What is BMX Riding?
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) riding is an adrenaline-packed sport that involves performing tricks, racing, and riding on challenging terrains. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of jumps, high-speed tracks, or technical tricks, BMX offers an exciting and rewarding experience.
However, as a beginner, you may feel overwhelmed by the various styles, techniques, and equipment options. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide will help you get started with BMX riding, from understanding the bike to learning fundamental skills.
Understanding the BMX Bike
BMX bikes are designed for durability, control, and maneuverability. Unlike traditional bicycles, they have a compact frame, strong wheels, and high handlebars for better handling and stability. Here are the key features of a BMX bike:
- Frame: Made from lightweight yet strong materials like chromoly steel or aluminum. Chromoly steel is preferred for durability and flexibility, while aluminum is lighter but less impact-resistant.
- Wheels: Typically 20 inches in diameter, making them agile and easy to maneuver. Some racing BMX bikes may have slightly larger wheels for added speed.
- Brakes: Most BMX bikes have a rear U-brake for controlled stopping, while some freestyle BMX bikes may come brakeless to allow for certain tricks.
- Gearing: A single-speed drivetrain keeps the bike simple, reliable, and easy to maintain.
- Tires: Knobby tires provide grip on dirt tracks, while smoother tires offer better traction on pavement and skateparks.
- Handlebars: Taller, wider handlebars provide better leverage and control when performing tricks or racing.
When choosing a BMX bicycle, beginners should consider their riding style and preferences to ensure the best experience.
Choosing the Right BMX Bike
Picking the right BMX bike depends on your riding style, size, and goals. Here’s what to consider:
- Size: Standard BMX bikes have 20-inch wheels, but smaller versions are available for younger riders. Taller riders might opt for a slightly longer top tube (21 inches or more) for extra comfort.
- Frame Material: Chromoly steel frames offer strength and shock absorption, making them ideal for freestyle and dirt jumps. Aluminum frames are lighter and better suited for racing.
- Purpose: If you’re planning to race, choose a lightweight BMX bike with minimal accessories. If you want to perform tricks, opt for a reinforced frame with pegs for grinding.
- Budget: High-quality BMX bikes can range from affordable entry-level models to professional-grade setups. Invest in a durable bike that suits your needs without overspending.
Types of BMX Riding
There are several BMX disciplines, each offering a unique experience. Understanding these categories will help you decide which style suits you best:
1. BMX Racing
BMX racing is a high-speed, competitive discipline that takes place on dirt tracks filled with jumps, rollers, and banked turns. Riders compete to cross the finish line first, requiring a mix of speed, endurance, and precise bike handling. Racing BMX bikes are lightweight with smooth tires for maximum acceleration and control.
Safety gear, including full-face helmets, gloves, and pads, is essential to protect against falls and collisions. If you enjoy fast-paced action and competition, BMX racing is an excellent choice.
2. BMX Freestyle
Freestyle BMX focuses on performing tricks, stunts, and technical maneuvers in urban environments, skateparks, and ramps. This style requires a durable bike with reinforced frames and pegs for grinding on rails and ledges.
Freestyle riding is further divided into subcategories like street (riding through city obstacles), park (using ramps and bowls in skateparks), and vert (performing aerial tricks on half-pipes). Riders looking for a creative, skill-based discipline will find freestyle BMX both challenging and rewarding.
3. Dirt Jump
Dirt jump BMX involves launching off dirt mounds and performing mid-air tricks before landing smoothly. These bikes are built with stronger frames and high-grip tires to handle rough landings. Riders develop aerial skills such as backflips, whips, and spins while mastering bike control in the air.
Dirt jump BMX is perfect for those who enjoy off-road riding, adrenaline-pumping jumps, and learning impressive stunts.
4. Flatland
Flatland BMX is an artistic and highly technical discipline that involves balancing, spinning, and performing intricate tricks on a flat surface. Unlike other BMX styles, flatland doesn’t rely on ramps or jumps but instead emphasizes balance, coordination, and creativity.
Riders use bikes with smaller, maneuverable frames, freecoaster hubs (which allow rolling backward), and pegs for stability. If you enjoy dance-like movements and precision-based skills, flatland BMX offers a unique and mesmerizing riding style.
5. BMX Park
BMX park riding takes place in specially designed skateparks equipped with ramps, rails, bowls, and half-pipes. Riders perform a combination of street, vert, and freestyle tricks, making use of various obstacles to execute jumps, spins, and grinds.
Park BMX bikes have reinforced frames, smaller gearing for better control, and durable tires for smooth landings. If you like a mix of different BMX elements and want to challenge yourself in a controlled environment, BMX park riding is a great option.
Each BMX discipline offers its own excitement and challenges. Beginners should experiment with different styles before committing to one specific type.
Read also: BMX and DJ Bikes Beginner’s Guide
Basic BMX Skills for Beginners
Before hitting the ramps or tracks, mastering some fundamental skills is essential. Here are three key skills every beginner should learn:
1. Starting
- Position your dominant foot on the pedal in a high position.
- Push off with your other foot and start pedaling smoothly.
- Keep your weight centered and arms slightly bent for balance.
- Avoid sudden movements to maintain control.
2. Cornering
- Lean slightly into the turn while keeping your inside foot up to avoid clipping the ground.
- Shift your weight towards the outside pedal to maintain traction and prevent sliding.
- Keep your eyes focused on the exit of the turn to anticipate your next move.
- Practice different speeds to understand how your bike reacts in corners.
3. Jumping
- Approach the jump with moderate speed, maintaining a balanced posture.
- Pull up on the handlebars while pushing down on the pedals to lift the bike.
- Bend your knees to absorb the landing impact and keep control.
- Start with small jumps and progress to bigger ones as you build confidence.
These foundational skills will improve your overall control and safety while riding a BMX bike. As you gain experience, you can learn advanced tricks like bunny hops, manuals, and bar spins.
Conclusion
BMX riding is an exciting and dynamic sport that welcomes riders of all skill levels. It provides a thrilling way to push your limits, build strength, and express creativity. Whether you prefer high-speed racing, technical freestyle tricks, or airborne dirt jumps, there is a BMX style suited for you.
If you’re new to the sport, take the time to familiarize yourself with the different types of BMX riding and choose a bike that matches your interests. Start by practicing fundamental skills, such as balance, cornering, and jumping, before progressing to more advanced tricks.
Remember, safety is essential—always wear protective gear and ensure your BMX bike is in good condition before every ride. Now that you know the basics, it’s time to grab your BMX bicycle and start riding! Looking for the perfect bike? Check out Polygon’s BMX collection and kickstart your BMX adventure today!
