This Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike review hits a little different for me.
Why?
Because I recently switched to a 22” BMX bike myself.
And honestly, I get it now.
If you love BMX, but a regular 20” sometimes feels a little too cramped, twitchy, or unforgiving, going with a 22” BMX bike can make riding feel fresh again.
You still get that BMX feel.
You can still hop, manual, carve, cruise, hit the park, ride trails, mess around in the streets and feel like you’re on a real BMX.
But you also get more room, more stability and a little extra comfort.
And that combo is pretty awesome.
The Verde Spectrum 22” is built exactly for that type of rider. Someone who doesn’t want a full cruiser. But also doesn’t want to feel folded up on a smaller 20” bike.
Plus, Verde makes the choice even more interesting because the Spectrum comes in two versions:
- 21.75” top tube
- 22.25” XL top tube
That’s great because not every rider wants the same amount of room.
Some riders want a 22” BMX that still feels a little more playful. And that’s me!
Others want that longer, more stable XL feel.
Now let’s investigate this bike further and see why it’s epic.
This review covers:
- Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike Review
- Conclusion: Is The Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike Right For You?
- FAQs About The Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike
Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike Review
1. My Favorite Features Of The Verde Spectrum 22”
The Verde Spectrum 22” is not some oversized cruiser pretending to be BMX.
And that’s what I like about it.
This isn’t a 26” or 29” bike.
It’s still a BMX.
Just with 22” wheels, more room, and a calmer feel than a regular 20” setup.
The bike feels less cramped, less twitchy and more comfortable when cruising, riding trails, pumping around a bowl or just messing around at spots.
Fun fact: I use my 22″ wheeled BMX bike for street riding, and I absolutely love it. Also, I’m 5’11”.
You don’t lose the fun.
You just gain a little more breathing room.
1.1. Full Chromoly Setup
One of the biggest wins with the Spectrum is that Verde didn’t cheap out on the main structure.
You get:
- 100% chromoly frame
- 100% chromoly fork
- 9” Verde Neyer Pro 100% chromoly bars
That’s exactly what I like to see on a complete BMX in this price range.
The frame also has a CNC machined integrated head tube and a top tube gusset with the Verde logo, which adds strength and gives the bike a cleaner, more premium look.
The fork uses a 2-piece steerer tube, tapered legs and a welded star nut, so the front end feels like it was built with proper BMX riding in mind.
Sure, a little taller handlebars would be nice, but the 9″ is still a nice starting point.
1.2. Proper BMX Cockpit
The Spectrum keeps the front end simple and dialed.
You get:
- 9” Verde Neyer Pro chromoly bars
- Verde Regent CNC top load stem
- 50mm stem reach
- sealed integrated headset
This feels nice and BMX – not cruiser-ish. Not awkward at all!
Just a roomier BMX cockpit that works really well for a 22” bike.
But for this type of bike, I’d likely add a 9.5″ rise bar.
1.3. Strong Wheels & Sealed Bearings
This is another area where the Spectrum looks good.
You get:
- sealed front hub
- sealed rear hub
- double-wall Verde Neutra 22” rims
That’s solid.
The bigger wheels already help the bike roll smoother than a 20”.
Add sealed hubs and double-wall rims, and the Spectrum starts feeling like a complete, ready-for-more-than-just-cruising-around-the-block setup.
Double-wall rims are especially nice to see because 22” BMX riders are still going to hop, manual, carve, hit trails and jump stuff.
Well, at least I would.
Keep in mind, the rims are pinned, so not as strong as welded.
However, I’m now six months riding pinned double-wall rims, and they still hold up nicely. But I do need to tighten the spokes a little more often.
Note: The GMD tires are compatible with a maximum of 65 PSI.
1.4. Drivetrain That Makes Sense
The drivetrain is clean and normal BMX territory.
You get:
- 25/9 gearing
- 170mm Verde Regent 3-piece chromoly cranks
- 19mm sealed mid bottom bracket
I like that Verde didn’t do anything weird here.
