bmx vs. mountain bike??

[Ryan166]

whats the difference between a bmx bike and a 26in mountain bike, like is one longer than the other? cuz my mom thinks i should get a 26in mountain bike so its fits me better. would a bmx fit me 2? (im 14, 100lbs.)

[OneTinSloth]

it mostly depends on what you plan on doing with the bike.

if you're gonna thrash some street or dirt jumps, get a BMX.

if you're gonna ride it on trails and such, and use it mostly to get around town, get a mountain bike. you can get around on a BMX, but it's easier on a mountain bike.

a bmx has 20" wheels, and a mountain bike has 26" wheels. so a mountain bike is taller as well as longer. also, a mountain bike will have gears...and all the parts will be different.

i'm 22, 5'6", and i weigh about 115lbs, and i ride all kinds of bikes (BMX included), i also know a guy who's 30, 6'0", and about 200lbs and he rides a BMX. it's all about preference.

i'd say get a BMX bike. learn some tricks. have some fun before you get too old and start to regret not doing certain things.

[Joe Gardner]

The skills you learn on a BMX bike will transfer over to a mountain bike very easyly. At your age, I would start with a BMX bike.

[Ryan166]

kool, thanx guys, so a bmx bike doesnt have gears? is that how you tell the difference between a kiddie 6-9 yr. old 20in. bike and a bmx 20in. bike?

[OneTinSloth]

bmx bikes do not have gears.

[Ryan166]

have you guys ever heard of "team murray" thats what it says on my current bike, and it also says "diamond bmx pro frame", so is this a bmx bike?? and is murray a good brand? it's 30lbs. is that alot? sorry for all the questions.