Big wheel BMX bike 26’’, also known as big wheel or cruiser BMX bikes, offer a unique riding experience different from standard 20-inch BMX bikes. Big-wheel BMX bikes have become increasingly popular with larger wheels that roll over obstacles with ease, adult-sized frames for bigger riders, and customization options perfect for relaxed cruising or tricks.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about big-wheel BMX bikes with 26-inch wheels, from sizing and geometry to models, components, and more. Whether you want a bike for casual neighborhood cruising or a tricked-out custom build, read on to find your perfect 26” BMX cruiser.
What is a Big Wheel BMX Bike 26’’?
A big wheel BMX bike 26’’ is a larger framed BMX bike with 26-inch diameter wheels, bigger than the standard 20” wheel BMX bikes. The larger wheels help the bikes roll over obstacles with less effort, while the bigger frames accommodate larger adult riders more comfortably.
Big wheel BMX bikes share some similarities with classic 20” freestyle BMX bikes, like the strong chromoly steel frames, rear U-brakes or hand brakes, and small front pegs for tricks.
But they also borrow design aspects from cruiser bikes, with relaxed geometries and frame sizes up to 24” for a more comfortable upright riding position.
While originally designed just for casual riding and cruising, many big-wheel BMX bikes are now fully customized for tricks too. With pegs, rotor brakes, riser bars, and even suspension, today’s 26” BMX bikes can handle both laid-back cruising and tricks in skateparks or on the streets.
Benefits of 26 Inch Big Wheel BMX Bikes
Larger Wheels Roll Better
The 26-inch wheels on these bigger BMX bikes provide a smoother, faster roll than smaller 20” wheels. They easily roll over bumps, cracks, and debris. Less pushing and pedaling effort is needed, making cruising around town more efficient and fun.
Bigger Frame Sizes Fit More Riders
Most big-wheel BMX bikes have larger frame sizes, usually from 20” to 24” top tubes, which accommodates adult-sized riders better. Those over 5’8” who felt cramped on a 20” BMX can ride 26” big-wheel BMX bikes comfortably.
Upright Riding Position
Many 26” cruiser BMX bikes use a more upright frame geometry, placing the rider in a comfortable, relaxed position for casual cruising or commuting around town. The larger wheels combined with swept-back handlebars create an upright stance perfect for low-impact cruising.
Customization Options for Any Rider
With so many frame sizes and component choices available, big-wheel BMX bikes can be fully customized for any rider’s needs and style. Build a perfect trick bike with advanced components, or keep it simple with basic parts for lightweight cruising, and everything in between.
Types of 26 Inch Big Wheel BMX Bikes
Big wheel 26” BMX bikes generally fall into two main categories: freestyle and cruiser. However, there is often overlap between the types since many riders customize their bikes with a mix of components for their individual needs.
Freestyle
Freestyle big-wheel BMX bikes have geometry and components optimized for tricks and skills. They’ll have a slightly shorter frame design, plus trick-friendly parts like rotor brakes, smaller 9” rise bars, 48-spoke double-wall rims, and smaller gearing for quick acceleration.
Pegs, gyro brake attachments, and even suspension forks can be added to build an ultimate trick machine.
Cruiser
Cruiser big wheel BMX bikes are designed for casual, comfortable cruising around town. They’ll have more relaxed frame angles, taller bars around 12″ rise, coaster brakes or U-brakes, and 24-26 spoke single-wall rims to keep things simple and low maintenance.
Wider 2.3-2.5” street tires enhance stability and cushioning. The riding position is upright for maximum comfort on long rides.
Cruisers can also be customized with components to match the rider’s needs. Add some pegs and front and rear hand brakes for a bike capable of laid-back cruising with occasional tricks.
Key Components of a 26” Big Wheel BMX
Big wheel BMX bikes are customizable, but most share some common component features optimized for their intended use.