The 25/9 gearing keeps it familiar.
The 170mm cranks are a nice all-around length.
And the sealed mid BB is exactly what you want for smoother spinning and lower maintenance.
Would a 22mm bottom bracket be better? Sure. Is it necessary? Not really.
1.5. Two Top Tube Options
Another thing I really like is that Verde gives you two top tube length options:
- 21.75” top tube
- 22.25” XL top tube
That’s awesome.
Those who aren’t super tall but like larger frames and bikes (that’s me) will likely go with the 21.75″ option.
But for the dudes who really need extra room or a super stable bike, the 22.25″ TT will do the trick.
Having both options makes the Spectrum easier to recommend because the sizing isn’t one-size-fits-all.
And when it comes to 22” BMX, fit matters a lot.
GET YOUR VERDE SPECTRUM BIKE NOW!2. Verde Spectrum 21.75” vs 22.25” Top Tube
2.1. Choose The 21.75” Spectrum If You Want A More Playful 22”
The 21.75” top tube version is the one I’d pick if you want a 22” BMX, but still want it to feel somewhat playful.
This version gives you more room than a typical 20” BMX, but it doesn’t go all the way into that extra-long XL feeling.
I’d choose the 21.75” Spectrum if:
- You want a 22” BMX that still feels easier to move around
- You’re coming from a longer 20” BMX
- You ride a mix of park, street, pump tracks, mellow trails and cruising
- You want more comfort than a 20”, but not the biggest setup possible
- You still care about hops, manuals, 180s and messing around on the bike
For many riders, this will be the sweet spot.
GET YOUR VERDE SPECTRUM 21.75″ BIKE NOW!2.2. Choose The 22.25” Spectrum XL If You Want Maximum Room
The 22.25” top tube Spectrum XL is the roomier version.
This is the one I’d look at if you’re taller, want more stability, or just hate that cramped BMX feeling.
I’d choose the 22.25” Spectrum XL if:
- You’re taller
- You want maximum room
- You prefer stability over quickness
- You mostly cruise, ride trails, pump tracks, bowls or longer sessions
- You don’t want your BMX to feel cramped at all
- You want the calmer, more planted 22” feel
3. Verde Spectrum 22” Frame & Geometry
- 14.1” chainstay: This is longer than what you’ll see on many modern 20” freestyle bikes. But on a 22” BMX, that makes sense. The longer chainstay length end helps the bike feel more stable, especially when cruising, riding trails, pumping around bowls or holding manuals.
- 74.5° head tube angle: This is more relaxed than many modern 20” street bikes, which are often around 75° or steeper. That means the Spectrum should feel calmer up front. More stable. More comfortable. Less nervous.
- 71° seat tube angle: Pretty standard BMX territory here. Nothing weird. It keeps the bike feeling familiar if you’re coming from a regular BMX.
- 12.25” bottom bracket height: This is a taller BB height, which works well with the bigger 22” wheels. It helps keep the bike from feeling too low or sluggish. You still get enough clearance and response when hopping, carving and moving the bike around.
- 9.25” standover: I like this because it gives the bike a real BMX look. Not too low. Not awkwardly cruiser-ish. It keeps the frame looking clean and balanced. Still, I’d prefer 9.5″ or even taller, like 9.75″, heck, 10″ standover height!
4. How The Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike Rides & Feels
The bigger wheels roll smoother than 20” wheels, especially over rougher ground, small cracks, sketchy asphalt, dirt paths, pump tracks and trails.
You don’t get that same harsh, choppy feeling you can sometimes get on a smaller 20” bike.
But do we really bother about that? Well, not really. We just get used to it.
And when you ride longer sessions, that extra comfort really starts to matter. Yes, that lower back pain in BMX can actually go away or you’ll feel it less.
