Materials Needed:
3/8″ X 4′ X 8′ sheets of plywood
8′ 2×4′s
electric, handheld or bench saws
handsaw
hammer & nails
electric sander/sandpaper
drafting compass
string & chalk
garden hose
sawhorses
nail punch
ink pen
wood screws
3/8″ PVC pipe
pushpin
1) Decide on the type of ramp(s) you want to build, sketch out the design and dimensions on paper.
2) Acquire the materials required, and as much wood as you can get your hands on
3) Find a work space to use (garage, backyard, etc.) and lay out your supplies. If you’re planning to build a fairly large structure (permanent) try to build it on site.
4) For ramps with curved transitions, you will need to use the string-and-compass method*.
5) Once you’ve drawn and cut your templates, next comes the bracing.
6) Once you’ve done the framework, you’ll most likely need to prep the top piece(s) of the plywood (which must bend to fit the transition without breaking). Do this by propping up the sheet(s)–already cut to size–at a sloping angle and soak with a hose at low pressure for an hour or so.
As the wood becomes soaked, apply an increasing amount of weight to the center of the board(s)–using bricks or something similar–until the wood attains the desired curve.
Now nail the wood onto the framework’s 2×4′s If your ramp is to have coping, make sure to leave enough space for it to fit snugly. Always go WITH the grain of the wood while bending and apply the ply!
For a smoother transition, sand the bottom edge of the top sheet at an angle flush with the ground. Check for jagged splinters. Sand or paint if desired. Paint will make your ramp faster! Duct tape, airplane or electrical tape or aluminum strips may be added to smooth the transition’s bottom edge.
* String and Compass Method
Figure how much transition curve you want (in feet & inches) and how much ‘vert, if any. Tie one end of the string around the pushpin and stick it in the sheet as shown. Holding the string taught, measure out exactly the amount of transition and mark this on the string with an ink pen. Tie the drafting compass to the other end of the string and tighten it so the slipknot is right on top of the mark you made. Holding the string taut, swing the compass from the sheet’s edge in a quarter-circle, marking the template with the chalk. You may need to move the contraption around to get the desired curve and best use of space! Place sheet on sawhorses and cut out templates carefully.
NEW ADDITION ON DECREASING TRANSITIONS:
If you want to make a ramp with a decreasing transition, you need to modify the above steps and instead of using a pushpin, use a round object that is 6 inches to 3 feet in diameter, such as a paint can or a round garbage can. Attach the string to the round object and somehow secure it to the wood in place of the pushpin.
As the string winds around the round object, it will get shorter and your transition will become tighter. This is called a decreasing radius transition and it is very cool when making launch ramps and quarter pipes.
By: Daniel Lesser
Freestyle BMX bike riding as a sport was mostly an underground movement until the American Freestyle Association was organized by Bob Morales in 1982. This style is derived from a number of disciplines, which are mostly the outcome of bike riding in the streets. Some disciplines like flatland, or street required a special custom made bike in order to perform the underlying stunts that go with the sport. Thus, you will find there are some noticeable differences between your regular BMX bike and the one you would use for freestyle BMX.
The basic structure of a freestyle BMX bike will be comprised of a top tube 22 inches (aprox. 55 cm), while the frame size and design will vary depending on the model. Almost all freestyle BMX bikes will include a 20 inch (51 cm) wheel as well. Bike fans are generally inclined to buy freestyle bikes which are already assembled, and which they can then upgrade on their own with aftermarket parts and accessories. However, more hard core BMX bike enthusiasts are likely to build their BMX bike from scratch, customizing the size, shape and weight of each part to their specific needs and preferences. Some parts like forks, pedals and cranks will break often and require a routine replacement, regardless which way you chose to acquire your bike.
Some features on a freestyle BMX bike are likely to stand out more when compared to your regular BMX bike. Slicker tires for example, are used in the street riding discipline in order to get a better grip on the concrete. Also, each axle will have an attached peg where the rider will be able to place his feet and perform several stunts like the famous 360 degree turn. It is also common for a freestyle bike to run brakeless, and have long top bars to make it easier to do a tail whip. Bikes used for vert events will be consistently heavier to improve sturdiness and balance. While park riders will commonly include a gyro will rear brakes only.
These features further define freestyle BMX competitions. It is important to note that freestyle BMX riding is a dangerous sports. It is not at all as easy as it may seem as done by the pros on television. For this reason it is highly recommended that novice riders wear their protective gear at all times. It is also a good idea to go online and play a few online BMX games just to get a feel of the sport. Online BMX games are completely free to play, and provide a tool for new riders to use as a simulator. Observe the character in the BMX game and the mechanics behind each fall, as they are very similar to those in real life situations.
By: Damian Cross
For anyone following the world of BMX bike competition, performing BMX stunts in difficult terrain is the top of the crop. BMX stunts are generally part of the BMX Freestyle side of the sport, as opposed to BMX bike racing in off track courses. The division of freestyle BMX bike riding which includes a ramp, often called a half pipe, is the ‘Vert’. This form of BMX bike competition places the rider in a half pipe, which is 11 to 15 feet tall with slanted edges facing each other. The largest half pipe in display was shown at the 2008 Summer X Games on ESPN, which measured a whooping 27 feet tall.
These ramps allow the biker to gather speed as he rides down one side, and fly off in mid air as he rides off the opposite side. These are dangerous stunts, which require a great deal of practice and concentration. Therefore, caution is advised when attempting these stunts. The novice rider is also advised to wear all the corresponding protective gear at all times. Not even the pros are allowed to engage the half pipe unless they are wearing suitable protective gear. Another good idea is to play online BMX games to get a better feel of the stunts to be performed and the mechanics of riding on a half pipe. Online BMX games are free to play through thousands of free arcade game websites in the web. There are many titles available, each focusing on different aspects of BMX bike riding. For the ‘Vert’ segment of freestyle BMX bike riding there are titles like ‘BMX Extreme’ which have been developed around the concept of performing BMX stunts on a ramp, or half pipe setting.