Frame and Fork
- Frame Material: Most have hi-tensile steel or chromoly steel frames for durability and responsive handling. Aluminum frames are also found for lightweight designs.
- Top Tube Length: Ranges from 20” to 24” to fit different rider heights. Shorter for trick bikes, and longer for cruiser comfort.
- Head Tube Angle: Trick bikes are around 75°, while cruisers are slacker near 70° for upright riding posture.
- Fork: Chromoly or hi-tensile steel forks with 1-1/8 threadless steerer tubes. Some feature suspension correction forks. Travel range 40-100mm.
Wheels and Tires
- Rims: Aluminum single, double, or triple wall rims in 24-26” to match tire size. 48 spoke for tricks, 36 for all-around, and 24-36 for cruising.
- Tires: 20-26” x 2.0-2.5” for street, trail, or dirt styles. Wider tires on cruiser bikes.
Drivetrain and Brakes
- Crankset: 3-piece tubular chromoly, 165-180mm arms. Mid/Spanish BB. 25/33T to 28/38T gearing.
- Brakes: Alloy U-brakes, side-pull, or rotor front and rear. Gyro brake attachment options for trick riding.
- Brake Levers: Alloy linear or radial pull levers for mechanical or hydraulic brakes.
- Pedals: Plastic or metal platform. Pegs are optional for tricks.
- Gears: 1 to 10-speed cassettes or freewheels, 25-28T.
Sizing a Big Wheel BMX Bike 26’’
As with standard BMX bikes, big wheel BMX sizing is based on the length of the bike’s top tube, not the wheel size which remains constant at 26”. Top tubes typically range from 20” to 24”.
Top Tube Length Guidelines By Rider Height:
- 20-20.5” TT: Best for riders under 5’ tall
- 20.5-21.5” TT: Fits riders 5′ to 5’6” tall
- 21.5-22.5” TT: Fits riders 5’6” to 6’ tall
- 23-24” TT: For riders over 6’ tall
The longer the top tube, the bigger the rider it will comfortably fit. Those planning to customize their bikes significantly should size up slightly to accommodate wider handlebars and longer seat posts.
Always test-ride the bike to ensure you can comfortably reach the handlebars and stand over the frame with about 1-3″ of clearance.
Buying a Complete Big Wheel BMX Bike
For convenience, many riders opt to buy a pre-built complete big-wheel BMX rather than building a custom bike from scratch. Here are some things to consider when choosing a complete 26” BMX:
- Bike Type: Freestyle or cruiser frame and components to match your riding needs. Or a middle-ground hybrid option.
- Size: Choose the proper top tube length based on your height.
- Components: Consider wheel strength, brake type, crankarm length, gearing range, and tire width/traction for your riding style.
- Frame Material: Hi-ten or chromoly steel offers the best blend of affordability, strength, and responsive handling.
- Warranty: Most complete bikes have at least a 1-year limited warranty on the frame and components.
- Brands: Quality complete big wheel BMX options are made by Subrosa, Sunday, Eastern Bikes, WeThePeople, and Fit Bike Co.
Custom Building a 26” Big Wheel BMX
For the ultimate personalized BMX experience, many riders choose to hand-pick all their own parts and build a complete 26” bike from the ground up. This lets you tailor the perfect components for your individual height, riding style, and budget.
Follow this process to build your dream custom big-wheel BMX:
- Pick a bike frame size and geometry suited for your height and freestyle or cruiser riding intentions.
- Select proper size wheels, tires, cranksets, and other components that match your frame.
- Choose stylish accessories like handlebars, grips, pegs, seats, and pedals to personalize the bike’s aesthetics.
- Add advanced pro-level components like hand or rotor brakes as an upgrade. Consider a suspension fork if needed.
- Install all components properly yourself or have a bike shop handle more complex parts like hydraulic brakes.
While custom building takes more effort and skill, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind 26” BMX bike tailored specifically for your body and needs. The experience also allows you to learn bike mechanic skills in the process.
