| Without much exception, people know what a bicycle | | | | metal. BMX frames are formed from aluminum or |
| is and how to use it, but you know that a BMX | | | | chrome steel. Aluminum will not rust and is extremely |
| bicycle is not just your run of the mill bike. What | | | | lightweight. These qualities help to make a BMX |
| makes a BMX bike different and special when | | | | frame both durable and practical. This is especially |
| compared to any other bike in the neighborhood? | | | | important for youngsters interested in performing |
| The BMX line of bikes is one of the fastest growing | | | | jumps and stunts on their bike. |
| market in the new millennium. In the 1960’s, BMX | | | | Typically BMX bikes have only one gear. Unlike other |
| bikes began as knock off versions of motocross | | | | sports and recreational bicycles, a single chain and no |
| motorcycles. BMX bikes were used to play in the dirt. | | | | gear shift. This variation from the norm allows riders |
| Riders were seen jumping and racing around dirt | | | | to pedal with ease in multiple directions. The ability to |
| tracks, as well as, around their neighborhoods on | | | | pedal both backwards and forwards on a BMX bike |
| BMX bikes. Kids who were typically uninterested in | | | | allows for easier stunts, tricks, and jumps. Can you |
| motocross or racing wanted to get their hands on a | | | | pedal backwards up a hill on any other bike? |
| BMX. | | | | BMX bike have padding as standard equipment. You |
| Therefore, what is particularly unique about the BMX | | | | may find padding in as many as three locations on a |
| that has taken the bicycle market by storm? You | | | | BMX. The crossbar between the handles, the |
| can identify a BMX bike from your average bike in a | | | | gooseneck, and the straddle bar are common areas |
| number of ways. Specific features of a BMX bike | | | | for BMX padding to be prevalent. Safety is of utmost |
| include standard 20 inch tires. The tread on a BMX | | | | concern when enjoying your BMX bike. The wide |
| tire is much different when compared to your | | | | range of activities during BMX competition makes the |
| average bicycle tire. A regular bike tire may have a | | | | padding a necessity when it comes to safety. |
| few grooves or ridges, but a BMX tire tread has | | | | One more original safety feature found on a BMX |
| large knobs and crevices to help gain traction and | | | | bike is seen in the stem. Four large bolts help to |
| maintain control in the dirt. Rough terrain would be | | | | increase durability and stability of the frame during |
| too much to handle for an average bicycle tire, but | | | | rough landings. A rider may place their body weight |
| BMX tread can get the job done. | | | | on the handles during a stunt. For this reason, extra |
| The bicycle frame on average is rather heavy when | | | | safety precautions must be in place. |
| compared to the frame on a BMX bicycle. The | | | | To meet the high demands of riders in competition |
| lightweight frame sets BMX apart from other | | | | BMX bikes are built differently than the average |
| recreational bikes. The sturdy, yet lightweight, frame | | | | bicycle. Lightweight frames and durable parts make |
| of the BMX can withstand shock well. The durability | | | | BMX stand out from the rest. Safety features are |
| of the frame is necessary for riders who want to | | | | extremely important to protect riders during stunts |
| really play and the dirt. | | | | on uneven terrain. Noting such differences between a |
| How are the frame kept very light and durable by | | | | regular bike and a BMX, it is easy to see why BMX |
| BMX makers? An average bicycle frame may be | | | | bikes are so popular. |
| made from stainless steel or another inexpensive | | | | |