The Total Killabee and the Stranger Level might come up as heavily discounted BMX bikes while you are shopping for a new ride. I’m here to tell you that I do not recommend either of these bikes. Both came out extremely overpriced and took advantage of BMX riders who needed a new bike. Now they are paying with heavy discounts.
Requesting a Free BMX Bike Recommendation is the best way to find the right bike.
About Each Bike
First, let’s take a look at what the manufacturer has to say about each bike. Each brand has a unique way to talk about their bike and I always have fun reading them and calling them out on their BS when need be.
About the Total Killabee BMX bike
The 2021 Total Killabee BMX Bike is X-Games gold medalist Kyle Baldock’s signature model. Kyle wanted to have an entry-level model intended to help riders on their journey from amateur to future pro, so Total used geometry and styling cues from Kyle’s signature aftermarket frame and parts and put them in a more affordable package. (this bike was originally $550 for a fully hi-tensile steel bike with unsealed bearings)
About the Stranger Level BMX Bike
The Stranger Level CS BMX Bike will take your riding to new heights. Utilizing a combination of high-tensile and chromoly steel throughout, this build can handle the tough falls and hard landings that come with learning new tricks. Fully sealed bearings create a ride that is buttery and reliable, as well as requiring less maintenance. Primo V Monster tires keep traction while ripping around the bowl and shredding through the streets. Included on this model are plastic pedals, nylon hub guards, and the Primo Omniguard sprocket unlocking grinding and pedal slide potential. Get out there and take your riding to the next Level.
Price, Size, and Functionality
| Total Killabee | Judging Factor | Stranger Level |
|---|---|---|
| $549 | Price | $539 – $599 |
| 25.9 LBS | Weight | 🏆 25 LBS |
| 1 | Size Options | 1 |
| 3 | Color Options | 3 |
| Yes | Core BMX Brand | Yes |
| None | Utility Factor | 🏆 Yes (fc option) |
Price
Both bikes came out close to the same price. Both bikes went on super sale after no one bought them. The $500+ price tag for either of these bikes is extremely overpriced. On the Stranger Level, the $599 price is for the freetoaster version.
Weight
Riding a lighter bike will give you the ability to maneuver the bike. A light bike should be the goal of every BMX rider as long as it does not sacrifice quality.
The Stranger Level is almost a point lighter than the Total Killabee, so the Stranger will get a point here.
Size Options
Having options is essential so that riders can ensure the bike they get will help them progress. Both bikes only have one size option so the target rider for each bike is narrowed down.
Color Options
Both of these bikes have three different color options to choose from. Having color options will help you find a bike that you really appreciate.
Core BMX Brands
I like to support bike companies that give back to the economy. Both Stranger and Total are brands that do a lot for BMX and for the BMX economy.
Utility of the bikes
The Stranger Level has a freecoaster version so it will score a utility point here. Bikes that have a specific utility are more unique in a sea of bland BMX bikes.
Quality & Value
| Total Killabee | Judging Factor | Stranger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-Tensile | Frame Quality | 🏆 Teeny tiny bit of Chromoly |
| Hi-Tensile | Fork Quality | Hi-Tensile |
| Hi-Tensile | Bar Quality | Hi-Tensile |
| Double Wall 🏆 | Rim Quality | Single Wall |
| 0 | # Aftermarket Parts | 🏆 4 |
| 3.375 🏆 | Quality Score | 2.5 |
| 6.14 🏆 | Value Factor | 4.64 |
Frame Quality
The Total Killabee is a fully hi-tensile steel bike. This bike will not last as a rider progresses as the description suggests. The Stranger Level is not much better as it only has a chromoly downtube which is essentially useless.
The Stranger has more chromoly in the frame and will therefore score a point.
Fork Quality
Both forks on these bikes are hi-tensile steel. Forks like this will bend upon impact from tricks and drops. They are particularly annoying for riders who weigh over 150lbs.
Bar Quality
Both of these bikes have low quality hi-tensile steel bars. Similar to the forks, these bars will not last very long and will bend even faster if the rider weighs over 150 lbs.
Rim Quality
The Total Killabee bike is interesting because it comes with double wall rims. I’d argue that these are junk double wall rims… but double-wall nonetheless. The Stranger Level has weak single wall rims.
The Total Killabee earns a point here for the double wall rims.
Aftermarket Parts
This was a disaster for the Killabee since it had 0 aftermarket parks. Every part is mass-produced and low quality. The Stranger Level has parts that are better quality and available for purchase separately as upgrades for a bike.
Total Killabee: 0 aftermarket parts
Stranger Level: 4 aftermarket parts
The Stanger Level will earn a point here for having more aftermarket parts thank the Killabee
Quality Score
It was a close one here, but only because of how highly double wall rims are weighted in the algorithm, the Total Killabee earned a 3.37 quality score. While the Stranger Level only earned a 2.75. Like I said earlier, I do not recommend either of these bikes.
Value Score
The Total Killabee is a better value bike because of the better quality and the equal price to the Stranger Level. But compared to just about any other $500+ bike, the Killabee is a total failure.
Winner
Even though the Killabee is better quality, the Stranger Level won and will move on. The Level Scored 4 points and the Killabee only scored 3. I wish I could have eliminated both bikes.
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The Stranger Level is better than the Total Killabee because:
- It weighs less
- It has a FC option
- It has a better quality frame
- It has more aftermarket parts