Upgrading and Modifying Big Wheel BMX Parts
One of the best things about big-wheel BMX bikes is they can be continually modified as your skills progress. Almost any component can be swapped out to improve performance or customize the bike’s capabilities.
Some common 26” BMX parts that riders upgrade include:
- Brakes: More advanced U-brakes, side-pulls, or hydraulic disc brakes for better speed control.
- Fork: Suspension-corrected forks add bump absorption for rougher terrain.
- Handlebars: Wider or taller rise bars for more leverage and an upright stance.
- Grips: Softer rubber grips reduce hand fatigue during tricks.
- Pegs: Small front and rear axle pegs expand grind and stall options.
Upgraded parts for a big-wheel BMX do come at an added cost. However strategic modifications can significantly boost skills as you advance.
Big Wheel BMX Bike Maintenance
Like all bikes, proper maintenance keeps 26” BMX bikes performing smoothly for years. Follow this schedule and tasks to ensure your big wheel bike lasts:
- Before Every Ride: Quick safety check on brakes, chains, wheels/tires, and tightness of all bolts. Lube chain if needed.
- After Every Ride: Clean the frame, and wipe down components. Check for damage. Lube chain.
- Monthly: Deep clean the entire bike frame and components. Degrease/lube the drivetrain. Check brake pad wear. Check spoke tension.
- 3-6 Months: Truing wheels if needed. Tune-up drivetrain including cables. Full bike safety inspection.
- Annually: Replace brake pads, tires, and grips if excessively worn. Major drivetrain overhaul if shifting suffers.
Riding hard-off jumps will require more frequent component inspections and wheel truing. Learn to perform most tasks yourself, and leave complex hydraulic brake bleeds or part replacement to a professional mechanic. Learn how to do a wheelie on a BMX bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of 26” vs 20” BMX bikes?
A: The larger 26” wheels roll over bumps more easily, fit bigger riders better, and allow for a more upright comfortable riding stance. 26” BMX bikes are best for adult riders.
Q: What are the advantages of 26” vs 20” BMX bikes?
The larger 26” wheels roll over bumps more easily, fit bigger riders better, and allow for a more upright comfortable riding stance. 26” BMX bikes are best for adult riders.
Q: How big of a rider can a big-wheel BMX bike fit?
A: Most accommodate riders from about 5’ tall up to over 6’5”. Top tube lengths typically range from 20” to 24”. Always test ride a bike to ensure proper fit and sizing.
Q: Are big-wheel BMX bikes good for tricks?
A: Freestyle versions with shorter frames, hand brakes, and strong components are optimized for tricks. Many pro riders use 26” bikes in skateparks and for street riding. They can handle jumps up to 10 feet.
Q: Can you put pegs on a 26” cruiser BMX?
A: Yes, most big-wheel BMX frames have rear dropouts with holes to install pegs. Pegs allow riders to perform grinds and stalls. Add front pegs too for even more trick options.
Q: How big of tires can you put on a 26” BMX bike?
A: The maximum tire size depends on the frame/fork clearance. Most accommodate 2.0 to 2.5” wide tires, with room for up to 2.7” tires if desired. Wider tires offer more traction and cushion.
Q: Do I need a gyro brake if I want to do barspins?
A: A gyro brake attachment allows the brake cables to spin so you can execute barspins safely while maintaining rear brake control. If not using a gyro, disconnect the rear brake before attempting barspins.
Conclusion
Big wheel 26” BMX bikes offer adult riders, tall youth, and anyone looking for a smooth-rolling cruiser the chance to experience BMX in a more extensive, more comfortable package.
With the right size frame for your height, plus customizable components catered to your riding style, a 26” BMX bike can be tuned to handle neighborhood cruising, skatepark tricks, or an equal mix. Maintenance is easier with larger wheels too.
By selecting the perfect big-wheel BMX and modifying it over time to match your growing skills, 26” bikes provide endless opportunities for fun and progression for years.