| Sales of BMX bikes are increasing faster than almost | | | | most kids ride the 20" bikes. This is the size favored |
| any other type of bicycle. BMX bikes can be seen on | | | | by many adults and pros, as well. There are BMX |
| every street, sidewalk and even in their natural | | | | bikes with even larger wheels or in-between sizes |
| habitat, off-road. Even if you never leave your house | | | | but they aren't as popular. |
| you've certainly seen such bikes on TV. Sure, you | | | | The tires on BMX bikes are different from |
| probably know what a BMX bike is, but what you | | | | conventional road bikes. They're knobby to give |
| probably don't know is what exactly differentiates a | | | | them excellent traction on dirt trails and tracks. In |
| BMX bike from other bikes. We'll tell you how they're | | | | fact, they're very similar to mountain bike tires, just |
| different. | | | | smaller. |
| We'll start with their origin. It's quite simple, really. | | | | Speaking of mountain bikes, such rides often have as |
| Bikes remained pretty much the same for many | | | | many as 21 gears! Road bikes and beach cruisers |
| decades after they were invented, but the popularity | | | | typically don't have that many but they do range |
| of off-road motorcycle racing, or motocross, during | | | | from 3 to 18 speeds. BMX bikes, on the other hand, |
| the 60's changed that. Kids saw the pros racing | | | | have just one gear. They have one sprocket up |
| around on their dirt bikes and taking them off dirt | | | | front and one on the back wheel. That's it, they use |
| ramps. They wanted to be like their heroes so kids | | | | just one gear because they're made for all-out sprints |
| imitated them on their bikes, which, at the time, | | | | and to have precise control for freestyle tricks. |
| weren't made for such rough-housing. It didn't take | | | | Another feature which differentiates BMX bikes from |
| long for bike manufacturers to catch on and start | | | | conventional bikes are their brakes. BMX bikes often |
| manufacturing bikes made specifically for the rigors | | | | have just a rear brake. Having a front brake |
| of racing and jumping off-road. Soon there were | | | | increases the likelihood of accidentally using just the |
| sanctioned bicycle motocross (BMX) all over the | | | | front one and causing an accident. Plus, racers don't |
| country. The BMX segment of the market grew and | | | | need the extra braking power because they don't |
| grew and continues to expand today. And of course | | | | want to slow down! A BMX bike made for doing |
| most the kids (and adults) you see on these bikes | | | | tricks will have a front brake, though. |
| don't ever race and probably don't jump them off | | | | BMX bikes also usually come with pads to protect |
| anything more daring than a curb. Still though, BMX | | | | the rider during accidents and wrecks, which can |
| bikes are made to take a beating. | | | | happen a lot during races. Most racers don't bother |
| Now, to discuss the physical attributes of the BMX | | | | with pads, though, they're too cool for that. If the |
| bike which makes it different from other bikes. The | | | | bike does have pads, they're usually on the top bar, |
| particular features can be narrowed down to the | | | | handlebar clamp, and the handlebar crossbar. |
| frame, the wheels/tires, the brakes, and the gears. | | | | BMX bikes are a booming business, and their |
| The frame on BMX bikes is designed to be very light | | | | popularity has increased across almost all segments |
| so it can be easily maneuvered and very strong so it | | | | of the market. You can often see BMX riders on |
| can withstand the stresses of jumping and racing. | | | | televised competitions and commercials. BMX bikes |
| The light weight of a BMX frame is also important | | | | are being ridden by all sorts of people, from |
| because a lighter bike can save you valuable seconds | | | | professional riders to five year olds just having fun, |
| in a close-fought BMX race. Aluminum and | | | | adults who never grew out of them, and everyone in |
| chrome-moly steel are the two materials most | | | | between. |
| favored by BMX'ers. Regular bikes are usually made | | | | BMX bikes are available in a range of sizes to |
| from cheap grades of steel prone to rusting or even | | | | accommodate all types of riders and all ages. They |
| breaking when put under a lot of stress. | | | | also have many specialized features to suit a variety |
| Another distinguishing feature of BMX bikes are their | | | | of uses. There are, of course, a wide range in prices, |
| wheels and tires. Most BMX bikes have 20" rims, of | | | | too. If you are considering buying a bike for yourself |
| course they can also be purchased in other sizes. | | | | or someone else, your best source of information |
| There is the 12" size for young children just learning | | | | are the people at your local bike shop. There's also |
| to ride. These days kids are learning to ride bikes | | | | tons of reliable information online. The two main |
| before they learn to read! The next size up is the 16" | | | | issues you need to consider are how the bike is |
| wheel. These bikes are mostly used by kids from the | | | | going to be used and how much you are willing to |
| ages of 8 to 12. Once they enter the teen years, | | | | spend. From there it's up to you. |