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