BMX Biking

Selected bikes for BMX biking Online

BMX biking started in the 1970s when children started imitating motocross racing. Over time, BMX riding moved from the dirt jump racing course onto the streets, with tricks becoming more daring and elaborate overtime.

With the fusion of different styles of cycling, tricks and stunts traditionally seen only in BMX riding are now also seen in “freeride” mountain biking.

Did you know...?

Did you know that the highest-end BMX bicycles have frames and forks made from a very unusual substance known as chromoly?

Chromoly is a variant of steel with a very high proportion of carbon, making it much more lightweight, yet more durable than your average stainless steel. If you want to try your hand at professional BMX events, chromoly bikes are a solid choice.

The Schwinn Sting-ray was the original BMX bike, but now this style of bike is manufactured by a broad number of companies. Because the main purpose of BMX bicycle is to execute various airborne stunts or tricks, the bike shape in general is smaller - including the length of the tubes (see bicycle frame size) and the circumference of the wheels.

While a BMX bicycle is still not ideal if you are into commuting by bicycle, the bikes are nonetheless popular in cities as a result of the possibility for tricks urban terrain offers. The smaller size of BMX bikes also makes this the ideal bike for younger children.

BMX Biking: Many Disciplines in One

The sport of BMX riding can loosely be defined by several categories: racing, vert, park, and street - with the last three categories being defined as freestyle BMX. However, as riders continue to push the bounds of their imagination, the lines that define these categories become blurred.

Because BMX biking is derived from motocross racing, the sport takes place on similar terrain - dedicated dirt courses with flat sections, rollers, jumps, and embankments. Winners accumulate points, and points accumulate throughout a season of racing.

BMX vert riding takes place on a large half-pipe or bowls made of wood or concrete, the steep height of the walls allows riders to generate considerable speed and time spent in the air. This "catching air" in turn allows the rider to perform difficult flips and spins. Although these flips and spins can be performed for fun, competitions would often involve a system of judging where points are awarded based on the complexity of the trick.

BMX bikes can also be used in parks specifically designed for BMX bikes, skateboarding, or both. These parks, typically constructed from wood, concrete, or a combination of materials, will contain bowls, quarter pipes, and even half pipes. These parks give the rider the greatest variety of terrain on which to perform stunts.

BMX street or flatland riding is probably the most accessible to most riders. There is no need for specially constructed terrain. Instead, the rider makes use of terrain naturally occurring in urban areas. This terrain includes concrete or metal ledges, stairs, railings, and even trees and concession stands! In essence, the rider is limited only by his or her imagination, and thus makes use of anything he or she happens upon.