BMX bikes

These days, as the number of bicycle motocross aficionados continues to increase during the past several years; more and more BMX bike manufacturers have come out presenting a wide variety of bikes that suits any type of rider and riding style. This wasn’t the case before, Purchasing bikes used to be simple. However, now, as the BMX had made a great mark within the industry, a wide selection of bikes has been made available.

BMX bikes are special and unique. They do have a number of contrasting aspects with the average bikes that many are familiar with. The knobbier tires as well as the frame made from aluminum are just some of the differences of BMX bikes from the standard ones. The wheels, stem, hutch and other parts, back to front, are also improved to provide more efficiency. Generally speaking, these bikes are made tougher and more resistant to shock and damages.

Dirt jumping, free styling, mountain biking, flatland, and performing impressive stunts are just some of the styles involved in BMX. If you are considering of engaging on BMX, the best bike for you would depend on a number of factors such as the riding style you prefer, the surface you will ride on and the model among many others.

When it comes to the shopping, you will certainly find an overwhelming variety of these bikes. That is why it’s important to know first the several factors mentioned above. Go to the BMX bike shops near you and check your options. Alternatively, you can also shop from online bike dealers or from Ebay and Craiglist. Whether the bikes you are looking for is an old school BMX or cutting edge, you will surely find several online.

By: Rufus Leonello

For those who are not familiar with BMX pro Style, it is a flash game application available to play free on the web. The game follows the popularity of the BMX bikes, where fans seek to enjoy the thrills and spills of BMX stunt riding online. Unlike other BMX bike games, the rider may ride the bike in slow motion.

BMX Pro Style allows you to customize the biker name, helmet, T-shirt, trunk and shoes. You can give the rider any name you want. To enter a name, you simply use your mouse cursor to select “Biker Name” and type in a new name. The new name that you typed will be displayed in place of the “Biker Name”. You can choose from 7 types of helmets and T shirts. There are 4 trunks that you can choose from. The shoes are available in 5 different patterns. As you make the customization, you will be able to see the changes done to the biker.

The types of helmet, T-shirt, trunk or shoe you choose will not affect the game play mode. No matter how you customize the biker, the biker will still be susceptible to same kind of risks when riding the bike.

In addition, you can choose from two bike tracks. In the first track, the background of the setting has cars. In the second track, there is a large curved ramp. Under the tracks option, you will see a tick beside the game instructions. If you enable the game instruction, there will be arrows throughout the game to guide you in completing the level. The arrows won’t display in the level once it is disabled. The game instruction is enabled by default. To disabled the game instruction, you simply click on the game instruction. When the game instruction is disabled, it will show an X sign.

Players can perform hard style or easy style. The hard style will causes the rider to get up from his seat and put both feet near the front wheels. The easy style will allow the rider to slightly get up from his seat. The hard and easy style can be performed while you are riding the bike up a ramp. When performing a trick, make sure you maintain the balance of the rider otherwise he will fall down. To perform the hard style, you must press the W key. In order to perform the easy style, you have to press the D key. If you want to break the bike by using the front brake, you can press the X key. To use the rear brake, you must press the Z key. When you press the X or Z key, the bike will stop and won’t move.

The movement of the BMX bike is controlled by keyboard input. If you want to move forward, you must press the up arrow key. If you want to move backward, you have to press the down arrow key. BMX Pro Style also allows the players to lean their bikes left or right. To lean your bike to the right, you should press the right arrow key. If you want to lean the bike to the left, you have to press the left arrow key.

With BMX Pro Style, it is easier to fall down from the bike compared to other BMX games. The balance of the biker can be maintained by either pressing the left or right arrow key.

By: Damian Cross

Sales of BMX bikes are increasing faster than almost any other type of bicycle. BMX bikes can be seen on every street, sidewalk and even in their natural habitat, off-road. Even if you never leave your house you’ve certainly seen such bikes on TV. Sure, you probably know what a BMX bike is, but what you probably don’t know is what exactly differentiates a BMX bike from other bikes. We’ll tell you how they’re different.

