BMX Bike Anatomy
A BMX bike is a single speed, 20 inch bike built from about 20 named parts: here is each one in order from the front wheel to the rear wheel.
3 min readPractical BMX guides. Straight answers to the questions new and returning riders actually ask: what size bike, what to buy, how to set it up and how to keep it running.
19 articles
A BMX bike is a single speed, 20 inch bike built from about 20 named parts: here is each one in order from the front wheel to the rear wheel.
3 min readAdults can start or return to BMX at any age by choosing the right size, building fitness slowly, wearing proper gear and finding a friendly local scene.
3 min readA BMX helmet should be certified to a bicycle standard such as AS/NZS 2063, CPSC or EN 1078, fit snugly and level, and be replaced after any significant crash.
5 min readCheck your bolts, chain, tyres, headset and cranks weekly, and give the whole bike a deeper service monthly, to keep a BMX safe and quiet.
3 min readA BMX race track is a short dirt circuit with a start hill and gate, straights of jumps and rollers, and banked berms, raced by up to eight riders at once.
5 min readBMX tyre pressure usually runs from about 40 to 100 PSI depending on discipline and rider weight, and must always stay within the range printed on the sidewall.
3 min readKeep a brake while you learn, and go brakeless only once you can stop reliably with your feet, since the choice trades safety for simplicity and freedom.
3 min readExpensive BMX bikes buy stronger chromoly steel, sealed bearings, better heat treatment, lower weight and resale value, while cheap bikes suit casual use.
3 min readBuilding a backyard BMX ramp means planning a small quarter pipe or kicker, cutting curved sides, fixing timber ribs and bending plywood over the top.
5 min readBuild a BMX from parts by checking compatibility first, then fitting the headset, forks, bars, bottom bracket, cranks, wheels and chain in a set order.
5 min readTo bunny hop higher on a BMX, lift the front with a strong manual pull, then scoop the rear up with your feet and tuck your knees high before levelling out.
5 min readChoose a complete bike with a full chromoly frame, sealed bearings and 3-piece cranks from a BMX brand, and avoid heavy department store bikes.
4 min readFilming a BMX edit means capturing clips on a phone or camera with fisheye and long lens angles, then editing them to licensed music for a short web video.
4 min readRefit a dropped BMX chain in a minute, or repair a broken one with a chain breaker and master link, then set the tension so it does not come off again.
5 min readServicing BMX bearings means checking hubs, bottom bracket and headset for play or roughness, then cleaning and regreasing them or fitting new ones when worn.
5 min readUnbox your complete BMX, align the bars, fit the pedals on the correct sides, set the brake and seat, and torque every bolt before the first ride.
4 min readLearn BMX in order: ride in a good stance, pump, bunny hop, manual and drop in, practising at a skatepark with good etiquette and protective gear.
4 min readTruing a BMX wheel means adjusting spoke tension with a spoke key, a little at a time, until the rim spins straight, round and centred in the frame or forks.
5 min readMost teens and adults fit a 20 inch wheel BMX with a 20 to 21 inch top tube, chosen by height first and then adjusted for arm length and riding style.
4 min read