I’ve been asked to do a review/collection of the best BMX trails frames many times.
But why the wait?
I’m not really a trail’s dude.
There, I said it.
BUT!
I invited many of my dudes to share their personal experiences with frames for trails over the past few months. (Plus, added my 20+ years of riding bikes experience touch.)
And a collection of THE BEST was born.
This post covers:
These are tested and proven frames that will last you a long time. And they aren’t all necessarily exclusive for trails riding.
If you like to go fast and enjoy air time, these stable BMX frames are the right pick for you.
BOOM.
Best BMX Trails Frames
1. MR2
Many may say, “But Rok, why are you adding a street rider’s frame to the list of best trails frames?”
What’s unique about Matt Ray‘s signature Subrosa MR2 frame is its all-roundedness.
The frame has a traditionally 75-degree head tube angle with a super versatile chainstay that goes from 13.3″ to 14″. Trails riders prefer the longer CS, but if you’re a shorter rider, anything below 14″ may suit you perfectly.
Luckily, you have the freedom to play with different CS lengths when getting the MR2 frame.
And knowing Matt rides this frame, you know the frame is built to last, available to put it through any abuse you want.
MR2 specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.2″
- Head Tube: 75° / 120mm
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.3″ – 14″
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 11.65″
- Weight: 5.15 lbs / 20.5″
- Price: $389.99 (may vary)
2. Kink Backwoods Frame
Kink‘s Backwoods frame is for everyone who looks for a classic frame for trails that’s strong enough for park and street.
Not too long chainstay length with a slightly higher standover and four top tube lengths take care of the majority of riders.
I like that the narrow top and down tubes feature gussets for the traditional looks and strength.
You also get Kink’s Master Clamp with the frame (5/6mm bolt combo) and the SUPER COOL K-Brick head tube badge.
Many of my dudes reported how much they enjoy Backwoods frame, so that’s why it received the first place.
Backwoods specs:
- Top Tube: 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″
- Head Tube Angle: 74.5
- Seat Tube Angle: 71
- Chainstay Length: 13.5″ (slammed)
- Bottom Bracket Height: 11.6″
- Standover: 9″
- Weight: 4.87lbs
- Price: $379.99 (may vary)
3. Cult Walsh Frame
Everyone knows the craziness, speed and pure insanity of Corey Walsh.
And his signature Cult frame is what makes his crazy ideas a reality.
This BMX trails frame has a longer CS with a mellower head tube angle, which makes it very stable when you pedal fast and enjoy long air time.
I like that Corey went with the 9″ standover because it just makes the frame look better, especially anything above 21″.
Investment cast dropouts, 2.4″ tire clearance and removable brake mounts are the Cult Walsh frame goodies.
Need more stability? Walsh’s frame’s then perfect for you.
Walsh specs:
- Top Tube: 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″, 21.8″
- Head Tube Angle: 74.5
- Seat Tube Angle: 71
- Chainstay Length: 13.8 – 14.1″
- Bottom Bracket Height: 11.5
- Standover: 9″
- Weight: 5.29lbs
- Price: $384.99 (may vary)
4. BSD Freedom Frame
If you’re a fan of Kriss Kyle and like the creative transition riding, BSD‘s Freedom frame will do the trick.
However, if you do a ton of trails riding in between your park (and even street) sessions, this really is a must-have tool.
What’s cool about the Freedom frame is its wide range of top tube lengths. From smaller to taller riders, it sorts everyone.
The only dilemma that many have when getting the Freedom frame is the somewhat shorter chainstay length. 13.2″ is slammed, but can go up to 13.625″.
Also, note that the 21.5″ version has a 13.4″ – 13.825″ chainstay.
PERFECT.
Freedom specs:
- Top Tube: 20.2″, 20.5″. 20.8″, 21.1″, 21.5″
- Head Tube Angle: 75
- Seat Tube Angle: 69.5
- Chainstay Length: 13.2″
- Bottom Bracket Height: 11.5″
- Standover: 9″
- Weight: 5lbs
- Price: $399.00 (may vary)
5. Fit Hartbreaker Frame
Chris Harti’s signature Fit Hartbreaker frame is for all the dudes who specialize in trails riding.
