Are DK BMX Bikes Good?

Hailing from the streets of Dayton, Ohio, Dad and Kids, otherwise known as DK Bicycles, is a famous BMX bike brand in the US and beyond. The company generally makes freestyle, racing, and cruiser BMX bikes. But are DK BMX bikes good?

DK BMX bikes are good because they are strongly built, fun to ride, quality in specs, and lightweight. Furthermore, they are available in various frames and styles and are usually affordable.

Those are some reasons why buying a DK BMX bike makes sense. Overall, the company makes BMX bikes that target entry-level bikers, intermediates, and advanced-level racers and freestylers.

Mark You, there are choices even for kids. But like every other BMX brand, DK Bicycles has a few shortcomings which may plant worries in some customers.

So, I’ll highlight these concerns to help you weigh them against the good to decide if the street bikes are worth it.

In a rush? See my most recommended DK BMX bikes on the hotlist below:

5 Best DK BMX Bikes On the Market

Aura 20: Best 20-inch Freestyle BMX Bike
Helio 24: Best 24-inch Freestyle BMX Bike
Sprinter Pro 20: Best 20-inch Racing BMX Bike
Zenith Disc Cruiser 24: Best 24-inch Racing BMX Bike
Aura 14: Best Kids DK BMX Bike

Company History

DK Bicycles has an interesting origin that inspires everyone who learns about it. It all began in 1979 when a kid from Dayton, Ohio, named Bill Danishek, wouldn’t stop breaking his BMX bike stem.

His father, Charlie, would sympathize with him, and being a toolmaker, Charlie decided to make his son a BMX stem that wouldn’t break.

Fortunately, it worked, and every other kid from the neighborhood with a BMX bike wanted the stem. So, they approached Charlie, and since he was passionate about BMXing because of his son, he decided to start a company he named ‘Dad and Kids’, or simply DK.

That’s how DK Bicycles the brand was born, and it’s now one of the best BMX bike brands in the United States.

DK BMX bikes are recognized for their innovative designs and high-quality specs, making them just as competitive as other leading BMX brands.

Not only does DK make BMX bikes, but they also make and sell bike frames, spare parts, and cycling accessories. So, they are a one-stop-shop for BMX bikes and BMX bike products.

Why Are DK BMX Bikes Good?

DK BMX bikes are essentially good because of these reasons:

1. The Bikes Are Strongly Built

DK Bicycles widely employs hi-ten and Chromoly steel on its bike frames which promise utmost strength. The manufacturer also uses hi-ten steel on the fork, handlebars, steering, tubes, and seat post to robustly build the bike.

Other parts feature alloy, which also promises strength and impact resistance. As a result, these BMX bikes can take all the physical abuse and aggression of BMXing.

2. The Bikes Are Fun to Ride

DK BMX bicycles are pretty fun to ride. For one, they come in simple designs to accommodate different riders, and their single-speed drivetrain is as simple as you can get.

The pedals, handlebars, and brakes feel comfortable. Both pros and entry-level BMX enthusiasts find them fun to ride because of their simplicity.

3. The Manufacturer Employs Quality Specs

DK Bicycles is a quality BMX bike brand, and part of that is because they are picky when it comes to putting the components together.

The manufacturer employs quality brakes, cranks, chains, forks, tires, stems, grips, to name a few. Though some of these specs are not high-end, they are pretty decent for what you pay for the BMX.

4. The Bikes Are Lightweight

Though the manufacturer predominantly employs steel on the bikes, the bikes don’t feel heavy. Quite the contrary, most of them are lightweight and maneuverable, explaining why they are ideal for racing and stunts.

Most standard size (20-inch) DK BMX bicycles weigh under 27 pounds which is not a lot.

5. Wide Range of Sizes

DK ensures they make bikes for everyone. In that case, they make each bike in multiple wheel sizes such as 14-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch, and 26-inch, and that’s not all.

They also make them multiple frame sizes to accommodate BMX riders of different heights. Here’s a table, for example, matching the various DK BMX frames with recommendable heights.

