BMX Frames
If you're looking for BMX frames for sale then you've come to the right place. We've got a huge selection at Backyard BMX.
BMX frames are generally aimed towards a specific style of riding, be it street BMX frames, park BMX frames or trails BMX frames. There are also the all-round BMX frames somewhere in the middle. Although BMX frames can be a very personal choice this guide will help you to choose where to start from. The 3 most important aspects of a BMX frame are the top tube length, head tube angle and rear end or chainstay length. Here is a breakdown of these along with the other variables which will affect how your bike will ride. Please note that preferences for different styles of riding are generalised and there will always be exceptions to the rule or a new rider that may change peoples thinking, this is part of the fun of BMX it’s all personal choice and there are no rules.
What size frame for my BMX?
People always look at the top tube length when choosing a new frame but it's also important to look at the other geometry on the frame as this will greatly affect how it feels to ride. Take a look below for an explanation of the main things to consider.
Top tube length:
BMX frames top tube lengths tend to vary between 19” up to 21.8”. The choice you make here will be due mainly to your height, or for younger riders how fast they are growing to allow the frame to last longer. Alongside this the shorter the top tube the more agile the BMX will be especially when spinning the bike and the longer the top tube the more stable the BMX will be going at faster speeds and so this could be taken into consideration as well.
Headtube angle:
This angle plays an important role in how your BMX will handle. For along time BMX had stuck to a 74.5°, this classic angle is still preferred for those like to go fast on trails, in the bowl or at the park. BMX frames have now evolved and are available in increments up to 76°. A 1.5° change in angle may not sound much but this will completely transform how your bike will feel. Steep headtube angles are best for street BMX riders or technical park riders who want a really agile or twitchy bike for quick turns and spins and nose manuals. You may also find the top BMX park riders who do a lot of tricks in the top contests ride around 75° which will provide the stability required whilst also being agile in the air.
Chain stay / rear end length:
Over the years BMX frames have got shorter and shorter chain stay lengths. Much like the head tube angle the chains stay length can either provide more stability at speed by having it longer or make the bike more agile at slower speeds by shortening it. Shorter lengths also make manuals easier to get into but a lot twitchier to hold. The most common all-round length in BMX frames today is between 13-13.5” and anywhere in this area will be a good starting point for most riders. Generally the shortest 12.5” lengths are found on street BMX frames and longer 13.75” plus lengths are found on BMX trail frames. BMX park riders sit in the middle with personal preference and riding style dictating their choice, a lot of competing park riders will prefer 12.8-13.25” rear ends to allow for faster and more tricks, whereas the flowing stylish riders generally go for a bit longer at 13.25-13.75”.
Stand over height:
This is the measurement from the middle of the bottom bracket to the middle of the top tube. There is variations on this size and although it doesn’t necessarily change how the bike moves as the other measurements do it will still change how the bike feels to the rider. Broadly a lower stand over suits shorter riders and therefor a larger stand over taller riders. However, street BMX riders may also prefer the taller stand over to be able to grip the seat better between their legs when throwing barspins and some BMX park riders may like it lower to aide tailwhips.
Seat tube angle:
Most frames you will see come with a 71° seat tube angle. If the angle is reduced to 70° this will make a BMX feel slightly shorter for a frame of the same top tube length. This is because the bottom bracket will be slightly closer to the headtube, if its increased it will make it feel longer.
BB Height:
This is the height the centre of the frames bottom bracket (BB) sits off the floor. If measured this may differ slightly dependent on the tyres but not by a lot. An average BB height is around 11.6”. Lower bb heights will lower your centre of gravity which will aide slightly with stability at speed and a taller BB height will make the bike feel a bit more nimble.
Buying your BMX frame from Backyard BMX
If you're looking to upgrade your street BMX frame or getting your first park BMX frame we've got you covered at Backyard BMX. We have a huge collection of colours ranging from the classic black BMX frame through to a more eye catching chrome bmx frame and everything in between.
We have BMX frames for sale from Cult, Federal, Fiend, Kink, Stranger, Subrosa, Tall Order, and Total BMX. Rest assured with our range if you are looking for a strong BMX frame or a lightweight BMX frame you're sure to find what you need.
Doing your BMX Shopping online at Backyard BMX means you can get a huge selection of BMX parts whilst being able to choose a core BMX store to support. You can find out more about our local shop support program here.
We were established in 1989 and are run by the same team behind the Backyard Jam BMX competition so you can buy your BMX frames and parts from us with confidence. We offer free gifts with every order and all stock you see listed is at our warehouse and ready for same day despatch if you order before 2pm.