BMX Extreme is very straight forward and easy to understand. The initial screen prompts the player for a mode of play, of two available. In free mode, there are no time constraints and the player is free to ride for as long as he wants. In compete mode; the player must earn as many points as he can within one minute. Either choice will start the game on a course with several ramps of different shapes and sizes. The included set of controls allow the player to move his bike forward by pressing the right arrow key, while the down arrow key will perform a side flip. The left arrow key will perform the famous backflip, while the more difficult stunts may be activated with the Z key for the superman flip, the C key for the batman flip, and the X key to rotate the wheel.
As in real life BMX bike riding timing and momentum are very important. None of the stunts will be successful unless the animated character played by you, has enough speed going in or out the ramp. Considering these online BMX games are free to play for as long as you want, you can’t go wrong. They can be a useful tool for beginners who want to get acquainted with the exciting world of BMX bike riding without having to break a leg on their first try.
By: Damian Cross
The sport of BMX racing is gaining popularity all over the world, especially since it was made an official Olympic sport in the summer of 2008. BMX racing is a sport that is derived from motocross racing, hence the name, bicycle motorcross (BMX). It’s been around since the 1960′s, however it wasn’t until the 1970′s when more and more kids started to mimic the Motocross legends that they looked up to, increasing the popularity of the sport.
The BMX race track is a dirt course that is made of a starting block, jumps in various places throughout the course and a finish line. Most races are ran in sprint format allowing only eight riders on the track at a time. Out of the eight riders the fastest will move onto the final race. The motos or the qualifying races give the BMX riders up to three times to get a spot in the final race. Depending on the number of riders there are in the event, there will be many mini races or heats that will filter into the last one that determines the champion.
Protective gear is an important element of BMX racing. The racers’ gear looks somewhat similar to that of Motocross racers. The competitor wears long sleeve jerseys to protect their arms from track burn in case of a fall or crash. Their legs are covered by protective heavy-duty leather racing pants. Leather gloves are also worn to prevent hand injury. Riders in official races must wear a full face helmet to protect from head and neck injuries. Knee, shin and elbow guards are worn to protect the most vulnerable bones that are likely to make contact with the ground if the rider wrecks.
The standard rim size for BMX bikes 20 inches, although there are smaller and bigger sizes depending on age and height of the rider. BMX racing bikes are typically smaller than a mountain or road bike. It is this smaller size and lightweight, sturdy construction that allows the biker to fly around the course at top speed and take to the air when they hit the jumps.
BMX frames are made out of lightweight aluminum, alloy and/or cro-moly (chromium molybdenum), making them light and sturdy so they can hold up to any punishment that the rider puts it through on the track. Although BMX racing a solo sport, teams are formed by sponsors to cover the cost of the riders needs.
If you are interested in becoming a professional BMX rider you must be at least sixteen years of age. You must be confident in your riding skills and have proven yourself in the amateur classes. Once you break into the professional class you have to practice and hone your skills to stay there. BMX racing is a relatively new sport. A sport that thanks to the summer 2008 Olympics has now been seen world wide. This exposure is sure to keep the sport growing and strong. The future for BMX racing is truly limitless.
By: Taylor Turnstone
BMX bike reviews enable one to select the best bikes in this category. They contain details of the performances of the bikes, the special features they may possess, their prices and many other things pertaining to this category of bikes. It is therefore important that one goes through these appraisals.
There are BMX bike reviews that indicate bicycles that are suitable for beginners in either dirt or track jumping. These bikes have their bodies made of light metals which improve their performances. They are well cushioned for heavy landings. The handles of these bikes are able to rotate 360 degrees, this allows the beginners to be able to practice tricks.
For average riders, a bicycle with a 26 – inch dual suspension, and oversize tubing would be suitable. This kind of bicycle has a front fork suspension which adds heavy-duty shock absorbency to the back wheels. It is sturdy and good for off road races. For flatland free style, a bike suitable for all types of ramps would be one that has its frame made of chromoly which includes three tubular chromoly cranks. The rims should have about 48 spokes to allow big landings.
By reading the BMX Bike reviews you are able to know what kind of bikes would suit your purpose. You will know what kind of bicycle to purchase for off road, for flatland free style, for men, for women and children. You will also be able to know what standard qualities you have to look for in case you are purchasing a bicycle.
By: Peter Gitundu
For beginners, a manual on a bmx bike is when you balance on your back wheel and use momentum to move, not like a wheelie while your pedaling. To do a manual you will want to be riding at a good speed (you can test out to see the right amount of speed that you need).
While you are riding along, you will want to have your arms relaxed then you need to pull up the bars while leaning back (not too far, because you could loop out). Keep your arms locked straight out in front of you. You will need to get your butt behind the seat because that is where your center of gravity is and that is how you stay balanced. You can also use your legs to keep going by using momentum this is called pumping.
Some of the common problems for manuals are not being able to get the front end up. The reason you are probably not getting the front end up is because you are mainly using your arms. About 80% of a manual is done by using your entire body weight and legs your arms are just used to get the front end up so your weight transfers to the back tire.
Another common problem is the bike leaning to the side and you end up putting your foot down. The reason you are leaning like this is because you are not even with the top tube of the bike and you are not looking in front of you.
Some people also have a problem with flipping the bike over (which is usually called “looping out”), this usually happens due to them leaning back to much. Remember you want to stay right behind the seat and just above the tire and also, try not to lean back super fast pull up while leaning back in one smooth motion.
By: Christian Honer
