This Cult Access BMX Bike review is for riders who want the most affordable way into Cult’s complete bike lineup.
Heck, BMX in general.
And that’s exactly where the Access sits.
It’s Cult’s more beginner-focused 20” complete, made for newer riders who want a clean BMX without spending Gateway or Control money.
But don’t write it off just because it’s the cheapest of the three.
The Access still comes with some legit BMX-friendly parts, like 3-piece chromoly cranks, a sealed mid bottom bracket, Cult Match rims, 2.40” Innova tires, a top load stem, U-brake and that simple Cult look that always works.
That said, I’d look at this bike with the right expectations.
I like the Access for smaller or newer riders who want a proper-looking complete.
But if the rider already knows they’ll push hard, hit bigger drops, grind ledges or ride street every session, I’d be careful.
That’s when stepping up to the Gateway or the Control starts to make a lot more sense.
This post covers:
- Cult Access BMX Bike Review
- What Makes The Cult Access A Budget-Friendly First BMX?
- Cult Access Frame & Geometry
- How The Cult Access BMX Rides & Feels
- Cult Access BMX Bike Specs, Weight, Price
- Cult Access BMX Bike Pros
- Cult Access BMX Bike Cons
- Who Is The Cult Access BMX Bike Best For?
- Who Should Skip The Cult Access?
- Cult Access BMX vs Gateway BMX vs Control BMX
- Conclusion: Is The Cult Access BMX Right For You?
- FAQs About The Cult Access BMX Bike
Cult Access BMX Bike Review
1. What Makes The Cult Access A Budget-Friendly First BMX?
The Cult Access BMX bike is the kind of complete that works extremely well for riders just getting into BMX.
It’s simple.
It’s clean.
And it keeps the price low.
That’s really the main point of this bike.
The Access is for riders who want to start learning without spending too much right away.
It’s also a good option for younger or smaller/lighter riders who don’t need a bigger 20.5” or 20.75” complete yet.
I’d also put it on the list for parents who want to buy a first proper BMX.
Basically, it’s for:
- Newer BMX riders
- Younger or smaller riders
- Riders on a tighter budget
- Parents buying a first proper BMX
- Riders who want the neat Cult look
The Access comes with a 20” top tube length, which already tells you who it’s aimed at.
This is a more compact size, so it’ll feel easier to handle for smaller riders.
Remember, this is not the strongest Cult complete.
And I wouldn’t pretend it is.
The hi-ten frame and fork are there to keep the price down. That’s normal for a beginner budget BMX.
But here’s the thing: the Access is meant for smaller, newer riders, who are usually lighter and not immediately destroying bikes with heavy shredding.
So for mellow riding, learning basic tricks, cruising around, hitting curbs, riding driveways and getting comfortable at the skatepark (or even pump track), the Access gives you enough bike to start properly.
GET YOUR CULT ACCESS BIKE NOW!2. Cult Access Frame & Geometry
With a 20” top tube, the Access keeps things more compact, which is exactly why it can work so well for smaller riders.
A 20” TT makes the bike easier to control if a 20.5” or 20.75” frame feels too stretched out.
This matters a lot when a rider is still learning how to hop, turn, pull up, lean back and move around on the bike.
I also find Access a great bike for female BMX riders.
The Access also uses a 75° head tube angle, which is a nice middle ground for learning pretty much anything.
It’s responsive enough for bunny hops, 180s, fakies and even nose manuals. But it’s not so steep that the bike feels twitchy or scary.
For a first BMX, that balance is exactly what you want.
At the back, the newer Access gets a 13.25” chainstay length, giving it a shorter, more modern rear end.
It should help riders lift the front end easier, get into manuals with less effort and make the bike feel more playful without feeling out of control.
Moreover, the 11.8” bottom bracket height also adds to that responsive feel.
It’s slightly higher than on some other BMX bikes, but that can make the bike easier to move around because it doesn’t feel as grounded or planted.
I actually like that on a beginner bike.
One detail that’s different from some other BMX bikes is the head tube height.
The Access has a more traditional (“old-school”) 4.625” head tube, not the modern 5” head tube. But for a 20” top tube bike, that works nicely.
Smaller riders usually don’t need a super tall front end anyway.
So, geometry-wise, the Access is built around one clear idea:
- Keep the bike compact, easy to handle and beginner-friendly.
And Cult nailed it!
GET YOUR CULT ACCESS BIKE NOW!3. How The Cult Access BMX Rides & Feels
The Cult Access BMX should feel simple and easy to handle.
It’s not trying to be a serious street machine.
It’s not built for riders who already know they’ll be throwing themselves down drops or grinding every rough ledge in town. Or flying high at the skatepark.
