One of the simplest bicycles in accordance with its design is BMX. It was originally created to prepare children for motocross lessons. Such models are capable of withstanding really solid loads that even mountain bikes cannot handle. Due to this, this type of construction is deservedly called the best option for performing tricks.
Alas, they know how to choose the right bmx bike for a teenager or an adult - not everyone. A decent complement can be bought at an expensive price. For this reason, the pros are most likely to collect the shells themselves. Novice athletes are looking for decent BMX in the store, taking into account important parameters so as not to regret their purchase in the future.
We are aware of the importance of this information, and therefore have collected useful expert recommendations in one article. Having familiarized yourself with it and taking it to yourself, you can definitely choose a model of a reliable level in accordance with your financial abilities.
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List of BMX manufacturers: which brand to choose
Racers with extensive experience often change the BMX so that only the native frame remains in the entire structure. But if you are just taking your first steps in this sport, it is worth taking a great bike from a manufacturer with a good reputation.
Reliable BicycleMotoCross models are offered by Code; Haro; BSD; Norco; Stolen or Duo. The production of BMX is inherent in other brands that produce mountain bikes. These are: Giant, GT, Author. But you should definitely familiarize yourself with the characteristics that can affect the quality and reliable indicators of BMX.
The principle of operation and the structure of the BMX
BMX models are not backlit. This is the main difference between them and extreme bikes. The structure is represented by a rigid type of rigid frame, which is welded on the basis of butted tubes of a seamless type. They have maximum strength indicators, despite the fact that the weight is not so great. Due to this solution, it was possible to improve the reliability properties of the projectile, which is experiencing exorbitant loads.
The design has a special geometry. She is low, elongated. As for the length, it largely depends on the style of cycling. To increase the reliability of the structure in the area of the front triangle, a gusset is welded at the steering wheel. It will be presented as an additional stiffener. The rear rib stays are attached to the upper frame, i.e. not only the seat tube has been processed.
The design at the helm has a non-standard shape. It can rotate 360 degrees freely. This expands the set of tricks that can be done on the BMX. Of course, there is no need to talk about any types of cables that extend from the handles. The BMX lacks the entire gear shifting system.
Speaking of brakes, it is worth noting that there are none. If there are any options, then it is U or V-brake pads, when there is a transmission of the force of the cable hidden in the cavity of the fork. It will help pass through the gyro in the steering column area.You've probably noticed that BMX cyclists perform tricks and turn the handlebars. If there is no adapter, the brake cable will simply twist and come off altogether. As you can see, manufacturers think through all the points exactly, taking into account even the smallest details.
Another useful feature is that stunt bikes have a small wheel diameter. It is no more than 20 inches. Due to this, the projectile will have a reduced mass, and will also provide itself with good maneuverability indicators. But even that doesn't hurt to do the basic set tricks.
Pegs are screwed into the wheel axis area as an addition. Short tubes 10-11 centimeters long are intended as support for legs and grinds on different surfaces.
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The main selection criteria: which BMX to choose
Deciding on the material
This parameter determines everything from structural weight indicators to service life. Also, conditions of riding style, cost can be taken into account. It is not just about what the frame is made of, but also about the elements to be loaded. Those. bushing, handlebar, fork.
In the manufacture of BMX, 2 types of materials are used, which are considered basic. We are talking about chromium molybdenum alloy steel and structural steel. These are Cr-Mo and Hi-Ten, respectively. If this is the first option, then before you is an inexpensive material that does not have high strength properties. When riding with an aggressive nature and performing jumps, it may happen that soon you will need to think about replacing parts of the bike. Elements may bend or burst. Let the Hi-Ten serve under the athletes for a long time, but if the user does not weigh too much.
Cr-Mo is ideal for BMX production. The parts will be very durable. But the downside is that the material is not cheap. In the mid-range price range, there will be bikes that include Hi-Ten designs, if you don't have the money for a better model, then make sure the manufacturer equips the frame with Cr-Mo. If it fails, replacement will be very costly. But the nodes are cheaper and easier to replace.