We’ll start with their origin. It’s quite simple, really. Bikes remained pretty much the same for many decades after they were invented, but the popularity of off-road motorcycle racing, or motocross, during the 60′s changed that. Kids saw the pros racing around on their dirt bikes and taking them off dirt ramps. They wanted to be like their heroes so kids imitated them on their bikes, which, at the time, weren’t made for such rough-housing. It didn’t take long for bike manufacturers to catch on and start manufacturing bikes made specifically for the rigors of racing and jumping off-road. Soon there were sanctioned bicycle motocross (BMX) all over the country. The BMX segment of the market grew and grew and continues to expand today. And of course most the kids (and adults) you see on these bikes don’t ever race and probably don’t jump them off anything more daring than a curb. Still though, BMX bikes are made to take a beating.

Now, to discuss the physical attributes of the BMX bike which makes it different from other bikes. The particular features can be narrowed down to the frame, the wheels/tires, the brakes, and the gears.

The frame on BMX bikes is designed to be very light so it can be easily maneuvered and very strong so it can withstand the stresses of jumping and racing. The light weight of a BMX frame is also important because a lighter bike can save you valuable seconds in a close-fought BMX race. Aluminum and chrome-moly steel are the two materials most favored by BMX’ers. Regular bikes are usually made from cheap grades of steel prone to rusting or even breaking when put under a lot of stress.

Another distinguishing feature of BMX bikes are their wheels and tires. Most BMX bikes have 20″ rims, of course they can also be purchased in other sizes. There is the 12″ size for young children just learning to ride. These days kids are learning to ride bikes before they learn to read! The next size up is the 16″ wheel. These bikes are mostly used by kids from the ages of 8 to 12. Once they enter the teen years, most kids ride the 20″ bikes. This is the size favored by many adults and pros, as well. There are BMX bikes with even larger wheels or in-between sizes but they aren’t as popular.

The tires on BMX bikes are different from conventional road bikes. They’re knobby to give them excellent traction on dirt trails and tracks. In fact, they’re very similar to mountain bike tires, just smaller.

Speaking of mountain bikes, such rides often have as many as 21 gears! Road bikes and beach cruisers typically don’t have that many but they do range from 3 to 18 speeds. BMX bikes, on the other hand, have just one gear. They have one sprocket up front and one on the back wheel. That’s it, they use just one gear because they’re made for all-out sprints and to have precise control for freestyle tricks.

Another feature which differentiates BMX bikes from conventional bikes are their brakes. BMX bikes often have just a rear brake. Having a front brake increases the likelihood of accidentally using just the front one and causing an accident. Plus, racers don’t need the extra braking power because they don’t want to slow down! A BMX bike made for doing tricks will have a front brake, though.

BMX bikes also usually come with pads to protect the rider during accidents and wrecks, which can happen a lot during races. Most racers don’t bother with pads, though, they’re too cool for that. If the bike does have pads, they’re usually on the top bar, handlebar clamp, and the handlebar crossbar.

BMX bikes are a booming business, and their popularity has increased across almost all segments of the market. You can often see BMX riders on televised competitions and commercials. BMX bikes are being ridden by all sorts of people, from professional riders to five year olds just having fun, adults who never grew out of them, and everyone in between.

BMX bikes are available in a range of sizes to accommodate all types of riders and all ages. They also have many specialized features to suit a variety of uses. There are, of course, a wide range in prices, too. If you are considering buying a bike for yourself or someone else, your best source of information are the people at your local bike shop. There’s also tons of reliable information online. The two main issues you need to consider are how the bike is going to be used and how much you are willing to spend. From there it’s up to you.

By: Gregg Hall

The Bunny Hop is a pretty hardcore trick and even if you aren’t into the whole BMX scene there are thousands of uses for the simple trick.

Step 1 – To begin start pedaling at a slow pace. Then once you feel comfortable pull up on your handle bars so that your front tire gets pulled up as well. I recommend you practicing just pulling up the tire a few times before even trying to do a bunny hop so that you get used to the weight of your bike.

