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