BMX bikes are a specially designed form of bike used in the racing, freestyle and dirt jumping associated with this extreme sport. Although the BMX bike shares many of its parts with the standard cycle, the specific characteristics of individual BMX parts are markedly different, tailored to the individual needs of the BMX sport that a rider participates in.
Wheels
BMX bikes come with a 20-inch wheel size as standard. However, the specifications of wheels vary depending on the type of BMX a rider takes part in. Racing bikes have light 32-spoke wheels to promote fast speeds and acceleration in races. Freestyle bikes have 48-spoke or MAG wheels, which add weight when compared with the race bike but give the increased strength needed for tricks and jumps. Dirt jump bikes typically have between 36- and 48-spoke wheels depending on the terrain that they are used on.
Tires
The BMX tire depends on the specific type of BMX being practiced. Racing tires are designed to respond to the hard packed dirt surfaces of the track, and offer low rolling resistance to aid speed while providing knobbled tread to aid traction and grip. Freestyle tires are mainly used on asphalt and indoor surfaces, and offer more air capacity to cushion landings, a rounded profile and reinforced sidewalls. Dirt jump tires are totally focused on traction as speed tends to be less important in this form of BMX. Tires offer an extremely knobbled surface to increase grip and offer maximum traction at the expense of extra speed.
Handlebars
Handlebar shapes on the BMX bike vary according to their usage. For freestyle and jump bikes, handlebars are designed to be mainly upright, rising steeply from their housing to allow riders high levels of freedom and movement when carrying out airborne maneuvers. Race bikes tend to have angled handlebars that are compact, to meet the confined spaces on the track. Freestyle bikes also tend to be fitted with a headset on the handlebar housing that allows the bars to be spun through 360 degrees, aiding maneuvers and tricks.
Brakes
Racing BMX bikes have only a rear brake for safety purposes. The focus on the race brake is pure stopping power, so racers tend to have linear-pull brakes that give high levels of grip. Freestyle riders tend to have both front and back breaks that are focused on providing high levels of control, with U breaks tending to meet these needs. Dirt jump bikes tend to focus on the need for both stopping power and control and favor hybrid brake designs.
Frames
Since speed and performance are key in BMX racing, racing bikes tend to have relatively lightweight frames and parts that offer acceleration benefits. Freestyle and dirt jump bikes require added strength, however, and feature heavy duty frames with reinforced parts that offer protection when landing jumps and airborne tricks.
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