Bmx Cruiser vs Mountain Bike, what should you go for? Both of these bikes offer different riding and also share the same couple of things. Explore two competing bike types right now!
General, BMX Bikes and Mountain bikes have similar things, including two wheels, a seat, and handlebars. However, do not mess around. On the severe side, are you curious what are the key differences between them? Are you looking for a new bike to buy but can not make a decision?
Reading through my experience will save you time!
BMX Cruiser vs Mountain Bike Comparison
When it comes to bicycles, each bike style will be designed for a completely different task. BMX is precisely built for quick speed changes, superior strength, and extreme mobility. At the same time, mountain bikes are manufactured for climbing, shock absorption, and the ability to dominate the various terrains.
BMX bike is for the short sprints around the flat track, while the mountain bike needs a longer distance over the rugged and rough terrains. The requirement imposed on the mountain bikes is they have to be very rugged through the violent quotients demanded of the BMX cruiser. The functionality and vibration absorption is a requirement of a mountain bike frame. It also points to the flexibility and size dependent on riders.
I will show you the different factors in detail where the two kinds of bikes differ the most:
Bmx Cruiser Vs Mountain Bike Specifications
Frame
The different usage for each bike plays an essential role in frame construction.
The BMX endures significant impacts throughout its longevity. Racing of the jumps and ramps is the life way for the BMX riders, and the BMX bike should feature a superior, muscular frame for making sure aggressive treatment. Most BMX bikes are sized for their uses and need a compact frame.
Whereas the mountain bike seems rugged, it usually is less violent than the BMX style riding or even racing. The MTB frame is geared toward vibration absorption and functionality. The mountain bike frame is very flexible, and it is greyed toward the rider’s size.
Wheels
BMX typically comes with 20-24″ wheels. The wheels’ design is geared to make it possible for the bike to withstand the shocks of tricks, pumps, jolts and function unhindered on the smooth terrains. Internal reinforcement will be offered for avoiding the blowout when landing off big air and from the high launch.
Mountain bikes need larger wheels for navigating the holes and rocks of the trail. 26-29 inches is the standard size of the mountain bikes’ wheels. However, it will differ based on the rider’s size. The tires have large, knobby grooves, which are manufactured for providing a sturdy grip on various terrains.
Braking system
The brakes on the mountain bike are designed to withstand the braking’s high temperature on the decline. It is important to those traversing steep hills on the trail. The disc brakes are commonly used for applying greater braking power and survive difficult conditions such as extreme heat, water, or mud.
While the BMX bikes used for the elaborate tricks and stunts needed spinning the handlebars in both directions. The modern and high-quality BMX bike will feature a particular type of braking system which supports preventing the brake cable from becoming tangled in the bars.
Besides, The BMX brakes are found only on the rear wheels. Usually, it is the V-brake braking system. This type squeezes the tire to slow down and get the bike to stop.
Gears
BMX bikes naturally are for quick sprints with jumps on the flat tracks without real need for traversing steep climbing. They are not coming with the singer gear system. Its petals are large with the rounded flat area. Moreover, the clip-on is offered. The mountain bike’s pedals have the same format and an extra strap for shoes.
Mountain bikes are made for going up and down the mountain areas. They come with the gearing for uphill climbing. They feature the rear wheel cog and central cog, which will shift the chain to various levels for dealing with steep inclines. They can have up to 24 gears for a wide range of topography.
Suspension
The bike’s suspension is the structure adopted to suspend the bicycle riders and the bike as insulation from surface and terrain irregularities. The bike suspension is used on mountain bikes and is also reasonably popular on hybrid bikes.
BMX bikes have no suspension. During the sprint, the encountered obstacles are overcome by using the maximal thrust and power. The bodies and legs of bikes will absorb the impact.
Mountain bikes have full suspension or, as in the hardtail, just front suspension. It is an excellent cushioning for riders since the tire will follow uneven and irregular trails.
The rides
Mountain bikes provide undeniably smoother riding than BMX. Besides, suspension can be found in the rear or front of the bike. It allows the bicycle riders to negotiate the hard terrain without abusing the rear, arms, and legs.
The BMX riders have no fallback and must allow the bodies to take it, especially for legs and arms. However, the more experience you pile on will make your anticipation and expertise the skeener to bring impacts jolts to min. Since BMX bikes are related to more health risks, you should choose the BMX bike carefully.