And going FAST!
(Park, too, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for street, although it’s strong enough to handle any abuse.)
What’s unique about the Hartbreaker trails frame is the cable routing through the seat tube, keeping things running smoother.
Mellow head tube angle, long chainstay and low BB height, that’s what’s up when it comes to Fit’s Hartbreaker frame.
Hartbreaker specs:
- Top Tube: 21″, 21.125″, 21.25″, 21.5″
- Head Tube Angle: 74.5
- Seat Tube Angle: 71
- Chainstay Length: 15.8″
- Bottom Bracket Height: 11.35″
- Standover: 9.15″
- Weight: 5.18lbs
- Price: $549.95 (may vary)
6. S&M Credence MOD Frame
The S&M Credence MOD frame is James P. Nutter’s and Matty Aquizap’s take on the classic CCR frame.
The dudes wanted something a little more responsive but still, keep the stability for their mad riding.
And that’s what MOD is about. It’s a frame that you can comfortably ride on trails, in parks and on streets. (Even with pegs!)
Credence MOD specs:
- Top Tube: 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″
- Head Tube Angle: 74.5
- Seat Tube Angle: 71
- Chainstay Length:
- Bottom Bracket Height: 13.6″
- Standover: 9″
- Weight: 4.75lbs/li>
- Price: $549.95 (may vary)
7. S&M Reynolds CCR Frame
If you like the MOD frame from S&M but prefer doing more trails than anything else then Clint Reynolds‘ signature CCR frame is the perfect solution for you.
It has a long CS and mellow head tube angle with three TT lengths and welded on break mounts. (Comes without hardware.)
Of course, like all S&M frames, the CRR is also made in the USA!
Reynolds CCR specs:
- Top Tube: 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″
- Head Tube Angle: 74.25
- Seat Tube Angle: 71
- Chainstay Length: 13.9″
- Bottom Bracket Height:
- Standover: 9″
- Weight: 4.45lbs
- Price: $549.95 (may vary)
8. BSD Safari Frame
Honestly, I was’t really sure about adding Reed Stark‘s Safari frame to the list, but I changed my mind after talking with many shredders.
I quickly realized that no rider rides the Safari frame slammed for trails, but at approx. 13.5″.
Many also prefer this frame for its longer top tube options, including 21.4″ and 21.8″.
But I like it for the 9.5″ standover, especially with the two longer TT options.
This is an all-rounder, keeping you safe on trails, parks and streets. GO!
Safari specs:
- Top Tube: 20.6″, 21″, 21.4″, 21.8″
- Head Tube Angle: 75
- Seat Tube Angle: 71
- Chainstay Length: 13″
- Bottom Bracket Height: 11.75″
- Standover: 9.5″
- Weight: 5.3lbs
- Price: $379.99 (may vary)
FAQs About BMX Trails Frames
Is a BMX bike good for trails?
Yes, a BMX bike is a great tool for riding trails. Whether you’re riding pump tracks or the largest doubles, you’ll have a lot of fun on a BMX.
Is it better to have a shorter back end or longer for BMX trails?
A longer chainstay is a lot better for riding trails because it makes the bike more stable.
Is headtube angle important for trails riding?
Usually, any BMX trail frame will have a headtube angle somewhere between 74-75 degrees. Anything above that makes the bike a lot more responsive, which isn’t what you’d want to have when flying high in the air or pedaling fast.
A general rule: A more laid back bike with a longer back end is your best option.
Can I use a BMX trails frame for street or park riding?
While you can use a BMX trails frame for street or park riding, it may not be ideal due to its geometry. Trails frames are designed for jumping and might not offer the same level of maneuverability and responsiveness needed for technical street or park tricks.
What should I look for when choosing a BMX trails frame?
When choosing a BMX trails frame, consider the frame size (especially the top tube length), geometry, build material (chromoly steel!), bottom bracket height, and rear end length. Ensure it aligns with your riding style and body size for optimal control
and comfort.
