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BMX Bikes Buying Guide

When people refer to BMX bikes, they are usually talking about one of three types: the true BMX, the freestyle BMX, or the dirt jumper. Although they all fit into the BMX category, they each have features which make them ideal for different types of riding. You wouldn't want to buy a jumper for flatland tricks, so it is good to have a little knowledge of the bike you want to buy.  

Which One Do I Choose?

The Three Basic Types

True BMX Bike 

True BMX bikes usually feature 50.8 cm. wheels, knobby tyres, upright handlebars with crossbars, small saddles, long cranks and rear hand brakes. Although they are designed for racing, their light weight, their speed, and their ability to pummel through dirt makes them a good choice for just about anyone. The main appeal for most people is the bikes' weight, which is always lighter than your average bike--though it does vary based on BMX frame material. BMX bikes with chromoly frames are a bit heavier and more economical than the aluminium ones which are lighter and often made of oversize or exotically shaped tubing--aluminium frames are also rustproof.

Freestyle Bike 

The main appeal of the freestyle bike is its sturdy construction. This makes it perfect for flatland tricks, aggressive street riding and getting vertical at skate parks--also for general, everyday use. The wheels are usually made of sturdy nylon, but the more intense models have 48 wire spokes; and the tyres are 50.8 x 5.4 cm. or wider, with fairly smooth treads--since they are mostly used on pavement. Other features of the freestyle bike include axle pegs for stunts--these are sometimes left out so that the owner can choose his own--and front and rear brakes. The brake system is important because the cables are routed in such a way that allows the handlebars to be spun completely around without tangling the brake cable.

Dirt Jump Bikes 

As the name implies, dirt jumpers are designed for jumping tricks, and other airborne activity. Their build is a cross between the other two models--they are heavier than the BMX, lighter than the freestyle--and they usually don't have front brakes. Their wheels--which are the most heavily treaded of any of the BMX bikes--normally feature 36 rugged 13-gauge spokes, and occasionally 61 cm. wheels, which are great for larger riders.

Significant Bike Parts

  • Wheels
    • BMX: Racing requires a lightweight wheel for quick acceleration, and therefore these models have a 32-spoke light aluminium wheel set.
    • Freestyle: Freestyle bikes come with thick, 48-spoke or mag wheels for maximum rim protection.
    • Dirt Jump: Some dirt jumpers have 36 extra thick 13-gauge spokes, while others come with 48 spokes like freestyle bikes. The variations depend upon whether the bike is geared more for jumping or dirt riding.
  • Tyres
    • BMX: 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, traction and grip when you're cornering and accelerating.
    • Freestyle: Freestyle tyres are designed for pavement and indoor surfaces. Premium tyres often inflate to higher pressures, lowering rolling resistance, increasing rim protection and decreasing tire deflection when the side-walls are placed under high loads such as during landings.
    • Dirt jumper tyres are usually designed for maximum traction. Since speed isn't important and the conditions aren't as controlled, their lugs are a bit thicker.
  • Brakes: BMX bikers require a strong pull so they prefer linear-pull brakes, which offers the ultimate grip. Freestyle bikers are more interested in control than grip and they prefer U-brakes which offer a broader range of control.

True BMX Age and Size Information

  • Mini (4-6 yrs.) Low stand-over height -- 155-mm cranks (top tube length) -- 50.8 x 2.29 cm tyres.
  • Junior (6-9 yrs.) Slightly larger frame than Mini -- 165-mm cranks -- 50.8 x 8.6 cm tyres.
  • Expert (9-13 yrs.) Longer top tube than Junior -- 170-mm cranks -- 50.8 x 3.8-4.4 cm tyres.
  • Pro (12+ yrs.) "Full-size" frame -- 175-180-mm cranks -- 50.8 x 4.4-5.6 cm tyres.

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