The Spectrum should feel great for:
- cruising
- trails
- pump tracks
- bowls
- skateparks
- manuals
- bunny hops
- fakies
- 180s
- mellow street
- longer sessions
This is the kind of bike I’d want if I still wanted to ride BMX but also wanted more comfort and stability.
The 22” wheels, 14.1” chainstay and 74.5° head tube angle all lean toward smooth control rather than twitchy tech riding.
That means the Spectrum feels more stable when carving bowls, pumping transitions, riding trails or cruising around town.
Or going fast!
It should also feel more confidence-friendly when manuals start getting longer, because the bike is not as short and nervous underneath you.
But let’s be honest.
It won’t feel as quick or snappy as a small 20” street bike.
And that’s why I still wish there were a BMX brand that would make a more street-friendly 22″ BMX bike. How cool would that be, right?
Anyway, if you’re used to a steep, short, modern tech setup, the Spectrum will feel calmer. Maybe even a little slower at first.
But from my experience, you get used to it super quickly.
A 22″ wheeled BMX bike is JUST SO MUCH FUN. And it looks better.
GET YOUR VERDE SPECTRUM BIKE NOW!5. Verde Spectrum 22” Pros
- Two top tube options: Verde offers a 21.75” and a 22.25” top tube, making it easier to pick the right fit instead of forcing every rider into one size.
- 100% chromoly frame: Big win. A full chromoly frame is exactly what I want to see on a complete 22” BMX at this level.
- 100% chromoly fork: The fork is also chromoly, which is great because the front end takes a lot of pressure when hopping, carving, landing and riding trails.
- 100% chromoly bars: The bars are chromoly too, so the bike’s main structure feels much more legit.
- Fully sealed front & rear hubs: Sealed hubs are smoother, cleaner and easier to live with. Less maintenance. More riding. Always a plus.
- Double-wall 22” rims: I’m really happy Verde didn’t cheap out here. Double-wall rims are pretty much a must for a bigger BMX.
- Sealed mid bottom bracket: Another proper BMX part that helps the bike feel smoother and more dependable.
- Stealth pivotal seat: Clean look, easy adjustment and way nicer than a basic combo seat setup.
6. Verde Spectrum 22” Cons
- Fewer 22” tire & part options: The 22” BMX world is much smaller than the 20” world. You can still find parts, but you won’t have nearly as many tire, rim and fork options as you do with standard 20” BMX bikes.
- KMC 410 chain is basic: The KMC 410 chain is fine for normal riding, cruising, trails and mellow freestyle. But for a bike this nice, I’d love to see something a little stronger from the start.
- Higher price than many beginner 20” completes: The Spectrum is not a cheap beginner bike. But to be fair, it also isn’t built like one. You’re getting a full chromoly frame, fork and bars, sealed hubs and double-wall rims, so the price makes sense.
- May feel too big for shorter riders: This bike is made for riders who want more room. If you’re shorter, or you already like a compact 20” BMX feel, the Spectrum may feel oversized.
7. Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike Specs, Weight & Price
- Frame: 100% chromoly, 21.75” or 22.25” top tube
- Head tube angle: 74.5°
- Chainstay length: 14.1″
- BB height: 12.25″
- Standover height: 9.25″
- Fork: 100% chromoly fork, tapered legs
- Bars: 9” two-piece bar
- Stem: Verde Regent load stem, 50mm
- Headset: Integrated sealed headset
- Bottom bracket: Sealed Mid BB, 19mm
- Cranks: Verde Regent chromoly cranks (RHD), 170mm
- Sprocket: Verde Recon sprocket, 25T
- Pedals: DUO Brand Resilite plastic pedals
- Rims: Verde Neutra double-wall rims (pinned)
- Front hub: Verde Neutra sealed female front hub
- Rear hub: Verde Neutra sealed cassette hub, 9T driver
- Tires: GMD tires (2.3” front & rear)
- Seat: DUO Waves 1-pc seat & post combo
- Brakes: U-brake with 2-finger lever
- Color: Amber, gloss white
- Weight: 27.6 lbs (12.5 kg)
- Price: $749.99
Conclusion: Is The Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike Right For You?
