Riding a BMX bike is an absolute blast and a gateway to a world of exciting fun. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the sport or just looking for an inexpensive way to get active, BMX offers something for everyone. With so many great and cheap bikes available for less than $200, you might be pleasantly shocked at how little you need to pay for a decent ride. Whether you’re an adult ready to master new tricks or a younger person seeking an all-around ride, BMX bikes are a legitimate phenomenon growing more popular every day. Now, finding a cheaper BMX at a great price point is easier than ever, especially when you source it online.
This piece is specially intended for those who are just starting their journey in riding BMX bikes. Imagine getting a good, fun-to-ride, and well-built bike that’s also reliable—and all for less than $200! Today, we’ll dive into the Top 5 Best Cheap BMX Bikes Under $200 for beginners but also ensure your first BMX experience is memorable. If you’re ready to get your feet wet in this world of speed and style, these bikes are the perfect start. Each bike offers unique pros, from riding style to the components and materials involved, making it easier to choose a ride that matches your budget and personality.
As someone who’s spent years exploring BMX trails and testing various brands, I can confidently say that these bikes offer excellent value for their price tags. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek freestyle model or a durable street bike, you can expect quality and performance without breaking the bank. Hopefully, this article will guide you to your first BMX that’s as fun and stylish as it is affordable. Perfectly blending affordability and performance, these bikes promise an unforgettable ride!
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BMX Bicycle Tips
When browsing reviews for an inexpensive BMX bike under $200, it’s important to approach your purchase with caution. At the lower end of the market, being extra careful can help you avoid picking up a dud. Look out for warning signs such as poor build quality or unreliable components, and always watch for trusted brands that offer value despite the price. Following these quick tips will ensure you find a solid bike without compromising on fun or performance.
Putting It Together
When you purchase a bicycle online, be prepared to put it together yourself. Most BMX bikes under $200 arrive in a big, flat cardboard box and require some level of assembly, which can get tricky if the bike includes features like tangle-proof brakes. If you’re not willing to watch Youtube videos or get your hands a little dirty, it might be a good idea to take it to a shop. Professional assembly costs typically range from $25 to $75, and many mechanics offer this service, ensuring your bike is set up perfectly for riding.
Avoid Unknown Brands
It’s important to avoid no name brands and sketchy products when shopping for BMX bikes under $200. Many off-brand options might look cheap, but they’re often made with pot metal and low-quality plastics, making them unreliable. There’s a good chance these sub-par materials will lead to issues over time, so they’re best avoided. Instead, focus on trusted options like those in this list, which features true gems built for durability and performance.
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Top 5 Best Cheap BMX Bikes Under $200
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Top 5 Best Cheap BMX Bikes Under $200:
1. Diamondback Grind
The Diamond Back Grind is an upright, durable, and practical BMX bike, making it a top contender among models priced under $200. Packed with excellent features, it comes with a rock-solid steel crank and a front brake line detangler, making it perfect for smooth bar spins. Such a rare feature at this price range—well under two hundred bucks—is ideal for riders who want functionality without compromise. However, the tangle-free brakes can be a bit tricky to set up. If they feel mushy, a quick tune-up or a trip to a pro can make them work perfectly.
The wheels are equipped with 36 hole rims and large platform pedals, making the bike a fantastic choice for trick riding and stunts at the park. The design is refreshingly straightforward, with clean lines and an adaptable platform that allows you to build and truly make it your own. Though marketed as an entry-level BMX 20″ bike for youth, its high tensile steel frame can handle wear and tear, ensuring it will last a long time with proper care.
While the bike doesn’t come with front or rear pegs, it’s compatible, and adding a set is highly recommended. The Diamondback Grind is not only inexpensive but also durable and versatile, making it a top choice for beginners or anyone looking to get into BMX riding without breaking the bank.
2. Mongoose Legion L60
The Mongoose Legion L60 is an incredibly cheap BMX bike that comes in well under $200, making it a fantastic choice for newer riders interested in freestyle riding. Not only does it boast a great-looking ride, but it’s also well-built with an affordable price tag. As part of the Legion line, this bike carries the reliability of a trusted brand name while delivering excellent performance for the cost.
One of its standout features is the tough, strong steel frame, which is built to handle significant punishment during tricks. Its microdrive gearing allows riders to generate enough power to tackle steep inclines, jumps, and ramps with ease, making it a great trick bike. While it doesn’t come with a brake detangler—meaning bar spins aren’t possible out of the box—you can always install one later. Additionally, it doesn’t include pegs, but it’s compatible with aftermarket options, which I highly recommend adding for a better freestyle riding experience.
With durable 36 spoke wheels designed to withstand harsh drops and rugged terrain, the Legion L60 ensures both stability and durability. Whether you’re a beginner exploring a new style of biking or just want a reliable ride, this bike has you covered. The Mongoose Legion L60 is easily one of my favourite picks for its unbeatable value and performance, proving that quality doesn’t have to come at a high price.
3. Redline Roam
Truthfully, Redline is known as a higher-priced brand, but they’ve managed to deliver the impressive Roam at a sub-$200 price point without cutting corners. This bike offers excellent components and durable manufacturing, proving that an affordable BMX can still be high-quality. While this may be one of their more basic models compared to others in their lineup, which can exceed $400, it still carries the trusted Redline name and delivers everything you need for a solid ride.
