BMX bikes are the short writing name of Bicycle Motocross. A sport which originally came from southern Califorlina in the 1970s in the United State. BMX racing became prominent after motocross riders became inspired by this sport. People started organizing racing competitions .Kids came to race with Schwinn Sting- Ray off-road style bikes. They began racing on dirt tracks ,around purpose- built in California.
Those first Schwinn Sting-ray off-road bikes used for this sport were not so convenient .The design was not optimal for this kind of sport. However years later , when the trending became blooming. Manufacturers improved and slowly modified the first Sting-ray off-road bikes to become BMX bikes with special design for the sport as today.
A BMX bike is made for the special sport of doing stunts and tricks . It is made for playful, joyful jumps and spectacular shows.
What are special features of BMX bikes
BMX has a very special design, which makes them stand out and very much different compared to other bikes. Manufacturers created this special bike with much lightweight, the frame and wheels are much smaller. As a result, rider can jump easily over ramps or ride quickly around obstacles.
Bmx bikes are suitable for a wide variety of rides, but normally riders use them for vert riding, freestyle riding, racing over dirt or urban courses, or jumping over ramps and kickers.
BMX Key Features
Frame sizes and Wheel sizes
Due to being made for a special type of sport.BMX frames are much smaller than mountain or road bikes.
BMX bikes have many different sizes. It starts from micro, mini,junior,expert,expert XL, Pro , Pro XL, equals to the height and ages of riders who start from as beginners to experts in this sport.
You can find out which size is fit for you following as recommended in the chart below.
| Height | Wheel size | Frame size | size |
| Up To 4 | 16 inch | 15.25” to16.50” | Micro mini |
| 4′ to 4’4” | 18 inch | 16.75” to17.50” | Mini |
| 4’3”to 4’7” | 20 inch | 17.75” to18.50” | Junior |
| 4’6”to 5’5” | 22inch | 18.75” to 19.50” | Expert |
| 5’4” to 5’8” | 24 inch | 19.75” to 20.50” | Pro |
| 5’8” and above | 26 inch | 20.75” to 21.50” | Pro XL |
Top tube measurement is determined as Frame size. the length of the frame from the centre of the seat tube to the centre of the head tube.
So you can choose a BMX bike based on Frame sizes or wheel sizes. There is always something slightly different about the correct number, but you still can consider information to choose a correct one for you.
Wheels and Tyres.
To match with the whole design of MBX style.Wheels of BMX bikes are also smaller. They are designed and made suitable for short bursts out of speed on the flat or on the way to a ramp, rail or kicker.So smaller,slicker tires create the grip on a smoother surface,helping bikes go faster.
But if you want to go off-road, you can change to knobby tires.
Wheel sizes range from 16 to 26 inch, normally 16inch wheels for kids and 26 inch for adult, expert riders.
Brakes and Gears.
You can see almost all BMX bikes have a simple single -gear system. This is one important part in the whole bike design, allowing riders to build up enough speed for jumping or spinning in the air.
Breaks normally are U-Brakes. Providing the riders necessary safer when they want to stop their show.
Depending on the purpose of performing, a BMX bike may have a rear brake or without brake.
A rear brake of BMX bikes has a gyro braking system,using a smart locking mechanism allowing the handlebars to rotate freely without twisting cables in the way.So the riders can make a rotation 360 degrees on certain tricks without any problem.
Low Seats
BMX bikes have seats much lower than other bikes like mountain bikes, or road bikes. Normally,Riders stand up during driving, focusing on doing stunts or tricks.
How many types of BMX bikes.
1.Racing
BMX racing bikes are lightweight ,with thinner frame design.The wheels 20 inch create a balance between speed and traction.
It has a longer crank,the rider can concentrate power on his pedal to increase speed.The strong rear brake can stop bike safety on the dirt track.
2.Free style
Freestyle are divided into 3 different styles. They are street, park a vert styles. There is a little different in designs and purposes of using these bikes. However the main common thing is rider can take bikes everywhere. They ride and perform their skills on ordinary streets, parks, and on playground spaces. They use available, natural conditions like street stairs, rails,…to perform the show. The outstanding feature of freestyle bikes is concentrate on airs and stunt, while others BMX bikes are for speed and jump handling.
BMX freestyle bikes are excellent for riders . Normally the bike frames of this style are heavier than racing BMX bikes.
a.Street
Riders use street BMX bikes on city streets and passageways, using stairs, walls,rail to perform various tricks and stunts.
This type of bike has tires smoother for better speed and traction.The frame is stronger so it can withstand impact forces.They have a good brake system .
b.Vert
Vert have almost the same design as street BMX bikes, only the frame weight is lighter but sturdy enough for hard landing performance .
The purpose of vert BMX is for conquering the highest point in to the air.Riders drive bikes from one edge of the half-pipe to the other, accumulate the speed and launching bike in to the air.They perform different stunts in the air before manage the bike back in to the half- pipe.
c. Park
Riders perform stunts and tricks with their BMX bikes on designated places with various concrete and wood features, park courses ,stairs, bowls, rails, pipes as other obstacles.
This type of bike always has a thick frame.
3. Dirt
Dirt BMX bikes are hybrid between racing and freestyle BMX bikes. So the riders focus on the height of jump on a dirt track.
The bike is lightweight, easy to control and the frame is sturdy for hard landings. Because the tires come with many threads, giving the potential to be more stable on possible muddy terrain.
4. Flatland
These BMX bikes are built to fit with flatland. Their frames are smaller, suitable for effortless show performances like break dance style.
