Those looking to buy a BMX bike may well have received the impression from reading magazine articles and online commentaries that only full chromoly BMX bikes are worth considering. This can be somewhat dismaying to potential buyers, since full chromoly bikes are usually more expensive. Whilst however there is no questioning the superiority of chromoly, it is wrong to discount cheap BMX bikes made either wholly or partially from other materials.

BMX bikes made from chromoly are much revered by BMX enthusiasts because they are comparatively lightweight but still strong and durable. Chromoly is a special steel alloy which is 60% stronger than standard high-tensile steel. This means that much less of it is needed in the bike’s construction, rendering the bike far more lightweight than a standard BMX.

The enthusiasm for chromoly is really part of a more general trend in favour of lightweight BMX bikes. Certainly, freestyle BMX bikes (those used for performing stunts and tricks) did once have a reputation for being burdensomely heavy. This was because the high impact and intense pressures of freestyle BMX necessitated a heavier, more durable bike than was traditionally used for racing BMX.

Over the years however, freestyle BMX bikes have evolved to become much lighter and therefore much easier to handle, without compromising on basic strength. Even freestyle BMX bikes made from high-tensile steel will, provided they are of brand quality, comprise other features that help render them more lightweight, such as integrated headsets and plastic pedals. A good quality cheap BMX may even contain one or two components made from chromoly such as the cranks or the fork, thereby lightening the load even further without going overboard on manufacturing costs.

At bmx.co.uk we stock many high quality cheap BMX bikes as well as advanced full chromoly bikes, and can advise on the most cost-effective option for your riding needs.