BMX bikes

Free Agent Imperial & Stiletto not only are 2 of the most competent BMX bike models out there but those bikes are also characterized by a very unique designing style. In this article you’ll read about 2 of the most popular BMX bikes pumped out by Free agent and you will also be given a few quick tips and lookouts to have in mind if you are considering to get one.

Bear in mind that the BMX market is wide enough to give you a little headache while trying to choose the correct ride for you; basically, all you need to do is to be equipped with some knowledge before you go out for the BMX safari. After all, doing some homework is never bad!

First on the list is the ‘Free Agent – Imperial’. If you are what others would consider “the bigger rider” then this bike is definitely something you should consider. Simply put, its frame is fantastic! Not only it is very resistant but the shape is very attractive too. Additionally, the bikes weight has been significantly reduced and you have the ability to go for lots of updates if you wish to. On the other side, the only flaw of this bike is that its FA brake should be a little tighter; the sealed crank could be stock too, but that’s not something hard to get around. The bike comes in white/red/black color schemes and it’s mostly aimed towards advanced riders. All in all, this bike is worth the money for sure.

The second one is the sexily/gang named ‘Free Agent – Stiletto’. Some people will tell you that they totally adore this bike while some will stay indifferent and be like “whatever”. This happens because this bike, although it’s very good in general, its not very effective for grinding. It can be good for flatland but certainly not for grinding and BMX riders, love grinding. Other than that, this bike is very resistant and you will have very few problems with it. One last thing to note here is that you should keep a close look at the crank because after a while it will start doing a click-like noise, if you are riding your bike hard of course! Finally, regarding the price, all I can say is that it’s very good if you look at the what you give / what you get ratio.

By: John Gibb

Anything worth over a week’s pay is also worth taking time to consider the options and that includes buying road bikes. This article is then not about, mountain, competitive, commuter or city, mini, dirt, BMX or even unicycles. But, there’s cross-over.

Start here for the basics. Many models within the same price range will have similar framing, wheels and drive trains. Check for top quality for drive train components; you will probably recognize some of the well-known names stamped into the metal parts. Ask around about new brands and technology. Generally, the medium to high price points will include reliable parts.

Getting to your destination is the goal, but reliable brakes will assure that you stop when you arrive. Brakes are life saving don’t skimp on this component. You may want to make difference choices if you live where climate includes salt air or sand. Rim brakes are the most common but the options within that category are many, and will be best discussed at the pro shop. Check your brakes each time you ride.

A highway bike is built for speed and performance with enough comfort for a long distance ride. That hunched over position on the dropped handle bars enhances stream-lined movement but may not suit every rider. Individuals with back or neck problems may find that they become more weary in this position. The bicycle should suit the biker, not the other way around.

The saddle, while not one the mechanically important parts of this classic geared mover, has a big say at the end of a long trip. The pelvic bones of different body structures require different alignment. There is no one size fits all. The male anatomy needs a seat that allows for comfort quite dissimilar to a female. Her pelvic bones have a different angle and she has a different area for uncomfortable abrasion.

To check, sit on the saddle first in the forward riding position. Be acutely aware of where seat meets body. Rock forward and back, and side to side, even bounce, imitating the riding movements. Remember that the slightest irritation in the shop won’t be just slight after four or more hours on the road. If everything else about your purchase suits your needs except the seat, buy another before you leave. Cycling is meant to be pleasurable.

Shopping locally is admirable and should be encouraged. However, if your small city has little to offer, exploring for options elsewhere at least for advice and variety will result in the best fitting bike. Searching on-line is always an option with the usual buyer beware. Check in the early spring when other people are upgrading.

Ask the staff at the sport shops if they have ridden certain models or what they ride and why. Talk with your biking peers, they are familiar with the road rider conditions of your area. A number of cities have biking clubs with regular outings or meetings. These people usually have nothing to gain for promoting or nay saying brands or components. Ask to ride briefly on their different models. You will need properly fitted biking gear.

