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Just got a brand new BMX bike? If you can’t wait to try out that shiny new Hoffman, or that bright new Ruption, here are some easy tricks to get you started. First, remember these safety considerations. Always wear a helmet. A BMX specific helmet is preferable. You should also wear elbow and knee pads, and a chest protector is not a bad idea. Next, consider learning on an official BMX course with instructors. There’s no exception for professional teachers and the safety tips and expertise they have to offer.
Now for some tricks. You need to start simple. No one ever accomplished complicated, dangerous derring-do in a day. The bunny hop is a great place to start. This is a simple jump, and it’s not that hard. All you need to do is lift the handle bars into the air while you are riding, and then move your body weight forward on the bike so that the back wheel also lifts into the air. Practice this until you perfect it. You will use the bunny hop in more advanced BMX tricks.
Another simple trick is to learn to ride your bike with no hands. You can start off easily by learning to balance with only one hand, until you are comfortable enough to ride with no hands. You can also ride with both hands, let go with both hands for a split second, and then quickly grasp the handlebars again. While these two tricks may seem very simple, they are essential to gaining confidence, learning balance, and getting you started toward more complicated tricks. Good luck.
Two Easy BMX Bike Tricks
September 6th, 2010Can a BMX bike be used for general riding?
August 24th, 2010BMX bikes are renowned for their specialist capabilities, both on the race track and in the park; yet in many cases those buying a BMX bike will find they can still use it as a general ‘ride around’ model.
BMX bikes are certainly unique in that they can do things that other bikes simply cannot. Whilst all BMX manoeuvres need careful practice in an appropriate environment such as a BMX park, the very fact that such manoeuvres can be attempted at all is testament to the strength and fine tuning of BMX bikes.
Vert BMX bikes are an extreme example which, in the hands of an experienced professional, can be propelled off the edge of a large half-pipe and into the air whereupon daring acrobatic spins can be performed. The bike then drops rapidly to the ground without suffering any impact or stress damage.
On a less ambitious scale, even dirt BMX bikes and racing BMX models are capable of small leaps and impacts that would put pay to the parts and connections on most conventional bikes.
Most BMX bikes however are also highly flexible in terms of overall movement and handling, making them just as ideal for simply cycling around the streets. It should be noted, however, that the single speed gear on most BMX bikes, and the relatively unusual riding stance needed, mean they are generally unsuitable for covering longer distances.
At bmx.co.uk we have many great value BMX bikes that are as much at home being ridden around the streets as they are when performing specialist manoeuvres.
Avoiding injury in BMX
August 20th, 2010BMX, like any other extreme sport, is not without its hazards. Many of these can easily be minimised or avoided completely. Firstly, it is important that the type of BMX bike chosen is one that has been designed for the rider’s intended use, and that it is the correct size for the rider.
BMX bikes from general stores should certainly be avoided as these will usually have been added to the store’s inventory based on their look and price attractiveness rather than on their practicality. Even when buying from a reputable bike store or BMX shop, however, the bike’s specification should always be checked; BMX bikes designed for racing may not, for example, be strong enough to withstand the impact of freestyle stunt riding. It is also important to indicate whom who the bike is for since different sized BMX bikes are all designed with particular ages, heights and builds in mind.
Secondly, it is vital to wear scuff-resistant clothing that covers the full body, together with a helmet and protective elbow and knee pads and wrist guards. In this way, even where a fall or collision does occur, any injury will be far less traumatic. Thirdly, all moves should be practised slowly and steadily in a safe environment, such as a BMX park.
Finally, BMX bikes must be checked regularly for any loose connections, signs of corrosion or cracks, and appropriate mechanical advice sought where there is any doubt. At bmx.co.uk we always ensure our customers purchase the best value BMX bikes and BMX equipment that is also the safest for their needs.
BMX: the benefits for the younger rider
August 2nd, 2010BMX bikes are as popular as ever among younger riders. There are many good reasons why this interest in BMX should be encouraged.
Firstly, there are many health benefits to BMX riding. Learning to ride a BMX bike properly greatly improves balance and co-ordination, as well as helping to increase personal fitness and stamina. BMX riding also helps develop mental agility, and is cited by amateur and professional riders alike as an ideal way to relieve stress.
Secondly, BMX riding contributes significantly to character development. The sheer effort required to improve BMX riding greatly helps develop patience and self-discipline, whilst even minor riding improvements can significantly boost personal confidence.
Thirdly, BMX riding is a great way to help existing friendships flourish, as well as providing the opportunity to make new friends. For freestyle BMX (or stunt riding), young people will often meet at a local authority BMX park or dirt trail, where they can also meet other riders. Those participating in racing BMX enjoy similar networking opportunities at the various race meetings held up and down the country.
Yet for all these benefits only a relatively modest financial outlay is required to participate in BMX. A cheap BMX bike from a reputable BMX shop, together with the correct protective gear such as helmet and pads, is all that is required to get started, whether the rider opts for freestyle, dirt or racing BMX.
At bmx.co.uk we have a wide range of great value BMX bikes for entry level and more experienced riders, and can offer expert advice on any aspect of BMX riding.
Some first basic BMX tricks
July 30th, 2010
Many riders naturally take up BMX in order to learn basic tricks.
It is often said that with BMX tricks, slow and steady progress is the way to long-term success. It is also imperative that the type of BMX bike used to practice BMX tricks is a freestyle or dirt bike as these are designed especially to withstand the full force of such manoeuvres.
When practising BMX tricks, the rider should not only wear a helmet, pads and wrist guards, but also long trousers and a long-sleeved top as these will help avoid the severity of any superficial grazing. BMX practice should also be undertaken away from traffic and pedestrians: in a safe and quiet open area, or at a BMX park or dirt trail.
One of the first tricks many newcomers learn is the wheelie, whereby the front wheel is raised in the air as the rider pedals forward. A variation of the wheelie, known as the manual, whereby the rider moves forward with the front wheel raised but without pedalling, is another relatively straightforward but impressive-looking stunt.
Other beginner’s tricks include the bunny hop, whereby the whole bike is lifted off the ground; and the 180 degree bunny hop during which the rider uses his or her torso strength to turn the bike around during lifting.
At bmx.co.uk, we not only have a great range of very reasonably priced freestyle and dirt BMX bikes but every order also includes a free DVD showing how to perform these basic tricks.
