Bmx Bikes Vs Mountain Bikes

To many people, a bike is just that, a bicycle. However, there are several differences between the various brands depending on the manufacturer and their specifications. BMX bikes vs. mountain bikes are some products that many people cannot get the difference.

The two types of bikes have different designs, wiring, and purposes. As the name suggests, mountain bikes work well in mountainous regions. BMX brand is ideal for flat areas, specifically on tarmacked roads and pavements.

In this article, we shall compare the two types of bikes and mention their differences. We will also see the usage of each of them.

Please read through the article for more information.

What is a BMX bike?

A BMX is an acronym or short form for motocross, but a bicycle version. It is for big stunts and short sprints, and there are many types of these models. They are dirt, vert, street, park, freestyle, and flatland bikes.

What is a mountain bike?

A mountain bike is for rough terrains and mountainous areas. It is heavier than BMX modes because it encounters challenging environments. The features synonymous with this bike include the suspension system, wide ratio gears, handlebars, and wide knobby tires.

MTBs also come in different types. They include the hardtail, soft tail, rigid, and full suspension.

BMX bikes vs. mountain bikes.

The two types of bikes serve different and specific purposes. BMX bikes are stronger than MTBs and allow extreme mobility and instant speed changes.

MTBs work on rough terrains and handles both steep climbs and descents. It absorbs shock using its suspension system.

Here are the differences between the two models.

The frame

BMX bikes have strong frames because of their riding styles and the nature of their stunts. BMXers ride it with too much aggression, and the bike has to withstand all that! It is also capable of start-stop maneuvers and rigid balancing.

BMX bike frames do not provide room for attaching luxuries such as air pumps, lights, and drink bottles. The frame is the same, meaning there is just one size, hence no room for selecting according to preference.

MTBs have a strong frame as well, but to handle shocks arising from steep climbs and descents. Most riders use it on rugged terrain that is not friendly to the bike.

MTB frames allow for modification by adding lights, drink bottles, and air pumps. The frames come in various sizes; hence the rider can choose one depending on their preferences.

The suspension

BMX bikes do not have one because they are not for use in rough terrains. They are heavy and rigid, and adding the suspension would make them weighty. The riders endure the shocks arising from their stunts.

MTBs have two types of suspension, hardtail, and full suspension.

The hardtail has the suspension on the front wheel, while the full suspension model has it at the front and the back.

Suspension enables the MTBs to thrive in rough and irregular terrains, and the rider does not absorb the shocks.

The gears

BMX has a single gear and matches them to the sprocket size that favors the rider.

MTBs accommodate up to 24 gears enabling the rider to ride through various terrains. Lower gears help when riding down steep slopes, while higher ones are for speed adjustments.

The wheels

The size of their wheels differs to a great extent. BMX models range from 20 to 24 inches, and the most common ones in the market are 20 inches. There is not much room for the person to select the wheels depending on their height.

BMX wheels work well on smooth surfaces but can withstand a sudden high impact from the stunts.

MTBs start from 26 to 29 inches. A person has a lot of room to choose their size going on the height. Their wheels are large and knobby to increase the grip on various terrains.

The brakes

The two bikes do not use the same braking systems. BMX bikes perform stunts, and the riders spin the handlebars. They have V-brakes that do not interfere with these stunts.

The V-brakes squeeze the rear wheel slowly and stop the bike.

MTBs use disc brakes. They are strong and perform excellently under extreme weather conditions like heat, mud, and water. It also squeezes the wheel and reduces the speed during steep descents.

Advantages of BMX bikes

The bike, notwithstanding, has several pros worth considering when buying one. They include the following:

• Low maintenance costs

It does not have the gear and the suspension making it easy to service them.

• Lightweight

Anyone can handle it with ease, including the kids. They are not bulky and also easy to transport.

• Fun to ride

The bike is fun to ride and can perform several stunts. BMX bikes are ideal for use in urban areas with skate parks and BMX tracks.

• Affordable

The cost of most BMX bikes is half the price of a mountain bike.

Disadvantages of BMX bikes

• No suspension

The riders experience a lot of shocks because the bike lacks a suspension system.

• One speed

They do not come with gears making it difficult to ride uphill.

• Short distance

Such bikes are for riding in an urban set-up. They are not ideal for long-distance riding.

Advantages of mountain bikes

• Comfortability

The bike has a suspension system that absorbs shock making the rides comfortable.

• Gears

It has 24 gear levels making it easy to ride uphill and control the speeds on flat terrains with grass.

• Versatility

The MTBs can function for various purposes like exercising, commuting, and competitions.

Disadvantages of mountain bikes

• Heavyweight

They come with several components. They include suspension and gear systems that add their weight. MTBs are challenging to transport.

• The cost

The bike is costly because of the various components it has. Beginners can feel the price more.

• Maintenance

MTBs require a lot of servicing to keep the gears, the bike, and the suspension system operational.

Conclusion

BMX bikes vs. mountain bikes are one of the products to learn. However, it can prove challenging if you cannot differentiate between the two.

If you go through the article, you will note the difference between the two and the factors that set them apart. They have similar parts, but their configuration is different.

There is a section talking about the merits and demerits of each type of bike in the article. It seeks to further differentiate between the two models.

Best of luck as you make the decision!