The most important item to purchase is a proper fitting helmet. A helmet more than two years old has begun to lose its protective factors and needs replacing. The shop should be promoting this safety feature, they do want repeat business from you. A large percentage of highway cycling accidents are rider or terrain related, not cars. The quote is “Riders who have brains wear helmets to protect them.” When buying road bikes buy a helmet too.

By: Ken Zalot

BMX freestyle is a type of biking motorcross sport. It first appeared during the 1960s and it has been running strong ever since. This sport is characterized by its tricks. For example base tricks including the bunnyhop, fakie, wallride and catwalk, as well as grind tricks like feeble grind and levitation make freestyle BMXing fun to watch and exciting to perform.

If you are looking for a men’s BMX Freestyle bike, then you may be interested in the Mongoose Override Freestyle BMX Bike. This bike includes 20 inch wheels, U-brakes, freestyle pegs and a frame made from high tension steel. This bike is designed for riders interested in ramp tricks and flatland riding.

If you are looking for a boy’s BMX Freestyle bicycle, then you may want to take a look at the Magna 20 inch Boost Freestyle BMX Bike. This bike has an aluminum frame that is designed to stand up against falls and trick maneuvers, 20 inch wheels, a full rotor and cable set and caliper brakes. This bike also offers both front and rear trick pegs.

A third option that you have is the Micargi Explorer BMX Freestyle Bike. This bike also has 20 inch wheels and a steel frame. Its braking system is composed of alloy U-type brakes. This bike comes in several color combinations including blue and silver, burgundy and silver, black and silver and the ever popular chrome.

When shopping for a BMX freestyle bike make sure you buy one that will fit its rider. The height and weight of the rider are the first things you will want to look at. The height of the bike needs to be just tall enough so that the rider’s feet can touch the ground. The add-ons and features that the bike has should also be taken into consideration. Select a bike that is designed for the type of freestyle riding the bike’s owner wants to do.

By: Sarah Freeland

Bicycle riding is more than just fun and games; it is a recognized sport that even has its own niche in the Olympic Games. Bike riding has also gathered quite a following among the younger crowd, regardless of their specific age group, social status or gender. But not all bikes are made to look like those we see in the Olympic Games competitions. The more popular models follow a more dynamic design, which allows riders to perform tricks and stunts amidst obstacle courses and ramps. These kinds of bikes are called BMX bikes. Although they are not part of the Olympic Games, they can be seen in competitions of their own such as the famous X Games on ESPN.

BMX bike competitions and the demand for BMX bikes have gathered momentum in recent years, to the extent that website owners and flash application developers have moved to create animated flash games specifically related to the world of BMX bike riding. These flash applications make an effort to include all the aspects of BMX bike riding, such as the mid air acrobatics, backflips, 360 degree turns, and the famous batman and superman flips. These games are completely free to play and available online through many free arcade game websites in the web. Most of the games present the player with the challenge of an obstacle course of some kind, or a ramp, in which they must display their skill through the execution of a number of allowed stunts. The amount of stunts performed along with the level of difficulty necessary to perform each of the stunts will add up to the players final score. The game intensifies as the players aim for the higher score, and attempt even more daring stunts to outperform their opponents in the competition.

These free online BMX games allow children to spend long hours at their computer and live the adventure of flying their bike off the ramp or ride on the streets freely. If they happen to run into a trash can and fall, no harm done. This virtual experience will allow them to take their chances without ever getting hurt. On the other hand, kids will often try to improve their skills playing BMX games online and get a better score than they did last time, or do better than their pals. To this end, they will be required to practice, improve their hand to eye coordination and timing. These are all motor functions every child needs to develop. Online BMX games are an excellent tool to do just that.

Some say there is a competitor in all of us waiting to get out. Perhaps free online BMX games trigger this competitor side in us, that once we come in contact with a BMX game online we can’t seem to let go of it and want to invite others into the challenge. BMX games are safe to play, offering no violent scenes, blood spills or foul language. Most can be played in single player, or multi player modes, so they can be shared with friends and family, all in for the sake of a good time.

