If you are into stunt riding, you might like to start off with a low budget BMX bike. In this review, we will discuss the best BMX bike under 500. Our top 3 choices are in the table below.
Table of Contents
Long gone are days when bikes were just used to travel. Performing stunts on bikes has been a favorite among kids and adults to showcase their talent. But, when it comes to performing stunts, a regular bike won’t be of any use. You would need a BMX bike.
If you don’t want to waste too much money or are just a beginner in bike stunts, then you can get a BMX bike under 500.
We spent weeks searching for the best BMX bikes under 500. After trying and testing several different bikes, we shortlisted six of the best BMX bikes under 500 based on their performance and other factors. If you are searching for the best BMX bike under 500, then you are just at the right place.
In this review, you will learn about.
- What are BMX bikes?
- What to look for while selecting a low budget BMX bike
- Answers to the frequently asked questions
- Reviews of the top six BMX bikes under 500
What Are BMX Bikes?
BMX is an abbreviated term for Bicycle Motor Cross. When kids first started dirt bike racing, the BMX term was used to describe a form of dirt bike racing. But today, the term BMX has expanded quite a bit. It can be used to describe dirt bike racing, performing stunts, or even freestyle bike rides in parks.
A BMX bike is different from your regular bikes in several aspects, so that they are better suitable for performing stunts. These are light in weight and highly durable to sustain the impact of a jump. Also, these bikes have lesser parts and strongly built wheels.
A Guide To Choosing The Best BMX Bike Under 500
Frame
Since BMX bikes are used to perform stunts, the bike’s frame would be the most important feature to look out for.
The frame should be made of lightweight material to keep the weight of the bike low. It is essential as the riders have to support the weight of the bike while performing jumps. Also, the material of the frame has to be sturdy and durable to sustain the impact when the bike comes in contact with the ground after a stunt.
Performance
The performance of a BMX bike depends on its drivetrain, speed, and other characteristics. A BMX bike has a single speed as the presence of gears makes the bike heavier and complicates the construction of a bike.
The tires of a BMX bike are the first contact with the surface and thus will be responsible for the handling and speed of the bike.
Sizing
The sizing of a BMX bike refers to the wheel size, rims, and frame size. Since kids, adults, and teenagers all ride a BMX bike, the frame and wheel size varies to suit every height and weight. The standard wheel size for a BMX bike is 20 inches, but you can find 18, 22, and even 24 inches wheel sizes. The rims that you will find in BMX bikes will be 32mm in width. However, some harsh stunts will be better performed with a 36mm rim.
Additional Features
Several additional features enhance a BMX bike’s capabilities. The number of spokes in the wheels will enhance the strength of the wheel. Normally you would find 36 spokes in the wheels of a BMX bike, but 48 spoke wheels could also be your preferred choice if you are a heavyweight.
Brakes are essential for controlling the speed of the bike and also stopping the bike whenever necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best BMX Bike Under 500
Which BMX bike brand is the best?
There are a lot of bike brands that manufacture BMX bikes. Depending upon the price, performance, and other characteristics, Mongoose, Elite, Mafiabikes, and Schwinn are the best bike brands for BMX bikes.
What are the top 5 BMX bikes?
The top 5 BMX bikes would depend upon the criteria of choosing them. We have reviewed the six best BMX bikes for under 500 dollars in this article if you are looking for the best BMX bikes under a specific price range. But if the price is not a concern, you can get BMX bikes with much better performance.
What is the best cheap BMX?
While BMX bikes are not at the high end of the price range, they still need certain qualities to make them perform better, and they also don’t come cheap.
We have reviewed the best six bikes under the price range of 500 dollars. But if you are looking for an even cheaper option, you can check out the Diamondback Grind, which comes under 200 dollars.
What BMX bikes do the pros ride?
Before, only kids used to ride on BMX bikes, but with the gaining popularity of BMX bike racings, you would see adults using these bikes. There isn’t much difference in the sizing of BMX bikes that kids use, and the pros use. The main difference would be the sturdiness and durability of the bikes.
Also, since adults have a large body frame, the size of the bikes would be some inches bigger than the bike that kids use.