The wheels, featuring 36 spokes each, come strong and true, often requiring no adjustments upon delivery. With a frame and fork made of high tension steel, the bike is built to take a beating through jumps and drops. The sprocket, chainring, and single rear U brake are truly top shelf, making it remarkable that so much quality is packed into such a low price. As a bonus, the gorgeous design is easy on the eyes and adds to its overall appeal.
The Romp, equipped with microdrive gearing, is ideal for the park or just casual riding. It’s easy to gain speed, while the tilted saddle ensures a comfy seated experience. The Kenda Kontact tires provide excellent grip, and you can even add your own pegs on the 3/8″ axles to customize your ride further. For a budget BMX bike at around $200, the Redline Roam is a fantastic pick, especially for those who want to explore the brand’s premium models later.
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4. Framed Impact
The Framed Impact is a well-outfitted ride that offers incredible value at a fantastic price point. It’s rare to find bikes priced so low while still being backed by a reputable brand like Framed. As an affordable BMX bike available for less than $200, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. This model takes full advantage of smart design and solid construction, making it a top pick for beginners and casual riders alike.
The Verdict’s high tension steel frame is a strong platform that can handle a variety of terrains and challenges. Its gearing system, featuring a 9t rear cog and 36t in the front end, offers a bit more power than the average micro drive. This setup is suitable for a wide range of riding styles, making it super responsive whether you’re climbing hills, performing tricks, or gliding around the park.
The bike is equipped with Framed-brand rear U-brakes, wide comfortable trick pedals, and durable 36 spoke alloy rims, ensuring it holds up under pressure. While tangleless brakes aren’t included, at this price tag, it’s not something you’d normally expect. The pro tip here: If you’re an adult looking for a 20″ BMX trick style bike, this model delivers thanks to its naturally tilted seat, which ensures comfortable cruising and performance.
For an entry rider unsure of their preferred kind of riding, this bike is a great introduction to the BMX world. As a cheaper BMX bicycle well within the $200 limit, the Framed Impact also sits among a budget-friendly line of options. If this particular model doesn’t suit your preferences, I’d recommend exploring the rest of Framed’s offerings—they’re all designed with quality and affordability in mind.
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5. Mafiabikes Kush 2
The Mafiabikes Kush 2 strikes the perfect balance between affordable price, good looks, and excellent construction. It’s easily one of the best BMX bikes under (or just slightly above) $200 today. Designed with a focus on off-road purposes, it stands out with its 2.4-inch Lagos Crawler tires and a longer chassis, which enhance stability and control. Paired with high bars and micro-gearing, this bike offers a versatile ride that gives riders plenty of control for various terrains.
What sets the Kush 2 apart is its stellar aesthetic. The metallic paint, whitewall tires, and tilted saddle create an eye-catching look that earns admiration wherever you go. The mature, subdued branding adds a touch of elegance to the overall design, making it a bike that feels just as good to show off as it does to ride. Expect plenty of comments when taking this one out for a spin.
This brand also has other rides in the lineup, but the Kush 2 is a good bike that sits right around $200. It’s capable of handling trick, off-road, and stunt riding styles, making it a fantastic option for those looking for a versatile, performance-oriented BMX. Whether you’re tackling trails or just want something stylish and functional, the Kush 2 is a clear winner in this price range.
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Consider Moving up in Price
While the bikes listed earlier are some of my favorites at this price point, there’s a lot to explore if you can expand your budget. The $200-$400 range offers many great options, with brands like Framed, Eastern, Redline, and Mafiabikes leading the pack. At the $300+ point, you’ll often find front brake detanglers, which are especially valuable for riders who enjoy handlebar spins. Moving into this range ensures access to higher quality builds and additional features.
Finding a BMX bicycle for less than two hundred bucks is tough, as the next pricing tier opens up exciting possibilities. Bikes in this category frequently include three important features: three-piece cranksets, front brake detanglers, and full chromoly frames. These awesome features are worth paying for, especially if BMX is a significant hobby for you or if you’re looking for a durable, long-term investment.
However, if you’re a casual rider seeking something affordable or just wanting to test the waters, the models we’ve already covered remain a right option for getting started. For those willing to stretch their budget, the next tier offers bikes that truly elevate your riding experience and provide greater value in the long run.
Bonus Review: Eastern Traildigger
This bonus review is for those willing to stretch their bicycle budget a bit. While the Eastern Traildigger is inexpensive, it does land significantly above the price limit of $200. However, the purpose of including it is to encourage riders to consider spending a little more for features that go a long way. Eastern is a great brand with a venerable line of BMX bikes and a sound reputation, making this a worthy upgrade. Although pricier, the Traildigger is absolutely worth every penny.
The Traildigger offers standout features like a chromoly three-piece crank that is incredibly durable and includes sealed bearings for smoother pedaling and a longer lifespan. Its lengthy frame, oversized tires, and generous platform pedals ensure a confident stance and stable riding experience. The primary selling feature of this bike is its full cro-mo frame, which is likely the cheapest you’ll find in this category, offering excellent durability and strength.
Equipped with micro drive gearing, the Traildigger handles bigger tires effortlessly, making pedaling a breeze. The bike also features a trustworthy underside-mounted U-brake, adding reliability and control to your rides. If you’re looking for premium quality and long-term performance, this BMX is an excellent choice for those willing to invest a bit more in their riding experience.
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