BMX biking has exploded in popularity over the last decade, evolving from a niche extreme sport into a mainstream recreational activity enjoyed by kids and adults alike. With demand for BMX bikes surging, more and more brands have entered the market, offering a dizzying array of models catering to different riding styles and skill levels like wheelie on a BMX bike.
One BMX manufacturer that has earned a strong reputation over the past 40+ years is Redline. But with so many options to choose from, many prospective buyers ask: are Redline BMX bikes any good?
This in-depth review will provide an honest assessment of some of Redline’s most popular BMX bike models. We’ll take a close look at the key features, components, and overall performance of the Redline Proline, Junior, MX 24, and other top-rated Redline BMX bikes to help you determine if investing in a Redline is worth it.
Are Redline BMX Bikes Any Good?
With over 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing high-performance BMX bikes, Redline has earned a reputation for making some of the best bikes in the sport. Their extensive lineup offers a model for every rider and budget.
From pro-level race rockets like the Proline Pro XXI to affordable yet capable starters like the Asset 24, Redline bikes consistently showcase thoughtful design, quality components, and smooth handling.
While not the least expensive option, Redline BMX bikes deliver excellent performance, fit, and finish that justify their price tags for most riders. Backed by a brand with decades invested in the BMX scene, Redline bikes are widely considered among the best.
Redline’s BMX Bike Lineup
Before diving into reviews of specific models, let’s take a quick overview of the different bikes Redline offers within their BMX range:
- Proline Series: Redline’s professional-grade bikes are designed for experienced riders and hardcore shredding. Models include the Proline Pro, Proline Expert, and Proline Comp.
- Flight Series: Agile, lightweight BMX bikes tailored for dirt jumping and technical street riding. The Flight Pro and Flight Expert are the flagship models.
- MX Series: Well-rounded beginner and intermediate-level BMX bikes with chromoly frames. Includes the MX24 and MX Pro.
- Junior Series: BMX bikes sized for younger riders, ranging from 16 to 24 inches. The Junior Pro and Junior Expert are standouts.
- Asset Series: Affordable BMX bikes with hi-tensile steel frames, aimed at new and casual riders. The Asset 24 is a popular model.
- Cruiser Series: Old-school BMX cruisers with laidback geometry, oversized frames, and tires. The Cruiser and Cruiser 24 lead this retro lineup.
Now let’s dive deeper into reviews of some specific models to see how they stack up:
Redline Proline BMX Bikes
The Redline Proline series represents the pinnacle of Redline’s BMX range. These pro-level machines are designed to handle the demands of competitive racing, intensive training, and no-holds-barred riding. There are three models to choose from:
Redline Proline Pro
As the flagship of the Proline fleet, the Proline Pro pulls out all the stops. It’s hand-built in the USA from ultra-lightweight aluminum with proportional rear triangle geometry for a super responsive and lively ride. The highlights include:
- Butted and tapered 7005 aluminum frame and micro-drop forged forks
- Integrated head tube and Hidden Internal Cable Routing (HICR) for clean looks
- Carbon fiber seat post and handlebar for vibration-damping
- Alloy platform pedals with sealed bearings and chromoly spindles
- Lightweight aluminum wheels with sealed bearings hubs and stainless spokes
Weighing in at only 21 lbs, the Proline Pro offers pro-caliber performance. Skilled riders will appreciate how efficiently it transfers power into speed with its stiff, featherlight frame. The premium components allow experienced racers to push their limits with confidence.
Redline Proline Expert
A notch below the range-topping Pro, the Expert dials back the price slightly but retains a high level of performance. The same hydroformed aluminum frame and HICR keep the handling sharp and clean, while highlights include:
- Alloy rims and hubs with 3-piece cranks
- Chromoly handlebar, fork, seat post, and pedals
- Low standover height for better control
It’s still an incredibly responsive and agile race bike, with a component mix more amenable to budget-minded intermediates and advancing novices. Assembly quality and attention to detail remain impressive.
