Are Throne Bikes Good? An Honest Review of the Goon 29" BMX

Throne Cycles didn't invent the 29" BMX category, but the Goon 29 is arguably the bike that pushed it into the mainstream conversation. It shows up everywhere from wheelie edits to street riding clips, and the hype is loud enough that it's fair to ask: does the bike actually back it up?

We took a close look at the frame, components, and real-world riding characteristics of the Goon 29 to answer that honestly — no marketing fluff, just what the bike actually delivers.

Build Quality

4.5 / 5

Ride Feel

4.5 / 5

Versatility

4.5 / 5

Value

4 / 5

What Exactly Is the Throne Goon 29?

The Goon 29 is Throne Cycles' answer to a simple question: what happens when you take BMX geometry — poppable, agile, built for tricks — and put it on a 29" wheel? The result is a bike that rolls over cracks, curbs, and rough pavement far more smoothly than a 20" BMX, while keeping the playful, front-wheel-friendly handling that wheelie and street riders want.

The line was developed with input from wheelie bike figure BlocBoi Fame, and that influence shows in the frame's big-yoke design, which is built specifically to keep the bike stable and controllable while the front wheel is up.

Under the Hood: Goon 29 Specs

That fixed/freewheel flexibility is worth pausing on — it means one frame platform can be set up brakeless for street riding, geared toward dirt and trail use, or run as a straightforward freewheel cruiser depending on how you build it out. 

Three Things the Goon 29 Gets Right

1. It Rides Bigger Than It Looks

The 29" wheels genuinely change how the bike absorbs rough terrain compared to a standard-sized BMX. Cracks, expansion joints, and rough asphalt that would rattle a 20" frame barely register here. If you're cross-shopping wheel sizes, it's worth a look through BMX bikes by size to see how the Goon 29 stacks up against smaller adult options.

2. The Frame Holds Up

The 6061-T6 alloy frame and TIG welds feel purpose-built rather than budget-cut. For riders who want to compare frame construction across brands before committing, browsing BMX frames gives a good sense of what "durable" actually means at different price points.

3. It's a Platform, Not Just a Bike

Because the drivetrain can be reconfigured — fixed, freewheel, brakeless, or geared — the Goon 29 adapts as your riding style evolves instead of locking you into one setup. Riders who want to upgrade further usually start with the drivetrain and wheel categories to fine-tune performance for their specific riding style.

Where It Comes Up Short

1. Brake Setup Depends on the Build

Not every Goon 29 edition ships with hydraulic brakes — some fixed-gear versions rely on a rear brake or cantilever setup only. If strong stopping power matters to you, confirm the brake spec on the exact edition you're buying, or plan ahead with an upgraded braking system.

2. Size and Weight Aren't for Everyone

A 29" wheel and 810mm bars make for a bigger bike overall. Shorter riders or anyone who rides mainly in tight indoor parks may find a smaller-wheeled freestyle BMX easier to throw around.

3. Limited Colorways Move Fast

Several of the standout Goon 29 editions are limited releases, so if a specific look catches your eye, don't expect it to sit in stock for long.

Who Actually Benefits From This Bike?

• Wheelie and urban riders who want stability while riding the front wheel

• Adults and taller riders who've outgrown a traditional 20" BMX

• Street and dirt riders who want the option to run brakeless or geared setups

• Anyone upgrading from a smaller cruiser and wanting better rollover without losing BMX agility

It's a poor fit for riders focused purely on tight, technical park tricks — that crowd is usually better served by a traditional 20" freestyle frame. Comparing options under BMX bikes by type makes that distinction easy to see. 

Final Take: Does the Goon 29 Live Up to the Hype?

Mostly, yes. The Goon 29 is a well-constructed, genuinely versatile bike that earns its reputation rather than riding purely on branding. The frame feels durable, the ride quality on rough streets is a real upgrade over a standard 20" BMX, and the ability to reconfigure the drivetrain gives it staying power as your riding evolves.

The caveats are minor but real: brake setups vary by build, it's a bigger bike that won't suit every rider, and the most eye-catching colorways don't stick around long. If those trade-offs fit how and where you ride, the Goon 29 is one of the stronger options in the 29" BMX category right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size wheels does the Throne Goon 29 have?

29" double-wall wheels, which give it noticeably better rollover ability than a standard 20" BMX bike.

Is the Goon 29 good for beginners?

It can work for beginners interested in wheelie or street riding, though its larger size and wide handlebars make it better suited to riders who are at least comfortable balancing on two wheels already.

Does the Throne Goon 29 have gears?

Most builds are single-speed or fixed-gear, though the flip-flop hub setup on some editions lets you switch between fixed and freewheel configurations.

Can you ride the Goon 29 brakeless?

Yes, several fixed-gear builds are designed to be run brakeless, freewheel, or geared for dirt and street riding, depending on how you set it up.

What's the frame made of?

A TIG-welded 6061-T6 alloy frame with a 5" yoke, paired with a 1 1/8" Cr-Mo fork.

Is the Goon 29 better than a traditional 20" BMX?

Not universally better — it trades some of the tight maneuverability of a 20" BMX for smoother rollover and a more adult-friendly fit. Which one is "better" depends on your riding style and body size.

Are all Goon 29 builds the same?

No. Specs like brakes, hub type, and tire width vary between editions, so it's worth comparing the exact build sheet before buying.

Is the Throne Goon 29 worth the price?

For riders in its target category — wheelie, street, and urban cruising — most reviewers and owners consider the build quality and versatility a fair trade for the price point.

What riders is the Goon 29 NOT ideal for?

Riders focused on tight technical park tricks, or shorter riders who prefer a more compact frame, will likely get more out of a traditional 20" freestyle BMX.