The Access is more about helping a new rider get comfortable on a real BMX.
And for smaller riders, that can be a really good thing.
The 20” top tube should make the bike feel easier to move around. You don’t want a beginner bike that feels like it’s dragging the rider around.
You want something that feels controllable.
The Access works well for:
- Learning bunny hops
- Manuals
- Fakies
- 180s
- Driveway sessions
- Curb tricks
- Skatepark basics
- Cruising to spots
Note: Check out my list of beginner BMX tricks I recommend you should learn.
The shorter 13.25” rear end helps with pulling up into hops and manuals. Also, spins will be easier, too.
Furthermore, the 75° head tube angle keeps the bike responsive without making it feel too snappy.
But the 20” top tube is not for everyone.
For smaller and younger riders, it can help the bike feel more natural and confidence-friendly.
For taller riders?
It may feel cramped pretty quickly.
That’s where the Gateway or Control starts making more sense.
So, to me, the Access is a simple first BMX that helps you get down the basics, roll around, hit the skatepark and figure out if BMX is really your thing.
Without draining your wallet on day one.
GET YOUR CULT ACCESS BIKE NOW!4. Cult Access BMX Bike Specs, Weight, Price
- Frame: High-tensile steel frame, 20″ top tube
- Fork: High-tensile steel fork
- Handlebar: High-tensile steel 2-piece bar (9″ rise, 30″ width)
- Stem: Alloy top load stem
- Headset: Integrated headset, 1-1/8″
- Brake lever: Alloy
- Brakes: U-brake
- Grips: Cult Crew grips
- Seat/post: Cult 1-piece seat & seat post combo
- Seat clamp: Integrated seat clamp
- Sprocket: 25T sprocket (steel)
- Cranks: 3-piece chromoly cranks (170mm)
- Bottom bracket: Sealed mid bottom bracket (19mm)
- Pedals: Cult plastic pedals
- Rims: Cult Match rims (single wall front & rear)
- Front hub: Unsealed front hub
- Rear hub: Semi-sealed cassette hub, 9T driver
- Tires: Innova tires, 2.4″ (front & rear)
- Chain: Cult 410 chain
- Color: Matte clear raw, Black
- Weight: 26 lbs (11.8 kg)
- Price: $419.99
5. Cult Access BMX Bike Pros
- Affordable Cult complete: This is one of the cheapest ways to get on a Cult complete bike, which is great if the budget is tight.
- 20” top tube: The shorter 20” TT works well for smaller and newer riders who may feel stretched out on bigger beginner bikes.
- Clean Cult look: Even though it’s the budget option, it still has that simple Cult style.
- 3-piece chromoly cranks: This is a nice win at this level. The 170mm chromoly 3-piece cranks are much better than cheap 1-piece cranks.
- Sealed mid bottom bracket: A sealed BB helps the cranks spin more smoothly and needs less maintenance than a loose-ball setup.
- 2.40” Innova tires: The wider Innova tires give the bike a more stable feel, which is helpful when learning the basics. (I tested these tires thoroughly and they feel nice!)
- 990 U-brake included: I like brakes on beginner bikes. They make learning safer and give new riders more control. (Pro tip: Do not start riding BMX brakeless!)
- Integrated headset: Another good detail for a budget BMX. It keeps the front end cleaner and more modern.
- Good first BMX for mellow beginner riding: For cruising, driveway tricks, curbs, skatepark basics and learning the first moves, the Access just works.
6. Cult Access BMX Bike Cons
- 100% hi-ten frame: The hi-ten frame helps keep the price down, but it’s not as strong as chromoly.
- Hi-ten fork: Same story here. The fork is basic, and while it works for learning, it’s not what I’d pick for a rider who already knows they’ll ride hard.
- May feel too small for taller riders: The 20” top tube is great for smaller riders, but taller riders may feel cramped quickly.
- Riders may outgrow it faster: Because of its smaller size and more basic parts, some riders may outgrow the Access more quickly than the Gateway or Control.
- On the heavier side: Budget BMX bikes with hi-ten parts are usually not the lightest. It’s not a deal-breaker for beginners, but it’s worth knowing.
- No pegs included: I’d love to see at least two pegs included, especially because many new riders want to try basic grinds pretty quickly. Not a huge issue, but it would make the package sweeter.
7. Who Is The Cult Access BMX Bike Best For?
- Smaller beginner riders: The 20” top tube gives the bike a more compact feel, which can make learning much easier.
- Younger riders moving into 20” BMX: If a smaller wheel bike feels too kid-like, but a larger 20.5” complete feels too big, the Access can be a nice middle step.
