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How BMX Bikes are Different from Other Bikes
from: Maxx Sports GuidesOne of the fastest growing types of bike on the market, the BMX bike is perhaps a mystery to many. You have probably heard of BMX bikes, and even have some idea of what they are used for. You probably don't know, though, what specifically makes a BMX bike what it is. Obviously bicycles vary, but that is it that makes a BMX bike? There are certainly ways of knowing.
Original BMX bikes arrived well after the invention of the bicycle. In the late 1960's they were made as knockoffs of motor cross motorcycles. They were made for jumping and racing in dirt. Eventually they began to gain popularity with all kids, even those who weren't into racing. Now, you'll see many kids use BMX style bikes to ride to school, play in the neighborhood, and as a way to visit friends in addition to racing and doing tricks.
A true BMX bike can be identified by a number of factors. While a regular bike may vary in wheel size, almost all BMX bikes have 20-inch wheels. The tires are very knobby to help with traction in loose dirt, as opposed to other bikes, which may have smooth or slightly treaded tires. Frames on the BMX bikes are very light and very sturdy to endure a lot of shock. The lightweight sets them apart in many instances since recreational bikes are often heavier.
The lightweight of a BMX bike is important because of the racing and jumping aspects of the sport. To keep them light, a BMX frame will generally be made of either aluminum or chrome steel. A regular bike you might buy for casual rides in the park might be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or some other inexpensive composite. Aluminum is very popular with the BMX bikes because it won't rust and is the lightest weight material available.
Like other bikes, BMX bikes come in a number of sizes for different size people. BMX is a sport that often starts with very young children who are even below school age, and they can continue to pursue the sport right through their adulthood. There are essentially four sizes of BMX bikes. You can find mini, which is for children up to age 6, a junior will get them through age 9 as a general rule, expert size is through the age of 13, and then a pro size is for adulthood. Obviously, the size of the kid matters, but overall the sizes are a guide through age.
As opposed to many other types of bicycle, a BMX bike will use only one gear. Therefore, they're equipped with just the one chain wheel and have no hear shift on them because they may be used for tricks as well and many are equipped to pedal both backward and forward. This allows for racing up and down hills and jumping ramps with ease.
Another difference is they often lack a front brake because there's no real use for one. They may also have padding in up to three locations: on the handlebar crossbar, the gooseneck, and on the straddle bar in front of the seat. All of these features are there for the protection of the rider during BMX racing competitions and jumps. The same goes for the stem that is secured with four large bolts to help hold the frame together during a landing when all of the rider's weight may come down on the handlebars.
BMX bikes are big business. Between actual racers and the kids who just enjoy the look and feel of them, they sell at an amazing rate. You may also see a number of adults who ride them to do freestyle tricks or to ride in competitions. Thought you may think of BMX bikes in terms of kids, a large part of the upper end market is for adult riders and professionals. There are, obviously a number of types of BMX bikes to accommodate all types of riders and all ages.
Your best bet, if you're considering buying a bike for yourself or someone else, is to ask an expert at a shop. Make sure you know what the bike will be used for and how much money you're planning to spend. Once you understand the fundamental differences between bikes, you'll be able to get the right BMX or other type of bike for you or someone close to you.
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