Redline Proline Junior
The Proline Junior takes Redline’s proven Proline design and scales it down for younger riders. Available in 16, 18, and 20-inch wheel sizes, it allows ambitious kids to rip like the pros. Features include:
- Butted aluminum frames with low standover
- Integrated head tube and internal cable routing
- Light cromo handlebars, alloy rims, and sealed bearing hubs
- Quality components tailored for smaller, developing riders
The Junior Proline gives aspiring racers a platform for honing their skills that won’t hold them back. The right blend of responsiveness, durability, and weight make these some of the best BMX bikes for groms serious about competing.
Redline MX Series BMX Bikes
Redline’s MX line covers BMX bikes geared towards beginners looking to develop their skills and intermediate riders wanting to step up their game at an affordable price point. There are two models under the MX banner:
Redline MX24
The MX24 is Redline’s do-it-all 24-inch wheel BMX bike equally suited to the pump track, skatepark, and neighborhood cruising. Its quality chromoly steel frame strikes a nice balance between weight, strength, and rigidity. Other features include:
- Integrated head tube with internal cable routing
- 8-inch rise BMX handlebar and stunt pegs
- 25/9 microdrive gearing with sealed bearing rear hub
- Lightweight alloy single-wall rims
With its quality frame geometry and excellent component spec, the MX24 manages to be both durable and nimble. It gives riders the stability needed to build skills without sacrificing maneuverability on transitions and in the air. An ideal entry-level bike.
Redline MX Pro
A step above the MX24, the MX Pro is Redline’s entry in the race-oriented 20-inch cruiser class. It provides older and more experienced kids a platform for honing their racing chops. Details include:
- Butted 4130 Chromoly frame, fork, bars, and cranks
- Sealed bearing wheelset with lightweight alloy rims
- Dialed gearing with 25/9 drivetrain and 165mm cranks
- Linear pull brakes for great stopping power
The MX Pro retains the same quality frame construction as the MX24 but upgrades components to match the demands of competitive racing. An awesome value for young riders looking to shave seconds off their lap times this coming season.
Other MX Models
In addition to the MX24 and MX Pro, Redline offers the MX Junior for smaller riders needing 16 or 18-inch wheels. There’s also the MX Comp for intermediates wanting a lighter cromo frame without the highest-end race parts.
Redline Asset 24 BMX Bike
The Redline Asset 24 downshifts the price point to appeal to the novice and parent with a limited budget looking to buy a capable starter BMX bike.
But it retains much of Redline’s refinement in geometry and handling. Key specs include:
- Hi-tensile steel frame and fork with Redline forward geometry
- Alloy rims and 3-piece tubular cranks
- Integrated head tube and internal cable routing
- 8″ rise BMX handlebar and stunt pegs
The hi-ten steel construction helps keep costs down versus pricier chromoly. But the frame still offers a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride for learning to carve bowls or stick that first aerial trick. Parents and kids agree that Asset 24 delivers impressive bang for the buck.
Redline BMX Bike Sizing Guide
One advantage of Redline’s diverse BMX range is bikes sized for riders of all ages and sizes. Here’s a quick guide to picking the right Redline BMX bike based on wheel size:
- 12-inch bikes: Best for very young toddlers just learning to balance and pedal.
- 16-inch bikes: Suitable for most kids 3 – 5 years old and 40 – 52 inches tall.
- 18-inch bikes: Accommodates kids 4 – 7 years old and 45 – 56 inches tall.
- 20-inch bikes: Best for kids 6 – 10 years old and 48 – 60 inches tall. Some smaller adults also ride 20 inches.
- 24-inch bikes: Ideal for older kids and youth 8 – 14 years old and 54+ inches tall. Standard wheel size for adult BMX bikes.
- 26-inch bikes: Found on Redline’s retro old-school BMX cruiser bikes. Typically ridden by teens and adult riders.
Consult Redline’s size guide and geometry charts to dial in the right bike size based on rider height and age. Sizing up if your child is near the top end of a range usually allows for longer use as they grow.
