20 Vs 24 BMX Bike Compared (All You Need To Know!)

BMX bikes have undergone tremendous transformation since their introduction in the 60s, with today’s models equipped with lighter but robust components, customizable color schemes, and varying price points.

Moreover, you get to choose between various sizes based on your preference, needs, and height, which brings us to today’s discussion- 20 vs 24 BMX bike.

20-inch BMX bikes are the most common and proper BMX size of these robust, durable bikes and are suitable for 155cm and above riders. On the other hand, 24-inch models are typically made for taller riders looking to avoid lower back soreness, and they are best suited for over 170 cm cyclists.

BMX bikes geometry is designed with age, weight, size, and above all, the rider’s height in mind. These bikes are simple, rigid, strong, light, and maneuver easily in the air and ground.

While some adults ride 20 inch BMX without any problems, some riders are too tall and better off riding 24-inch models.

20 Inch BMX Bike Vs 24 Inch BMX Bike (How Do They Compare?)

Your height is the primary factor to consider when determining the BMX bike size perfect for you. However, it’s also essential to assess each size critically to arrive at a well-thought-out decision.

Well, here’s how a 20 vs 24 BMX bike compare.

1. Weight

20-inch BMX bikes are lighter than their 24-inch counterparts because they have smaller wheels and frames, meaning they need less material to make.

For instance, below is how some popular 20-inch and 24-inch street/freestyle BMX bikes compare in weight.

20-Inch Model	Weight	24-Inch Model	Weight
Stolen Sinner FC	24.75 lbs (11.25 kg)	WeThePeople ATLAS 24”	24.44 lbs (11.11 kg)
Fly Proton FC	24.84 lbs (11.3 kg)	2018 Redline Assset 24”	25.96 lbs (11.8 kg)
Fly Omega CST	25.3 lbs (11.5 kg)	WeThePeople Avenue 24”	26.0 lbs (11.81 kg)
Mankind Libertad	25.74 (11.7 kg)	DK 2021 CYGNUS 24”	26.2 lbs (11.9 kg)
Mankind International	26.18 lbs (11.9 kg)	Stolen Saint 24”	26.75 lbs (12.15 kg)
WeThePeople CRYSIS 2021	26.3 lbs (11.94 kg)	COLONY ECLIPSE 24”	26.9 lbs (12.22 kg)
WeThePeople VERSUS 2021	26.73 lbs (12.15 kg)	SE BIKES SO CAL FLYER	28.3 lbs (12.83 kg)
WeThePeople TRUST 2021	26.9 lbs (12.22 kg)	Sunday Model-C 24”	29.1 lbs (13.22 kg)
Subrosa Salvador 2021	27.6 lbs (12.54 kg)	Black-Ops SpecOp 24”	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Average	26.0 lbs (11.83 kg)	Average	27.0 lbs (12.29 kg)

From the table, you can see that 20-inch BMX bikes are, on average, 1 pound/ 0.45 kg lighter than 24-inch BMX bikes, translating to a difference of 3.85%.

2. Demand

Since 20-inches is the market’s standard size for BMX bikes, 20-inch models are readily available and popular among BMX riders. It’s easier to find a 20-inch BMX than a 24-inch.

If you are looking for a 20-inch BMX, check out Mongoose Legion Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike (View on Amazon). It’s Hi-Ten steel-made bike suitable for kids, beginner riders, and advanced riders who are at least 48 inches.

Additionally, their diversity presents more choices and leads to competitive pricing. It’s also easier to resell 20-inch BMXs or their parts because of their greater demand.

3. Wheels

20-inch wheels are stronger than 24-inch wheels, given that all the other parameters are the same. However, 24-inch BMX can also take exponential abuse and are highly durable.

Moreover, 20-inch wheels are lighter because they require less rubber, rims, and shorter spokes, but their weight doesn’t compromise their strength.

BMX riders hugely appreciate the additional strength because BMX wheels undergo extreme stress during stunt execution.

4. Handling

The larger wheels on 24-inch BMX bikes give them more stable handling than 20-inch BMX, which are twitchier. Smaller-wheeled bikes are slightly more challenging to control.

However, twitchier bikes are more responsive, which will come in handy when riding a BMX.

5. Acceleration and Speed

20-inch wheels offer faster acceleration than 24-inch wheels. However, when it comes to speed, if a 20-inch and 24-inch BMX bike have similar high gears, the 24-inch model will generate more speed in that gear because it will have a bigger travel distance.

6. Maneuverability

Generally, smaller tires raise a bike’s maneuverability; that’s why 26-inch mountain bikes can execute tighter turns compared to 29-inch models. This also applies to BMX bikes.

20-inch BMX bikes provide greater precision, helping perform street and freestyle tricks better.

What are 24 BMX Bikes Good For?

24-inch BMX bikes are designed for cruising, but they can withstand regular BMX abuse. They are excellent for riders looking for a compromise between a standard adult bike and a 20-inch BMX bike.

These models offer the qualities of a mountain bike with the simplicity and durability of a BMX bike.

You can perform tricks and stunts, including riding on ramps and curb jumping on a 24-inch BMX bike because the high bottom bracket compensates for the long chainstays.

Moreover, 24-inch BMX bikes can be good for commuting since they have bigger frames and larger tires. You can also increase the comfort levels by switching the seat post to a longer and lay-back one.

FAQs

1. What Age Is A 20 Inch BMX For?

Adults and kids of all sizes can ride a 20-inch BMX bike, but the minimum age is 7 to 8 years.

2. Is A 24 Inch BMX Bike For Adults?

24-inch BMX bikes are suited to older and taller people who stand at the height of over 170 cm. They offer more comfort for taller riders than 20-inch models.

3. Is A 20 Inch BMX For Adults?

Anyone, including children and adults, can ride a 20-inch BMX bike, but they should be at least 7 or 8 years. They are best suited for riders who are over 5 feet tall.

Personal preference is vital when it comes o BMX riding because some riders prefer smaller bikes while others would rather ride bigger ones.

4. Is A 20 Inch BMX Small?

20 inches is the true and standard size for BMX bikes, although they also come in 12” 14”, 16”, 18”, 22”, 24”, and 26”. Anyone can ride a 20-inch BMX bike, provided they can control it.