About BMX Bikes
BMX bikes have grown in popularity since the early 1980s when they were introduced as sporty, strong-framed bikes that were small and easy to maneuver. You could do tricks, take them over jumps and therefore impress the ladies. The new bikes quickly won over the hearts and minds of kids. Today BMX bikes are little changed in shape, but riders have taken them to new levels, on half pipes, freestyle jumps and large bike parks built just for these innovative bikes.
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History
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BMX first began when Schwinn invented the Stingray, a bike that was designed to capture part of the muscle car and custom bike market. They bikes were incredibly popular and flew off the shelves. Then in 1971, BMX organized the first bike race designed as a hybrid bike race and motocross event. The race was organized by Scot Breithaupt, thought to be the founder of the BMX sport. In the early 1980s, after the bike was featured in the hit movie "ET," the bikes stormed into pop culture.
Significance
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The BMX bike was first conceived to fill a need: kids who wanted to race motocross but didn't have the money to buy motorbikes. The BMX bike was seen as a way to race motocross on a pedal bike. Kids finally had a way and a reason to dress in full pads and a helmet, and they could enjoy the thrills of fast bike racing on a dirt course. Since then the bikes have evolved and grown to include freestyle racing, now hugely popular in many arenas.
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Features
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BMX bikes usually have a rather small frame, fat 20-inch wheels, lower center frame bars and narrower handle bars with big grips that tilt forward. Each feature is designed to make riding on dirt easier and more stable. However, they also make the bikes more suitable for doing tricks. For instance, the handlebars can spin 360 degrees without locking up, and with the lower frame and fat tires, you can bounce on the back wheel and do wheelies easier.
Types
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The most popular type of BMX bike is the Diamond, named for the diamond shape of the frame. This shape actually contributes to the bike's stability, even though the proportions of a diamond set on end are not very stable. Today BMX bikes are classified into street or freestyle, race and jump bikes. The freestyle bikes typically have rear wheel pegs and less tread than the dirt bikes. Race bikes are also a little lighter, where jump bikes have stronger frames.
Considerations
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When choosing a BMX bike, buy according to the type of events you want to compete in. Concentrate on the type of frame, and choose a stronger alloy frame if you intend to do jumps and races. You can buy stronger and lighter frames that aren't heavy but won't break under pressure. You can outfit the BMX bike with racing pads, comfortable grips and various types of wheels. Thicker, heavier treads with deep knobs are better for dirt tracks and jumping events, while less treads are better for freestyle street riding.
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