BMX, or bicycle moto cross, was developed at the end of the 1960s in California. Based on the same principles as motorcycle racing, the popularity of BMX rose rapidly in the early 1970s and remains popular right across the world, and among a wide range of age groups, to this day.
History and Development
The first BMX bikes weren’t specially designed for the sport but were instead chopper-style push bikes, such as the Schwinn Sting-Ray, that were adapted by youths so that they could mimic their moto-cross heroes and race each other. However, by the early 1970s, bicycle manufacturers had taken note of the BMX craze and responded by producing bikes that specifically met the needs of the BMX enthusiast.
Types of BMX
Bicycle moto cross branched out into three main sectors. Racing involves up to eight riders at one time taking on one another around a dirt track, based on motor-cross racing. Freestyle is designed for street and skate park riding, and focuses on tricks and maneuvers on ramps. The third category, dirt jump riding, involves riding over large off-road tracks and jumps. Bike manufacturers produce BMX bikes that meet the needs of each individual category.
Common Features
The standard BMX bicycle has a few uniform features regardless of its intended purpose. Compared to road bicycles and mountain bikes, the BMX is small in stature. It has a fixed wheel size of 20 inches and a single fixed gear, making it rather unsuitable for any kind of distance transportation. The BMX bike also has a raised set of handlebars, promoting a high riding position.
Freestyle Bikes
Freestyle BMX bikes have heavy-duty frames to protect them from the rigors of street and ramp riding. They have axle pegs that are attached to the axles of the front and rear wheels of the bike, which allow the rider to stand above either wheel to execute tricks. They also tend to have a headset on the handlebars to allow the rider to spin them through 360 degrees without tangling the brake cables.
Race BMX
Racing BMX bikes feature knobbled tires to provide extra grip on tracks, but which also tend to have a low rolling resistance compared to off-road and freestyle tires. Race bikes also have light 32-spoke wheels, which promote rapid acceleration and high top speeds, as well as light frames with low-profile handlebars. The bikes have only a rear brake, to eliminate the chances of being thrown off the bike when racing.
Dirt-Jump Bikes
Dirt-jump bikes have ultra heavy-duty frames to cope with the landing of large jumps. Tires play a large part in dirt-jump bike design, tending to offer large amounts of grip, and reinforced sections that provide durability. Wheels also focus on being heavy duty, being made up of between 36 and 48 spokes, or of the MAG wheel variety, which are ultra high strength.
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