Difference between racing and freetstyle bikes

[multisport]

I and my son are pretty new to the BMX side of cycling so sorry if this is a simple question:

what is the difference between a racing BMX bike and a freestyle version? I noticed that the racing version has knobby tires on it and the freestyle doesn't, but are there many other significant differences? Does one weigh more than the other? Thanks.

[zx108]

a freestyle bike is going to weigh more. it is also going to have a different component package on it. the frame geometry is a little tighter on a freestyle bike than a race bike.

are you thinking of buying one? it depends on the type of riding you do. people on this forum seem not to like racing very much. i do it on occasion and i think it is fun.

[Brian]

Racing bikes have a single brake, lower spoke count, are almost always aluminum, and have longer chain stays. They are designed to be light.

Freestyle bikes may have front and rear brakes, higher spoke count for stronger wheels, are usually steel, and have much different geometry. Strength is important, high speed stability is not.

A happy kid will have one of each.

[multisport]

Thanks for the info so far. My son has a freestyle, but I think he may be more suited to a racing style. Since we are new to bmx bikes, I didn't know there were two kinds--should have, but didn't. :eek: Thanks again.

[Brian]

It's not like when we were kids and you had one choice. Now there's dirt, vert, and street. And that's pretty general. Feel free to ask any questions, there's plenty of knowledge here.

[hypersnazz]

There's also plenty of anti-knowledge, too...watch out.

[CMcMahon]

The amount of unknowledge here is sickening, to say the least.

On a sidenote, I'm listening to an excellent live Portishead album right now.

[Brian]

Nyc?

[CMcMahon]

PNYC, yes.

[Darin]

Are you considring a BMX Crusier for youself?

[mtnbiker66]

I lurk here a lot and haved learned a great deal. I will say this is a flippin funny palce to hang out.