What makes a bmx bike

The wheels are usually either "mag" wheels made of sturdy nylon far left in the photo below , or heavy-duty models with 48 wire spokes. The tires are 20 x 2. Axle pegs are often included riders stand on them for stunts , although some manufacturers leave them off so you can choose your own. Freestyle bikes come with front and rear brakes. The front cable is routed through a "rotor" or "detangler," which allows the handlebars to be spun completely around without tangling the brake cable.

Dirt Jumper: As the name implies, dirt jumpers also known as jumpers are designed for taking flight. They also bridge the wide gap between BMX bikes and freestylers beefier than the former; lighter than the latter.

They usually don't have front brakes and their brawny wheels normally feature 36 rugged gauge spokes, rather than resorting to 48 spokes the way freestyle bikes do. They are occasionally equipped with inch wheels, which are a great choice for larger riders. The tires are the most heavily treaded of any of the BMX types. There are some important parts choices to make when purchasing a BMX bike:. Wheels: It's crucial that the wheels meet your needs.

Because accelerating out of starting gates is important in BMX, the wheels are much lighter than those found on freestyle or jump bikes. However, that spoke light aluminum wheelset designed for BMX racing won't hold up to dirt jumping or ramping. So, freestyle bikes come almost exclusively with spoke or mag wheels. This makes them ultra-beefy for maximum rim protection. Dirt jumper's wheels tend to be a bit more varied. Some dirt jumpers are equipped with just 36 super-meaty gauge spokes.

Others come with 48 spokes like freestyle bikes, depending on whether the bike is geared more for jumping or dirt riding. Tires: BMX tires straddle the line between pavement and dirt designs. Although they're used mostly off road, the tracks are often hard-packed dirt where low rolling resistance is important.

The tread has to provide optimum speed and traction and grip when you're cornering and accelerating. Freestyle tires are designed for pavement and indoor surfaces. Premium tires often inflate to higher pressures as well, lowering rolling resistance, increasing rim protection and decreasing tire deflection when the sidewalls are placed under high loads such as during landings. From being a normal bike, BMX bikes have evolved into racer bikes which can compete in different areas of racing and biking.

From adventures to mountain biking, BMX bikes are manufactured to fulfill a full-fledged list of competitions with bikes. On a normal gaze, a BMX bike may look ordinary to you, small and strong. But there is a significant difference in every aspect which only an expert may gauge.

You may take a look at the 20 inch bike tire and assume that the bike may be heavy as an ordinary bike with wider tires. The tire of the BMX bike has a shorter tube which acts as an advantage. The frame of the wheel is also small which substantially reduces the weight of the BMX bike. While the regular bikes are suitable for driving at speed, they fail to impress when it comes to performing stunts. Unlike these bikes, BMX bikes can be used for jumps and tricks as they are much lighter than ordinary bikes.

Durability is the other aspect of judging any bike for purchase. The regular bikes may undergo wear and tear in harsher terrain and can be only used on plain areas and dedicated lanes. This is not the case with BMX bikes. Designed to create an impactful performance, these bikes are robust in their make and can withstand irregular terrain, jumps, and strain.

This is the primary reason that BMX bikes are preferred over regular bikes. Using Aluminium, steel and its alloys as the material for bike frame give different BMX bikes a different rate of durability. The brakes of any bikes are very important for their operation. Before purchasing a bike we check out the braking system and the brake cables. Normally, these cables are arranged regularly on every bike. It should ensure that the two-wheeler you pick is a hit with your child.

If you're still not sure, keep in mind that most bicycle retailers will happily exchange gift bikes if they haven't been used. Ask about this before buying the bike to double check. A dirt-ready quick-handling, race-worthy, rugged bike. Knobby tires, lightweight frame and parts, strong rear brake. Everything from around-town riding to short off-road rides to full-on dirt-track BMX racing. Ultra-beefy frame and wheels, pavement-ready tires, cable-detangling headset, axle pegs. Riding at skateparks, learning and performing stunts and tricks.

Sturdy frame and wheels, rear brake, knobby tires. Carving local trails, jumping ramps in your friend's back yard. BMX bikes are generally made of reliable chromoly steel or aluminum. Chromoly frames are a bit heavier and more economical. Aluminum frames are lighter and are often made of oversize or exotically shaped tubing.

Besides weighing less, aluminum is also rustproof. So, if the frame gets scratched, there's no need to rush to touch it up. BMX bikes also come in different frame sizes. The chart below shows the approximate fit based on rider age. Final fitting is best performed by the bicycle shop. Longer top tube than Junior, mm cranks, 20 x 1.