Reviews of the Six Best BMX Bikes Under 500
#1 Mongoose BMX Bike Legion L20
Features
- Frame: 9.2/10
- Performance: 9.1/10
- Sizing: 9.4/10
- Additional Features: 9/10
- Overall Score: 9.2/10
Technical specification
- Frame: High tensile Steel, Aluminum
- Brand: Mongoose
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Color: Black
- Speed: Single
- Wheels: 20 inches
- Bike weight: 34.4 pounds
- Special Features: Freestyle, Trail
Pros
- The bike frame is high tensile steel which is extremely durable.
- The one-piece chainring offers great performance.
- U- brakes offer precision stopping and speed control power.
- Removable brake mounts help you customize the bike per your need.
Cons
- Some riders complain of manufacturing default.
Bottom Line
This Mongoose BMX Bike Legion L20 is one of the best BMX bikes with a high-quality frame and top-notch performance.
Detailed features
- Frame: The frame of this BMX bike is made using high tensile steel material. The top tube of this bike is 20.25 inches long, which is ideal for performing stints. The high tensile steel material makes the bike strong and sturdy. The bike performs better when put under pressure, and even hard impacts while making contact with the ground after jumps or stunts won’t harm the bike.
- Performance: This BMX bike features a one-piece steel crank on the drivetrain, which offers better power transfer from the rider to the bike. The 25 T steel chainring is also highly durable. It helps enhance the performance of the bike. This bike has a single speed which makes it better for performing stunts, and also, the maintenance is much simpler and cheap.
- Sizing: The wheel size of this BMX bike is 20 inches which is the common wheel size for a BMX bike and is ideal for kids and teenagers. It is suitable for a rider of height 4’8″ to 5’4″ feet. The rims are 36mm in width, which is great for performing even high-impact stunts.
- Additional Features: The hand-operated u-brakes make controlling the speed easier and offer precise stopping power whenever necessary. The stem size is 55mm, which makes steering the bike very easy and comfortable. The build of this bike makes it ideal for riding freestyle and on trails.
#2 Mongoose Legion Mag Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike
Features
- Frame: 9.2/10
- Performance: 8.6/10
- Sizing: 8.7/10
- Additional Features: 9.1/10
- Overall Score: 8.9/10
Technical specification
- Frame: High tensile Steel, Aluminum
- Brand: Mongoose
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Color: Orange
- Speed: Single
- Wheels: 20 inches
- Bike weight: 38.75 pounds
- Special Features: Freestyle, Off-road
Pros
- The wheels on this bike are made with aluminum and magnesium alloy.
- The high tensile steel material makes the frame durable.
- It comes with a cable detangler which makes it suitable to perform 360-degree spins.
- It has four pegs which are ideal for riding freestyle.
- It has back brakes for precision stopping power.
- The bike has a really low price.
Cons
- It is not suitable for older riders.
Bottom Line
This Mongoose Legion Mag BMX Bike has a unique design that is sure to turn heads everywhere your kid will ride this bike with the aluminum-magnesium alloy wheels, which have sealed bearings.
Detailed features
- Frame: The frame of this BMX bike is made using high tensile steel. The high tensile steel frame has a hardening property which makes the bike strong to sustain any hard impacts during stunts. Also, the frame has a low stance geometry which is ideal for stunts and BMX racings. The top tube of this bike is 20.4 inches long, which is the right length for a BMX bike for kids and teenagers.
- Performance: This bike has a single speed which makes the build of the bike simple. Without many parts, the bike will perform well, and there is not much maintenance cost. It also has a forged steel crank on the drivetrain, which is in one piece. It helps enhance the power transfer from the rider’s legs to the bike to get maximum performance. The steel chainring is 40T which is durable and helps the rider perform better on the bike.
- Sizing: The bike features 20 inches wheels which is the ideal size for BMX bikes. What is even unique about the wheels is their design. The magnesium alloy wheels give a premium feel to the bike and are sure to turn heads whenever you ride the bike. The bike is suitable for kids and teenagers with a height range of 4’8″ to 5’4″
- Additional Features: The bike comes with a cable detangler that helps if the rider performs 360-degree freestyle turns. The rear U-brakes offer better speed control and precise stopping power to the bike when there is an emergency.
