Welcome to Maxx Sports Guides
Pocket Bike Racing Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions about BMX Bike Racing Answered
from: Maxx Sports GuidesAs with any sport, BMX Bike Racing consistently attracts questions from new and experienced riders.
When you know the answers to such questions you can more easily go from novice to semi-pro or from professional to the top of your game.
Here are some questions that come up often, and the answers to help you deal with your particular challenge or query.
What can be done about a clicking or skipping crank on my BMX bike?
You can take the cranks apart, removed all the old grease from the inside, put new lubricant on it and reassemble them. If you still get a clicking noise, the cranks may be worn down or even broken. The skipping is another problem and should be addressed immediately because a skipping crank can cause a spill.
Check whether your chain is in good shape. If not, you may have to replace the cranks and chain to prevent future skipping.
I just got a new BMX bike frame, and in the technical information I keep seeing the abbreviation, B.B. What does that stand for?
B.B. is short for Bottom Bracket. That's the portion of the bike frame where the cranks go in. There are four different types of bottom bracket, and each is a different size. These can include Euro-style, Spanish-style, Mid-style, and American style BBs.
Does the position of your handlebars affect bunny hops and other tricks?
The simple answer is yes, but not in a good or bad way. Whether your handlebars are forward or back will just change the technique you use in performing your tricks and the way they feel to you.
Position your handlebars whichever way feels best for you. Find a comfortable setting and stick with it so that you'll get a feel for how each of your tricks is best executed.
Are three-piece cranks better than one piece cranks?
As a general rule, in BMX biking, three-piece cranks will be better. Since they're stronger, they can endure the heavy abuse of BMX racing and a freestyle environment. As well, they're easier to install and work with.
Three-piece cranks will cost you more money. But if you're serious about riding and competing with BMX bikes it's certainly more than worth the investment. You may find yourself replacing a one-piece crank with alarming regularity.
My child wants to get into BMX racing. How do I choose the best bike for him? Is there some sort of guideline that can help?
Yes. You need to do all the necessary research before buying a bike so that you get the right one. Remember that a BMX bike isn't like a pair of shoes.
Your child shouldn't try to grow into the bike. If a bike doesn't fit your child, it can actually hurt him. Ask at a BMX shop or at a local track for guidelines that will help you select the right bike for your child.
I'm just starting in BMX bike racing. What type of clothing do I need?
You'll need long pants for sure. Racing pants will be better and protect you more. Most tracks will require that, at the very least, you wear some sort of long pants.
For the same reasons you'll also need a long sleeve shirt. Many injuries in BMX racing are related to scrapes. So, long sleeves and pants are part of the protection.
You'll also need a full-face helmet with an attached chin strap. The head always needs to be protected, and a traditional bike helmet doesn't work for BMX. You need a face cover and the special design that a true BMX helmet provides.
What are some of the custom changes required for a bike to be track ready at most BMX facilities?
Most will require that you remove fenders, reflectors, chain guards, and kickstands from your bike. For safety, you'll also likely need to have pads on the goose neck and handle bar cross in case you're thrown forward.
Handlebars must have grips that cover the meal on the end. Your frame should be free of cracks and other damage. As well, make sure that your brakes are in good condition.
Pocket Bike Racing News
Why Asia is a Hub for Bikes - Wall Street Journal (blog)
Why Asia is a Hub for Bikes Wall Street Journal (blog) I currently own a German Birdy (optimized for long trips and speed); a fun but goofy Strida, whose A-frame design collapses into a kind of lollipop shape; a CarryMe pocket bike, which has one of the smallest footprints of any folder when umbrella'd ... |
Traffic Tip: Operation of vehicles on city grassy areas - Victoria Advocate
Traffic Tip: Operation of vehicles on city grassy areas Victoria Advocate By Zac De La Rosa It shall be unlawful for any person other than a person acting on behalf of the city to operate, drive, ride, park or propel any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorbike, minibike, motor-assisted scooter, motorcycle, moped, pocket bike, ... |
La. college student vanishes during nighttime bike ride home - USA TODAY
 Daily Mail | La. college student vanishes during nighttime bike ride home USA TODAY She reportedly left her friend's home here around 2 am Those close to Shunick say she always carried a can of mace in her front pocket while bicycling. Her mother described her daughter as "sunny and sunnier." "Mickey is just universally liked," Rowe ... Missing female cyclist Mickey Shunick: Friends suspect foul play FBI, national media involved in Shunick case Cyclist never makes it home, community search party seeks answers |
Rider Spotlight: Austin Dehaven - AMA Pro Racing
 AMA Pro Racing | Rider Spotlight: Austin Dehaven AMA Pro Racing When the time finally came, it was Christmas of 2006, I got a little pocket bike. It was like a bike, but not. Laughs. I then asked him when I was going to race. We finally got out to race in a MiniGP racing club, and I finished fifth after racing in ... |
London youngster reunited with stolen bike in time to star at National RTTC Champs - road.cc
London youngster reunited with stolen bike in time to star at National RTTC Champs road.cc George who is a dedicated and successful junior racer was able to buy the Fenomanalist frame with a grant from Tower Hamlets council on his 13th birthday – he had spent two years saving the pocket money and prize money needed for the kit to build it up ... |
What happened in the Gila: Caballo Blanco's last run - El Paso Inc.
What happened in the Gila: Caballo Blanco's last run El Paso Inc. He was a famous ultrarunner, competing in races two, three or four times as long as marathons. The day he vanished, he said he was going on a 12-mile jaunt, for him as routine as a lap around a high school track. But True's mythic renown owed less to ... |