Radio Saiko 20" complete BMX review

Full review

The Saiko is Radio's compact freestyle bike, and its 19.25 inch top tube makes it a very good first proper BMX for teenagers, smaller adults and older kids outgrowing a bike like the Wipe 500. It is clearly set up for riding rather than just looking the part: a chromoly down tube, a fork with a chromoly steerer, and three-piece tubular chromoly cranks with 8-spline spindles.

The weight is listed at 11.9 kg, which is noticeably lighter than the entry-level bikes in this group, and the 13.2 inch rear end keeps it manoeuvrable for manuals and spins. The 2.35 inch Salt Tracer tyres give reasonable grip and cushioning on concrete and gravel. A 25-tooth sprocket with a 9-tooth cassette driver is the standard gear for park and street.

There is a rear U-brake and, as with other bikes of this type, no front brake. The rear hub is a semi-sealed cassette, which is fine for learning but is less durable than the fully sealed hubs on pricier bikes. Radio does not give a rider height range, so use the top tube and compare with your current bike. It is also not suitable for tall adults, who should look at the Kink Curb or a Wethepeople.

Pegs are not included. For a first serious BMX at a fair price, it is a good all-round bike for park and local street spots.