BMX bikes are known for being tough machines meant to take on the roughest conditions while allowing the rider to perform the craziest tricks. But, did you know that BMX bikes can also be utilized for daily commuting? Yep, that’s why today we’re reviewing the best BMX cruiser for commuting to show just what you can do with these versatile machines.
Best BMX Cruiser Bicycles
Most people don’t realize this but the best BMX cruiser bikes are very versatile. You can ride them to work or school during the week, or use them for errands and then take them on off-road adventures on the weekend where you would practice your tricks.
To help you find the best BMX cruiser for commuting we’ve put together a comprehensive review list of the most prolific options on the market, based on our research and experience.
1. Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
The Legion series from Mongoose comes with some of the most prolific cheap BMX cruiser bicycles that are suitable for different types of bike riders.
One such model from this range is the Legion L100 BMX bike which is suitable for all types of different applications from dirt bike riding, road bike riding, and park riding.
It comes with such features as 4230 Chromoly brackets with a 21-inch top tube, a mid-BB surface, and removable brake struts. This is in addition to tubular curved spindle bears, a mid-clogged bearing rear stand, and a 25 T alloy stand on the back.
2. Schwinn Sting Cruiser BMX Bike
Next in our list of the best BMX cruiser for commuting, we have a model from Schwinn, one of the most well-known bike manufacturers in the world. The Sting Pro and Predator Cruiser BMX Bike is the company’s ultimate off-road model, with a stylish retro design and a single-speed drivetrain.
It’s also available in a wide variety of different colors to suit different personalities and this is what makes it perfect for the urban dweller. You’ll find that whatever color you pick allows you to switch from urban city bike rides to off-road applications with ease.
The frame is made from hi-tensile steel with a vintage chrome finish and red decals for maximum style. Other notable features include original aluminum alloy rims, vintage gum wall tires, and rattrap pedals that are easy to use.
3. Mongoose Title BMX Race Bike
Mongoose has made a BMX bike for commuting that also doubles as a freestyle model to be used for off-road tricks.
This model is perfect for cruising and yet it’s a favorite among athletes. It’s made from a durable yet lightweight tectonic aluminum frame which is larger than your average BMX bike but also more comfortable.
This bike is perfect for experienced freestyle bikers and yet beginners could get a lot of enjoyment out of it too, considering the fact that it comes with powerful V brakes that will bring it to a stop at your whim.
4. Razor Nebula BMX/Freestyle Bike
If you’re looking to help your kids develop a love for cycling early on then you should definitely consider investing in this freestyle BMX bike.
It’s well made and designed for kids starting at ages 6 to 13, so it’ll grow with your child. It’s the perfect bike to help get your kid into cycling from an early age and it’s affordable as well.
It comes with great features like pegged 20-inch wheels, rotatable handlebars that are perfect for doing BMX stunts, and it’s relatively easy to assemble, granted you have previous experience of BMX bikes due to being a family of cyclists who are passionate about bikes.
5. Sullivan Mini BMX Stunt Bike
Here we have the best 26 BMX cruiser for commuting from Sullivan, complete with micro gearing for ease of use as well as a well-built frame. This bike is specially built for kids that are interested in motocross and BMX riding, from ages 8 to 16 years of age.
As such, it comes with all the safety and durability features you’d expect to ensure that your little one rides in style and safety.
This includes a high tensile frame and handlebars, a variety of colors to choose from both on the parts and the frame, as well as tested brakes to make sure that they perform well outdoors.
6. Redline Bikes MX BMX Race Bike
Redline is another great bike manufacturer that doesn’t disappoint. Here we have their high-performance model, the MX BMX Race Bike.
As the name implies, this bike is primarily designed for racing but that shouldn’t stop the owner from using it for the daily commute. It’s perfect for long-distance trips and is suitable for both male and female riders.
