Being tall comes with its perks, like reaching top shelves more easily, but also challenges. For one riding a BMX bike and having fun while doing it is a challenge for a tall guy; that’s why I endeavored to explore the available BMX bikes for tall guys and how to ride comfortably.
Tall BMX bike riders are better off with 24 or 20-inch BMX bikes. These bicycles should also have pro-XL, expert, or pro-size frame sizes and 20.5 to 21.5-inch long top tubes.
Shorter cyclists have an easier time riding a BMX bike because they don’t have to worry about body aches. However, if you are a tall or big BMX rider, you’ll have to bend when riding it, particularly if the bicycle is small, resulting in back pains.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid straining your body and make it more enjoyable. These include making sure the bike fits, exercising, and stretching.
I will discuss these ways in detail in this post.
Can Tall Guys Ride BMX?
BMX bikes are designed for riders of all ages and sizes, but some groups have an easier time riding them than others. One of the disadvantaged groups is tall guys.
Riding a BMX may seem impossible when you stand at 6 feet and above. However, Big James, Van Homan, and David Grant, known for Bicycle motocross, should be enough real-life visual examples to squash these doubts.
Don’t let your height deter you from participating in this incredible sport if you are interested. You can ride a BMX if you can coordinate, balance, and tolerate it.
All you have to do is find the right BMX bicycle by knowing your height in order to ensure the bike you get will fit you well and comfortably.
Buyer’s Guide For BMX Bikes For Tall Guys
Choosing the right bike size is the initial and most crucial step in comfortably riding a BMX bike as a tall guy. Therefore, pay attention to the following aspects to ensure you find a BMX that works exceptionally for you.
1. Size Consideration- What BMX Bike Should I Get For My Height?
BMX bikes are designed with the rider’s height, size, age, and weight as significant considerations. Your body size impacts your riding experience; for instance, a smaller BMX bike will feel uncomfortable and less stable for taller riders.
Most BMX bikes have 20-inch wheels, with a few fitted with 24-inch wheels. Due to this, the wheel size isn’t the best variable to use to determine the correct bike size for taller riders.
Instead, the frame size and the length of the bike’s top tube give a better idea of your ideal bike size.
Below is a BMX sizing guide table to refer to when buying a BMX bike.
| Age | Rider’s Height | Top Tube Length (Inches) | Frame Size (Inches) |
| Under 5 | Under 4 feet | Micro Mini (15-16”) | Below 18” |
| 5-7 | 4’0” to 4’6” | Mini (16-17”) | 18-18.5” |
| 8-10 | 4’5” to 4’10” | Junior (17-18.5”) | 19-19.5” |
| 10-13 | 4’5” to 5’2” | Expert (18.5-19.5”) | 19.5-20” |
| 10-13 | 4’8” to 5’5” | Expert (18.5-19.5”) | 20.5-21” |
| 13 And Above | 5’6” to 5’10” | Pro (20-20.5”) | 21-21.5” |
| 13 And Above | 5’8” to 6’10” | Pro (20.5” +) | 21.5” + |
If you stand at 5’6” to 6’0” and wish to own a BMX bike with 20-inch wheels and rigid suspension, Mongoose Legion 80 BMX Bike (View on Amazon) would suit you. This bike is ideal for freestyling on the dirt, streets, and parks.
2. Weight Capacity
Taller people typically weigh more than shorter ones; thus, it’s vital to ensure your BMX bike can support your weight. Manufacturers usually indicate the weight limits of their bikes.
You are responsible for ensuring you don’t surpass the weight limit by confirming it before purchasing your BMX.
3. Riding Style
BMX riding comes in different styles like freestyle, jumping, racing, and racing. Consequently, the bicycles vary based on the riding styles; thus, you must choose wisely to ensure your BMX is compatible with your riding style.
Choose your style based on capabilities and skills. For instance, freestyle features showcasing superb stunts and tricks.
4. Build Quality
Your BMX bike needs to be robust and durable because this sport involves hard moving, jumping, and performing tasking stunts. Steel is a popular material among many brands because it’s resilient and strong, although it’s heavy.
On the other hand, aluminum makes the bike lighter, but it’s not as strong as steel. For that reason, CroMo is an excellent alternative because it’s durable and lightweight.
Other Considerations For BMX Bikes For Tall Guys
You should also ensure your BMX bikes has:
- A cushioned saddle, especially if you are a beginner
- Rim brakes to facilitate a crisp stopping
- A tinnier gear ratio (25/9 if possible) for easy pedaling
- Slimmer rims and tires for racing BMX
- Riser bars for freestyle BMX
- Wider tires to promote smooth rolling
BMX Riding Tips For Tall Guys
BMX riding doesn’t have to be brutal. You can perform your tricks without hurting yourself or experiencing body aches.
Below is what you should do to make BMX riding easier and comfortable.
1. Stretch
Regularly stretching the muscles involved in riding protects from getting injured. Hence, create an exercising and stretching routine and make sure you stick to it.
The body parts to focus on are the neck, quads, hamstring muscles, glutes, shoulders, lower back, among others. Keep your stretches light.
2. Build Muscles
Stronger muscles keep your body aligned, so make exercising an integral part of your life. The muscle groups you should build include back, core, shoulders/arms, ankle strength, and legs.
Keeping your body in tip-top shape allows you to push yourself when riding without getting hurt or experiencing fatigue easily.
What Size BMX Bike Should A 6 Foot Man Ride? (BMX Bike For 6 Foot Tall)
Riders with a height of 6 to about 6’3” feet can ride a 20-inch BMX bike easily but with an ideal top tube. However, much taller cyclists should pick 24-inch instead because they have longer frames.
Six feet beginners should check out Dynacraft Tony Hawk Park Series 720, (View on Amazon) built with a simple design and a bigger size to accommodate taller riders. This freestyle BMX has 24-inch wheels, a 21-inch top tube, a rear suspension, and a weight limit of 275 pounds.
FAQs
1. Can Tall People Do BMX?
Tall people can ride BMX bikes if they find one that fits them well and keep their bodies fit to handle the intense nature of the sport. Taller riders should ride 24-inch BMX bikes and 20.5-21.5 inch top tubes.
2. Can Adults Ride 20 Inch BMX Bikes?
Adults can ride 20-inch BMX bicycles that have 20.5 to 21.5-inch top tubes. It wouldn’t be a surprise to find a 6 feet adult riding a 20-inch BMX bike.
However, remember that 20-inch BMX bicycles are made for 6 to 10-year-old or 4’5” to 4’10” children.
3. What Height Is A 20 Inch BMX Bike For?
20-inch BMX bikes are for 4 feet 5 inches to 4 feet 10 inches tall kids. However, adults ride these bikes nowadays.
4. Do BMX Bikes Come In 24 Inch?
BMX bikes occasionally come in 24-inch wheels, although the most common size is 20 inches. 24-inch BMX bicycles are better suited for taller and larger riders.
Conclusion
I hope this post has given you the necessary information for choosing the best BMX bikes for tall guys. You can use the information to pick one that suits your personality and preferences best.
Remember to always put on protective gear when riding out BMX.
