Global Sports: Choosing BMX Competition Bikes - What You Need To Know

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Choosing BMX Competition Bikes - What You Need To Know

By Kristin J. Lapointe


BMX competition bikes are becoming a popular item on many peoples wish lists with the growing popularity of the sport. Bicycle competitions of this nature first became popular around the early 1970's and had continued to grow with the sport now in many countries. With the growing number of choices available, color, design, and material may all play a role in selection.

Originally, a stingray type bicycle was used in racing due to the smaller frame. With the growing popularity, there are now different manufacturers. All of these manufacturers offer a large selection in color and graphics to suit most any preference. Several competition winners have also produced different versions of the bicycle they use for the general public.

With the strong need for durable, light weight, controllable frames, many manufacturers commonly use aluminum or titanium with chromoly, carbon forks, or other light weight metal for the frame. These help to provide rapid acceleration and offer little weight resistance. The wheels are commonly aluminum with 36 spokes but some smaller wheels may have less. It is also good to consider the type of race the user will be in as frames and wheel choices vary.

Depending on the competition the user enters, manufacturers offer many choices with different styles of bikes. One can chose race, street or freestyle, dirt, or flatland races. The wheels and bikes themselves offer minor changes to the unit to accommodate the different racing styles such as well treaded, triple or double walled wheels for dirt races.

For some, depending on the type and style of unit chosen, one may find themselves swapping or removing parts from the bicycle. Kickstands and reflectors may need to be removed for safety purposes and pads may need to be added. Many of the items removed are for safety purposes and it is always a good idea to wear a helmet. Swapping parts may be needed to define the particular race one has entered and just allows for quality competition.

For adding or changing parts, many manufacturers offer a large selection of parts and accessories. A person can change almost anything from the handle grips to the gears and wheels. Some of the parts are designed for optimal performance for certain events and one should consider all the specifications and recommendations as well as the rules for the event before changing or adding parts.

With the ever growing popularity of BMX competition Bikes, many now offer races in all classes from beginner to advanced for all ages. Parks designed for BMX bicycles are now found most anywhere and offer a wide range of challenges to suit most any skill level. These bicycles will continue to advance and the competitions are clean and family friendly making this a good hobby for any age.




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