| Everyone knows what a bicycle is and how to use it, | | | | frames are formed from aluminum or chrome steel. |
| but you know that a BMX bicycle is not just your run | | | | Aluminum will not rust and is extremely lightweight. |
| of the mill bike. What makes a BMX bike different and | | | | These qualities help to make a BMX frame both |
| special when compared to any other bike in the | | | | durable and practical. This is especially important for |
| neighborhood? | | | | youngsters interested in performing jumps and stunts |
| The BMX bike is one of the fastest growing bikes on | | | | on their bike. |
| the market. In the 1960's, BMX bikes began as knock | | | | BMX bicycles typically have only one gear. Unlike other |
| off versions of motocross motorcycles. BMX bikes | | | | sports and recreational bicycles, a single chain and no |
| were used to play in the dirt. Riders were seen | | | | gear shift. This variation from the norm allows riders to |
| jumping and racing around dirt tracks, as well as, | | | | pedal with ease in multiple directions. The ability to |
| around their neighborhoods on BMX bikes. Kids who | | | | pedal both backwards and forwards on a BMX bike |
| were typically uninterested in motocross or racing | | | | allows for easier stunts, tricks, and jumps. Can you |
| wanted to get their hands on a BMX. | | | | pedal backwards up a hill on any other bike? |
| So, what is particularly different about the BMX that | | | | Padding is standard on a BMX bike. You may find |
| has taken the bicycle market by storm? You can | | | | padding in as many as three locations on a BMX. The |
| identify a BMX bike from your average bike in a | | | | crossbar between the handles, the gooseneck, and |
| number of ways. Specific features of a BMX bike | | | | the straddle bar are common areas for BMX padding |
| include standard 20 inch tires. The tread on a BMX tire | | | | to be prevalent. Safety is of utmost concern when |
| is much different when compared to your average | | | | enjoying your BMX bike. The wide range of activities |
| bicycle tire. A regular bike tire may have a few | | | | during BMX competition make the padding a necessity |
| grooves or ridges, but a BMX tire tread has large | | | | when it comes to safety. |
| knobs and crevices to help gain traction and maintain | | | | Another unique safety feature found on a BMX bike is |
| control in the dirt. Rough terrain would be too much to | | | | seen in the stem. Four large bolts help to increase |
| handle for an average bicycle tire, but BMX tread can | | | | durability and stability of the frame during rough |
| get the job done. | | | | landings. A rider may place their body weight on the |
| An average bicycle frame is rather heavy when | | | | handles during a stunt. For this reason, extra safety |
| compared to the frame on a BMX bicycle. The | | | | precautions must be in place. |
| lightweight frame sets BMX apart from other | | | | BMX bikes are built differently from an average |
| recreational bikes. The sturdy, yet lightweight, frame of | | | | bicycle to meet the high demands of riders in |
| the BMX can withstand shock well. The durability of | | | | competition. Lightweight frames and durable parts |
| the frame is necessary for riders who want to really | | | | make BMX stand out from the rest. Safety features |
| play and the dirt. | | | | are extremely important to protect riders during stunts |
| How does BMX keep their frames so light and | | | | on uneven terrain. Noting such differences between a |
| durable? An average bicycle frame may be made | | | | regular bike and a BMX, it is easy to see why BMX |
| from stainless steel or another inexpensive metal. BMX | | | | bikes are so popular. |