BMX on aluminum and titanium frames falls into a completely different category. The first option will be appropriate for racing, but if the user does not jump, bump the bike. They are appropriate for children and adolescents. The second titanium option is expensive. But even when compared with Cr-Mo, the difference in price does not correspond to the difference in strength characteristics.
Features of bushings
When choosing a BMX, bushings should be singled out as a particularly important group of criteria. More often than not, they carry the entire load. Moreover, implementation can be presented in several ways:
- if there is a driver;
- freewheeling;
- fricoster.
Let's consider each option separately. With a driver - the best solution if you plan to perform tricks. This is due to the fact that the ratchet cassette has durable ratchets and will reduce the mass of the projectile by reducing the drive gear.
But freewheel - inexpensive bushings that have a ratchet with a rather large and heavy sprocket.
Fricoster is a beautiful, expensive option. The hubs are ideal for performing tricks. But keep in mind that with standard complements, they will not occur. Of course, this is possible if the model is flagship.
Be sure to check which bearings were installed. It is better if the rear wheel is flushed on the front as well.
Sleeve dimensions
The back of the hub should be 14 millimeters. If it is 10, then it is not appropriate. The thing is that after installing the peg under the weight of the rider, it will simply bend it. On the front wheel, there may be a 9.5mm light axle application. Again, if the model does not belong to flat and it is not planned to replace it with the front pegs.
Steering wheel and column
The BMX column on the handlebars must have a power rating and a diameter of at least 1.1 / 8 inches.It is recommended to give preference to an integrated sleeve, where industrial bearings of a closed type are installed by default. They will not have any negative impact on the pipe area. Moreover, the column is easy to replace, and the pleasure is not expensive.
Carriage glass
The seat for the pedal cranks and the sprocket can also be of 2 types. It is with pressed-in bearings and bushing. Better if it's Mid or Spanish. Also another Euro variant with external bearings and threads. This is not the most popular option in fact. The designs are not very reliable and require the selection of special connecting rods.
Sometimes, there are bicycles with an American. Those. the glass will have bearings additionally fixed by cups. Most often these are bulk options. It is recommended to refuse to buy a model with this carriage fit altogether.
Pedal material
This time we will focus on the connecting rods. The choice is obvious. Either you should immediately think about buying a bike with a material with Cr-Mo, or a high-ten, which will then need to be changed to an alloyed alloy, since otherwise the BMX will not be suitable for use.
When it comes to cycling motocross, there will be a lot of stress when using pedals on the platform. Material options can be different: aluminum, magnesium, plastic.
If we take the first, then this is a design with reliable and durable properties, which is also affordable, but magnesium ones differ in terms of lower weight, but they have all the other properties. However, keep in mind that the price will be higher.
The most inexpensive option is plastic. Conveniently, they are easy to replace. But you still have to do this, since their strength properties are weak. Consider also the fact that grip is not good.
Wheels
Better to shell out straight away to buy a dual-rim BMX. This is due to the fact that they are durable, resistant to the deformation process. A single option can be used for a teenager, but after a couple of unsuccessful jumps, he will make an 8-rocket on the basis of the wheel.
The number of spokes will vary depending on the size of the hub. The higher their number, the more seriously the wheels can be loaded. This applies to the rider's weight indicators, as well as what style he is guided by when riding.
As a rule, wide tires are used. It is 1.8-2.25 inches. The profile can be slick or semi-slick. But there will be a need to roll on a surface with negative properties, there is still a point in buying an aggressive tread.
Rostovka
As strange as it may seem, the standard frame size in BMX does not carry any special significance. Such designs provide for riding in a standing position, leaning on the pedals. Those. Convenience will fundamentally depend on the athlete's body itself. Nevertheless, it is recommended to pay attention to how long the top tube will be.