By: Damian Cross

Needless to say that at the very beginning of the BMX racing / riding era there were no bikes constructed quite like the BMX Bike . Usually, kids would simply modify their Schwinn Sting Ray bicycles by adding knobby tires and motocross handlebars. Additionally, they would modify the frames in order to gain performance, stability and strength. Later on, the first bicycles that where specifically pumped out of the factory for the purpose of BMX riding where first introduced.

Some of the very first BMX bicycle builders such as R&R racing products, Webco, RedLine and Mongoose focused on creating bicycles that would be specifically crafted for the sport. Out of the first BMX models, the one produced by Mongoose can be considered as the one that is most similar to the BMX bikes of today; it featured a straight tubed, gusseted frame as well as stronger, reinforced handlebars. Additionally, it had Motomag wheels and longer crank arms than the conventional bikes.

Initially, BMX bike construction was aimed at making a bike witch would be as resistant as possible. However, weight became a serious issue when racing gained popularity. Out of all BMX constructors, R&R Racing created the first 3 pound frame witch not only was lighter but it also was very resistant. Soon, BMX manufacturers would start to use lighter materials such as aluminum and chromium molybdenum for frames; additionally, rims made out of steel and mag wheels where replaced by rims made of aluminum with freewheels and caliper brakes.

Later on, when Freestyle BMX became more popular, BMX bikes went through various additions/changes. Although they originated from racing bikes, they where also equipped with extra places to put the feet on while performing stunts. Additionally, something very important that needed to be considered is that this new era of BMX bikes had to be a lot more resistant than racing bikes. And so, the new BMX bikes oriented at freestyle where a lot more resistant and stronger than those that had been made so far.

Finally, most BMX bikes where equipped with a feature known as ‘Gyro’. This device enabled the steering bar to be rotated by 360 degrees for an unlimited number of revolutions without the brake cables getting tangled.

Nowadays, with the explosion of BMX riding there are many more companies that focus on constructing and improving them. Among others, GT, Haro, MBK, Hoffman bikes, Diamondback and Hutch have established a pretty good reputation in the BMX world.

By: John Gibb

BMX biking can be a fun activity and something people of all ages can do. It verges a little on the extreme as there is a thrill and risk factor involved, but you will not see many people getting injured from this sport as long as they practice and use the right equipment in order to stay safe when out partaking in this.

Whether it is your first BMX and you have been enthralled by the excitement and possibility of even making a living out of becoming a BMX pro if you wanted to and go good enough, or you have been doing the activity for a while, it can be difficult to make sure that you get the right BMX set up for you and your needs.

Most BMX frames will work for most people, there is not a lot of difference between them, but there are some. Some people find they just do not get on with some frames whilst others are great. If you are getting your first bike then ask whether you can try a few out in the shop first, or borrow a friend’s to see what you think.

Some people just do not like any frame, but it may not actually be the problem they think it is. You see, a lot of the problems that people have are not to do with the frame at all, but rather the set up. Make sure you get the right chain, wheels, cranks and suchlike or any frame will just feel bad to you and you may find BMX biking less enjoyable.

One thing that can be a factor you need to decide on is the head tube. This may not mean a lot to you, or you may understand what it means, basically though, the head tube is something that can vary the riding experience for you in quite a great way.

To get the right BMX for you then you need to know what you want to use it for. Are you going to be using the half pipe, do you loves jumps or are you looking to be able to do circuits? Well, this is something to think about before you actually purchase the frame.

If you want a bike which is good to turn for tracks then go for a steep head tube, whereas you should go for a relaxed rider for half tubes and jumps as this will not weave about and possibly cause a dangerous landing.

Top tube length is also important so look up which length you will want for your height. If you select these two factors rather carefully then you should have a frame that suits you. Wheelbase can also make an impact, with a longer wheelbase being slower to turn and more stable.

