The weight of a BMX bike is important because it is designed to be aerodynamic. It also aims to suitably carry riders of all sizes and weights, so it needs to be sturdy. So sturdy must mean heavy, right?
Wrong.
Many riders will factor in how much a BMX bike weighs when looking to buy one. There are several reasons for this, which we will delve into shortly.
The weight of a BMX bike will vary from make and model, but when looking into purchasing a BMX bike, you can expect the average weight of an adult BMX bike to be circa 23.6 lbs.
As for BMX bikes aimed at children and teenagers, the weight will be somewhere between 14 – 22 lbs.
Remember, BMX bikes are designed to endure the rider’s weight while on the ground and in the air doing tricks.
So for a BMX rider to fully enjoy all that a BMX bike can, it needs to be lightweight.
What to Consider When Buying a BMX Bike
When you’re in the market for a BMX bike, you need to consider several things when finding the right BMX bike.
The two key factors are your height and weight. Another important element is your level of knowledge and experience with BMXing.
For example, if you’re a 12-year-old BMX novice, you won’t want to dive right in with a Pro XXL.
Let’s break down the key elements when buying a BMX bike:
Height & Weight
If you’re beginning your BMX journey at a younger age – as many BMX racers often do – you’ll need a BMX bike that is compatible with your height – and you will need to understand that, as a growing person, you will be required to purchase new bike types as you grow in height, weight, and skills.
Here’s a list of some recommended BMX models for every racer at every height:
| Height | Weight | Recommended Model |
| 125 cm or lower | 40 – 80 lbs | Micro Mini |
| 125 – 140 cm | 70 – 90 lbs | Mini |
| 140 – 150 cm | 70 – 100 lbs | Junior |
| 150 – 165 cm | 80 – 130 lbs | Expert |
| 165 – 170 cm | 100 – 150 lbs | Pro |
| 165 – 180 cm | 110 – 160 lbs | Pro XL |
| 175 cm or above | 175 lbs or above | Pro XXL |
| 180 cm or above | 175 lbs or above | Pro XXX |
| 180 cm or above | 175 lbs or above | Cruiser Pro |
How Much Does a BMX Bike Weigh?
The average weight of an adult BMX bike is around 23.6 lbs (10.7 kg).
As we mentioned earlier, it is important that BMX bikes are lightweight to cater to freestyle tricks and professional racing stunts.
Unlike other types of biking, BMX bikes are designed to spend at least 50% of their time in the air, so a lower build weight is needed.
There are two types of bike weights in the BMX world: lightweight and heavyweight. Each is designed for different purposes and the type of terrain you like to ride on.
While a lighter bike is preferable for more advanced, gravity-defying stunts, your own body weight, core strength, and level of expertise also factor into that aspect more than the bike’s weight.
Here’s a list of some popular BMX bikes available in the market.
| Bike Name | Weight |
| Mongoose Title | Approx 30.00lbs/13.47 Kg |
| Eastern Traildigger | Approx 25.05lbs/11.57kg |
| Stolen Heist | Approx 25.00lbs / 11.33 kg |
| We the people Crysis 20” | Approx 25.00lbs/11.50kgs |
| Cult Gateway | Approx 26.00lbs/11.80kgs |
Lightweight BMX Bikes vs. Heavyweight BMX Bikes
When browsing for BMX bikes, you may notice they come in two categories: lightweight or heavyweight – and there are pros and cons of each.
Pros of Lightweight BMX Bikes
- Lightweight BMX bikes tend to be faster and more agile, i.e., better for competitive racing or stunt work.
- Better resale value.
Cons of Lightweight BMX Bikes
- More expensive than heavy BMX bikes.
- Best-suited for smooth tracks and terrain, as opposed to rough.
- Can be more sensitive to bumps.
Related: Are BMX bikes good for cruising?
Pros of Heavyweight BMX Bikes
- More stable than lighter BMX bikes.
- Cheaper in price.
- Higher durability.
- Great for different styles of racing, as well as terrains.
Cons of Heavyweight BMX Bikes
- Heavy BMX bikes require more effort to peddle.
- Not great for road racing.
- Less aerodynamic.
Find out why BMX bikes have only one brake.
Should I Buy a Lighter BMX Bike?
The type of BMX bike you purchase depends entirely on your hopes for the sport.
A lighter BMX bike is only better if you’re interested in competing in shows and sports events because it is designed for stunts and professional practice.
If you have a heavier BMX bike that you love and can’t bear to part with – but wish to reduce the weight of your BMX – the good news is you don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to it. Instead, you can replace various bike parts to lessen the weight.
How to make a BMX bike lighter
These parts include:
- BMX bike frame: Frame size and weight is often the biggest contributor to the weight of your BMX, so investing in a lighter frame, such as titanium frames or Chromoly frames, will lower the weight of the bike without affecting the quality. But be warned – these frames aren’t cheap!
- Wheels: If you’ve replaced the frame of your BMX bike and you’re still concerned about its weight, it can be worth replacing various components of your bike wheels with more lightweight options, such as upgrading the tires, inner tubes, and even drilling holes into the rims.
- Brakes: If budget is an issue with reducing the weight of your BMX, going brakeless is one of the most inexpensive ways.
- Forks: Always choose high-quality, low-weight forks to reduce weight without having to replace the forks regularly.
- Pedals: Many BMX bikes come with steel pedals, which are notorious for adding weight to your bike. A lighter option would be aluminum pedals.
- Seat post: Ask your local BMX retailer about lighter seat posts. It’s also worth removing your current seat post and weighing it to get a good idea of what lighter option is best.
BMX Bikes: FAQs
How Much Does a Big Ripper Weigh?
The weight of a Big Ripper bicycle can vary depending on the specific model and materials used. On average, a Big Ripper bicycle weighs around 32 pounds (14.51 kg).
How Much Does a Mongoose BMX Bike Weigh?
The weight of a Mongoose BMX bike can vary depending on the specific model and size of the bike. On average, a Mongoose BMX bike weighs between 20 to 25 pounds. It’s always a good idea to check the specifications of the specific bike you are interested in to get an accurate weight.
Which BMX bike is the lightest?
As of 2021, the lightest BMX bikes on the market are the 2021 Subrosa Salvador Parks. It weighs 11.79 kg (25.9 lbs) Park bikes are generally lighter bikes and are known to be easy to control, making them a great choice for beginners and those looking to go competitive.
Suggested: How much does an MTB weigh?
Final Thoughts
The key takeaways here are:
- BMX bike weight plays an important role when purchasing your bike.
- There is no weight limit for riding a BMX bike in terms of your own physical weight, but a level of strength and physical fitness will make it easier to perform stunts.
- The basic BMX bike weight is 23.6 lbs, but can be higher for freestyle BMX bikes.
- Light BMX bikes are better for speed and stunts.
- There are ways to reduce the weight of your bike without purchasing a new one.