- Parents buying a first proper BMX: If the rider is just starting out, the Access is a much better pick than a random cheap bike that only looks like a BMX.
- Riders who mostly ride curbs, driveways, skateparks and mellow street: That’s where the Access fits best. Basic tricks, small obstacles and beginner park lines.
- Cult fans who want the cheapest entry into the brand: If you love the Cult look but want to keep the price low, the Access gets you there.
8. Who Should Skip The Cult Access?
- A taller rider: The 20” top tube can feel cramped pretty quickly if you need more room.
- A heavier or aggressive rider: The Access uses a hi-ten frame and fork, so I wouldn’t pick it for someone who already puts a lot of pressure on parts.
- Someone who wants chromoly frame/fork strength: The Access keeps the price lower with hi-ten steel. If you want more long-term strength, look at a chromoly option.
- A rider who wants a bike to grow into longer: The Access is great for getting started, but some riders may outgrow it faster.
- Choosing between Access and Gateway, but can afford the Gateway: If the budget allows it, I’d probably go Gateway. You get a little more room and a better long-term setup for beginners.
9. Cult Access BMX vs Gateway BMX vs Control BMX
If you’re comparing the Cult Access, Cult Gateway and Cult Control, here’s the simple breakdown.
Cult Access
The Cult Access BMX is best for smaller/newer riders and tighter budgets.
It has a 20” top tube, which makes it more compact and easier to handle for riders who may feel stretched out on bigger bikes.
It’s the most basic of the three, but that’s also the point.
It’s made for learning, cruising, mellow street, curbs, driveways and skatepark basics without spending too much.
Cult Gateway
The Cult Gateway BMX is a better first real BMX for more riders.
It gives you a little more room with its 20.5” top tube, and it has stronger key frame areas compared to the Access.
This is the one I’d look at if the rider wants something beginner-friendly, but with a better long-term setup than the Access.
It costs more, but I think many riders will grow into it better.
Cult Control
The Cult Control BMX is the step-up pick.
It has a 100% chromoly frame, chromoly bars, a 20.75” top tube and better parts from day one.
This is the one I’d choose for serious beginners, progressing riders, or anyone who already knows they’ll ride more often and push harder.
It’s more expensive, but you get a stronger foundation that should last longer before upgrades become necessary.
My Quick Pick
- If the rider is smaller, newer and the budget is tight, go Access.
- If you want the safest all-around first BMX pick, go Gateway.
- If you want the strongest complete of the three and better long-term value, go Control.
Conclusion: Is The Cult Access BMX Right For You?
The Access makes the most sense as a first BMX for younger, smaller riders and budget-conscious buyers who want to learn the basics without spending too much right away.
It’s a good fit for:
- First BMX
- Younger riders
- Smaller riders
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Casual street
- Park basics
- Learning tricks
For mellow riding, driveway sessions, curbs, cruising and skatepark basics, I think the Access does its job nicely.
But I’d skip it if the rider is taller, heavier, already aggressive, or can afford to jump to the Gateway. (If you’re buying a BMX long-term, you’ll thank yourself later.)
Still, if you want the most affordable way into a real complete BMX bike and you’re new to the sport, the Cult Access BMX bike is definitely worth checking out.
GET YOUR CULT ACCESS BIKE NOW!FAQs About The Cult Access BMX Bike
Is the Cult Access BMX bike good for beginners?
Yes, the Cult Access BMX bike is good for beginners, especially smaller or younger riders. It’s simple, affordable and easy to handle.
What size is the Cult Access BMX bike?
The Cult Access has a 20” top tube. That makes it more compact than the Gateway and Control.
Is the Cult Access full chromoly?
No, the Cult Access is not full chromoly. It has a 100% hi-ten frame and hi-ten fork, which helps keep the price lower.
Does the Cult Access have sealed bearings?
The Cult Access has a sealed mid bottom bracket and a semi-sealed cassette hub.
Is the Cult Access better than the Gateway?
No, I wouldn’t say the Access is better than the Gateway. The Access is cheaper and better for smaller riders on a tighter budget. But the Gateway gives you more room, stronger key frame areas and a better all-around first BMX setup.
Can adults ride the Cult Access?
Some adults can ride the Cult Access, but I’d be careful here. Because it has a 20” top tube, it may feel too short for many adult riders.
Is the Cult Access good for street riding?
The Cult Access is okay for mellow beginner street riding.
Is the Cult Access good for skateparks?
Yes, the Cult Access can work well for skatepark basics.
Is the Cult Access worth the money?
Yes, the Cult Access BMX bike is worth the money for the right rider.
GET YOUR CULT ACCESS BIKE NOW!
