August 30th, 2010
Many riders new to BMX will often hear or read about the importance of chromoly in BMX bike construction, particularly with regard to the various types of BMX frame on the market. What is chromoly and how significant is it?
Chromoly is a steel alloy that makes use of two strength-inducing elements, chromium and molybdenum. Compared with normal high-tensile steel, chromoly has over 50% extra strength. The advantage of using chromoly in a bike’s construction is that the strength of high-tensile steel can be matched using lighter tubing; a factor that can help when performing high energy, strength-sapping freestyle tricks.
A BMX frame made from chromoly will usually tend to be more expensive than the equivalent high-tensile steel version, and this will also tend to be reflected in the price of any bike that contains a chromoly frame.
For the less experienced rider, however, a lightweight frame or bike may not necessarily be essential, particularly as the more complex, gravity-defying tricks can only be performed properly with a great deal of practice. Whilst easier manoeuvrability of a BMX bike may be a pleasant additional touch, the bike’s strength should be given more focus when choosing a complete model or when looking for a replacement frame.
Moreover, advancements in frame construction technology have led to other modifications like smaller drop outs (the parts of the frame that connect to the back wheel hub) also contributing to a reduction in overall bike weight.
At bmx.co.uk we can advise on the most appropriate, and affordable, quality BMX bikes and parts for any rider.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, BMX Frame, BMX Parts
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August 28th, 2010
Those buying a first BMX bike, either for themselves or someone else, may not be aware of just how many different types of BMX bike there are, even though they may all look similar. One of the most popular types of BMX bike for a beginner is a dirt BMX bike, alternatively known as a jump BMX bike. These bikes are built for navigating specially constructed, very rugged dirt trails, and usually have double-thickness wheel rims and multi-spoke wheels for extra strength. They also rely on tyres with a high degree of tread for extra grip.
BMX bikes falling under the category of freestyle are built to handle various types of trick riding on concrete or tarmac surfaces. Although built for strength like dirt bikes, freestyle BMX bikes will usually have smooth tyres. Freestyle BMX disciplines range from flatland (performing balancing acts on solid ground) through to vert BMX (leaping high into the air off a large ramp).
Freestyle bikes are also characterised by high-rise handlebars that can turn around completely without entangling the brake cable; and also removable pegs on the sides of the wheels. These latter features are there to help the experienced rider perform various tricks. Finally, racing BMX bikes are designed for high speed race competitions. Racing BMX bikes tend to be lighter than dirt or freestyle BMX bikes.
At bmx.co.uk we can advise in more detail the differences between the various BMX bikes, as well as surprise you with just how affordable our prices are.
Tags: bmx advice, BMX Bike, BMX Parts, racing bmx
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August 27th, 2010
All BMX bikes, whether dirt, freestyle, or racing BMX models, have a single speed gear. This has its advantages in helping make BMX bikes much lighter than their multi-gear counterparts, and also in providing a greater clearance around the wheel and chain drive area when performing freestyle tricks.
Single speed gears also have the advantage, rather like an automatic car, of providing the rider with the ability to control each movement of the bike precisely through the use of the pedals, without such actions being interrupted by the need to effect gear changes. Finally, maintenance and repair is much simpler when there is only one set of sprockets to remove.
One important advantage that BMX bikes have over many other bikes with a single gear however is that coasting is still perfectly possible (in other words allowing the inertia of the bike or the gradient of a hill to take the rider forward). With many other single gear bikes the lack of a freewheel means that the rider has to constantly pedal in order to move the bike forward.
Most BMX bikes will usually contain a gear ratio that enables both sufficient power when starting up and climbing gradients but also reasonable acceleration ability. In some cases, during racing BMX contests for example, it may be necessary to change gear cogs on the spot to effect better handling of the course. At bmx.co.uk we can explain BMX gearing in more detail, as well as supplying a range of great value sprockets and other BMX parts for the chain drive.
Tags: BMX, bmx design, bmx equipment, BMX Parts, racing bmx
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August 22nd, 2010
Many of the BMX bikes one sees at parks, in the street, or at the race track are to some degree or other customised. BMX customisation can refer to anything from the design of a complete bike from scratch through to small personal alterations or modifications to a pre-bought complete BMX bike.
The complete top-to-toe custom BMX builds are often the work of the professional rider or experienced amateur. But these fully customised bikes are not mere vanity projects. The BMX market is replete with sophisticated, high performance BMX parts and specialist frames. For the knowledgeable rider this choice presents an unmissable opportunity to try and combine the optimum combination of components in order to maximise his or her riding abilities.
For the less experienced rider, customisation on a smaller level can still have its benefits. Simply arranging for an easier-to-grip saddle to be fitted, such as the slim Primo SL Pivotal seat designed by pro rider Nathan Williams for example, might benefit those riders looking to better secure their bike during mid-air turns.
Alternatively, changing one’s pedals to a lighter but more reliable design such as the Shadow Conspiracy Nostra Plastic range can benefit one’s attempts at performing certain riding manoeuvres.
Many riders will of course seize the opportunity when choosing such products to make sure that the colour or any graphics chosen will also benefit their BMX bike aesthetically.
At bmx.co.uk we can advise on the most appropriate BMX parts for any bike and will supply all at great value prices.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, BMX Parts, bmx shop, replacement bmx parts
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August 21st, 2010
Whether looking for a first BMX bike or a new model, most buyers are simply hoping for a decent bike at a value for money price. Yet the bewildering array of choice can sometimes confuse.
The first question to ask is: what will the bike primarily be used for? If the rider is certain that he or she is after, say, a racing BMX bike, or a freestyle ‘stunt’ bike, then a legitimate BMX shop will be able to quickly narrow down the available options. If, on the other hand, the rider is uncertain as to which discipline to try, it may well be worth settling for a dirt jump BMX bike, as dirt jump bikes are capable of performing both stunts and racing-type manoeuvres over a dirt trail.
The second question to consider is the rider’s size and height. Certain BMX bikes will have been designed for a taller rider, usually with a longer horizontal top tube on the BMX frame. Again, a good BMX shop will be able to help in this respect.
Finally, where there is a wide range of price options to choose from, cost should be balanced against the number of advanced specifications available on each bike. Such advanced features include strong but lightweight chromoly BMX parts; lightweight and durable components such as rear cassette hubs and three-piece cranks; and lighter, less obtrusive BMX parts such as micro-gear sprockets.
At bmx.co.uk we are happy to identify a quality BMX bike to match both a rider’s pocket and experience in BMX.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, BMX Frame, BMX Parts, bmx shop
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