Step 2 – When your tire is at it’s full height (you will be able to determine how high you can lift your front tire if you try what I recommended before.) Push back on your pedals in a scooping position and then lean forward on your bike.

Step 3 – Your whole bike should be in the air and to land it simply lean forward a bit and ride out. Remember your very first bunny hop is probably not going to be pretty and in order to work your way up to the monster Bunny Hops you will need to practice…a lot, but trust me it will all be worth it in the end as the bunny hop is a “must know” trick.

If you are still learning the bunny hop a good way to practice is to find a trusty stick and place it on the ground and then practice your technique by jumping over the stick a few times. Then once you feel that your technique has gotten better you could move up to a bottle or can.Try not to jump over a curb if your are still learning the Bunny Hop because your back tire could catch on the curb and send you flying over the handle bars which is never fun.

The biggest mistake that happens to beginners learning the Bunny Hop is that they try to lift both tires off the ground. This way is not only harder, but will never be able to get as much air as the technique described above. So it’s always best to learn how to do it properly otherwise it will make a lot of other tricks so much more difficult to learn.

By: Tim Sighter

Everyone knows what a bicycle is and how to use it, but you know that a BMX bicycle is not just your run of the mill bike. What makes a BMX bike different and special when compared to any other bike in the neighborhood?

The BMX bike is one of the fastest growing bikes on the market. In the 1960′s, BMX bikes began as knock off versions of motocross motorcycles. BMX bikes were used to play in the dirt. Riders were seen jumping and racing around dirt tracks, as well as, around their neighborhoods on BMX bikes. Kids who were typically uninterested in motocross or racing wanted to get their hands on a BMX.

So, what is particularly different about the BMX that has taken the bicycle market by storm? You can identify a BMX bike from your average bike in a number of ways. Specific features of a BMX bike include standard 20 inch tires. The tread on a BMX tire is much different when compared to your average bicycle tire. A regular bike tire may have a few grooves or ridges, but a BMX tire tread has large knobs and crevices to help gain traction and maintain control in the dirt. Rough terrain would be too much to handle for an average bicycle tire, but BMX tread can get the job done.

An average bicycle frame is rather heavy when compared to the frame on a BMX bicycle. The lightweight frame sets BMX apart from other recreational bikes. The sturdy, yet lightweight, frame of the BMX can withstand shock well. The durability of the frame is necessary for riders who want to really play and the dirt.

How does BMX keep their frames so light and durable? An average bicycle frame may be made from stainless steel or another inexpensive metal. BMX frames are formed from aluminum or chrome steel. Aluminum will not rust and is extremely lightweight. These qualities help to make a BMX frame both durable and practical. This is especially important for youngsters interested in performing jumps and stunts on their bike.

BMX bicycles typically have only one gear. Unlike other sports and recreational bicycles, a single chain and no gear shift. This variation from the norm allows riders to pedal with ease in multiple directions. The ability to pedal both backwards and forwards on a BMX bike allows for easier stunts, tricks, and jumps. Can you pedal backwards up a hill on any other bike?

Padding is standard on a BMX bike. You may find padding in as many as three locations on a BMX. The crossbar between the handles, the gooseneck, and the straddle bar are common areas for BMX padding to be prevalent. Safety is of utmost concern when enjoying your BMX bike. The wide range of activities during BMX competition make the padding a necessity when it comes to safety.

Another unique safety feature found on a BMX bike is seen in the stem. Four large bolts help to increase durability and stability of the frame during rough landings. A rider may place their body weight on the handles during a stunt. For this reason, extra safety precautions must be in place.

BMX bikes are built differently from an average bicycle to meet the high demands of riders in competition. Lightweight frames and durable parts make BMX stand out from the rest. Safety features are extremely important to protect riders during stunts on uneven terrain. Noting such differences between a regular bike and a BMX, it is easy to see why BMX bikes are so popular.

