BMX Guide
How to Set Up a New BMX
Unbox 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.
Updated 4 min read789 words
To set up a new BMX, check the frame and parts, fit the front wheel, align the stem and bars, install the pedals on the correct sides, adjust the brake and seat, set the tyre pressure and torque every bolt. Even if a shop built the bike, go through the same checks. Most problems on a new bike are loose bolts, not faults.
What you need
- Allen keys: 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm cover most bikes
- A spanner or socket for axle nuts and pedals
- A floor pump with a gauge
- Grease and a rag
- A torque wrench if you have one
Step by step
- Unbox and inspect. Lay the bike on a clean floor and remove packing material. Look over the frame, forks, wheels and bars for dents, scratches or bent parts. Contact the seller straight away if you find damage.
- Fit the front wheel. Slide the axle into the fork dropouts so the wheel is centred. Tighten both axle nuts evenly. Spin the wheel to check it runs clear of the forks.
- Align the stem and bars. Point the stem straight ahead, in line with the front wheel. Tighten the front or faceplate bolts in an even criss-cross pattern so the plate sits level. Do not fully tighten the clamp yet.
- Set the bar angle. Roll the handlebars back or forward until the grips feel natural. A common starting point is to have the bars angled so your wrists stay straight with the line of the forks, or slightly rolled back. Move them a few degrees at a time and test on a short ride. Then tighten the bar clamp evenly.
- Set the headset. Hold the front brake and rock the bike. If there is play, tighten the top cap gently, then tighten the stem bolts on the steerer. The bars should turn freely with no knocking. See headset.
- Fit the pedals. Grease the threads. The right pedal tightens clockwise and the left pedal tightens anticlockwise. Look for an R and L stamped on the spindle. Thread each pedal in by hand first so you do not cross the thread, then finish with a spanner. See pedals.
- Set the seat height. Loosen the clamp, move the seat to your chosen height, point it straight along the top tube and tighten. For tricks, most riders go low. For general riding, aim for a slight bend in your leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke. See seat and seatpost.
- Set up the brake. Make sure the pads sit square on the rim, about 1 to 2 mm away when the lever is released. Pull the lever a few times to check it returns and the cable runs smoothly. Rotate the lever so your wrist stays straight when you pull. If you ride with a gyro, check the cable routing. See brakes.
- Check the chain. There should be a small amount of slack, about 10 to 15 mm of play midway along the chain. Check it at the tightest point as you turn the cranks, because sprockets are rarely perfectly round. If the chain is too tight, loosen the rear axle nuts and slide the wheel forward. See chain.
- Inflate the tyres. Pump to a pressure inside the range printed on the tyre sidewall. See BMX tyre pressure.
- Check every bolt. Go over every fastener: stem, bars, cranks, pedals, axle nuts, seat clamp and brake. Use a torque wrench if you have one and follow the figures printed on the part. Without one, tighten firmly in steps.
- Do a test ride. Ride slowly in a safe area. Test the brake, steer in both directions and listen for creaks. Stop and recheck the bolts.
Pedal install direction
This is the most common new-bike mistake, so it gets its own table.
| Pedal | Marked | Tightens | Thread type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right (chain side) | R | Clockwise | Standard |
| Left | L | Anticlockwise | Reverse |
If a pedal will not start by hand, back it out and try again. Forcing a pedal damages the crank threads. Most BMX pedals use a 9/16 inch thread on 2-piece and 3-piece cranks, and a 1/2 inch thread on 1-piece cranks.
Bar angle at a glance
| Style | Common bar angle |
|---|---|
| General riding | Bars roll back slightly, wrists neutral |
| Street and park | Often rolled back a bit more for control |
| Racing | Often rolled forward for a lower, stretched position |
These are tendencies, not rules. Adjust until the bike feels comfortable.
After your first ride
New bikes settle. Bolts can loosen, cables stretch and spokes bed in. After the first ride, and again after the first week, go through the full bolt check. See BMX maintenance basics.
Related
Frequently asked questions about How to Set Up a New BMX
Which way do BMX pedals tighten?
The right pedal tightens clockwise. The left pedal has a reverse thread and tightens anticlockwise. Pedals are marked R and L, usually on the spindle.
How high should I set my BMX seat?
For tricks, most riders run the seat low so it stays out of the way. For general riding and commuting, raise it until your leg is slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Do I need a torque wrench?
It helps, especially for stems and cranks, but it is not essential. Use the torque figures printed on the part if you have one. Otherwise tighten firmly in even steps and recheck after the first ride.
Watch on the LUXBMX YouTube
Videos about How to Set Up a New BMX from the LUXBMX YouTube channel.
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