August 8th, 2010
When buying a new BMX bike it is essential to ensure that the shop from where the bike is bought can also offer spare BMX parts for that particular model; or can at least guarantee that there is a nearby, convenient parts retailer that caters for the bike.
Any hesitancy or uncertainty in response to this question should be taken as a warning sign; a BMX bike for which there is no ready source of replacement parts is probably not intended to last the course.
Quality BMX bikes are ‘built to last’ not only in the sense that they are designed for high impact riding, but also because they are compatible with a wide range of replacement parts; the extreme nature of BMX riding makes the need for such replacement almost inevitable.
There are occasions when BMX parts require are a slight adjustment, such as when a chain needs tightening. This can particularly be the case with newly-purchased BMX bikes.
At other times, BMX parts will definitely need replacing because they are no longer fit for purpose. Any signs of cracking, warping or rusting, for example, no matter how small, are a harbinger of only worse to come. In an extreme sport like BMX this can mean a sudden and dangerous snapping of the part during high impact leaps or stunts.
At bmx.co.uk we stock and advise on a wide range of great value BMX bikes and compatible replacement BMX parts.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, bmx equipment, replacement bmx parts
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July 23rd, 2010
All BMX riders love their bike of course, but many are still always on the look-out for replacement BMX parts that can boost their ride or even simply improve the appearance of their bike.
One of the advantages of being into BMX is that so many parts are compatible with other parts. Unless a bike is particularly old the BMX parts market will be wide open for the rider to make bold and interesting choices.
This is not to say that particular BMX parts will always be suitable across different BMX disciplines, particularly since advertisements from BMX parts manufacturers are sometimes coy about specifying which type of BMX riding their parts are suitable for.
Care should be taken to check that parts are not too weak for the pressures of intense freestyle or stunt riding, for example. Also, check whether or not they are ideal for supporting the rider performing extreme flatland BMX balancing tricks, but are simply too bulky and heavy for performing vert spins and leaps.
It is always also best to check that even if two parts do fit together, they are not likely to suffer some minor compatibility issues and later come apart or cause some damage to the bike.
Some online BMX forums may be able to offer some inkling into the relative merits of BMX parts, but it is advisable to seek impartial expert advice before buying.
At specialist BMX shop bmx.co.uk, our BMX expertise is unrivalled and the prices of our wide range of BMX parts are simply unbelievable.
Tags: BMX, BMX Parts, bmx shop, freestyle BMX
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June 30th, 2010
What may appear to those unfamiliar with BMX as awkward (in terms of seating and riding position), can, to BMX riders, be the key to achieving perfect harmony with their bikes.
One aspect often commented on, regarding BMX bikes, is how small and squat many of them are. This means there is greater integral strength and robustness when performing extreme manoeuvres. A smaller, lighter structure also helps the rider manipulate the bike more easily when performing such tricks.
A second aspect, often noted, is the low position in which many riders keep their saddle. Keeping the saddle low, however, not only frees up space between the rider and the bike, thereby making movement during more complex ‘body-turning’ tricks that much easier; it also means the saddle can act as a gripping point for the knees when, in standing position, the bike is turned or spun in unison with the rider.
Many people are surprised at how wide the distance between the rider and the handlebars can be. This distance is occasionally exaggerated through the use of frames, in which the seat post is steeper, and the pedals pushed further back, leading to the bike’s front part becoming even longer in comparison with its rear. This greater distance again provides the rider with more space for performing tricks. A longer top tube on a frame can also provide a more comfortable ride, particularly for taller riders.
Our experts at bmx.co.uk, will be happy to explain in more detail the unusual – but highly effective – design logic behind BMX bikes.
Tags: BMX Bikes, bmx design, BMX Parts, BMX parts supplier
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June 26th, 2010
The good news for those looking for BMX parts is that there is certainly no shortage of parts on the market. The question is, however, which parts should be chosen? Moreover, are more expensive parts necessarily worth the money?
The first point to be aware of is that not all BMX parts will be compatible with a particular BMX bike; even where a part appears to connect, it may not in fact be designed for the use which the rider intends. A particular make of high-rise handlebars may, for example, provide a delightfully hindrance-free way of performing mid-air bar spins during vert riding, but turn out to be a less manageable means of negotiating an unpredictable dirt jump course.
The second point to note is that with BMX, brand can often be more important than price. Many renowned BMX companies will sometimes produce a range of mid-market BMX parts which, although made from less expensive materials, may still retain some of the superior design features of that company’s more expensive items. Such ‘economy’ parts from top brands can often be a more worthwhile purchase, than more expensive BMX parts from a less reliable company.
A final point that is worth stressing is the need to shop around. The price of BMX parts can vary considerably between retail outlets; a good specialist online BMX shop, for example, may well have more bulk buying power than a more general bike shop on the high street.
At bmx.co.uk, we offer expert buying advice on BMX parts as well as the best online prices.
Tags: BMX Bikes, BMX brands, BMX Parts, specialist online BMX retailer
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May 28th, 2010
Whether one wishes to buy a BMX frame, a fork, or any other component, the sheer variety of BMX parts on the market makes the choice an extremely confusing and difficult one. Assuming one is buying from a reputable BMX shop, there are various methods of making this selection.
The first is to opt for a brand and model that has already proven itself based on personal experience. This experience can either be one’s own or that of a friend. Whilst this has potential benefits, restricting a purchase to the tried and tested can mean missing out on the fast-moving, experimental world of BMX riding; even brand names are continually looking to improve their components. It can even prevent a rider from developing new techniques.
The second method is to draw up a ‘wish list’ of desired improvements in one’s ride. For example, if it is felt that movement is too restricted during the performance of freestyle tricks it could be that higher bars are required. The drawback to this method is that it may not be possible to correctly identify the source of the problem every time.
A third option is to seek the advice of the BMX shop. A reputable shop will have an impartial, informed opinion regarding the different brands and models it stocks, and will take into account the experience level of a rider.
At BMX.co.uk we recommend a combination of all three methods: a healthy respect for known branded parts, attention to one’s own riding needs and the advice of our expert staff.
Tags: BMX Bikes, BMX forks, bmx frames, branded BMX, online BMX shop
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