BMX bikes are recognisable due to their smaller wheels and frames. Their simplistic design makes it as easy as possible to ride them in intense riding environments such as skate parks or pump tracks.
What is a BMX bike?
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Other features that define a BMX bike include its lightweight structure and thick and steady tyres for durability and stability whilst riding.
As with all models of bike there are several different styles of BMX available. Each style of BMX is slightly different and has been optimised for a certain BMX event or style of riding.
If you’ve been asking yourself “what is a BMX bike?” keep reading, by the end of this short article you’ll understand exactly what BMX is!
A BMX (bicycle motocross) is traditionally a rigid framed bicycle, with smaller 20″ wheels. These bikes first entered the market in the 1970s and were originally designed in for racing on dirt tracks.
Over the years BMXing has grown and there are now many other disciplines within the sport including freestyle and flatland BMX. You may think that BMXing consists of riders performing tricks and stunts at skateparks or in the street.
However, there are several different styles of BMX riding that you might not have heard of before. Different types of BMXing require different styles of BMX bike as well as different terrain to ride on.
Nowadays, the majority of BMX bikes are suitable for riding across the range of disciplines. However, flatland and race BMXs should only be used for their style of riding.
Curious what BMX is? What BMX means? What are the different kinds of BMX? What kinds of BMX bikes there are? Well, you’re in the right place! Here’s a breakdown of just what BMX is and what it’s all about. Although it’s a simple acronym, it’s a little more complex to explain exactly what BMX is… So let’s get into this.
The word BMX is an acronym for Bicycle Moto Cross. The term was originated in the 1970’s when kids started racing their bikes on dirt tracks in southern California. The origination was focused on the racing side of things with an emphasis on the jumping, speed and style. It wasn’t long until tricks started making their way into this new sport and a whole new genre of BMX was formed. BMX racing and Freestyle BMX. There’s a good bit of information on Wikipedia if you want a little more background on the start.
BMX bikes have carved their name in the market over their functionality, variability, and performance. While they may look very similar to any ordinary bike, they do not function that way. From being a normal bike, BMX bikes have evolved into racer bikes which can compete in different areas of racing and biking. From adventures to mountain biking, BMX bikes are manufactured to fulfill a full-fledged list of competitions with bikes. On a normal gaze, a BMX bike may look ordinary to you, small and strong. But there is a significant difference in every aspect which only an expert may gauge.
Let us take a closer look:
- Lighter Weight
You may take a look at the 20 inch bike tire and assume that the bike may be heavy as an ordinary bike with wider tires. The tire of the BMX bike has a shorter tube which acts as an advantage. The frame of the wheel is also small which substantially reduces the weight of the BMX bike. While the regular bikes are suitable for driving at speed, they fail to impress when it comes to performing stunts. Unlike these bikes, BMX bikes can be used for jumps and tricks as they are much lighter than ordinary bikes.
- Greater Strength
Durability is the other aspect of judging any bike for purchase. The regular bikes may undergo wear and tear in harsher terrain and can be only used on plain areas and dedicated lanes. This is not the case with BMX bikes. Designed to create an impactful performance, these bikes are robust in their make and can withstand irregular terrain, jumps, and strain. This is the primary reason that BMX bikes are preferred over regular bikes. The material used in BMX bikes plays a major role in imparting this durability to BMX bikes. Using Aluminium, steel and its alloys as the material for bike frame give different BMX bikes a different rate of durability.
- Flexible Braking
The brakes of any bikes are very important for their operation. Before purchasing a bike we check out the braking system and the brake cables. Normally, these cables are arranged regularly on every bike. However, this is not the case with BMX bikes as they are used in freestyle pattern which demands flexibility in rotation and operation of the handles of the bike. BMX stunt bike such as supermain BMX dedicated to freestyle employ a special type of braking system which allows the rider to go flexible with the bike handle, rotating it in any direction.
- Zero Suspension
Regular bikes have a suspension system to protect them from any kind of physical shocks on irregular terrains. You may be amazed to know that BMX bikes generally do not have a suspension. Basically, during the sprints and races, the racers use the bike with maximum power and thrust which may not be possible with a suspension system. The secret lies in the technique of using the bikes wherein the user absorbs the impact of the shakes and jumps. However, you can find suspension in modern BMX bikes.
- Powerful Wheels
The regular bikes come in a regular make where the frame of the tire and material is generally the same. BMX bikes have different tires and are generally knobby in their structure. These tires are used to accommodate the dirt that the tires may come across during an off-road drive. This allows the user to drive seamlessly in dirty and dusty areas whereas any regular bike would skid or malfunction in such terrains. It is interesting to note that BMX bikes built for different purposes have different tires. For instance, BMX bikes made to drive on streets and roads have smoother tires for a seamless experience. Tires of BMX bikes come with powerful and strong rims that provide the tires with enhanced durability.
You can explore our website to find out more about BMX bikes and satisfy your queries. Mafiabike offers a wide range of BMX bikes and its parts. We have all types of BMX bikes and our experts can help you make a better purchase decision. Connect with us to get the best deal and have your BMX bike. At BMX Australia we offer bikes for toddlers and Adults.