By: Gregg Hall

I remember the time when my son outgrew his trainer wheels. He felt so independent as he rode his bike in our yard and outside with his friends. He felt a certain freedom that he only achieved when his dad removed his balancing wheels. Then on, he can bike outside the house and not be made fun of.

My son always loved bike just like his dad. So when it came to the point when he was too big for his “child-bike,” he then set up a conference with his dad and me, sincerely asking for his first BMX bike. The following dad, the three of us set out to find him his first BMX bicycle. I didn’t know why my son decided on a BMX bicycle but for some reason, he said that it will make him ‘cooler’.

Upon arriving at the bike store, I was introduced to three different BMX bike frames, each having its own feature and function:

1. Race BMX frame. These types of frame are very lightweight and typically made from chrome-alloy or aluminum. The wheels that commonly fit these types of bikes have relatively narrow rims and are also lightweight for optimum speed. Race BMX bikes are fitted with frame pads to protect the rider and its knobby tires have less tread than dirt BMX.

2. Freestyle BMX frame. This type of BMX frame is heavier and have more durable frame because of its heavy steel content to meet the demands of freestyling. The rims associated with this type of BMX frame have wider rim wheels and its tires have the least tread as it is primarily designed as an urban street bike.

3. Dirt Racing BMX frame. This BMX frame is also known as the jump bikes. It’s where the two previous types meet. This one is a lot lighter than a freestyle frame but sturdier than the race type.

My son was quite unsure what he wanted to do with his BMX bike in the future so he opted for the ‘crossbreed’-the freestyle BMX bike frame. After choosing his BMX bike frame, we then proceeded with the purchase of his other bike parts. This is another story altogether.

And that moment that my son first held his BMX bike, he felt freer than he ever was.

By: Brandy A. Sean

If you are a BMX freak, you should learn the tricks in the step by step process.
Before performing those dangerous stunts, you should have a complete knowledge of it. Every technical aspect should be clear to you.

The first thing you need to learn is a Bike. You should not choose a bike based on how it looks. Technically, all bikes are different. If you feel confused, you should regularly read reviews about it on Internet.

When it comes to performing the trick, do not go to advance tricks first.

All BMX tricks can be classified into three types. These types are beginner level, medium level, and advance level tricks.

Tricks like bar turn, and kick out can be tried easily. They come under beginner level techniques.

Once you become acquainted with the initial tricks, you can go for middle level tricks like one-handler, one-footer and 180.

But, remember that middle level techniques require good practice, and concentration. You can enjoy them when you perform them. However, you should learn how to be safe as well.

When you feel you are comfortable, you can go for advanced techniques.
These techniques are somewhat difficult.

They can injure you, if not performed properly. You should perform these tricks only under the observation of an experienced person who can guide you.

Tricks like 360 are called ‘advanced level tricks’. Before performing these tricks, you should first perform them on the ground. Perform them in the air later on.

This is the ideal strategy to perform step by step BMX tricks.

By: Kum Martin

The Modern BMX bikes that many of us are familiar with have come a long way from the original bicycle invention and even from the BMX bikes of the late 60s which were specifically for jumps and dirt racing. After a while they even became desired even among those not into racing. These days you see kids riding them for everything to riding to school and visiting friends in addition to doing tricks.

These bikes like others come in many different sizes so that a diverse range of people can enjoy them. BMX is a sport that can be started as a young child and be continued well into adulthood. With the minis for kids up to the ages of six to nine, then the expert model up to thirteen year olds, and the professional size for that age through adult. These are only a guide since some kids are bigger than others, like my son who was over 200 lbs at 16 from lifting and surfing.

Another important factor that the bikes have is their lightweight construction which is crucial for jumping and racing. This is accomplished by the use of aluminum in many cases or with another low cost composite. By far the most popular metal used is aluminum.

