Yo dudes, welcome to my review of the best and strongest United BMX frames.
You can use these for pretty much anything.
They work for street, park and trails riding.
(Flatland? Not really, but you can give it a shot because it can work for you.)
United is a Hastings, UK-based BMX brand that Ian Morris started in 2006 alongside 4Down Distribution.
However, we are not here today to study history.
But to check United’s CURRENT frame line.
It’s a bit of a mix of responsiveness (snappy) and stability (mellow) to cover as many riders as possible.
Get cracking.
This post covers:
- Quick Picks: Best United BMX Frames
- Best United BMX Frames Highlighted
- How To Make Your United BMX Frame Last Longer?
- Conclusion: Which United BMX Frame Should You Get?
Quick Picks: Best United BMX Frames
- United Zuin — Best for hard street riding
- United Prime Mover — Best for stability & taller riders
- United Prime Mover 13.2″ — Best shorter stable frame
- United Pro Model — Best for modern technical street riding
Best United BMX Frames Highlighted
1. United ZUIN Frame
I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for this one, the all-new Miki Fleck signature ZUIN frame. You know this frame is meant to last, knowing the style of Miki’s riding.
The frame is inspired by Incarnate but with a longer (thickened) chain stay and higher bottom bracket height.
Yup, Miki definitely needs thick chain stays, or he’d grind through them too quickly.
It also includes integrated chain tensioners, removable brake mounts and tapered tubing.
Go fast and go big with the ZUIN frame – comfortably!
ZUIN frame specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″
- Head Tube: 75.3°
- Seat Tube Angle: 70.25°
- Chainstay Length: 13.25 – 13.5″
- Standover: 9.3″
- BB Height: 11.6″
- Weight: 5.1lbs (2.3 kg)
- Price: $349.99 (may vary)
2. United Prime Mover Frame
United’s Prime Mover frame is a clean, do-it-all frame built for riders who split their time between street, park, and trails. Bowls? It covers that, too!
It sticks to proven geometry from previous versions, with small updates like welded chainstay brake mounts and longer top tube options for taller riders.
With sizes going all the way up to 22”, it’s a great pick if you want a longer, more stable bike build.
Moreover, the invest-cast dropouts and solid chromoly construction keep it strong without pushing the weight too high.
If you want a reliable, well-rounded frame from United that works everywhere, the Prime Mover is a safe bet.
However, if you are heavy into street and tech riding, I recommend a more responsive frame instead.
Prime Mover frame specs:
- Top Tube Length: 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″, 21.8″, 22″
- Head Tube: 74.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- Chainstay Length: 13.75″ Slammed
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 11.35″
- Weight: 4.98lbs (2.26 kg)
- Price: $413.99 (may vary)
3. United Prime Mover 13.2″ Frame
This version of the Prime Mover keeps the mellow, stable feel of the original but trims things down for riders who want a shorter setup.
You get a 13.2″ slammed chainstay, 74.5° head tube, 9″ standover, and shorter 20.5″ or 20.75″ top tubes.
That should keep it calmer up front than United’s steeper street frames, while the shorter rear makes it easier to move around.
United Prime Mover 13.2″frame specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″
- Head Tube: 74.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- Chainstay Length: 13.2″ Slammed
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 11.35″
- Weight: 4.98lbs (2.23 kg)
- Price: $436.99 (may vary)
4. United Pro Model Frame
The United Pro Model is the sharpest, most modern street frame in the current lineup.
It comes in Jo Gass and Marius editions, but both share the same core geometry: a 75.5° head tube, short 12.75–13.25″ rear end, 9.5″ standover, and 11.7″ BB height.
That gives the frame a quick, responsive feel that should suit technical street riding really well, especially spins, nose manuals, and tighter lines.
United builds it from seamless Sanko 4130 chromoly with tapered tubing, and it comes in 20.8″, 21″, 21.2″, and 21.4″ top tube sizes, so there’s a good spread for different rider heights.
I also like that the two rider editions give you a slightly different flavor without changing the core feel of the frame.
United Pro Model frame specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.8″’, 21’”, 21.2’”, 21.4’”
- Head Tube: 75.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- Chainstay Length: 12.75″ – 13.25″
- Standover: 9.5″
- BB Height: 11.7″
- Weight: 5.1lbs (2.3kg)
- Price: $436.99 (may vary)
How To Make Your United BMX Frame Last Longer?
How can I prevent rust and corrosion on my BMX frame?
To prevent rust and corrosion, regularly clean your BMX frame, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions. Dry it thoroughly and consider using a frame protectant or a light coat of oil on metal parts. Storing your bike in a dry, covered area also helps in reducing exposure to moisture.
Is it important to regularly check and tighten the bolts on my BMX frame?
Yes, regularly checking and tightening the bolts on your BMX frame is crucial. Loose bolts can lead to undue stress and damage to the frame.
Can customizing or modifying my BMX frame affect its longevity?
Customizing or modifying your BMX frame, such as drilling holes or welding on additional parts, can compromise its structural integrity and shorten its lifespan. In short, I don’t recommend doing any mods to your frame.
How can I reduce the impact on my BMX frame during rides?
Learn and practice proper landing techniques to distribute impact forces evenly. Also, ensure your tires are correctly inflated to absorb shocks. (See this guide to learn about the best BMX tire pressure.)
Conclusion: Which United BMX Frame Should You Get?
United has a pretty well-rounded frame lineup, and the right pick really comes down to how you like your bike to feel.
I’d look at the Zuin for hard street riding and a solid all-around setup.
Go with the Prime Mover if you prefer a calmer, more stable bike, especially if you’re taller or like a bit more room.
The Prime Mover 13.2″ keeps that mellow front end but packs everything into a shorter setup, which makes it a nice middle ground.
And if you want the sharpest, most modern street geometry of the bunch, the Pro Model is the standout.
I’d choose based on geometry first, especially the head tube angle, chainstay length, and top tube size.
Those numbers will affect how the bike feels far more than the colorway ever will.
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Note: This article was originally published on August 26, 2021. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