Bmx Cruiser vs Mountain Bike Advantages
| BMX Cruiser | Mountain bikes |
| Being lightweight and easy to transport Designed for fun riding and thrashing around It is not expensive, while the quality comes to the market at half the price of a quality mountain bike Not requiring a lot of servicing or repairs Suitable for urban environments such as doing tricks, maneuvers in the BMX tracks and skate parks | Ridden in the different settings, including for commuting Coming with gears for easier riding and different gradients Good dealing on different surface and terrains Suspension makes it more comfortable for riding |
Bmx Cruiser vs Mountain Bike’s Disadvantages
| BMX Cruiser | Mountain bikes |
| Not recommended for long commutes or riding in Brisbane Not for saddle riding It is difficult for riding up hills due to one speed No suspension make body absorb more impact than the mountain bikes do | More expensive than BMX Do not always have the street cred and coolness as kid’s expectation Being heavier and challenging for transporting without removing wheels More maintenance, servicing, and repairs due to the gears |
BMX Cruiser Types
Race & Dirt Jump
Race bikes are light BMX cruisers with certain distinct facets. Because the BMX race bike is made for heading as quickly as possible, it comes with a padded seat for extra relief, padded bars for looking after the rider in case of an accident, the superior sturdy, lengthy frame for more protection and stability. Its tires are double or triple-walled for more strength.
Trail
Trail BMX is carried out on the line of jumps made from compact dirt, which are the same as the trails used in the motocross rider. There are 4-8 jumps put in the row, and the trail biker will create a routine, usually in the flowing manner from 1 jump to the next.
Flatland
Flatland bike is most suitable for Flatland other than the Skatepark or the rugged terrains, It will help trick riding on the streets, and it comes with a more petite frame. A flatland bike is used for racing and has front and rear U-brakes. When the stunt rider displays the trick on the Flatland, this bike will stay in motion throughout the stunt.
Street
Street BMX is built to ride on the sidewalks, benches. These bikes feature the plastic pegs installed on the axles for supporting the rider grind on the rails. The street bike is more sturdy and heavier than the dirt BMX. Street bikes do not come with the brake installed; however, many riders like the pedal brake to the rear.
Vert
Vert bikes are also known as Park bikes which are lighter than flatland and dirt bikes. The bike producers already reduced some structural lengths of several areas of the bike. It will be practical to ride it only in the parks and not ride on the rough terrains. The brakes might be absent in the verte sometimes.
Mountain Bike Types
Downhill
Downhill bikes made for downhill races, riding parks. These bikes come with an ultra-long wheelbase, a lot of travel, and dual crown forks which have slow handling. However, it supports the bike rip downhill in the straight line and hits the massive jumps better.
Cross country
These bikes are short-travel bikes made for racing on the marathon our XC courses, which require sharp handling and efficient suspension. Many cross countries have head-tube angles near 70 degrees and 29 “ wheels. If they come with rear suspension, 90 – 120 mm of travel.
Trails
Trials are the most common because, for some reason, it is designed for handling almost everything from rowdy downhills to casual XC trails. It expects to see the head angles from 65 to 68 degrees, more extended wheelbase, and travel from 120 to 150mm.
Enduro
Enduro is the small downhill model which is perfect for climbing. They can excel on the steep descents, bike park, and anytime if you are going fast. The head angle range from 62-66 degrees. Its reaches are longer for keeping your weight farther behind the front wheel.
FAQs
Can I ride a mountain bike on the BMX track?
The BMX track will allow you to ride the mountain bike on it. You can try it and see how it works. I can say that a mountain bike can run on the BMX track from my own experience, but it will not be as fun and exciting as on a proper BMX bike.
Can I ride a mountain bike on a pump track?
If you are a mountain rider, you need to do a lot more than pedaling. It would be best if you continued your prescribed intervals. However, you should make sure to fit in pump track time. Pump tracking makes fun new skills, and it also will build in total, functional strength for a mountain bike.
Can a cruiser bike go uphill?
A cruiser is heavier than others, and it makes this bike get har for going uphill. However, the lighter frame can make it easier to ride uphill or pedal quicker. It can also be a big downfall if you are riding in inclement weather or windy conditions.
Is BMX good for long rides?
You can ride BMX on a long ride, but it will be very uncomfortable because of the single gear and the aggressive frame. BMX is not suitable for transportation.
Why is my BMX so fast?
BMX accelerates and deals faster due to its smaller wheels but does not do very well on long-distance or rough terrain. Mountain bikes will be much easier with rugged terrain and are smoother even if it is slower.
How fast can I go with my mountain bike?
In general, you can go on an average mountain bike speed of 30.35 miles/ hour or 49.1 km/ hour.
Is a mountain bike suitable for street riding?
I have to say that the mountain bikes will be harder to pedal and slower on the pavement. However, they feature a cushy ride and an upright riding position, and can travel on various surfaces. The hybrid or cross bike is almost as fast and comfortable as a road bike while being versatile and comfortable as the mountain bikes.