by Matt1991 | 27 Aug 2005 4:45 pm
The Beginners Guide To BMX
1 – Introduction and BMX Explained
2 – Size comparisons
a. Axles
b. Bottom Brackets
c. Headsets
3 – Gearing
4 – Replacing Parts
5 – Quick Links
1. Introduction
Hello, I’ve got a lot of spare time at the moment so I’ve decided to write an article about understanding your BMX and building a comfortable bike. Throughout this article ill suggest some good investments for your bike, and explain some things about your bike that may seem confusing without a proper explanation.
First things first you need to know what the different parts of a bike are called so ive made this pretty diagram for ya’ll:
Now, although that’s easy enough to remember there are some parts of the bike that come in different sizes so ill explain those for a while.
2. Size comparisons.
Wheel Axles
Axles come in 2 common sizes, 10mm (also 3/8) and 14mm. On most stock bikes the rear wheel has a 14mm axle because it can withstand hard landing and the front has a 10. However if you’re new to riding or not particularly smooth you might want to upgrade to a 14mm to avoid bending it.
Bottom Brackets
Over the past year or two bottom brackets have escalated into loads of different styles, sizes and strengths. I don’t know much about them so ill just say a quick word about to two original BB’s:
American, the original (As far as I know) bottom bracket, the largest in the line of BB’s and also one of the strongest.
Euro, the second (as far as I know :p) bottom bracket, smaller and lighter than the American but apparently also weaker. However I’ve ridden a euro almost since I started riding and haven’t had any problems…so far.
There is also a Spanish BB, I haven't ridden one or paid much attention so I’m afraid I can’t offer you much detail into this.
Headsets
There are two types of headsets The Aheadset and the Hiddenset or internal headset. I’ve only ever used a regular Aheadset and haven't had any problems although I’ve heard that Hiddenset are easier to install and smoother to spin.
3. Gearing
Gearing can be a personal preference depending on how hard you like to pedal but there is a standard set up for gears and it’s explained here:
http://www.bmx-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=13905
That link has a walkthrough on gearing and an ever-growing Q and A.
4. Replacing Parts
If your going to ride hard, you’re going to fall, and if you’re going to fall you’re going to break parts. So here is a quick walkthrough as to what to replace your weakest stock parts with. Beside most of the parts is a link to the company site so you can give them a visit and make your own mind up.
Brakes
Diatech brakes – any of the Diatech brakes are a cheap solution to a broken brake. They are a very similar design to the original Tecktro that most bikes come with.
Odyssey Evolver – These are a good replacement brake that work well and are fairly cheap. http://www.odysseybmx.com/
Fly Bikes Brakes – These are a strong, light, low profile brake that work extremely well, however they are quite expensive. http://www.flybikesbmx.com/
Cables
a. Single
See this review: http://www.bmx-zone.com/en-article-id-103.html
b. Gyro
SST – The standard gyro cables, however on some bikes the SST doesn’t have a splitter that increases the brake power.
Snafu Astroglide, a very slick un-split gyro cable, either upper or lower. Very impressive braking power and a good price too. http://www.snafubmx.com/
ODY G3 - The Odyssey cables, on the other hand does have a splitter so the braking power isn’t as great, but still works quite well. http://www.odysseybmx.com
Chains
KMC – KMC are a well-known brand of good quality chain, they come in a range of sizes and styles for each type of riding. http://www.home.earthlink.net/~kmcchain/english/
Shadow Interlock – Shadow have created a new type of chain made up entirely of half links, this way they can be cut down to a more accurate size. They are light and strong however the V1 chain doesn’t work on 25-9 gearing. http://www.theshadowconspiracy.com/
4-Jeri – 4-Jeri have made their own version of the interlock and its a lot cheaper than the orininal.
Cranks
Primo Cranks – Primo have 3 crank designs, the Powerbite which is a forged crank made out of aluminium so its light and strong, the Hollowbites which are a hollow version of the Powerbites, and the Excel which is a lightweight tubular crank. http://www.primobmx.com/
Profile – Profile possibly make the best cranks and they have loads of designs, ive never ridden them so I don’t know much about there pros/cons but I do know that they have lots of styles for different riding types. http://www.profileracing.com/
D20 – D20 make a cheap tubular crank that’s lightweight and strong. A very good buy.
Gyros
Odyssey G3 – The cheapest Odyssey Gyro, comes with cables aswell as the gyro. Cheap and fairly good quality. http://www.odysseybmx.com
Odyssey GTX (-R) – The Gyro GTX is a level up from the G3, stronger and smoother, but also more expensive, the GTX-R is a lightweight aluminium version. http://www.odysseybmx.com
Snafu Mobeus – The Snafu Mobeus gyro has no bearings but a special padding that’s makes a smoother spin. http://www.snafubmx.com/
SST Oryg – The standard gyro that comes with a lot of bikes, cheap and good quailty
5. Quick Links
http://www.bmx-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=19036 - A list of company websites.
http://www.bmx-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=18806 - A list of online bike shops.
http://www.bmx-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=13905 - An article and Q and A about gearing.
http://www.bmx-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=12763 - An article on how to look after your bike.
http://www.bmx-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=14608 - Advice on what to have on your “toolkit”.
If anyone feels the need to ask questions then ill be more than happy to help you.
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