What Are Good 20" Bikes?

Why aren't BMX bikes available with mag wheels less than 20"?

• Hi, I'm looking to buy a Stunt/Freestyle type BMX bike for my 6 year old son. I would like to buy one with mag wheels (not the normal spoke wheels). Wherever I look they are only available in size 20" (9 years and up). Why is this?

• Answer:

  Well, you need to keep in mind that mag wheels of today aren't what they once were. Spoked wheels are much stronger and lighter and can be serviced much more easily than the mag counterparts. Mags are also much more expensive. You can find a couple of 16" wheeled kids bikes with mags at places like Target and Toys R us, but they are really just toys, or as others on Y!A might say, "bike shaped objects". Regarding size, you really can't go by age recommendation. You need to fit the kid to the bike since kids come in all shapes and sizes. My older daughter was almost 4" taller than my younger daughter when they were at age 6. Go to a bike shop, have him FITTED to determine his size, and go from there. I suggest that you find a 20" wheeled BMX with a junior frame. This includes the Diamondback Grind (which is actually one of the better kids bikes out there).