Make sure tyres are well inflated, that you have a fairly thin chain and that brakes are adjusted to be tight enough. These factors make sure that your BMX bike will go well. All that is left is to test it out and see how it feels for you.

By: Ramya Balaji

When you think of bicycles, you typically think of a bike made for kids or a cheap mountain bike.  There are also typical cruisers, bmx bikes, and even folding bikes.  However, there are a whole different category of bikes that most people are aware of but never considered a unique type of bicycle.  

The first type of unusual bikes is hybrid bicycles.  These usually combine mountain bikes with a racing bike. Most Americans choose to ride these over the previously popular utility bikes.  There is another type known as a rickshaw. Many people think of electric rickshaws but they were originally a pedal driven bicycle used as a type of simple taxi cab.  

The most frequently seen unusual bikes are known as clown bicycles.  These were built to appear humorous or do unusual things to entertain kids.  The most frequently used comedic bike is known as the tall bike.  It can be considerably taller than a normal bike and looks like two or three bikes welded on top of each other.  Many clowns use a reverse steering bike in which you turn the handle bars right and it causes it to turn left.  However, the most popular clown bikes are the come apart bikes.  These types fall apart as the clown rides and it essentially turns into a unicycle.

There are also a very unusual but fascinating types which are called art bicycles.  These are usually made of found objects and appear to be non-functional.  The most famous art bike was ridden for years by Bongo the Clown.  Most bikes of these types cannot be purchased at your local bike shop.  

If you desire any of these kinds of bicycles you will likely have to have them specially made by a manufacturer or hobbyist.  These will also be very difficult to find at a cheap or discount price.  These types of bikes are never put on closeout sale because they are so rare and unusual that they never really lose their value.  If you ever find one of these sitting around in an old antique shop make sure to grab it and own a fascinating piece of bicycle engineering.

By: Dave Gorski

BMX bike riding is a very popular game due to the thrill and excitement it involves. However, some experts simply relate the popularity of this game to the high cost of gasoline. This exciting sport requires a lot of practice on the part of the rider and excellent infrastructure to ensure safety and performance.

The most important infrastructure is a well-built BMX ramp required for riders to practice and perform their skills. Full-proof BMX ramp plans are essential pre-requisites for a good BMX ramp. Ask anybody who has built a ramp and many will tell about the hell they went through because they lacked a plan.

There was a time when bikes were considered merely an assembly of frame, fork, two wheels and a seat. These bikes have come a long way since then. The BMX bikes are one of the latest additions to the ever-growing list of bikes. Now with increasing popularity of BMX bikes, towns and cities are constructing BMX ramps on both indoor and outdoor sites where BMX riders would be able to practice and display their skills.

All You Wanted To Know About Ramp plans

Before starting construction, you must decide on the kind of ramp you want, because ramps come in many shapes and sizes and are very expensive to make. These ramps allow the rider to perform not only old tricks but also to create and practice new tricks. If you have an earlier experience with building skateboard ramps then that would be of much help as skateboard ramp plans and ramp plans for BMX bikes are very similar.

If you are building a small ramp then a garage or your home backyard will suffice. In case you are making a big one then it is better to build the ramp at the site. In case of ramps being built on outdoor sites many of the obstacles and ramps are made from the dirt available at the site. Often, besides the ramps and mounds for stunt biking, courses are also laid for racing bikes.

There are instances of people who made ramps without any plans. So they went and bought any kind of timber. The result was that the so-called ramp had the worst transitions and the structure fell apart within weeks. A lot of money spent for nothing.

You will need money but at the same time try and cut costs wherever possible. Remember timber costs a lot and so does tools. One way to reduce costs would be by hiring tools. Some ramp plans, that are available free of cost, are not the best. So you might have to buy some plans. Such plans are available on the Internet and come at a price.

Having decided on the type of ramp to build, sketch out the dimensions on paper. Then acquire the materials required but remember to get as much wood as you can.