It comes with comfortable bee speedster 20×11/8-inch tires to help you tackle both high and low roads with ease, as well as durable aluminum 3-piece 155mm cranks. It also comes with a race-ready padel out the box and it’s ideal for kids specifically.
7. Diamondback Bicycles Jr BMX Bike
Of all the cruiser BMX bikes, this Diamondback model is perfect for young beginner bike riders. It comes in the most eye-catching and vibrant colors that you can think of including a bright green and cyan combo that is perfect for kids.
Not only does it look good, but this bike is built for strength and speed, as it comes with a solid steel frame and fork to help the bike rider handle all types of different terrain.
This bike also comes with textured tires to help the driver handle even the smoothest terrain with grace, making it that much easier for inexperienced riders to practice their tricks on asphalt and pavement.
8. Dynacraft Tony Hawk BMX Freestyle Bike
Here we have a pro-approved BMX commuter bike from the legendary Tony Hawk himself. Truth be told, most teenagers today won’t recognize that name but this is one of the best BMX cruisers for commuting and a fantastic option for beginners, tweens, and teens.
It’s a 24-inch model that comes with alloy u-breaks on the rear with no protruding parts that could cause a problem with the surrounding environment or bump into anything.
It’s also designed for a variety of tricks such as wallrides and practice jumps, for example, making it ideal for those Tony Hawk-wannabes or aspiring BMX bike riders.
How to Pick the Best BMX Cruiser for Commuting
When we were looking through our list of the best BMX cruiser for commuting, we made sure to pick models that are well-made, durable, and versatile. This means that we took into account various considerations and features to get here.
To help you on your search for the best 26-inch BMX bikes (or any size for that matter), here are some of the most important considerations to make before you click on that check-out button.
Durability
Are BMX bikes good for cruising? You should consider the materials that the frame and the rest of the bike components are made from. One of the best materials that a bike of this caliber could be made from is aircraft-grade aluminum which is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.
Size
You also want to consider the size of the bike, particularly the wheels. Bikes with 24-inch wheels tend to offer the best experience because they can tackle any type of terrain and are suitable for riders of different sizes.
Design
Cruiser bikes are by and large made for comfort. As such, you must ensure that the bike you pick is ergonomically designed to ensure a comfortable ride.
This means that the bike is designed around the human physique to make sure that the person riding it will have a great time.
Gears
Gear ratio basically refers to your bike’s pedaling ability and how hard or easy it is will be determined by the number of teeth on your chainring divided by the number on the sprocket.
Most BMX bikes have a gear ratio of about 25/9.
Spokes
You should also consider how many spokes are attached to the rims as that will contribute to the bike’s structural integrity and ability to handle its stated weight limit.
Most BMX for commuting bikes come in at 28 to 36 spokes as a standard but this number can go up to 48 spokes for heavy-duty models.
Some spokes are thinner in the middle while some are thicker, providing more strength but without adding extra weight onto the bike.
Rims
You also want your bike wheels to be surrounded by tough rims of about 36mm, although most BMX bike riders are into 32mm-sized rims also.
Just keep in mind that the thicker the rims are the weightier the wheels and the bike will be as well, thus providing more balance and structural support. Double-wall rims come highly recommended for this very reason.
Brakes
The average BMX bike will come with rim brakes that offer slow momentum. Freestyle brakes, on the other hand, typically come with U-brakes that are complemented by rear brakes with a ‘Gyro’ or ‘detangler’ system.
The detangler is what allows the rider to perform 360 spins, as well as enabling you to do tailwhips and barspins. Good BMX racing bikes can also come with a front brake or a linear-pull rear brake which is also referred to as a V-brake.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Those are the best BMX cruisers for commuting. If you were to ask for our opinion, we would recommend the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike as the best overall option. why?
Because it’s well-made and super easy to assemble, it comes with Chromoly safety brakes to make sure that beginners and professionals can comfortably use it, and it also comes with U-brakes for precise speed control.