Best Entry Level Bikes: What to look for

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Shopping for your first BMX bike can often seem like an overwhelming task. Luckily, many companies now offer beginner level bikes with the perfect mix of function and form without the high price tag. In this article we will focus on the Verde Cadet, however this is far from your only option. Brands like Fit, Kink, Cult, Stolen and Subrosa (and more) offer complete bikes with similar features at a similar price point.

So, what are you wanting from your first BMX bike? Well for starters you want it to last, right? This is where buying your bike from a legitimate bike shop (like Dan’s Comp) comes into play.

The brands we carry are backed by real deal BMX companies and not department store brands looking to sell “BMX replicas” made with cheap, disposable parts. Bikes like the Verde Cadet are designed for actual BMX use and can be easily upgraded if needed over the years. A department store bike is much harder to upgrade as they often use odd sizing, inferior materials, and parts replacement will generally cost more than the bike itself! Not to mention you will have to replacement those parts more often due to inferior materials and workmanship. So, while that $200 department store bike might seem tempting at first, spending a little more up front will end up costing you a lot less in the long run.

The Cadet shown here comes in at $379.99 and represents a great value in entry level completes. Not only is it made by a real BMX company, the materials and features are exactly what you might want from your first BMX bike.

The frame, fork and handlebars are all made from hi-tensile steel, which is common in this price point and generally strong enough for most entry level riders. Of course, chromoly is king and much stronger, but that will cost you a bit more, and many people underestimate the strength of hi-tensile steel in general use cases. The cranks, however, are full chromoly 3pc with a Mid bottom bracket. This is a much stronger and lighter design than the basic 1-pc crank with American BB found on many department store brands. The Cadet also includes a modern 25T sprocket and more reliable cassette hub.

Speaking of reliability, one of the best features of the Cadet is sealed bearings in the hubs and in the bottom bracket. Sealed bearings will allow your bike to run smoother, they require less maintenance, and if they do go bad, they’re much easier to replace.

While not a necessity, they are a huge bonus for a bike in this price range. From there you will find some single-wall rims, a 1-pc seat/post combo, nylon pedals and DUO Stun 1 tires. All of which are pretty standard for bikes in the $300-$450 price range. Some brands may add a chromoly downtube on the frame or include some extra features like pegs, but to stay within that same price range will use unsealed bearings or off-brand tires. Every company is a little different on where their money goes, so it’s up to YOU to determine what features you want.