By: Robert Sheehan

The term BMX stands for bicycle moto cross. Originally, these bikes are descended from the motorcycles that were used for short track racing. BMX racing is popular with adults all over the world; however, there are many children who are getting into the sport for themselves. Due to their simple and durable construction and a one size fits all design, a parent will not have to worry about their child outgrowing this bicycle quickly. Each bike is not constructed the same. To find the perfect BMX kids bike for their child, a parent should look at the following companies.

Diamondback Kids’ Mini Viper BMX Bike – This bike allows a child to experience the thrill of BMX racing without breaking the bank. It is created from the same design that the company uses for their world renown adult bicycles; however, its compact frame is design for kids who are just learning to ride. Its distinguishing features include a Hi-Ten steel frame and fork, 28 spoke aluminum wheels, a padded seat, and mini BMX grips. It includes training wheels if they are needed, and the bike’s starting price point begins at $124.99. Mongoose Radical Boy’s BMX Bike (18-Inch Wheels) – This bike has become the unofficial standard of choice for junior freestyle riders. Its oversized tubes ensure the bike’s durability. For the utmost in stopping power, the bikes relies upon front and rear alloy caliper brakes, and the cable detangler supports 360 degree bar spins. The wheel set has a reinforced 48 spoke design, and four freestyle pegs allows a kid to easily advance to more advanced stunts and tricks. A comfortable freestyle saddle completes the image of the ideal bike. Pricing begins at approximately $99.99. Razor DSX BMX Bike – Silver (16″) – This particular bike is designed with safety in mind when it comes to teaching a young one how to ride BMX style. In addition to dual suspension, the bike also offers an oversized front wheel flange and an enclosed chain. A sturdy four bolt system provides security and durability for the bike’s frame, and the bike’s alloy quick release seat pin allows the seat to be quickly and easily adjusted. The starting price point for this bike begins at $104.95. Training wheels are included in the initial purchase, but can be quickly removed as needed.

One of the most trusted and popular brands of bicyles for children, the kid in your life will be sure to have a fun and safe time on their new bike!

By: Blair Cooper

It’s been on my heart to write this article for some time now. This article is written to serve parents everywhere when shopping for their boy or girl’s first BMX bike!

For over 7 years I operated my own bike shop out of my parents home in Mesa, Arizona, Donnie’s Bicycle Shop, and it thrills me to no end to be able to share some key information with you!

First, let’s talk about BMX bike names and where you should or shouldn’t buy your son or daughter’s first bike. You can’t go wrong with Haro. HARO BMX has been around for so long and they keep coming up with new and innovative designs. Also, Diamond Back is trustworthy, lightweight, and again, the company is rock solid. Red-Line BMX is also highly recommended.

Mongoose is my BMX line of choice when purchased from a real bike shop that knows what they are doing. Mongoose has been making BMX bikes that kick everybody’s tails for years, and they make the most beautiful bikes! But your going to have to consult your local real bike shop owner, because you don’t want to buy from Wal-Mart or other chain store. Also, you may want to contact Mongoose directly and request a race-bike BMX catalogue only.

My first BMX bike was a bike called the JAG BMX by Mongoose, and the bike served me well for many years. If you can get ahold of one, it’s sure worth it. My first bike had a glossy cream-orange frame, with white MotoMags. I recommend Motomags. But be careful, no Motomag imitations, and there are a ton of them. The mag has to say Motomag on it.

A word about grips! Today’s BMX bikes are coming out with some of the most uncomfortable grips for the kids’ hands! Have the bike shop owner show you the array of grips available, and to me, a foam style is the best, or a really soft gel rubber is ok too. I always loved the foam grips when jumping because they absorb the shock of the fall!

Watch out for GT’s Dyno line. The frames on most of them are not as solid and if you don’t believe me, go to your neighborhood thrift store, and you’ll see a ton of GT Dyno’s. I personally would not buy my son or daughter a GT bike, unless it was one of their top of the line models. I also had a problem airborne with them upon landing, when compared to the awesome Mongoose BMX, my dad bought for me at the local bike shop in Mesa.

