Guide for parents
Beginner BMX gear checklist for kids
BMX is one of the easiest sports to start second-hand. Here's what your child will need for their first club nights, and what to look for when buying used.
The checklist
| Gear | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Bike | A BMX race bike sized to your child's height. Wheel size and frame size both matter. See our kids bike size guide. |
| Helmet | A rigid helmet approved to a recognised safety standard. Most clubs ask for a full-face helmet for racing. |
| Top | A loose, long-sleeved shirt with sleeves down to the wrists. Lycra and road cycling jerseys aren't allowed for racing. |
| Pants | Loose, long pants made of tough material. Jeans, track pants and tight cycling pants aren't allowed for racing. |
| Gloves | Full-finger gloves for grip and to protect hands in a fall. |
| Shoes | Closed shoes with a flat, grippy sole for flat pedals. |
Rules can change and some apply only to racing, so check with your club before the first race.
Buying a used BMX
- Spin both wheels. They should run straight with no wobble or rubbing.
- Squeeze the rear brake. It should stop the wheel firmly.
- Check the frame around the joins for cracks, especially near the head tube and dropouts.
- Rock the cranks side to side. A clunk can mean a worn bottom bracket.
- Look at the chain and sprocket teeth. Hooked teeth and a rusty, saggy chain mean they need replacing.
Buying a used helmet
A helmet that has been in a crash should be replaced, even if it looks fine. Ask the seller, and check the date and standards stickers. Our helmet guide has a five-minute check.
When they outgrow it
BMX kids move up sizes fast. Sell the old bike and gear on to the next family, and $2 of every listing goes to your club.
Find BMX gear on SizeUp. Second-hand kids BMX gear from Kiwi families, or list what they've outgrown for $5.