How important is the material used to make a BMX frame?

A BMX frame size determines whether the bike is suitable for individuals of a certain height. Attention is also paid to the material used in the construction of a BMX frame.

Users of vert and freestyle bikes often strive for the lightest possible BMX frame without sacrificing strength. Aluminium is simply too weak for the physical pressures of vert and freestyle bikes, whilst standard high tensile steel is considered too heavy. Instead, the preferred choice of material is chromoly, an alloy combining chromium and molybdenum. This provides an ideal combination of lightness and strength.

The drawback is that a chromoly BMX frame, and hence the bike itself, is generally more expensive than a standard steel frame. For the beginner, particularly the young rider, there may well be a strong inclination to settle for high-tensile steel instead.

Whilst there are those who would argue that anything less than a 100% chromoly BMX frame is not worthy of consideration, riders should ask themselves whether they really do need the lightness associated with chromoly, or whether strength is the overriding consideration given their current experience.

One compromise solution is to look for a BMX frame partially made of chromoly, for example a frame that includes three chromoly tubes known in the trade as a 憈rimoly?BMX frame. At BMX.co.uk we can help sort out what is essential from what is non-essential for both beginner and advanced rider, when choosing a BMX frame.