One of the ways that a genuine BMX bike can be distinguished from regular bikes is that nearly all of them have 20″ wheels and knobby tires to assist with traction in loose dirt compared to regular bikes with smooth tires and smaller wheels. As mentioned before the frames are also much lighter but still sturdy which also sets them apart from the heavier recreational bikes on the market. Another way that BMX bikes stand out from regular bikes is that they only have one gear with one chain in order to do the tricks and so that they are easy to pedal backwards and forwards.

These bikes also generally do not have front brakes and they will have padding in place on the crossbar, the straddle bar, and the gooseneck. This is to protect the rider during BMX competitions as does the sturdy construction with the stem being held in place by 4 large bolts to keep the frame from coming apart when landing from a jump.

These bikes have been big business for 40 years and they definitely aren’t showing any signs of slowing down at all. You may think of kids when you think about BMX bikes but the fact is there are a lot of adults who ride them, especially when you think about the professional BMX riders. The extreme sports shows that are shown on ESPN and other sports channels have only added to the popularity of the bikes.

By: Gregg Hall

At some point in your life you may be looking for a bike for either yourself or one of your children. With the amount of different types of bikes that are out there it can definitely be confusing as to which one you might want to pick out. Well, I can tell you at least about one type which also happens to be a favorite of mine, the BMX.

First off, what exactly does BMX stand for? Bicycle motocross. Since these types of bikes are used for the same type of racing seen with motor dirt bikes, it seemed like a fitting name. These bikes usually have no suspension and smaller tires. The frame is usually made of larger diameter tubing than a mountain or road bike. Basically, they are built to take a lot more beatings than a regular bike.

Since the BMX bike first was introduced there has been a lot of modifications added for different types of riders. Things like foot pegs on the tires for certain tricks to be done, as well as special handle bars that can allow the rider to spin them all the way around. As the riding styles and types of different tricks on these bikes evolved, so did the bike itself to what it is known as today.

These bikes are usually seen in two different riding styles. Racing or freestyle.

Racing is just what you think it is, racing! A lot of times, dirt bike tracks complete with jumps and lots of turns are created for racing competitions on bmx bikes. There are many places like this to get involved. BMX racing is a culture in itself and many riders compete all over the USA.

Freestyle is basically performing amazing tricks on your bike. Riders make use of different obstacles and ramps to do various things like back flips, grinding, spins and more. Think of the same thing with skateboards only the riders are on BMX bikes instead.

So if you choose to go with a BMX bike you will probably eventually decide on either becoming a racer or a trick puller. Maybe even both! Whatever you choose you are bound to have a lot of fun and get some great exercise at the same time.

By: Nik Levesque

If you have just bought a BMX bike then it is a really good idea to try to learn some easy BMX tricks, but you should really learn on a proper course. It is quite easy to hurt yourself if you do not know what you are doing so you also need to get some proper safety equipment. It is very easy if you are not an experienced rider to fall off even doing easy BMX tricks and it can be very easy to hurt yourself. The main thing that you need to buy is a proper helmet. If you injure your head it can be very dangerous and a good helmet that is actually made for BMX riding is one of the first things that you should buy. The next things that you should buy are elbow and knee protectors. They are the most likely body parts to get injured if you fall off and you should not start to practice until you have bought them.

If you are learning at a course then you will not only get instruction on how to do the BMX tricks, you should be able to find out what is the best safety equipment to buy as well. The instructor should be able to tell the best places to buy the equipment and how much you will have to spend. There should be a local bike store that will have what you need. Even if you are just doing easy BMX tricks it is still easy to injure yourself if you do not know what you are doing.

If you cannot find any safety equipment stores near you then a good place to look is EBay. They will have a good selection but you need to know what you want before you buy. Another place to look is on the BMX websites. They often do reviews of safety equipment and you can also get some great tips on how to do some easy BMX tricks.

You could also join your local BMX club. They are great places to learn and to meet other BMX owners and riders. You can pick up some really great tips there about the best tricks for beginners and they are usually really great places for new owners to go to for advice. So if you are a new BMX owner then take time to buy all of the right safety equipment and learn some great tricks.

By: Tim Gorman