Can you Mountain bike with a BMX? A BMX bike is an entirely different type of bike. Mountain bikes are designed for rough trails, and BMX bikes are not.
But what if you want to ride BMX on mountain bike trails? There are a few things that you need to know before you decide to do this!
This article discusses how BMX bikes differ from mountain bikes and the dangers of riding BMX on the wrong type of trail.
Read More: What Is The Best BMX Bike Brand In 2023?
BMX Bikes
BMX bikes are often considered the most robust bikes – many owners find them virtually indestructible. They’re suitable for kids, but significantly taller adults will spend more time standing up to reach higher speeds due to their compact frame.
Benefits Of BMX Bikes
- Lightweight and easily transportable, BMX bikes are designed for fun rides and thrashing around.
- Quite affordable. Compared to quality mountain bikes, BMX bikes are about half the price.
- A single-speed bike with no gears requires less servicing and repairs.
- It can be used in skate parks and BMX tracks to perform tricks and maneuvers.
Disadvantages Of BMX Bikes
- It is not suitable for longer commutes or riding to work in Brisbane.
- They are designed for something other than ‘in the saddle’ riding, so they aren’t the most comfortable.
- Riding up hills can be difficult with one speed
- Unlike mountain bikes, there is no suspension, so the body absorbs more impact.
Mountain Bikes
Generally, mountain bikes have 21-24 different speeds or gears, making them suitable for all terrains. They are ideal for riders of all heights due to their different tire sizes.
Advantages Of Mountain Bikes
- Different gradients and easier riding are made possible by gears.
- It is much more versatile and can be used for various purposes, including commuting.
- Riding on other surfaces and terrains is more comfortable with good handling and suspension.
Drawbacks Of Mountain Bikes
- BMX bikes are more expensive to purchase than road bikes.
- Kids might not always be concerned about their ‘street cred’ and coolness.
- They can be heavier and more difficult to transport without removing a wheel.
- When it comes to gears, more maintenance and repairs will be needed.
Difference At A Glance
| Aspects | BMX Bike | Mountain Bike |
| Designed for | stunts and off-road racing | for hills tracks |
| Tire Size | 16-inch to 20-inch | 27.5 inch to 29 inch |
| Weight | 25 pounds | 29 pounds |
| Max Tire pressure | 80 psi | 35 psi |
| Ridings | Lack of suspension gives a rough rides | Suspension gives smooth rides |
| Speed Rating | up to 35 mph | 18-20 mph |
| Load carrying capacity | 110 to 160 lbs | 300lbs |
Let’s Look At Basic Parts Differences Between Two Bikes: BMX Bike And Mountain Bike:
Frame :
Frames of bicycles are designed according to their intended use.
Racing off-ramps and jumping put BMX bikes through a lot of wear and tear. BMX bikes must have sturdy frames to handle this rough handling. Most BMX bikes have small frames because of their purpose.
Mountain biking is usually less violent than BMX riding or racing. MTB frames are typically designed to be functional and vibration-absorbing. There is a lot of flexibility and tailoring in MTB frames.
Wheels
BMXs usually have 20 or 24-inch wheels. They perform well on flat surfaces and can handle the shock of leaps and tricks. They are typically reinforced inside to prevent premature ruptures when landing off big air.
On a standard path, rocky terrain requires large tires on an MTB. The diameter of MTB wheels can range from 26 to 29 inches, depending on the rider’s height. With their broad, knobby grooves, the tires should grip various surfaces.
Brakes
Brakes are BMX’s weakest point. BMX bikes typically use a single brake in the rear, controlled with one hand; mountain bike brakes can be activated by either hand to provide more stopping power. BMX riders tend to skid their tires and plant their back foot when stopping on trails to not lock up the rear tire.
BMX riders also typically lean back when braking, which helps them maintain control of the bike while they stop. BMX bikes usually have a much shorter wheelbase than mountain bike models, which means their stopping power is stronger because they can use their weight off the back tire for more braking force.
Mountain bikers are used to using both hands on their brakes so that they can break more effectively and quickly; BMXers tend to use just one hand for a similar reason – but because BMX bikes are typically lighter, BMX riders can use their one hand to apply more pressure on the brake.
The Ride:
A BMX bike is not a good pick for mountain biking. Mountain bikes are designed to be ridden on trails with rough terrain. BMX riders should not try to use BMX bikes for mountain biking because they may be destroyed in just one track.
Mountain bike riders enjoy riding over all terrain, but BMX is better suited for smooth surfaces like streets or skate parks. Mountain bikers will be able to have a better time on BMX trails, and BMX riders can enjoy having fun mountain biking!
Gears
A mountain bike is designed to be ridden up and down mountain slopes. Their incline hikes are assisted by equipment. A central cog and a rear-wheel cog are used to move the chain up and down steep slopes. Depending on the terrain, their gearboxes may have up to 24 gears.
BMX bikes aim to sprint and jump on flat terrain; they are not designed for climbing steep hills. The equipment they need for their personal use is provided to them.
The pedals have a large, flat, rough surface. It is also available as a clip-on. Mountain bike pedals are sometimes equipped with an additional shoe strap similar to mountain bike pedals.
Suspension
Riders and bicycles are protected from uneven surfaces and terrain by the suspension. In addition to mountain bikes, hybrid bicycles are also quite popular with suspension.
Suspension is not available on BMX bikes. Sprinting with maximum thrust overpowers obstacles. Their bodies and legs are the first to feel any impact.
MTBs are either front-only suspension, like hardtails, or full suspension. The rider is cushioned more when following uneven and irregular surfaces.
The Use Of MTBs And BMXs
The purpose of BMX bikes is to perform jumps, tricks, and stunts. BMX bikes require designated riding areas like skate parks and pump tracks to perform at their best on the road.
Their chunky tires make BMX bikes an excellent option for young children since they cannot gain too much speed.
A mountain bike is generally designed for unpaved surfaces such as trails, single tracks, fire roads, and other non-paved surfaces. Loose dirt, rocks, roots, and steep grades are ordinary on mountain biking terrain.
So, Can You Ride BMX On Mountain Bike Trails?
Can BMX bikes be ridden on mountain bike trails? This is a question that many riders have asked, and it can seem like an easy answer. But in reality, the answer could be more precise. It depends on what kind of BMX bike you’re riding!
BMX bikes are designed for street riding, not off-road trails. BMX bikes are smaller and have a more robust frame than mountain bikes, making them work well on street riding, not off-road terrain.
A BMX bike is much heavier than a mountain bike because it’s more durable on rough ground and absorbs the momentum of jumps.
BMX riders may be tempted to use BMX bikes for off-road trails, but it’s not a good idea. BMX bikes are better suited to street riding and will be destroyed by mountain bike terrain!
Conclusion:
BMX bikes and Mountain Bikes have different purposes. BMX riders should stick to riding on streets or in skate parks because their bike will get destroyed if they ride them over rugged terrain like mountains!
However, mountain bikers can enjoy either trail – the smooth surface of an urban street, for example, is perfect for them too! For that matter, so are BMX trails- just not ones made out for rougher surfaces with more risk of crashing.
Another post that will interest you is Can You Put Bigger Wheels On a BMX Bike?