Buy your child’s bike from a regular bike shop. Do not buy it at Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, or Sam’s Club. These bikes carry the names Schwinn, Mongoose, and more, but let me guarantee you, they are not the real Mccoy!

That said, also watch out for high pressure bike salespeople. Believe it or not, they are out there! If they have such a good product, why do they have to pressure sale you?

Back to brand names. If you are going to buy a Schwinn, Mongoose, or other formerly well-trusted bike, deal with the company directly or a reputable bike shop in the area. You won’t find any Wal-Mart BMX bikes in your local bicycle shop!

Now, as to hardware! If you’re going to get your son or daughter a bike make sure you invest in ultra lightweight aluminum or chromoly rims. So many bikes out there are being sold with cheap rims and cranksets. It’s worth the extra one to two hundred dollars to get your child the very best components. They will last longer and your child will have one of the best and baddest BMX bikes on the block!

That said, invest in three piece aluminum cranks or one piece aluminum, titanium, or chromoly or whatever other space-shuttle type of materials they have! Don’t opt-out for regular steel cranks. Get a bike that has a lifetime or at least a twenty year frame warranty.

If you want to buy a vintage BMX bike from e-bay or a local auction, invest in the 1984 Schwinn Sting. That bike is totally bad to the bone man. Any newer versions of the Schwinn Sting should be purchased as well.

Ok, let’s talk about rims. Rims need to be light. So many BMX bikes have heavy bulky rims. Rims should be lightweight alloy. Also, you want to request sealed bearing hubs because they don’t require any maintenance, almost ever, and they make them on the best BMX bikes everywhere.

Also, trust your child. If they love the bike, it’s the bike for them. But let them know you love them enough to request upgrades on the rims, tires, and brakes!

Also, BMX bikes should have mid-range to best brakes. Get alloy again, or high dollar brakes. This is your child’s safety for goodness sakes! You know how many cheap brakes there are on BMX bikes? You don’t want to know, believe me. I’ve broken several myself over the years!

If the bike offers it, it’s ok to get the standard hub that breaks with their right leg as well, and handbrakes, double the stopping power! Also, out in Mesa, Arizona, I can’t count all the times I’ve fishtailed with my BMX bike with that feature! You may not get that on some of the higher end bikes, but on many you still will! Ask for both if they have it, the coaster brake style with handbrakes!

Invest in a mid-range helmet, that is ANSI Certified and is labeled by them. Get gloves that are of excellent quality as well. Every BMX bike should have goosekneck, handlebar, and top frame pads, bare minimum, do not let your child take the bike without them.

Frames that are welded should have beautiful thick welds that you’d want to eat off them. Don’t buy any bike with ugly looking welds. Also, watch out for over priced bikes that have beautiful welds but low componentry.

I always like to buy my BMX bikes with similar equipment too! If hubs, cranks, brakes, and so forth are all Shimano, that’s a good thing. The bike is Shimano equipped. I’d steer clear of BMX bikes that have lightweight handlebars, but heavy cranks, hubs, and are made by 10 different companies!

In conclusion, there are only a few key things to remember. Weight. Get the lowest weight rims, hubs, and components that are of the highest quality. It is ok to have a heavier frame, but don’t compromise on wheels, tires, or most of all-brakes! Buy a Haro, Diamond-Back, Red-Line, or Mongoose from a Bike Dealer, and your going to be happy! Don’t buy from the local chain stores anymore, ever! Buy direct from your local bike shop that knows BMX!

Lastly, have fun, and jump! If you can’t jump the bike, don’t buy it. The frames should be cleared for jumping! And remember, most of all, your BMX bike will be a part of your son or daughter’s life for at least 5-7 years, so go ahead, spend a couple hundred more for better components. And remember, to hit a ramp, fly up, hold the bars, kick the rear wheel out, and just hang on, feeling nothing but the air and rising above the earth, on a BMX Bike, is something your child will never ever forget and will pass on from generation to generation.

By: Don Alexander