If you already own a bicycle suitable for off-road riding, we recommend that you bring it out to the track and give it a try. While at the track we can help you out with choosing the appropriate bike size for your rider. BMX race bikes are a very specific type of bicycle and the sizing is very important to rider success. The track has a number of loaner bikes in a variety of sizes that riders can try on a first-come, first-serve basis.
There are two types of race bikes, "class" and "cruiser". There are separate race categories for each bicycle type.
Class:
Class bikes are the most common type of race bike, particularly with the younger riders. A class bike has 20 inch wheels and a lightweight frame and forks. The class bikes ridden by young riders use a narrow wheel and tire. When riders start to approach the weight limit of the narrow wheels, they move up to a wider wheel and tire combination.
Achieving the proper bike fit is a combination of correct frame size, handle bar height, stem length and crank length. Race bike manufacturers use common terminology to refer to frame size.
The chart below provides recommended sizes for riders based on age and height. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, as every rider is different.
| Age | Height (Inches) | Frame Size | Top Tube Length (Inches) |
| 4 to 7 years | 40 to 48 | Micro-mini | 16 to 17 |
| 7 to 9 years | 48 to 54 | Mini | 16 to 18 |
| 8 to 11 years | 50 to 57 | Junior | 18 to 19 |
| 10 to 12 years | 54 to 60 | Expert | 19 to 20 |
| 11 to 13 years | 56 to 64 | Expert XL | 20 |
| 13 to 16 years | 60 to 72 | Pro | 20.5 |
| adults | 65 to 72 | Pro XL | 21 |
| tall adults | 72 and above | Pro XXL | 21.5 |
Cruiser:
Cruisers are similar to class bikes but they have 24 inch wheels. Cruisers are more popular with adult racers as they tend to be more stable and forgiving than the class bikes.
Some younger riders race both cruiser and class bikes but we recommend that children start with class bikes as they are more likely to have same-age competition.
The frame sizes in the chart above are also applicable to cruisers.
Choosing to be a BMX racer does not necessarily mean a big investment in equipment. Most racers start with a bike they currently ride and simply remove the chain guards, kick stands, pegs, and other things that may pose a hazard in a crash. While there are specific tire sizes for race bikes, you can race our regular Thursday night races on whatever you have!
Prior to bringing a bike to the track you should ensure that it is in good operating order:
- tires inflated correctly
- axle nuts tightened
- add-on pieces such as mirrors, kickstands, chain guards and pegs must be removed
- no cracks or bent tubes in the frame
- handlebars secured
- headset tightened
- rear brake working correctly (coaster brakes and front brakes are permitted at regular races but not recommended; race bikes are equipped with a rear brake only)
- seat should be lowered as much as possible--riders should ride standing if possible and a high seat presents a hazard when the rider is going over obstacles
For your first race we can provide you a temporary number plate that goes on the front of your bike. When you purchase a race license, you will be provided a permanent plate.
Any riders in the age categories of 9 years or under are not permitted to use clip pedal systems. They must race on flat pedals. We recommend that riders racing on flat pedals use pedals with either good traction pins or a cage that grips their shoes well.