete package that does not complicate things for riders who want to do something more with their bikes off-road.

A Few Reasons Adults Ride BMX Bikes

Love needs no reason to flourish. If you have a passion for riding bikes, the sky is the limit. However, there are some particular standouts of a 20 inch BMX bike. Check them out below to justify your decision to purchase a BMX bike.

Comfortable Than Larger Two Wheelers

Comfort comes first in any kind of work you indulge in. When you are talking about riding a BMX bike, it should always be on the checklist. Luckily, BMX bike brands are made, taking comfort into account.

Larger two-wheelers require more space, which can cause some inconvenience at times, especially if you tend to ride BMX bikes in relatively narrow spaces. Since the best BMX bikes come with smaller wheel sizes and frames, the overall bike size is shorter. Therefore, you get more flexibility to demonstrate your skills.

Always Offers Some Extra Speed and Challenges

Although it might seem similar to mountain bikes, the BMX bike has a different fan base and convenience. It offers a better cruising speed than a regular bike. A 20inch bike may slow down the cruising as it takes greater friction.

On the other hand, a 20inch bike is the perfect balance of speed and stability. You may not know it yet, but smaller wheels require a smarter rider to make the bike listen. So, if you want speed, the BMX bike is what you should go for.

However, there are no rear-hand brakes available on a BMX bike. Sound crazy? Well, that’s what makes a true rider. Perhaps, that’s one of the main reasons BMX bikes are tailored for adults. It is up to you whether you want to take on the challenge.

Powerful Wheel

The main and most intensive component of any bicycle is the wheel. But when it comes to BMX, it gets trickier. They normally come with smaller wheels, around 20 inches. But, they vary with the places you will ride on it.

Typically knobby, the tires of the BMX adult bike are around 20 inches, which makes it the ideal fit for off-road trailing. However, you should ensure the tire comes with grooves to seize the desired grip off the track.

On the other hand, you will find flatland BMX bikes ride safely on relatively easier pavements and pitched roads. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will have to look out for grooves without any reason.

Besides, a lesser groove makes the bike smoother and eliminates the friction that allows the rider to spin on the ground.

Makes You a Superstar

The BMX bike is not your ordinary bike – it is born out of passion, requiring an extraordinary and unique rider. This is not the bike to move around a crowded road or uncontrolled surroundings.

Use a ramp, open space and somewhere you will be watched as a superstar. Because, at the end of the day, a BMX bike makes you a celebrity if you can capitalize on the potential it holds, regardless of what inch bike you are stunning with!

Is it Too Late to Start with a BMX bike as an Adult?

People wonder if it’s too late to take on a BMX bike as an adult. It is harder to deal with this particular type of bicycle. Their wheels are small; brakes are eliminated, tube length is modified, frame size is adjusted, etc.

But, it conveys one single connotation—it’s energizing. So, it’s never too late to start something that energizes you… moves you. Perhaps, it’s the ideal time to hit the paddle and unleash the subconscious of your BMX fantasy.

Nonetheless, you have to understand that it’s the adult who is capable of facing the ultimate challenges that life throws at you.

How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You

It is always difficult to choose the right BMX bike size for an individual. Different factors come into consideration while you make the final call. However, the following facets are mandatory to determine the ideal size BMX bike for you.

Your Height, Weight, and Health Status

Before you even take a look at your would-be BMX bike, be sure you are well aware of yourself: your height, weight, and body dimensions come into consideration while you determine the size the BMX bike should be.

If you aren’t too healthy, don’t take the risk of buying smaller size wheels. On the other hand, frame size and rigidity should be adjusted accordingly. Don’t feel shy to use a measuring tape to measure your height from top to bottom, and step up on a scale beforehand.

You will surely find the perfect match for your BMX journey.

Top Tubes Length

The top tube is perhaps the most important area of the BMX pro that should be selected carefully. Experts basically suggest simpler top tubes so that you can move your legs freely and swing the cycle to perform a stun or two.

For instance, if you are a man who is 5’3″ -5’10” in height, 20.25″ -21″ top tube length should be ideal. However, you can also use any length of your preference.

Tire Size

You are going to slide a lot on your bike. So, go for the smaller size tire for easy maneuvering. It will also cruise faster and assist you in performing some tricks. The tire size and build play an important role in the bike’s efficiency.

However, BMX bikes come in multiple tire and wheel sizes. The tire typically varies around 4 inches. Wheels range from 12 inches to 24 inches. But, the ideal size is always considered 4 and 20 inches for tires and wheels, respectively.

Material in Use

When it comes to the material of the bike, steel is always preferred on BMX bikes or any bike in general. Since you will put a lot of stress on the bike, it needs to sustain the pressure each time you swing or slide it.

You will also find carbon fiber or composite materials in the frame, but these are kind of unnecessary as steel just cuts it. Besides, those are extravagant materials that make the purchase more expensive.

Related Article: How long will a carbon fiber bike last

Best BMX Bike Brands: Where to Find Them?

Feeling a bit relaxed knowing the basics of BMX cycling? Well, it’s not the time to take a break. Instead, paddle faster to reach the finish line. Check the following BMX bike brands to find the bike you need.

Mafia Bikes Kush 2 BMX Bike is one of the best BMX bike brands of its time. It has a high-end look and top-notch components. What’s more, its price is completely affordable.

If simplicity had a face, it should have been called Kink Liberty. It fits within a workable budget and looks really good. However, you will need to add your custom gears to make it look and act as you want. If you are getting started with your tricks, give it a shot.

Safety First: Precautions You Should Take Before Paddling Your BMX Bike

BMX bikes might give you a lot of thrills, but they can also be a risky business. Perhaps, some people pursue it to feel the pulsation in their veins but don’t forget the safety gear. Always wear elbow pads and shin guards to avoid unwanted bruises and blows.

However, no matter how rushed you play, equipping yourself with appropriate safety gear is a gesture of respect that you should give to any sport you care about. So, keep your brain cool, no matter how hot the blood gets.

Prolong Your 20 Inch BMX Bike’s Longevity

BMX bikes are expensive, so you should want to prolong the life of your bike. Luckily, there isn’t much you need to do with a bike to increase its longevity. Just adhere to general bicycling ethics and etiquette.

Simply lubricating the drivetrain, greasing the chain frequently, and tightening the chain and sprocket may increase the lifetime of your sporty BMX bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crossing the Finish Line

So, can adults ride 20 inch BMX bikes? It’s never too late to pursue your dream. If it happens to be your fantasy to ride a BMX bike, go for the glory. But, as an adult, you may have wondered if adults can ride 20 inch BMX bikes.

We believe we have made it pretty clear in this guide why you should forget about your worries and embrace your long-cherished dream. All you need to do is to follow your heart and move the mouse around to order your BMX bike this week! In the meantime, live and love. After the packaging arrives at the doorstep, use the helmet. Ride and roam, cheers!