BMX Frame FAQ's

What do I need to know when I am ordering a frame?

If you are ordering a frame to replace an existing frame you will need to know your current seat post size, seat clamp size, headtube type, bottom bracket type, and dropout size. When ordering a frame and all new parts make sure you do the research to figure out if all the parts you will be ordering will be compatible. If you are not sure the parts you are ordering will be compatible give us a call or drop us a chat and we will be glad to help you.

When ordering a frame, how do I determine what top tube length I need?

Keep in mind this is really a personal preference, but as a rule of thumb, taller people usually feel more comfortable on a longer top tube while shorter people usually feel more comfortable on a shorter top tube.

To learn more about toptube length as well as all of the other geometry measurements used on frames, check out our BMX Frame Geometry page here.

How is the top tube measured on a frame?

This varies between manufacturers but generally, the toptube is measured from the center of the headtube to the center of the seattube parallel along the center of the toptube.

What is the smallest gearing I can run on my new frame?

This varies between manufacturers but as a rule of thumb, if the brake mounts are on the chainstays, 36/13T is usually the smallest you can run. There are a few manufacturers that make a frame with chainstay mounts that will take a 25/9T gearing but not many. If the frame has the mounts on the seatstays then you can run gearing as small as you want.

Can I use a detangler/gyro on my integrated frame?

You can use a detangler on a frame with an integrated headtube only if the frame has gyro tabs on the headtube or the headtube is drilled for removable gyro tabs. The lower plates that come with a gyro will not work on a frame with an integrated headtube.

Where can I find the serial numbers on my new frame?

This varies between manufacturers but usually, you can find the serial number on one of the following three places, the inside of the rear dropout, the outside of the rear dropout, or on the bottom of the bottom bracket shell.

What are the different parts of a frame?

Headtube, Toptube, Downtube, Seattube, Bottom Bracket Tube, Chainstays, Seatstays, Brake Mounts, and Dropouts.

Check out our BMX Frame Geometry page here to learn more.