What BMX riders wear is as unique as the way they ride. Billions of dollars in sales and professional rider endorsements drive a thriving design industry to place young riders in the hippest clothing and shoes. In BMX freestyle, there are no uniforms. There are no unified standards for dress. The clothing is an expression of the rider's own personal style.
In BMX racing, however, clothing does play an important role in the sport. Its primary purpose is to identify a particular rider in relation to other racers on the course. It designed to cover protective equipment and allow the rider to maneuver with ease. In freestyle riding, what you are wearing is almost as important as whether you can land that trick.
What to Look for
The clothing, above all else, should let the rider ride. It should not be so loose as to impair the ability to pedal or freely move on the bike. Shoes should completely cover the foot and laces should be tied to avoid getting caught and tangled. Popular brands include Vans and DC. For the racer, long sleeves and pants are preferable to short ones to protect the skin in the case of falls or flying debris. Fox is a popular racing brand of apparel. Many racers wear gloves to improve their handle on the bike in difficult conditions. Most racing gloves have built in knuckle and hand padding to protect the hands while racing.
The price tag for most items is directly tied to the designer's name on the label. You can spend a little or lot, depending on your personal checking account or style.
Common Pitfalls
On a muddy dirt track or on sweltering city streets, BMX riding is a sport, one which requires sweat and hard work. Remember that what you are wearing is going to reflect that determination. A pair of $100 designer shoes is not going to stay on the pedals any better than $30 shoes. A $90 tee shirt endorsed by your favorite rider is not going to help you land the same trick he landed at last year's X Games.
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