Discover What Is a BMX Bike and their 5 benefits
What is a BMX bike is a common inquiry for novice bike enthusiasts.
Bikes are an excellent environmentally friendly way to travel short distances and to keep yourself fit. In addition, they are affordable and versatile. There are several different types of bikes on the market, designed for a variety of purposes.
In this article, we will look at the BMX bike.
What Is a BMX Bike?
BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross. Initially, the term BMX only referred to bikes used for BMX racing. But now, BMX covers a range of off-road disciplines.
BMXing has become an excluded discipline of cycling, and BMX cycles are ideal for the sport.
These are lightweight cycles engineered and designed to perform off-road stunts and tricks, with a rigid frame with 20″ (smaller) wheels. BMX bikes emerged in 1970 specifically designed for racing on dirt tracks
What Is BMX Racing?
BMX racing involves competitors riding around circuits with many obstacles like bumps, turns, and jumps. The aim is to complete the round first, like any other race. BMX bikes consist of lightweight alloys that make them seamless in performing stunts and tricks.
BMX bikes are not recommended for standard cyclists and are not suitable for leisure cycling.
Benefits Of BMX Bikes
- 1. They provide a thrilling experience when ridden on rough terrain like rocky hills.
- 2. BMX bikes are ideal for children because of their compact structure.
- 3. They are built for maximum durability, which ensures a long-term investment.
- 4. BMX bikes are easy to handle and lightweight. As a result, they are portable.
- 5. They offer a great alternative to fossil-fuel vehicles.
Safety Requirements While Riding a BMX Bike
Primarily, the requirements depend upon the kind of activity you are participating in. For example, competitive events involving stunts and tricks, or racing events, require riders to have a full-face helmet and knee and elbow guards. On the other hand, for casual riding, a skater helmet is sufficient.
Nonetheless, riders should have wrist, knee, shin, and padded elbow guards for a safer riding experience. Bear in mind fatal accidents are common when it comes to bicycling without proper safety equipment.
Differences Between BMX Bikes and Regular Bikes
The differences are hard to detect by untrained eyes. Still, enthusiastic bikers can spot several differences.
Here are some notable differences:
1. Lightweight
Regular bikes have a 45-inch frame, whereas BMX bikes have a smaller 20-inch frame.
This feature contributes to the lightweight frame and ensures that cyclists can swing or rotate their bike 360 degrees in mid-air without damaging the structure.
Related Article: Bike Frames 101
2. Durability
Whether performing stunts or racing, the cycle is subjected to much rough use. To survive such harsh treatment, the material used for the frame is a lightweight chrome steel alloy.
This makes the cycles highly durable and able to withstand hardships. Unfortunately, standard bikes are not built to withstand rough terrain or stunt practices.
3. “Wheel” Power
The BMX-type wheels are small with knobbly tires for creating friction and gripping dirt on the off-road tracks. They have deeply grooved treads for maximizing grip over rocky terrains.
Regular bikes aren’t appropriate for off-road tracks.
4. Minimal Components
These bikes are devoid of extra weight; they have only one gear. Unlike regular bikes, BMX cycles are not appropriate for traveling long distances.
Additionally, the lack of additional components minimizes the risk of falling while performing stunts. It also enhances the speed.
5. U-Brake Facility
Brakes are not much of a necessity when it comes to BMX bikes. The rider usually uses his foot on the ground or the rear wheel U-brake to create friction while slowing down or stopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use BMX Bikes for Regular Purposes?
You can use BMX bikes for regular purposes. There is no hard rule that limits the use of BMX bikes for regular purposes. Nonetheless, it’s not advisable unless they have a brake. Also, they are unsuitable for traveling long distances too, as they have only one gear.
Conclusion
BMX bikes are perfect for off-road tracks. Also, it is not safe to ride them on roads as they lack regular brakes. BMXing is a discipline of its own where one performs stunts and tricks. This discipline needs expert training and plenty of practice.
Steve Beck is a passionate cyclist and experienced writer covering the cycling industry for over a decade. He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all bike-related things, from the latest products and technologies to the best routes and trails. His articles are well-researched, informative, and engaging, and he has a talent for explaining complex cycling concepts in a way that is easy to understand. Steve can be found on the road when he’s not writing about bikes, putting his knowledge and skills to the test.
Thanks for sharing this amazing article. I appreciate that you talked about the BMX bikes.