Yes, I’d recommend the Verde Spectrum 22” BMX bike if you want more room and comfort than a 20” BMX, but still want the fun feel of BMX.
That’s the magic of 22”.
You don’t jump all the way into cruiser territory.
You still get that freestyle feel, but with a smoother ride, more stability and a lot less of that cramped feeling that some riders get on 20” bikes.
The Spectrum works great for:
- taller riders
- older riders
- trail riders
- pump tracks
- bowls
- cruising
- riders choosing between 20” BMX and cruiser sizes
Since switching to a 22” BMX myself, I totally understand why this size is getting more love.
It’s still fun.
Still playful.
Still BMX.
Just a bit more forgiving.
But I’ll also say this: if you ride super technical street, love a tiny/snappy setup, or want the fastest-spinning BMX feel possible, stick with a 20”.
That’s where 20” bikes still win.
However, if you want a roomy BMX that still feels playful, the Verde Spectrum 22” BMX bike is definitely worth checking out.
Just pick the 21.75” or 22.25” TT based on how much space you want.
GET YOUR VERDE SPECTRUM BIKE NOW!FAQs About The Verde Spectrum 22” BMX Bike
Is the Verde Spectrum 22” BMX bike good?
Yes, the Verde Spectrum 22” BMX bike is good if you want a roomier BMX that still feels like BMX.
It has a 100% chromoly frame, fork and bars, sealed hubs, double-wall rims and two top tube options.
Who is the Verde Spectrum 22” for?
The Verde Spectrum 22” is for riders who want more room, more stability and more comfort than a standard 20” BMX.
What is the difference between the 21.75” and 22.25” Verde Spectrum?
The main difference is the top tube length.
The 21.75” Verde Spectrum should feel a little more playful and easier to move around. The 22.25” Verde Spectrum XL gives you more room and stability.
Is a 22” BMX better than a 20” BMX?
A 22” BMX is not always better than a 20” BMX.
It’s just different.
A 22” BMX gives you more room, smoother rolling and more stability. A 20” BMX feels quicker, smaller and snappier for technical tricks.
Is the Verde Spectrum 22” good for taller riders?
Yes, the Verde Spectrum 22” is a great option for taller riders.
The bigger wheels and longer top tube options give you more room than a standard 20” BMX, without jumping all the way to a 26” or 29” cruiser.
Can you do tricks on a 22” BMX bike?
Yes, you can do tricks on a 22” BMX bike.
You can still bunny hop, manual, 180, fakie, ride bowls, hit pump tracks, ride trails and mess around on mellow street. You can even do more advanced tricks; they might just require a little more effort initially.
Is the Verde Spectrum 22” good for trails?
Yes, the Verde Spectrum 22” should be a great fit for trails.
The 22” wheels roll smoother, the 14.1” chainstay adds stability, and the more relaxed 74.5° head tube angle helps the bike feel calmer at speed.
Is the Verde Spectrum 22” good for street riding?
The Verde Spectrum 22” is good for mellow street riding.
It works for cruising, manuals, hops, fakies, 180s and casual spot riding. But if you mostly ride technical street with quick spins, nose tricks and tight ledge lines, a 20” BMX will probably feel better.
Is the Verde Spectrum 22” full chromoly?
Yes, the Verde Spectrum 22” has a 100% chromoly frame, 100% chromoly fork and 100% chromoly bars.
How much does the Verde Spectrum 22” weigh?
The Verde Spectrum 22” is listed at 27.6 lbs.
Is the Verde Spectrum 22” worth the money?
Yes, the Verde Spectrum 22” is worth the money if you want a roomy BMX with proper parts.
You get full chromoly frame, fork and bars, sealed hubs, double-wall rims, 22” wheels and two top tube options.
GET YOUR VERDE SPECTRUM BIKE NOW!Check out my other 22″ BMX bike reviews if you’re searching for more options:
