As a BMX coach who travels around Scotland for events. The biggest question I get asked from parents is ” what bmx should I buy my child?”. As this is on the forefront of many parents minds I have decided to compile a top 5 list of the best BMX bikes to buy this Christmas. My choices are reinforced with 13 plus years of BMX experience as well as a deep understanding of entry level equipment for young ones who want to get into the sport. Maintaining a fleet of BMX bikes for Scottish BMX School I am in a better position than anyone to advise parents on this. Lastly, times are tough in the UK currently, this list is wrote with budget in mind as we are all feeling the cost of living at the moment.
1 – Facebook Market Place
Yes I know this isn’t a bike directly. Let me explain. Due to the Covid boom of bikes there are loads of great 2nd hand BMX options on Facebook market place. Bmx’s are designed to take punishment so if a bike has a few scratches do not be put off. You will get a great deal on many bikes which are in great working condition. In terms of things to look out for when choosing, the following brands are good. Fly, BSD, GT, Odyssey, Mongoose, Premium and Wethepeople. Brands to avoid would be X-Rated, Voodoo & Mafia.
As for when you go to have a look at the BMX you have chosen. Here are some tips. Check the breaks work and are not rubbing on the back wheel. To test this you can simply move the bike on the ground to ensure the wheels are turning. Always grab the tyre of both wheels and give it a shake, if it moves from side to side the cones in the wheel are loose and it is likely a bad example. Check the frame for cracks also.
In summary Facebook market place is a great option for buying a BMX this Christmas, with some searching you will find some great bikes. Certain BMX bikes might require some maintenance or doing up, if you are handy this is a great option. Even if you are not there are still some great examples out there.
2 – Jet BMX Block BMX Bike
Jet is a brand I was not familiar with until I began BMX coaching, one of my oldest BMX bikes is a Jet and it has held up in wind, rain and shine. Its internal hub components have never failed despite getting very wet with the Scottish rain. As a result the Block bike is a great beginning BMX which can withstand the jumps and being left in the garden overnight in a storm. It has a wide range of colour options, sporting a sealed 14mm rear hub it is a great bike to start out on. Its frame geometry is also very general allowing for a wide range of riding styles, as well as being a comfortable BMX for cruising the bumpy streets of Scotland. It has great customer reviews and priced at £299.99 it is a great offer for what you are getting.
3 – Collective Bikes C1
The C1 is a great entry bike with many traits of a custom BMX. For starters it looks the part, especially with tan tyres. Speaking of the tyres it rocks massive 2.3 width tyres. These are the size of tyres you would see on a high end street BMX bike. The large tyres help absorb impacts and provide more grip in the streets. It is rare to see wide tyres on an entry level complete bike. It has sealed bb and headset which is prefect for the Scottish climate. And it is only priced at £240 So what is the drawback? It is the owner of the Collective Bike company. He is called Ryan Taylor and despite being very successful in BMX & Youtube his morals are questionable. Furthermore is the example he sets to young people. A quick Google search will reveal all. In conclusion this is a great BMX bike priced at a very competitive rate. However the brand and people behind it may not be the best influence for your child. Mind you at £240 perhaps you can just take the stickers off and they will never know!
4 – Any GT Branded BMX
GT is an amazing BMX brand with real heritage. My journey into BMX began on a GT Fly which served me well for early years of cycling through the woods, country roads and learning how to bunny hop for the first time. The GT Fly was also surprisingly good when I began to experiment with flatland riding.
Models such as the GT Mach One and GT Performer were once among the most popular beginner BMX bikes in the UK, and they continue to be a great option for new riders today.
Although GT is no longer producing new BMX models and has paused development on its latest range, many of their bikes can still be found online through UK retailers and cycling outlets. Shops such as SourceBMX, Winstanleys, and even eBay often list brand-new or clearance GT models at very reasonable prices. These bikes offer excellent value for money for anyone looking to start riding without the high cost of a modern performance setup.
Buying a GT bike second hand can also be a smart and economical choice. Because the frames and components are built to last, many used GT bikes remain in great condition and offer incredible value compared to buying new. For families or riders exploring BMX for the first time, a second-hand GT provides a chance to experience the sport without a big financial commitment. It is a practical and sustainable way to get involved in BMX, supported by a brand with genuine heritage and a long-standing reputation for quality.
5 – Eastern Paydirt BMX
The Eastern Paydirt BMX is a solid introduction to BMX riding and a great example of a bike for just £149. I would not usually recommend the brand Eastern however for the money this is a very high spec BMX bike. The frame feels sturdy without being too heavy, which makes it easy to handle for anyone learning balance and control.
It is a great looking bike and robust enough for beginner bmx riders. There are no other BMX bikes that even come close to it witihn the £150 or under range. I would say this is the best value for money BMX bike for beginners in 2025.
Available through Amazon UK and a few specialist online retailers, the Eastern Paydirt remains one of the better options for families looking for a first BMX that will last. It represents genuine value for money and offers everything a beginner needs to start riding with confidence and enjoyment.
I hope this list provided some great context for choosing a BMX bike for your child this Christmas in the UK.
We are launching weekly BMX lessons in Edinburgh next year, come along & join us.