BMX bike buying tips (B.M.X. Bikes - General Tips & Comments)

Member Name: fpsninja

Product:	B.M.X. Bikes - General Tips & Comments
Date:	01/06/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheaper than a normal bike, lighter and cooler

Disadvantages: no gears

BMX bikes, for those of you who know little about bikes, differ from bikes in many ways, such as they have no gears, and very little in the way of comforts available on other bikes. They have thick tires, and are mostly used for doing tricks and the like, but for a lot of people, they don't really want a BMX for "tricking" but more because they can be cheaper than other bikes by a long way.

So, how to choose your bmx?
Firstly, do some research on the frame of the BMX, notably the bit that holds the front wheel in place. This part is the most likely part to break when landing a jump, so you want this bit to be strong. Also, you want the max weight able to be held by the bike to be well above your weight, getting one your weight may be fine for normal riding, but don't expect it to handle too many jumps.

If you are planning on doing stunts offroad, get some nice, big chunky tired, and a bmx with a good back break, this brake is the most important break.

If you are planning on using your bmx for transport (not advised as no gears, but for some people on a budget, no choice I'm afraid), i recommend getting a pair of wheelie bars on the back wheelie, so you can give someone a "backie" when needed.

Personally i would not spend more than about £60 on a bmx bike unless you are planning on becoming a bmx pro. Anything above this you are better off getting a normal bike with gears.

Summary: Not really designed for transport, more for tricks