Frame Size	Rider’s Height	Rider’s Age (Years)
Micro	3’6”-4’2”	4-5
Mini	4’0”-4’7”	5-7
Junior	4’5”-4’11”	7-9
Expert	4’8”-5’5”	9-11
Expert XL	5’3”-5’7”	10-13
Pro	5’6”-6’0”	13+
Pro XL	5’9”-6’0”	13+
Pro XXL	5’11”+	13+
Cruiser	5’9”+	13+

6. The Manufacturers Makes Different BMX Styles

DK specializes in freestyle and racing BMX bikes. Freestyle BMX bikes are best for performing stunts on street and dirt racing.

Under racing BMX, DK has the Sprinter Series for those focused on-track racing, while the Professional Series is for those at the premier BMX racing level.

There is also the Swift Series and the Zenith Series. The Swift Series is for BMX racers looking for affordable in-road casual options.

However, the pinnacle is the Zenith Series, which represents the most technologically advanced BMX racing series. Bikes in this class cost over $2,000, making them 3-4 times costlier than most DK series.

7. The Options Are Affordable

Affordability is the rule of the game when it comes to DK BMX bicycles, and you can tell that from the bike ranges.

The only expensive bikes are the Professional Series and Zenith Racing Bikes, which average more than $1,500. Others cost under $750 and some even under $330. So, when it comes to the most budget-friendly BMX bikes, DK cuts.

The Drawbacks That Come with DK BMX Bikes

While the advantages of buying a DK BMX are apparent, a few concerning issues are worth knowing beforehand. They include the following:

Short-term Warranty – Unfortunately, steel and Chromoly DK BMX frames have a 12-month warranty, while aluminum options have six months. That’s is short-term and under par for a brand that dates to 1979.
Fewer High-end Options – Though DK makes some high-end BMX bikes, the options are fewer. Their primary focus is the entry-level market, targeting budget buyers who cannot afford high-end BMX bikes.
Limited Freestyle Line – Unlike the racing bike line, where there are at least four series, it’s hard to tell what freestyle bike series to go for, depending on your experience level. The range is narrower and often does not favor premier-level BMX freestylers.

DK BMX Bike Review

DK Bicycles make and sell these three types of BMX bikes:

Freestyle BMX bikes
Racing BMX bikes
Kids BMX bikes

Let’s review them:

Are DK Freestyle BMX Bikes Good?

DK doesn’t have many options for freestyle BMX, but the few on its lineup count for something. Overall, DK freestyle BMX bicycles are budget bikes, averaging under $750.

The bikes come in different wheel sizes, with the most popular choices being 20-inch and 24-inch. 20-inch DK BMX bicycles are the most comfortable to ride. These bikes are strongly built and come in a compact size for easy execution of stunts on the streets.

They are unique and stylish and come in all frame sizes. An option like Aura 20 is perfect for a pro-level freestyler.

24-inch BMX bikes, on the other hand, target slightly taller riders. They are as stylish, strong, and fun to ride as their 20-inch siblings. You can tell that from an option like Helio 24.

This 24-inch DK BMX cycle comes in two stunning color schemes and features solid 24-inch wheels and a compact frame for easy stunts execution.

Are DK Racing BMX Bikes Good?

DK flourishes in the racing BMX sector and the freestyle market as they offer many options. Entry-level budget freestylers can go for the swift series, and track racers can go for the Swift Series.

Professional BMX racers can settle for the Professional Series as those at the premier level go for the technologically advanced Zenith Disc Series.

An option like the Sprinter Pro is a perfect standard choice (20-inch) for pro-level sprinters. It has an ideal racing geometry for fast riding and comes on a budget.

Premier-level freestylers, however, can go for an option like the Zenith Disc Cruiser 24, which has disc brakes.

Everything about it is high-end, which explains its overall build quality and preparedness to take on the streets at the highest professional level.

Are DK Kids BMX Bikes Good?

DK makes and sells some decent kids’ BMX bikes which come in an array of wheel sizes such as 14-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch.

Older kids can even ride 20-inch options, especially if they are 13 years and above. The good thing about DK kids BMX bikes is their simplicity, build quality, and affordability.

You’ll get these bikes for under $500, but they are as strong as high-end options, easy to maintain, and fun to ride. No cycle illustrates this better than the Aura 14.

This 14-inch BMX bike is for passionate young BMX riders looking for the next step after outgrowing a balance bike.

The bike comes in a lightweight 6061 aluminum frame, 6-inch rise alloy handlebar, and single wall alloy rims to feel comfortable for the kid yet strong enough to take on the abuse.