Since the early 1920s, the sport of bicycle motocross has continued to grow and evolve. The BMX bike itself has gone through a dramatic transformation to accommodate the needs of avid riders who continue to push the limits of the sport. The bulky design of the early bikes could not perform on the sloping ramps featured in modern BMX parks and street courses.
Early Bikes
While the first official BMX bike was not released until the early 1960s, early bicycle enthusiasts began to boost the performance of the recreational bike with certain modifications. The smooth street tires where soon replaced with knobbed tires for increased grip on a dirt-racing track. Certain riders even took the initiative to equip their bikes with a primitive rear-wheel suspension. These do-it-yourself models would eventually lead the way for mass production of the BMX bike.
The Stingray
Often considered the first BMX bike ever produced, the Schwinn cycling company released the Stingray in 1963. The Stingray bike featured a compact design that allowed young riders to emulate their favorite motocross riders on the dirt-racing track. In 1968, Schwinn released a more durable model of the Stingray, known as the Stingray Krates, which featured a stainless-steel frame. According to Schwinn, the Stingray Krates led the way for BMX innovations that would take place in the 1970s and early 80s.
BMX Improvements
As the sport of BMX continued to progress, avid riders soon began to realize the disadvantages of the steel frame. According to Joe Kid on a Stingray, lightweight bikes built specifically for racing began to emerge in 1974. As opposed to the bulky frame of early models, manufacturers began to equip the BMX with frames made from aluminum. The improved design allowed riders to begin experimenting with the capabilities of the bike, which eventually led to the invention of freestyle.
Modern BMX
Throughout the 2000s, the overall design of the BMX bike has continued to improve. As of 2011, the top-rated models of the BMX bike feature a lightweight frame constructed of titanium or magnesium. According to ESPN, these specialized models can weigh as little as 16 pounds. To decrease the overall weight of the bike, manufacturers offer hollow components, including stem and axle bolts. As opposed to the bulky steel pedals of early BMXs, modern bikes feature lightweight pedals made from a composite plastic material.
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