New to BMX, not to bikes. What to look for?
04-27-16, 12:50 PM
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New to BMX, not to bikes. What to look for?
I have... pretty much every other type of bike, other than BMX. I've been watching some people ride BMX for a while and I figured I'd like to try it.
We have some BMX frames at my local coop, and I figured I could build one up, so here are my questions.
What should I look for... size wise? I have no idea how BMX frames are sized, or the differences between them. Why some frames look more squashed than others, etc. Any advice?
Secondly, what is different from normal bikes to BMX bikes? In terms of sizes? What's the normal headset size? Is there a different type of freewheel that is used on BMX bikes? Are the BBs the same?
Anyway, what else should I look for? Lightweight frame?
We have some BMX frames at my local coop, and I figured I could build one up, so here are my questions.
What should I look for... size wise? I have no idea how BMX frames are sized, or the differences between them. Why some frames look more squashed than others, etc. Any advice?
Secondly, what is different from normal bikes to BMX bikes? In terms of sizes? What's the normal headset size? Is there a different type of freewheel that is used on BMX bikes? Are the BBs the same?
Anyway, what else should I look for? Lightweight frame?
04-29-16, 10:29 AM
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All bmx bikes are pretty short, but they are sized by their length. Most adults should be riding a Pro, Pro XL or Pro XXL frame size while kids ride expert frame sizes
freestyle bikes are also shorter than racing bikes. A pro Xl has plenty of room to stretch out for most
generally a higher end bmx will have a European BB and a 1 1/8 threadless steerer and headset. "American" bottom bracket shells were common on everything 30-40 years ago but require an adapter to run a spindle for a 3 piece crank or the now almost universal Profile style crank setup
newer bikes use a cassette instead of a freewheel -
freestyle bikes are also shorter than racing bikes. A pro Xl has plenty of room to stretch out for most
generally a higher end bmx will have a European BB and a 1 1/8 threadless steerer and headset. "American" bottom bracket shells were common on everything 30-40 years ago but require an adapter to run a spindle for a 3 piece crank or the now almost universal Profile style crank setup
newer bikes use a cassette instead of a freewheel -
