BMX for my son - what do I need to know?

[Mr Scruff]

I’m pretty versed in the world of MTBs, and have always assembled my own bikes from components. Last year my 11 year old and I put together a hard tail for him; not only does he love it, it’s a lot lighter than any off-the-shelf items (important when you’re that size) and worked out significantly cheaper too.

Now he’s starting to talk more about BMXs. He currently has a cheap Halfords one, but it’s pretty rubbish and weighs a ton, so would like to assemble one together out of parts.

Problem is I know nothing about the world of BMX! Any way to get a crash course in what to look for and what to avoid? We’re looking around the £150-200 mark for used parts, want something that will encourage him to ride more without reckless spending on my part… Part of the joy is searching for parts together and then building it in the garage.

Thanks!

[EdmondDantes]

Something like this would be a really good bmx for entry level.

https://www.sourcebmx.com/products/sunday-blueprin...

The good thing about BMX is you can upgrade steps by steps.

[EdmondDantes]

If you’re looking just to build from parts etc, you can’t go wrong with the like of BSD, Fit Bike Co, Cult Bmx, We The People.

Have a look at custom Bmx’s on EBay, you could always get a really good deal on something second hand, Id recommend nothing bigger than a 20.5inch top tube for his age.

And could always just build it up from scratch 👌🏻

[Mr Scruff]

Brilliant, thanks both. At the moment it looks like I’ll be creating a shopping list for him and his best mate, and then supporting them to build. Last time I rode a BMX was about 30 years ago and unsurprisingly there are quite a few new brands around now

[ben5575]

I’ve just had to stop myself from checking eBay as buying/building bmx was an addiction that I’ve managed to stay clean from for a few years.

I would add S&M, FBM and Standard to the mix as well.

I used radbmx.co.uk to buy parts. It’s run by enthusiasts so the parts are generally cheaper than eBay. Site may need a sub to access the for sale section. ETA to add that I've just logged on and the for sale section is dead.

Definitely don’t look at this US website https://bmxmuseum.com/

Edited by ben5575 on Saturday 15th April 10:11

[Miles Safer]

RADBMX is alive and well on Facebook but is over 90% concerned with '80s BMX which have shot up in value as middle aged men look to recapture their youth or refuse to admit their age.
There is a New School BMX Life group on FB but I'm not sure how much traffic it gets for let alone for sales.

[WY86]

Alansbmx have usually good custom completes, sourcebmx has some good bits. I would not bother with a bike with a giro, they are pain to work on and work properly so stick with a straight cable to begin with. I would go with a Cult complete personally. American made frames like s&m would be a little overkill for an 11 year old.