The choice should be made by relying on the fitting method. As a guide, you can use the following numbers:
- if the height of a teenager or child is about 140 cm, then the optimal solution is to buy a frame in the size of 18-20 inches;
- if about 150-170 cm tall, please note 20.25-20.75 inches;
- but for athletes who are taller than 180 cm, it is better to take frames of 21-21.2 inches. But keep in mind that no more is needed. Not everyone will find it convenient to perform tricks with such a pipe length.
Price question: how much is a good BMX today
If you plan to buy a stunt bike for a child, then get ready to pay around 5-20,000 rubles. But a street model on a steel frame can cost around 10-22,000 rubles. For racing BMX made of aluminum cost 18-28,000 rubles. Similar values are inherent in combined models, which are assembled from Cr-Mo and Hi-Ten elements.
Chrome-molybdenum bicycles with very good characteristics can be bought in the region of 19-40,000 rubles. But it is possible that in the future something will still need to be changed from the kit. But a cool bike for performing tricks and motocross costs around 30-100,000 rubles.If the price is higher, then this is a novelty and most likely from a well-known brand.
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Types of bikes for BMX
Street
The street bike features a simple design with lightweight properties. At times, the seat and brake system can be excluded. You need to screw the pegs yourself, here the racer needs to choose the side of the installation that is more convenient for him.
The main purpose of this BMX will be to perform tricks on handrails, curbs, steps, etc. These models feature shorter frame options, aggressive tread on the front wheel and traditional slick on the rear.
The advantages include the fact that these are light and compact models with a narrow handlebar and short stays. In this case, pulling out is simple. The grip at the wheels is excellent, as is the maneuverability.
But the downside is that you can't jump off the trampolines on such a BMX. A vertical fork prevents a good landing. Often times, the body kit is based on budget materials, but the frame can be quite good.
Similar bikes are used for the Vert. Variant is one of the most spectacular BMX styles. Those. skating on a ramp with somersaults and somersaults in the air. For this reason, the retrofitting of the flying bikes will be different.
The pegs are installed in the area of the front and rear wheels. The tires will be exclusively made of silicone. They have a weak tread pattern.
Dirt
If you plan to perform jumps on BMX from a springboard or extreme riding tricks on an embankment, then you should pay attention to heavy bikes with squat structures. Unlike other types of bicycles, these BMXs are equipped with brakes. Moreover, they can be both behind and in front.
The advantages include: the presence of strong frames, the stability of a low center of gravity, as well as a long base, which provides stability during flight. The angle of deflection from the fork will guarantee a successful landing. The rubber is grippy and has powerful tread properties.
But the disadvantages are that this design is much heavier in weight. It will not be suitable for performing complex tricks on the surface from the ground.
Racing
This is a classic type of BMX, which became the source for all other models and variations in the following. Such bicycles are designed for high-speed skiing, where sharp turns on the track, drops with low properties, as well as small obstacles are provided. The structures are distinguished by the fact that they have a frame based on a durable aluminum alloy, which is quite light. This is 6005A, the wheels will be stable, have a pronounced tread. The brakes are located only at the rear.
The advantages are that they are light and sturdy designs that have a gear ratio unlike other BMX options. They will perfectly move on the ground with loose or slippery properties. Models are stable due to the base, which is elongated. They are equipped with excellent contact plan pedals.
But the disadvantages are that the aluminum frame is very rigid. It is unable to dampen vibrations.
Flatland
Flat is presented in the form of an atypical bike that is not intended for riding. It is designed to perform acrobatic tricks, "dancing" on one wheel, when the feet do not touch the ground. This type of bike has a short base and a vertical fork. There are 4 powerful pegs. A pair goes to each wheel. For this reason, bushings with reliable properties must be available, both from the front and from the rear.
Speaking of the pros, we note that the frame will be short, and the whole structure is presented in such a way that it is convenient for the user to perform tricks. The rims have enhanced properties, the presence of spokes is large. There is complete freedom of action with the steering wheel. The brakes will be grippy and responsive.
The disadvantages are that the gear ratio is low. Bikes are not meant to be ridden.
