Not all BMX bikes are created equal. And we are always after the ideal bike that will make riding even more pleasurable. The youngsters want to grow old to put together a BMX by themselves. Adults are making the perfect BMX to revert to their childhood. We all have a bike to aspire to.
There are a lot of great complete bikes. But you are probably not after such versions if you explore buying BMX parts. Nevertheless, you will find this short guide useful for keeping your complete in top shape. The knowledge is applicable not only for replacing the BMX parts, but also for optimal riding experience of a bike that is already put to use on the streets.
BMX Fork
You are bound to put a critical trust into your bmx forks. Although a lot of the attention is focused on handlebars (more on that below) your forks are crucial for stunt pulling safety. They can certainly snap if you put them through enough stress. This is the principal reason you should go for one piece CNC machined BMX forks to have them as tough as possible. The slick features of high end forks are a result of a meticulous manufacturing process including cast drop outs and (post) heat treating. Of course, the original material of the tubing has to be to high standard as well – 4130 CrMo is considered fit for purpose.
Since we are well aware all of you BMXers out there are interested about the amount of weight these forks will add to your bike we will not spare you from tips on finding the most lightweight option. In essence you want to look for fork made from an alloy that went through weight saving machining. This will contribute to getting a final product that is as light as they can get per the type of support they provide. If they have tapered multi-butted legs and welded on brake mounts they are made according to the latest trends, but you can fare well even if they don’t boast the last two features.
BMX Frame
Another of the essential metal parts in a bike. You can go along the same route and get a frame made from CrMo alloy. Ok, so now you have a tough frame but what about the frame geometry specs? They aren’t that complicated despite what die hard aficionados will have you believe. You should have a clear idea on the type of riding you want to do because frames for street riding are different than those used in flatland or on the ramps. And the rest of the BMX lingo including terms like standover heights, chainstay length, head tube and similar can get very elaborate very quickly. If you don’t want to study all the ins and outs of making a BMX frame you can simply consult a reliable frame chart on geometry and size.
BMX Handlebars
They go along similar lines. The difference is, they can be either 2 piece or 4 piece handles and this translates into their performance. If they are welded to high standard you can have full confidence in them. Getting the correct height should be your priority because this will not only protect your joints on the long run, but it will also allow you do some of the tricks with greater ease.
BMX Wheels
Your style will heavily influence the choice of wheel and tires. When you are on a half pipe you need fast acceleration so you will benefit from light wheels. On the other hand, if you want to do jumps or to ride freestyle you should go for tough rims and spokes configuration that is able to withstand the stress. In theory, these are wheels with more than 48 spokes, although if they are fat you can get a rim with 36 spokes. Tires are different for each of these rims, so if you intend to change them as you replace the wheel, forget it. The thread count provides varying degrees of traction, so go for beefy tires if you are into freestyle.
Miscellaneous BMX Parts
There are a lot of parts that are smaller in size, however they also contribute to the overall riding experience. For example the type of pegs you choose can greatly affect your riding style. Luckily they make them light and sturdy these days so you can focus on your stunts and not on the drag. The grips contribute to having a better grip and this, in turn, creates greater comfort and enjoyable riding. And you can replace them if they wear out. Sprockets can play an important role, though you need to make sure they are compatible with the chain on your bike. Half link chains are easy to find, however sometimes even after considerable tweaking you can’t make them attach to the sprocket. That’s if they aren’t a good fit so keep an eye on the congruence. Seats are often discarded as not essential, but prolonged riding calls for having an appropriate piece. There are lot of styles to choose from: tripod, pivotal and railed. Look for a comfortable and adjustable bike seat because that will provide you more options. If you go for a complete or for a bike build kit you will have all of these parts and detailed instructions. Those of us that are after making our own BMX will have to embrace the fact that this experience is a real learning curve. But that’s ok. We wouldn’t set out to do it if we didn’t like it.