BMX race pants for adults and kids
BMX race pants protect your legs when you fall on the track and leave your knees free to move over the jumps and through the berms. In competition, they are required: one piece, tear-resistant material and legs covered down to the shoes. Compare adult and kids' models, their reinforcements and their ventilation, then choose your size leaving room for knee pads.
Why specific pants for BMX?
BMX racing takes place on a packed-dirt track, with a start gate, jumps and berms: falls are part of learning. BMX pants are designed to withstand slides without tearing and to follow the rider's movements, standing on the pedals from start to finish. They protect the skin from abrasion, cover knee pads and stop the fabric from getting caught in the drivetrain. Tracksuit bottoms or everyday trousers, too fragile or too loose, fulfil none of these roles.
What do BMX racing rules say?
UCI regulations, which govern international BMX racing, set out the clothing required in competition. Long pants must be of one-piece construction, made of tear-resistant material, and cover both legs entirely down to just above the shoe or ankle. They must be of a type specifically designed and sold for BMX racing, motocross or downhill mountain biking; custom-made pants meeting these requirements are also allowed.
- Tight-fitting stretch pants are not allowed as an outer layer, as such material is not considered tear-resistant; they may only be worn underneath compliant pants or shorts.
- Shorts are allowed, provided they are designed for the discipline, made of tear-resistant material and worn with protection covering the whole knee and the whole shin down to just above the ankle; knee-only protection is not accepted.
- The rest of the kit includes a long-sleeved jersey down to the wrists, separate from the pants since one-piece suits are not allowed, gloves covering the fingertips and a full face helmet.
National federations and clubs may add their own requirements: before a competition, always check the current rules with your club or federation.
Fabrics, reinforcements and cut: what makes good BMX pants
BMX race pants use stretchy synthetic fabrics, often four-way stretch, that follow the flexing of the knee without pulling at the waist. The most exposed areas get reinforcements: pre-shaped knees, lined to take a knee pad, and a seat and rear in thicker fabric. Perforations or mesh panels on the thighs provide ventilation during the effort. The waist adjusts with a ratchet, buckle or hook-and-loop strap, with silicone inserts that keep the pants in place, and the leg cuff is tapered to stay clear of the chainring. Motocross pants are based on the same principles, which explains why several brands here come from motorised off-road sport.
How do you choose the size of BMX pants?
BMX race pants often use the motocross size chart: numbered sizes, such as 24, 26 or 28, roughly correspond to the waist measurement in inches, one inch being 2.54 cm. Charts vary from one brand to another, so measure your waist and inside leg, then compare with the manufacturer's table. Try the pants on with the knee pads you wear on the track: they should cover them without being tight at the knee in a crouched position. For a fast-growing child, an adjustable waist leaves a little margin without the pants slipping down.
Completing the BMX rider's kit
The pants are worn with a long-sleeved BMX jersey, cut looser than a road jersey. Hands are protected with full-finger BMX gloves, and the head with a full face BMX helmet, paired with goggles. BMX shoes with a sole suited to your pedals complete the equipment gathered in BMX gear.
BMX pants brands
Fly Racing, which comes from motocross in the United States, offers the Rayce for BMX and mountain biking, in adult and kids' sizes: stretch fabric, reinforced knees pre-shaped for a knee pad, laser-cut vents and a tapered leg cuff.
Kenny, a French brand born in the Amiens area and originally specialising in motocross, also kits out BMX riders with the Prolight and Elite pants and the Bike Track shorts.
Evolve, a French brand focused on BMX racing, developed its SI2 pants with an elite rider: four-way stretch fabric, knee reinforcements and perforations on the thighs, in adult and kids' versions.
Shot Race Gear, a French motocross and enduro gear brand, offers adult and kids' pants, such as the Airy, as well as shorts.
BMX pants on sale
Kit from previous seasons, often in colours that will not be repeated, moves to BMX clearance. The latest pants listed appear in new arrivals. The return of club training, the seasonal sales and Black Friday are the right times to kit out a young rider.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ride BMX in jeans?
For a first try and for training, thick jeans protect better than tracksuit bottoms. In competition, UCI regulations require pants specifically designed and sold for BMX racing, motocross or downhill mountain biking, in tear-resistant material: BMX race pants are the right solution from the very first races.
Shorts or pants for BMX racing?
Long pants are the most common choice. UCI regulations also allow shorts designed for the discipline, worn with protection covering the whole knee and shin down to just above the ankle; national rules may differ, so check them before racing.
Are motocross pants suitable for BMX?
Yes, the rules accept pants designed for motocross. They are often heavier and warmer, though: a model designed for cycling, lighter and better ventilated, is more pleasant on a BMX track where the effort is intense.
Should you wear knee pads under your pants?
It is strongly recommended, and that is why BMX race pants have pre-shaped knees. Choose thin, flexible knee pads that do not hinder pedalling, and check that they stay in place under the fabric.
How do you care for BMX pants?
Brush off dry dirt before washing, close the hook-and-loop straps and zips, then wash at a low temperature without fabric softener. Let them air-dry: the heat of a tumble dryer damages the stretch fibres and the prints.
