BMX biking remains a prominent part of many extreme sporting events. BMX bikers can compete in a range of competitions, including BMX street and BMX park. Many BMX contests take place in parks with ramps and obstacles specifically constructed for BMX riding. BMX bike manufacturers tailor bikes to meet the needs of each individual category of riding. While trail-riding BMX bikes have tires with thick tread, bikes used for ramp-riding feature smooth tires.
History
BMX bikes were created out of necessity in the early 1970s. Bike frame damage was a common problem for young bikers who took their conventional thin-framed bicycles onto new and different terrains. Bike manufacturers soon caught on and began to produce bikes with sturdier frames and absorbent shocks, which led to the birth of BMX. BMX began to grow into an industry of its own and the first BMX magazine came onto the scene in June 1974 in Orange County, California. The magazine, "Bicycle Motocross News," featured interviews with prominent riders of the era as well as showcased BMX racing tracks.
Function
BMX riders push their bikes to perform tricks and maneuvers that conventional bikes could not withstand. Instead of merely riding from point A to point B, BMX riders use their bikes to race down steep wooded trails and reach high altitudes off tall, inclined BMX ramps. One certain style of BMX bike riding, referred to as flatland riding, can be performed in any paved parking lot or area that has a smooth surface. Flatland riders perform tricks by balancing on one tire while spinning.
Types
While many BMX riders customize the components of their bikes, BMX bike producers create bikes to fit the specific requirements of the different genres of riding. BMX bikes used for street riding, or riding that takes place on obstacles found in the streets, often have thin lightweight frames that allow the rider to lift and spin the bike with ease. Dirt-jumping and trail-riding BMX bikes have heavier frames that help to stabilize the rider on the natural terrain of the path.
Features
Many BMX bike frame tubes have an alloy construction made with a mixture of metallic components known as chromoly. This lightweight composition allows the bike frames to withstand the damaging impact of the tricks performed in present-day BMX riding. Advanced and expert models of BMX bikes do not feature a braking mechanism. Beginner and intermediate models of BMX bikes have a hand-braking mechanism that clamps the back tire to slow the pace of the bike. BMX bikes used for street, park and flatland riding feature hollow cylinder-shaped pegs that are fastened horizontally to the BMX frame near the middle of the front and back tire.
Prevention/Solution
BMX bike riding, like any extreme sport, has dangers and consequences. The worst BMX injuries are caused by riders who are not able to jump clear from the bike after an unsuccessful trick attempt. A rider landing on top of the BMX can be injured by the metallic components of the bike. Wearing a helmet will allow the BMX rider to avoid most damaging head injuries. BMX riders also incorporate pads that cover the knees and shins to protect against the hard pedals and pegs of the bike.
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