So you recently discovered the sport of BMX Racing and looking to pick up your very own race bike. Or maybe you’re a seasoned BMX Racer tempted by the question of ‘what’s the best BMX bike’?
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the vast spec sheets of each model. We’re here to streamline the process for you and provide some top picks for the best complete bike packages in 2024
But first let’s outline some rules for this list. We’re only looking at pre-built complete bikes. Meaning, each item listed is sold as a whole bike that’s ready to ride out of the box. We will not be including custom builds as each one is vastly different and built specifically to their owner’s personal preference.
This list is designed to help new riders looking for the best entry point to get into BMX racing without having to shell out thousands of dollars for a custom build.
Now let’s get into the list!
Best Overall Package
The Chase Element is the clear choice for best overall package. While it’s the most expensive on this list, it’s also the closest you get to custom-built bike performance without the build time and ultra high price tag that comes with them.
Some of our favorite features of the Chase Element
- Oversized 31.8mm Bar & Stem Combo
- Hydraulic Disc Braking System
- Hydroformed Frame Tubing & Carbon Fork
At the time of writing this article no other complete bike comes stock with oversized 31.8mm stem/bar combo. This is quickly becoming the new standard for BMX racing as it provides a stiffer front-end feel and reduces the chance of bar slippage under hard impact.
The Element also includes a Shimano hydraulic brake system, providing improved stopping power and better brake feel when compared to traditional V-brakes or even mechanical disc brakes. It’s another high-level component usually only seen on custom builds that the chase Element packs straight from the factory.
But the real star of the show is the frame and fork bundled into this package. The Element includes a carbon fiber fork for front-end weight savings and even more rigidity. The Chase Element frame utilizes the same race geometry as the top-shelf Chase A.C.T carbon race frame (a frame that costs as much as this whole bike)
What makes this bike so great is its ability to be later upgraded with aftermarket components. Too often complete bikes use outdated component interfaces leaving buyers with the need to start a whole new bike build in order to upgrade a certain piece of their bike. But with the Element, it uses the most modern BMX Racing standards, making future upgrades more cost-effective and easier than ever.
The $1,399 price tag is far more expensive than any other bike on this list, but it would be nearly impossible to match the specs of the Chase Element with aftermarket parts for the same price. The Chase Element is hard to beat and will serve as the perfect platform for any racer looking to start their BMX Racing journey right.
- Price - $1,399.99
- Sizes - Pro XL - Cruiser +
- Colors - Petrol, Dust
Best Bang For Your Buck
The Haro Race Lite packs most of what you need for a really fair price! $649.99 gets you a race-ready frame, designed with Haro’s signature ‘PTC’ technology making this frame surprisingly stiff at the Bottom Bracket region. The Haro Race Lite also comes with mechanical disc brakes, 2 piece cranks, and some fast rolling wheels.
The Haro Race Lite is a reliable option that won’t break the bank, allowing you to get your feet wet in the sport with a platform that provides everything a new rider could need. This is a great mid-tier option for any rider seeking their very own race bike.
- Price - $599.99 (Mini - Expert) $649.99 (Expert XL - Pro XL)
- Sizes - Mini - Pro XL & Cruiser 24"
- Colors - Dark Blue Fade
Best Bike For Little Rippers
The Mongoose Title is the best platform for your mini BMX Pro! While it’s exciting to have top-shelf, cutting-edge spec, that isn’t the most practical build for everyone. We love the Title because it’s less than $400 and perfect for those 8 and under novice riders. At this age range, the demands on equipment is fairly low, so it’s best to prioritize price and sizing at this range.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper option but don’t let that price tag fool you into thinking the Mongoose is all about price. Mongoose has been making BMX Race bikes for longer than most other manufacturers. That experience and innovation has trickled down into their baseline of complete bikes. The Race specific frame geometry, combined with precise fitting makes the Mongoose Title Pro a great base for any new rider. While it’s not the lightest or shiniest option on this list, it gets you everything needed to start racing and will beat out any other non-race bike offering.
- Price - $354.99
- Sizes - Micro - Pro XXL & Crusier 24"
- Colors - Red, Charcoal
The Wrap Up
These are our top 3 picks for complete bikes in 2024. Complete bikes are a great place to start for new racers as it lowers the barrier to entry for BMX Racing. But when selecting your first bike, it's good practice to forecast your future plans. It may be worth while to spend a little extra on your first bike so it last longer and future upgrades are less expensive. But this will vary from rider to rider!
You can't go wrong with any option on this list, and there are a slew of other great complete bikes we didn't even mention here. Either way, any race specific BMX bike is going to perform better than a non race bike.
If you have any further questions, we're here to help! Full Tilt Bike Co. is a small collective of active BMX racers selling the latest BMX Racing products. So give us a call and one of our gear heads can help point you in the right direction for your specific use case and skill level!