Overview of Redline’s Most Popular Complete BMX Bikes
To recap, here’s a comparison overview of some of Redline’s best-selling and top-rated complete BMX bikes:
- Redline Proline Pro: Pro-level aluminum race rocket with carbon components.
- Redline Proline Expert: High-performance aluminum frame with alloy components.
- Redline Proline Junior: Race-ready aluminum framed BMX for ambitious groms.
- Redline Flight Pro: Featherlight aluminum bike for advanced jump and street riders.
- Redline MX24: Durable cromo framed 24” cruiser great for parks and neighborhood riding.
- Redline MX Pro: Race-oriented 20” cruiser for older kids honing their speed.
- Redline Asset 24: Hi-tensile 24” starter bike with modern geometry.
- Redline MX Junior: Scaled-down 16” and 18” versions of the MX for smaller kids.
- Redline Cruiser: Old school 26” retro cruiser with steel frame and vintage looks.
Redline BMX Frames and Aftermarket Parts
In addition to complete bikes, Redline also offers a range of quality aftermarket BMX parts and components.
Serious riders looking to customize their perfect setup can build a bike around one of Redline’s framesets. Their aluminum Proline frames are popular choices for race bikes, while the Flight frames work for featherweight jump bikes.
They also produce a full line of components like handlebars, forks, rims, pedals, and cranks. These quality parts allow further dialing-in and personalization of Redline BMX bikes. Their extensive inventory of replacement parts ensures Redline bikes can be kept on the road for years of hard riding.
Are Redline BMX Bikes Worth the Money?
After taking an in-depth look at Redline’s line of complete BMX bikes and aftermarket parts, a verdict on their value emerges:
For BMX enthusiasts both young and old, investing in a Redline likely means getting years of enjoyment out of a thoughtfully designed, quality-crafted bike.
Their frames offer well-proven geometry that strikes an ideal balance of responsiveness, stability, and strength. Frame details like integrated head tubes, internal cable routing, and proportional rear triangles demonstrate smart, performance-driven design.
Component choices and specs show careful consideration for the bikes’ intended riders and riding styles. Whether it’s ultra-light carbon bits on Proline Pros or beginner-friendly gearing on MX24s, parts are selected with purpose.
Attention to detail in areas like welding, painting, and assembly results in bikes that not only perform well but also display craftsmanship. Each Redline bike has a hand-built feel often lacking in mass-produced brands.
While not the least expensive bikes out there, Redline BMX models deliver a high level of fit, finish, reliability, and performance. Riders who prioritize quality, handling, and durability are better off investing a little more upfront for a Redline they’ll enjoy for years over a cheap bike that will be discarded in months.
FAQs:
Q1: Are Redline BMX bikes any good?
A: Yes, Redline BMX bikes are considered among the best in the sport due to their quality, performance, and smooth handling.
Q2: What is a good brand of BMX bike?
A: Some top BMX bike brands include Redline, WeThePeople, Sunday, Subrosa, and Fitbike Co. Redline is one of the most popular and well-respected.
Q3: What happened to Redline BMX?
A: Redline is still one of the leading BMX bike brands after over 40 years. They continue innovating and producing high-performance bikes for all rider levels.
Q4: Are redline bikes heavy?
A: No, many Redline BMX models are quite lightweight, especially their professional-level race bikes which aim to minimize weight. Their frames are made from lightweight metals like aluminum.
Q5: Is BMX losing popularity?
A: No, BMX has seen a surge in popularity over the last decade as it expanded from an extreme sport into a mainstream recreational activity. BMX bike sales and BMX participation continue to grow.
Conclusion
In the world of BMX, the Redline name is synonymous with passion. Their continued innovation and refinement reflect a brand that still cares deeply about the sport 40+ years after starting.
Redline BMX bikes deserve strong consideration for anyone looking to buy their first bike or upgrade their current steed.
So are Redline BMX bikes worth it? Are Redline BMX bikes any good? For most riders, the answer is a definitive yes. Just be sure to match the bike to your skill level, budget, and needs. With so many great models to choose from, Redline likely has the perfect BMX bike for you.