BMX Parts: Take Your Riding Experience to the Next Level
The popularity of bikes has never really faded. And this is despite the latest wave of micro-mobility trends like scooters for urban transport. No matter what’s the latest innovative mode of transport on the market, some people will stick to the traditional option of riding a bike.
BMX enthusiasts are a pretty good example of this. They follow the BMX bike philosophy religiously even though it hasn’t changed much over the course of decades.
The BMX bike design is classic and timeless. But this doesn’t mean you can’t bring your old BMX up to speed with the latest developments in bicycle design and construction. There are a number of upgrades you can do to get the best performance out of your precious BMX.
BMX Wheels
If you have an old BMX sitting in your garage or the one you ride frequently has undergone quite a beating, it’s time to check out the range of BMX wheels and upgrade your ride for safety and better performance. Keep in mind that regular bike wheels are out of the question. The wheels on a BMX are slightly smaller than what a road bike or a mountain bike would have.
The only exception to this rule are BMX bikes used for dirt jumping, and those belonging to tall riders. Racing bikes should have lighter wheels because weight affects speed and acceleration. For those that want to simply cruise around, tougher wheels will offer durability even though they aren’t the best when speed is concerned. However, they do help stability when performing tricks.
If we are talking about a freecoaster then you should be aware that having the right set of BMX wheels isn’t the only thing to worry about. Everyone that is out to put some serious strain on the bike should look for freecoaster hubs laced with stainless steel spokes. The spokes are to be attached through brass spoke nipples. A rim reinforced in this fashion can withstand more wear and tear.
And, of course, hubs. This part alone will make your bike conducive to so many movements typically performed on a half-pipe. This is true even if you go for front hubs only. However, if you like to take a shot at doing all those fun and exciting tricks, better go for both front and rear hubs. And make sure to opt for tough materials too, with strong alloy hub shell.
Good Grips
Good grips are important for any kind of bike, including a BMX. When you take into account this is the surface you will hold during your stunts, ergonomic design becomes important quickly. Mushroom style grips are the most popular option for this very reason. Other than that, you need to look for material that provides extended grip life. Usually, this means opting for high-quality rubber. Additionally, note that grips differ in length, so make sure to measure your bike’s handles before buying. Speaking of which
Handlebars
When it comes to steering, the handlebars are even more important than grips. Grips just affect your handhold, while the overall maneuverability depends upon the handlebars. In addition to the BMX wheels, handlebars are also a crucial factor for your safety while pulling off impressive stunts. So, if you notice that your handlebars are rusty or wobbly, immediately look for a replacement.
Racing BMX bikes require lighter handlebars which sometimes lack a crossbar. In the context of racing, this might provide you with the edge you need to get ahead. In freestyle, though, you need the exact opposite. Look for steeper handlebars made from a tough material such as chromoly, aluminium or steel. Steel is the most popular option. If you go for handles made of steel you can expect better handling of vibration. Not to mention a longer service life.
Flatland handlebars have good geometry and minimal sweep. This allows you to have the same feel on the handles regardless if they are pointed forward or backward.
The Right Seat
The typical BMX rider does not spend much time sitting on the bike seat. However, this doesn’t mean that seats aren’t important. If you use your BMX for causal riding, you’re going to need a comfortable and supportive seat. Pivotal seats allow you to easily adjust the angle of the seat with multiple teeth. This is in case you are after comfort.
Integrated seat and post design is very convenient because it all comes in one piece. Its angle is fixed and not that great for sitting, however, if you are looking for a way to decrease the weight of the BMX, these types of seats are the way to go. There are many other things to consider when choosing a BMX seat.
Cranks and Pedals
Freestylers prefer two or three-piece cranks because they offer greater strength and durability. If you are just beginning with BMX bikes, than you might find a one piece cranks on your bike. This configuration can be changed at a later date if and when you decide you want to go and try doing tricks. When you do that, look for shorter cranks (165 mm) as they will give you greater clearance for performing tricks. On the other hand, having larger spindles is considered (by some) to be ideal for street riding because it handles heavy landings and harder abuse. Riding them on a ramp will teach you how to smooth out the transitions.
Wide plastic pedals with large platform are the norm in freestyle BMX. This will serve to cut on overall weight of the bike and is cheaper. Also, when you end up hitting your shins with the pedals (and this will inevitably happen at some point) plastic will treat you better than metal would.
Racing BMXers go for slip in pedals. They are designed to give the racers an opportunity to speed up as the gate drops.
Compatibility and Measures
When you decide to upgrade your BMX to get the most of it, take the time to study the specifications of the new parts. Make sure they are compatible, and that the measurements are fit for your BMX configuration. It happens to everyone to buy a part by mistake. Just make sure not to make a habit of it.
