BMX
While mountain bikes and road bikes seem to lead the popularity race, BMX bikes follow closely behind. This cycling sport, also known as bicycle motocross, involves racing and performing stunts, either recreationally or competitively. These bikes are simple in their design and operation but are capable of handling loads and tackling terrains that other bikes can’t.
Once regarded as a niche market or offshoot of traditional bicycles, BMX bikes have evolved to accommodate a wide range of styles and riding formats for riders of all skill levels. Racers who liked to push their bikes' stylistic limits created BMX Freestyle which is now one of the most popular events in several extreme sports competitions in the United States like the ETNIES backyard jam and yearly Summer X Games Extreme Sports contest. Because of its relative ease and accessibility to riding spots, the sport has become more popular. And in 2008, it became an Olympic sport.
What are BMX bikes?
BMX stands for Bicycle Moto Cross. Off-road racing and trick riding are the main purposes of BMX bikes.
In contrast to other bicycle models, BMX bikes are relatively new, dating from the 1970s. A group of kids in Southern California inspired the invention of BMX bikes and the sport. During this era, kids would modify Schwinn bicycles – a popular bike at the time – into motorcycle-inspired models. In an attempt to create their own sport, children began racing their modified bikes on dirt roads and trails, which is now known as BMXing.
With the development of this sport, different BMX disciplines were created as riders tried to show off their own riding style. The most common styles of BMX riding are BMX racing and BMX freestyle.
BMX Racing
Bicycle Moto Cross draws inspiration from motocross racing and takes place on purpose-built off-road single-lap racetracks where there are eight riders competing around the track. The first rider to cross the finish line wins. Usually, the track is made of dirt or tarmac and is filled with pump bumps, jumps, and tight corners abound on the track. To give the rider more control, race bikes have long frames and wide tires. Additionally, these bikes have high gear ratios and lightweight components, enabling riders to maintain high speeds around the track.
BMX Freestyle
On the other hand, BMX freestyle can be subdivided into dirt, flatland, park, and street.
Dirt Jumping (Trails). This sub-discipline of BMX is all about the biker’s style and tricks. Compared to BMX racing, instead of focusing on speed, dirt jumping involves very steep jumps and effortless techniques. Dirt jump bikes have thick, sturdy tires with chunky treads. The length and thickness of the bike give the rider better control in the air on big and high jumps. Trail riders also prefer tires with lots of tread because they offer more traction at high speeds on loose surfaces.
Flatland. Control and balance are at the core of this sub-discipline. Flatland riders display incredible balance, often moving their bikes through incredibly complex motions without leaving the ground. Most of their training takes place in car parks or other concrete surfaces. BMX flatland bikes are quite different from other BMX bikes. Their design combines different geometric principles to support maximum balance and control when speeding up.
Park. Skateparks are a favorite among park riders. Competing in freestyle competitions and performing big technical tricks is their specialty. For park riders, halfpipes, quarter pipes, and big ramps are preferred locations. Since park riding takes place on relatively smooth surfaces, park-style BMX bikes (also known as vert) are often made lighter by reducing the structural strength of particular parts of the bike. With these bikes, brakes aren't always necessary.
Street. This type of BMX riding is very creative. Street BMX riders ride in urban settings, such as city centers. The architecture of the city serves as their skatepark. Street BMXers love to grind handrails and ledges and trick stair sets. Because street BMX is a technical sport requiring high levels of maneuverability, the bikes need to be lightweight. In addition, they should have pegs. Street riders also prefer rounded tires with minimal tread as they enhance the rider’s capability to lean and control the bike while riding on a flat surface.
How are Bmx bikes different from regular bikes?
Their performance, versatility, and functionality have made BMX bikes a market leader. Though they resemble any ordinary bike, they do not function the same way. From being a standard bike, BMX bikes have emerged as racer bikes that are used in many types of cycling and racing competitions. BMX bikes can be used for a wide variety of competitions ranging from adventure to mountain biking.
BMX bikes are small, strong, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. BMX's are designed to handle a lot of tough off-road riding.
There are a few differences between BMX bikes and regular bikes. In general, they are characterized by their small frame size, small wheels, and distinctive U-shaped handlebars. Their design is very simple. As they only contain simple parts, they are easy to build, maintain, and repair.
BMX bikes have larger wheels than regular bikes, which is the most obvious difference. BMX wheel sizes range from 16-inch to 26-inch, but 20-inch is the most common size used by most riders.
In BMX bikes, the frame and seat are low, allowing the rider to move more freely. It's especially useful when you have to control the bike around jumps and tight turns.
A BMX has U-shaped handlebars that rise high, and because the bike sits so low to the ground, this is crucial. High handlebars prevent slouching and are comfortable for the rider's back. By combining a high front end with a low back end, the rider can do jumps and tricks with more control and leverage.
There is only one gear on a BMX – the single-speed gearing – which is preferred by BMXers because it’s light, easy to maintain, and hard to break. Furthermore, a good BMX gear bike is made of strong and lightweight metals. It is also designed with a geometry that makes it easier to maneuver and pull off tricks.
Where can I buy Bmx bikes near me?
If you’re looking for the best deals on BMX bikes, BikeExchange offers a wide range of bikes that will meet your needs, budget, and preference. If you're new to the sport, you can do online research to ensure you have enough product knowledge. Having the right information is important in making purchasing decisions because you don’t want to waste your money on something that doesn’t match your needs and requirements.
At BikeExchange, we are proud to offer cool BMX bikes for sale and our other selection of bikes. We only sell high-quality products from reputable brands and shops nationwide.
BikeExchange has a bike to fit every budget and every preference. Unsure if a BMX bike is what you're looking for? Browse our online store for {mountain bikes](https://www.bikeexchange.com/s/mountain-bikes), including full-suspension mountain bikes and Cannondale mountain bikes, along with our electric bikes, Scott bikes, and an array of kids bikes.
