One of the common debates among BMX riders is how far a BMX frame should sacrifice strength in favour of a lighter overall weight.

The basis for so many BMX companies striving to achieve as light a weight frame as possible is, they claim, an apparent desire among experienced riders for increased handling and manoeuvrability of their bike. From a common sense perspective this would appear logical. Surely, for example, a much higher take off from a ramp, or a much faster turn, will be more easily achieved if the bike one is riding has a lighter frame.

Yet, many riders have criticised this trend towards lighter and lighter weights as misguided. They point to the fact that BMX, whether it is freestyle or racing, often involves high impact drops and collisions with the bike consequently being placed under enormous physical pressures. Any compromise on strength, it is argued, increases the risk of both damage to the bike and injury to the rider.

It could be claimed that it is therefore down to the manufacturer to convince the BMX world that their particular BMX frame balances the right degree of relative weightlessness with sufficient strength. Certainly it is common knowledge, for example, that the right choice of material for a BMX frame can result in an impressive level of strength using far less mass.

At BMX we pride ourselves on being able to identify the best BMX frames on the market, and to match the most appropriate strength and weight combination in a BMX frame to each rider’s ability.