I rode BMX as a younger teen for a few years. I’m now 26 and deciding to pick it up again as a casual hobby. I don’t want to spend too much money on it straight away but want a basically capable bike.
These bikes are listed at my local BMX shop and the owner was a very skilled rider back in his day / generally knows a lot about the sport and kit. Are either of them worth buying?
I’m 5’11, 80kg.
*TRIBAL TRAP V2*
Where it all gets Great, this mid-range bike is STACKED with important upgrades that really make the upsell worth far more than every penny! This is one of the best priced bikes in existence right now for the money. The v2 features improved Geometry and Better Tyres!
Range Level – mid Level skatepark/dirt/street Model
Defining Features
Right off the bat this bike features huge upgrades from the next model below it (Spear) such as the fully sealed Headset & bottom bracket bearings which to you means less maintenance, less adjustment and more time riding the bike. Sealed bearings are easier to replace and last longer anyway, a simple MUST have for anyone trying to ride as much as possible. This in-turn upgrades the frame aesthetics also.
Other such upgrades include popular 3-piece cranks for extra strength, ease of maintenance and tabs pre-drilled to upgrade the braking system to a gyro setup if you wish!
This also comes with the wide 2.4 tyres, 25-9T pro gearing, pro-design frame and a top loading stem. This is one of our best selling bikes.
Height range – 12+ years old (minimum) 4'8" – 5'10" tall
Specification
Pro designed frame
Threadless forks
Fat 2.4” Tyres
25 / 9 pro gearing
one piece seat / post set up
Rear U brake
36 spoke wheels
Mid Bb
Three piece pro type reinforced crank
Technical
Frame top tube size = 20.5"
Head Tube Angle = 75.5°
Seat Post diameter = 25.4mm
Complete bike weight built = 27.1lb
Wheel size = 20"
*TRIBAL DRAGON*
When you need a bike with more hardy materials and really want to take things to the next level, the Dragon is there with upgrades such as frame material improvements and wheel upgrades that will leave you with a lighter, stronger and longer running bike.
Range Level – Upper Mid Level skatepark/dirt/street Model
Defining Features
The main upgrades here are things you cannot really see such as the materials used to make the frame + wheels. Using pure pro grade materials such as 4130 chromoly to make the frame giving you a longer lasting/lighter bike. The wheels also have dual wall rims which stops spoke heads from puncturing tubes whilst vastly increasing wheel strength against dents/bends….these are real upgrades that make all the difference.
This also comes with the goodies of the other bikes in the range from wide 2.4 tyres, 25-9T pro gearing, pro-design frame, 3 piece tubular cranks, pre drilled frame for gyro brake, Sealed headset & bottom Bracket, high rise bars, one piece seat/post.
Height range – 13+ years old (minimum) 4'9" – 5'10" tall
Features
Pro designed frame / 4130 Chromoly Downtube
Threadless forks
Sealed bearing integrated headset
Fat 2.4” Tyres
25t Chainwheel
3 piece 4130 Chromoly crank
Rear U brake
36mm Double wall rims 36 hole
9t rear hub unsealed bearings
Sealed Mid BB
Three piece pro type reinforced crank
Technical specification:
Frame Top Tube Length = 20.65"
Head Tube Angle 75.5°
Seat Post Diameter = 25.4mm
Wheel size = 20"
Complete bike weight built = 27.1lb
by Desperate-Rest-268
6 Comments
I am unfamilar with the label- but if the dragon is full 4130 that’s not the worst thing. It also appears they use standard part sizing instead of the crazy propietary shit mafia uses, so that’s a plus.
Edit- just read more- pass. Unsealed bearings and it’s NOT full 4130. That’s very entry level.
I have the tribal trap red and black, honestly: performs perfect for an entry to moderate class of riding, holds up well, lightweight, and its very well geometrically structured. The only problem I encountered was the sprocket, stock parts bend easily, (what can u ask from stock though) easy replace though. Id recommend
Just saw that Tribal Dragon on AlansBMX , I can’t speak for the brand as I’ve never heard of Tribal but from the details it’s really decent for the price.
Edit: the site I used has it down wrong only the downtube of the frame is 4130 you really want full frame/forks/bars in 4130 chromoly.
Have a look for used if the price point is firm or expect to pay an extra 150 or so and get one from a well known brand like Fly, Kink, WTP, Sunday or Cult.
Not really no, these are mostly play toy bikes that look like bmx bikes. Tribal is owned now by backyard bmx, so it’s a basic bike really for kids at best.
Check around for used sales, fb market place etc, you’ll find something decent for your budget there over this
Look on Marketplace or EBay. Sometimes you can find really good deals on better bikes with better parts.