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#3 Schwinn Sting Pro and Predator Cruiser BMX Bike
Features
- Frame: 8.4/10
- Performance: 8.8/10
- Sizing: 8.7/10
- Additional Features: 8.5/10
- Overall Score: 8.6/10
Technical specification
- Frame: High tensile steel, aluminum
- Brand: Schwinn
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Color: Chrome
- Speed: Single
- Wheels: 20 inches
- Bike weight: 34 pounds
- Special Features: Freestyle, road
Pros
- This bike is suitable for adults with a wheel size of 24 inches.
- The retro design of this bike is an ode to the Schwinn predator of 1983, which makes it attractive to look at.
- The frame size is 15 inches with a chrome finish.
- The steel frame has a chrome finish which is very attractive to look at.
Cons
- It is not suitable for young riders.
Bottom Line
This Schwinn Sting Pro and Predator Cruiser BMX Bike is a
Detailed features
- Frame: This BMX bike’s high tensile steel frame with a chrome finish looks very attractive while being very strong. The frame size is 15 inches which is ideal for adults. The high tensile steel material can sustain harsh impacts well and is ideal for performing stunts.
- Performance: This bike offers great performance with its incredibly strong steel axles. The aluminum alloy rims keep the weight of the bike down without compromising on the sturdiness and thus enhance the bike’s performance while performing stunts. The bike tires have a classic gum wall design which is ideal for performing better on dirt roads.
- Sizing: The wheel size of this bike is 20 inches, which is suitable for adults. While the common size for BMX bikes, tall riders often face trouble with the short-sized bikes. This bike size would be ideal for tall people.
- Additional Features: This retro look bike from Schwinn has a one-inch headset that keeps the forks securely attached to the bike. It allows you to maneuver the bike by turning your handlebars and forks smoothly. The dual-front and rear caliper brakes allow speed control and better stopping power whenever the rider needs it.
#4 Huffy Axilus BMX Bike
Features
- Frame: 8.4/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Sizing: 7.9/10
- Additional Features: 8.5/10
- Overall Score: 8.2/10
Technical specification
- Frame: Steel, Aluminum
- Brand: Huffy
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Color: Matte Silver
- Speed: Single
- Wheels: 20 inches
- Bike weight: 34 pounds
- Special Features: Freestyle
Pros
- The steel frame of this bike offers durability.
- The 44T chainring is great for riding freestyle.
- The chain tensioner keeps the chain tight even when riding aggressively.
- The brakes are of linear-pull V type, which is low in maintenance and offers precise stopping.
- Two different color choices let kids have a bike of their preference.
Cons
- Even though the bike is recommended for adults, it is not sized appropriately to be suitable for adults.
Bottom Line
This Huffy Axilus BMX Bike for kids has a durable steel frame, and the Kraton grips on the handlebars maintain the hold of the rider’s hand on the bike even when performing difficult stunts.
Detailed features
- Frame: The bike frame is made of steel material which is very sturdy and offers extreme durability. The steel material is great for BMX bikes as it can sustain harsh landing while performing stunts. It is a very hard material that is not prone to bending or breaking off easily. The frame size for this bike is ideal for kids and adults who are not very tall.
- Performance: The drivetrain of this bike consists of a 44T chainring with a three-piece crankset. It is ideal for transferring the maximum power from the rider’s leg to the bike. This helps the rider perform better while riding the bike freestyle or even while performing stunts.
- Sizing: The wheel size of this BMX bike is 20 inches. It is an ideal size for performing stunts and racing. The aluminum alloy rims are single-walled and great for riding and stunts as the aluminum alloy keeps the bike’s weight in check.
- Additional Features: The handlebars on this bike have Kraton grips, making them ideal for stunts as the rider’s grip on the bike would be better. It is possible to increase the height of the handlebar, which makes the bike even more comfortable to ride if the rider is tall. The internal headset allows better steering and thus enhances the performance of the bike.
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#5 Mongoose Micro Racing BMX Bike
Features
- Frame: 7.9/10
- Performance: 7.7/10
- Sizing: 8/10
- Additional Features: 7.6/10
- Overall Score: 7.8/10
Technical specification
- Frame: Tectonic T1 aluminum
- Brand: Mongoose
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Color: Red
- Speed: Single
- Wheels: 20 inches
- Bike weight: 26.4 pounds
- Special Features: Trail
Pros
- The tectonic T1 aluminum frame is light in weight while being incredibly durable.
- The drivetrain and 44T chainring on this bike enhance its performance.
- The handlebar is made with high tensile steel, which is incredibly durable even when performing stunts.
- It has linear-pull brakes made of aluminum which offers better stopping power and is low maintenance.
- You can get three different bike sizes in the same range.
Cons
- Not so good for pro-level BMX rides.
Bottom Line
This Mongoose Micro Racing BMX Bike is good for beginner-level BMX racers as the bike has a strong and lightweight frame with a good quality drivetrain, which maximizes the power transfer.
Detailed features
- Frame: The frame of this bike is made with tectonic T1 aluminum material, which is incredibly strong while being lightweight. The lightweight design of the bike helps the rider better handle the bike while performing stunts. The strong frame can handle the impact when coming into contact with the surface after landing from a jump or a stunt.
- Performance: With the 170mm drivetrain with a three-piece crankset, this bike offers great quality performance. The drivetrain helps transfer the maximum power from the rider’s legs to the bike, which boosts the performance.
- Sizing: The wheel size on this BMX bike is 20 inches which is the ideal wheel size for a beginner BMX rider. The wheel size makes it perfect for performing stunts for riding freestyle on dirt roads. The double-walled rims on the front and back wheels are stronger and lighter in weight, helping the rider perform better.
- Additional Features: The high tensile steel handlebars are very sturdy, and with the sealed headset and 50mm stem, this bike is easy to steer. Ease of steering improves the performance of the bike while performing any stunts. The bike features linear aluminum pull brakes, which offer speed control and precise stopping power and are easy to maintain.
#6 Redline Bicycles MX-24
Features
- Frame: 7.6/10
- Performance: 7.2/10
- Sizing: 7.5/10
- Additional Features: 7.3/10
- Overall Score: 7.4/10
Technical specification
- Frame: Aluminum alloy
- Brand: Redline
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Color: Black
- Speed: Single
- Wheels: 24 inches
- Bike weight: 33.2 pounds
- Special Features: Freestyle
Pros
- The aluminum alloy frame of this bike makes the bike light in weight.
- The bike seat is pivotal, which is ideal for racing.
- The 24 inches wheel size makes this bike ideal for adult riders.
- The crankset offers maximum power transfer to the wheels, making it ideal for racing.
Cons
- Bikes require some assembly before use.
Bottom Line
This Redline Bicycles MX-24 is a good-quality bike suitable for adults who are into BMX bike racing.
Detailed features
- Frame: This BMX bike has an aluminum alloy frame/. The aluminum alloy is a lightweight material that reduces the bike’s weight, making it ideal for performing jumps. Aluminum is also sturdy and strong enough to sustain the impact of the bike’s landing after a jump or a stunt.
- Performance: The 177mm drivetrain with a three-piece crankset lets the rider optimize the maximum power of their legs by transferring the power to the bike wheels. It is ideal when you will be participating in racing or performing stunts.
- Sizing: The bike has a wheel size of 24 inches. This size is ideal for adults who are into BMX riding and stunts. The bigger size wheels also make the bike suitable for freestyle or trail riding or participating in races.
- Additional Features: The bike has a superior laity build which is ideal for racing. The seat of the bike has a pivotal design that offers a better seating angle during a race.
Final Thoughts: Best BMX Bike Under 500
BMX bike riding is not just for kids anymore. Adults enjoy the stunts and dirt racing on BMX bikes too. If you are new in the world of BMX biking, then there is no point wasting your money on a high-end BMX bike.
Start small, with a BMX bike under 500 dollars, and when you are comfortable with going pro, only then switch to an expensive BMX bike.
Our top favorite is Mongoose Legion L20 Freestyle BMX Bike Line for Beginner-Level to Advanced Riders, Steel Frame, 20-Inch Wheels, Black. It is made of a high tensile steel frame, which makes it lightweight and strong, perfect for performing stunts.
Our second favorite is the Mongoose Legion Mag Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike, also made of a high tensile steel frame. Also, the height of the bike is ideal for performing stunts and freestyle riding.
The Huffy Axilus BMX Bike would be best for you if you are low on the budget. It is a lightweight bike that is suitable for BMX racing and freestyle riding.