Things You Need to Know About BMX

There is no denying that the ‘60s was a wonderful time for motocross racing. Back then, you will find numerous cross-country motorcycle races throughout the UK. All of this excitement then started gaining popularity across different countries.

Enter the ‘70s.

Should I Buy a BMX?

When young bikers tried using the same dirt tracks either for stunts or recreation, bike motocross or BMX was born. From its humble beginnings, this cycle sport has evolved a lot, including being featured in the Olympics itself. The question now is this: is a BMX the right bike type for you?

BMX vs. Mountain Bike

BMX bikes are extremely popular for many reasons. They have high mobility, are very durable, and require less maintenance. However, let us not forget that there is another type of bike that shares the renown: the mountain bike.

The mountain bike can navigate better in more trails, offer more traction, and can easily operate under any type of weather condition. Check out websites like the Bike Vortex that review both BMX and mountain bikes for further comparison, especially between specific brands and models.

In the meantime, there are two factors that can help you determine which of the two better suits you.

Purpose

Why are you getting a bike? What are your bike needs? If you are a BMX enthusiast, you should definitely invest in a BMX bike, no doubt.

On the other hand, if you want a multi-purpose bike for various purposes, especially when you’re out in nature, a mountain bike is the way to go.

Intended Terrain

Another major factor that you should definitely consider is the terrain you’re planning to ride on. BMX bikes perform better in urban environments, such as on concrete or skate parks. Meanwhile, as mentioned, mountain bikes can go on any terrain—whether that be flat, rocky, or muddy.

Why Should You Get a BMX?

We understand why there are a lot of people who prefer to get a mountain bike. The “flexibility” factor in terms of the terrain is a real selling point, especially for beginner bikers. Still, we recommend BMX for most bikers, both newbies and experienced, for the following reasons:

Cost

BMX bikes are more affordable than mountain bikes. You can invest in a high-tier model and still end up paying less than what it would cost to buy a mountain bike of the same caliber.

Use

The average biker typically rides in an urban environment on a daily basis. If that’s also the case for you, you might find yourself overspending on a mountain bike that you wouldn’t ride on a more rugged terrain anyway.

Weight

BMX bikes are definitely lighter compared to mountain bikes, so it’s definitely something to consider if you are planning to take your bike around.

Maintenance

BMX bikes don’t require a lot of maintenance. They are also known to be very durable and typically need only a few repairs in their lifetime.

Don’t think that we are discouraging our readers from purchasing a mountain bike, though. If you need the shock-absorption and added traction, go for it.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a BMX

Should you decide to go for a BMX, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Invest in the frame.

The frame is one of the most essential parts of your bike. Chromoly is the most preferred among experienced bikers for its durability and lightness. They can be a bit expensive, though.

Those who are looking for a more affordable alternative should consider getting a high-tension steel frame instead. They are still as durable; the only difference is the weight since they are significantly heavier than Chromoly.

Definitely, you would be better off not getting a carbon frame. They tend to snap easily, which puts your safety at risk.

2. You will get what you pay for.

Do not expect a $50 BMX bike to last as long as a $2,500 one. Again, the durability of your bike will mainly depend on the quality of the frame and how you use and maintain it.

3. Popular doesn’t always mean better.

In fact, it can even be the contrary. We have seen many instances where the more aggressively advertised model was of inferior quality than the low-key one. Don’t fall for them that easily. Do your research and read reviews.

4. Don’t forget the small components.

They can make or break your biking experience. Fortunately, you can always replace your bike’s generic parts with branded ones as you see fit.

Should I Build My Own?

Speaking of replacing bike parts, is it wise to attempt building a BMX bike on your own? More importantly, is it worth it? The answer will depend on where you are on your bike journey.

For Beginners

Beginners can get a lot of use from a non-custom piece. It will be smarter to wait until you out-progress your bike before investing in a more advanced custom model. As mentioned, you can always replace parts as they break. Eventually, you will end up with a fully customized piece.

Experienced Bikers

On the other hand, more experienced bikers looking into getting a custom piece have two options:

Build One Yourself.

Building your own custom bike is a worthwhile yet costly journey. It will also require hours doing research and looking for the right parts.

One Commissioned for You

There are bike brands out there that are certainly willing to build a custom piece for you with their parts. This option will also allow you to get an expert opinion based on your needs and preferences while helping you stick to a more realistic and manageable budget.

You Might Not Need a BMX Bike at All

Have you also considered the possibility that you might not even need to purchase your own bike? My Fitness Pal recommends bike sharing for road cyclists who are not really looking into performing tricks or riding on rough terrain.

Honestly, we believe that a BMX master can make any bike look cool. Tyrone Williams proved that when he made a Citi Bike fly.

Conclusion

BMX and mountain bikes are constantly compared with each other, and for good reason. They are both durable rides that can withstand a lot of use. There are several factors that set them apart, though. It’s great to consider these factors to make a smarter purchase decision.

Of course, you also have the option of building your own bike. This will allow you to customize your bike according to your needs, which can significantly improve your overall experience.