BMX Sizing Explained: The Impact of Top Tube Length on Your Ride

Helpful Resources for BMX Nerds ➡️ linktr.ee/dougsterbob
💬 Join the BMX Nerd Network: community.bmxnerds.com/share/...
❓ | Ask your BMX Questions
📸 | Show off your bike
📈 | Learn new tricks
⭐️ | Join a thriving community
Request a BMX Recommendation: bmxnerds.com/bmx-match-maker/
In this informative video, we delve into the nuanced differences between a 20.3-inch top tube and a 21-inch top tube in BMX bikes, and how this seemingly minor variation can significantly affect your riding experience and progression. A user from the BMX nerds Discord community shared his dilemma on purchasing his first BMX; torn between a sale on a 20.3-inch frame BMX and a 21-inch frame recommended for his height (178 cm). Through a relatable narrative, we stress the importance of following size recommendations over snagging a good deal, drawing parallels from a personal experience of starting with a 19.5-inch top tube BMX at 6-foot tall which hampered trick execution and overall progression. We shed light on how a mere 3/4 of an inch deviation on the top tube size alters the bike's geometry, impacting the head tube angle and the bike’s overall feel. This video advocates for prioritizing the correct size over higher quality when on a budget, as a properly sized, albeit lower quality bike, fosters quicker progression with room for gradual upgrades. This discussion, emanating from a community-driven question, underscores the practicality of choosing the right BMX size, making it a valuable watch for BMX newbies. Dive into the BMX nerds Discord community to engage with over 1,400 BMX enthusiasts, and stay tuned for more insightful discussions in upcoming videos!

[@maxtwentynine5968]

I’m 5.10 have a 20.5 and 2 20.75. I felt cramped on the 20.75 that had 175mm crank on it . The other 20.75 had a 170mm crank and felt fine . Also the 20.50 has 165’s on it and it also feels fine . To big a crank on a bike that just right might feel better with a smaller crank or might work the other way aroun if I had a 21” with the 175’s on it I’d probably be ok with that as well . If you 6ft and over 21 for sure I’d say

[@robalexanderofficial]

My trail bike is a 21, and my street bike is a 20.5. I’m 5’8 so I think I’m at the high end of a 20.5 and I love the control I have on it. The 21 feels a little much for my street riding, but amazing to ride fast through the trails or even park. And both the same back end at about 13.7

[@amapepo8998]

is there any pros, for shorter frame, i mean when im about 6feet and i use 20.25 ?

[@VALENTINE-RECORDS]

Stuck between the Fit 21” vs 21.25” top tube, really love my manuals and locking in. Any recommendations for that

[@dr.julianbashir9193]

Question: I am about 180cm tall, and I don't know anything about BMX, but I would like to ride one to improve my MTBiking AND possibly practice some Trial (not trail) related stuff. What size should I go for? (if this question can even be answered on the spot of course)

[@mikehemens9359]

THis vid would have been a great opportunity to tell us your top tube length right after you told us your height. Pro bmxers are stingy with top tube info it seems.

[@zerostarinc]

5’11” and I ride a 20.5 with 12.75 cs. But I have a longer torso and shorter legs than most

[@That_DoDo_Bird]

first cause I'm built like that.

[@SuixdeCity]

Not

[@texas_2x503]

5'7 and got the bike you recommended a 20.75 but I feel as if it's to big I'm having such a hard time progressijg a bunny hop. Sadly I cannot return the bike for a smaller size. Rip..

[@bermchasin]

Im about the same as you but ride a 20.8 and while its a bit bigger than the 20.5 I used to ride, I am actually bunny hopping better than before, with better technique. You can also adjust your bars or stem to help with the geometry, but it might just take getting used to it.