How to Set Up Your Bike for Flatland Freestyle

BMX flatland freestyle is probably one of the most difficult sports on the planet, but it is also one of the most rewarding. It takes years of practice and dedication, and it helps to have a bike that is set up for flatland. Follow these tips to get started.

Things You'll Need

• BMX Bike Brakes
• BMX Bike Forks
• BMX Bike Frame
• BMX Bike Gloves
• BMX Bike Parts
• BMX Bike Pegs
• Bike Pumps
• Bike Tools
• BMX Bike Helmets
• BMX Bikes

Instructions

1. Start with a good flatland-specific frame. These usually have a short top tube, a short rear end and steep angles.

2. Do a quick check of the frame and everything else on the bike to be sure nothing is cracked, bent or broken.

3. Remove any pads, reflectors, chain guards or kickstands.

4. Put axle pegs on the front and rear wheels and cable detanglers on the front and rear brake cables.

5. Position your handlebars so they are straight up and down or in line with the fork. You may be more comfortable with your bars a little further forward or back, but don't go too far in either direction. Some riders like to cut their handlebars' width to just wider than shoulder-width.

6. Remove old grips if they're torn or if the handlebar is showing through. Bar end caps will help protect the ends of the handlebar.

7. Choose a wheel set that has a rear hub specifically designed for flatland, usually called a free coaster. Free coaster hubs allow you to set your pedals at one position, and they will stay there when rolling backward. Hubs with a regular free wheel make the pedals go backward when rolling backward, and coaster brake hubs don't let you set the pedals easily because of the brake in the hub.

8. Use tires that have a smooth tread and inflate them to the maximum air pressure. Most flatlanders run at least 100 pounds of pressure in their tires, even though it is usually well above the recommended pressure on the tires. There are only a few tires rated to that pressure.

9. Tighten all nuts and bolts to their specifications, including axle nuts, stem bolts, pedals, cranks, seat and seat post nuts, brakes, and headset.

10. Lubricate all moving parts, such as brake cables, brake pivot bolts and your chain.

11. Put the correct amount of tension on the chain so that it doesn't fall off when you're riding.

12. Use the smallest front sprocket that you can find. The easier gearing makes it easier to ride away from tricks and the small sprocket will not get in the way.

13. Choose platform pedals over caged pedals.

14. Find the shortest crank arms you can.

15. Adjust your seat to a height and angle that allows good mobility in front and in back.

16. File down any sharp edges on the bike, such as the edges of the stem or handlebars.

Tips & Warnings

• Many riders are learning to ride flatland with only one brake, or even with no brakes. It's all a matter of your personal preference and style.

• When you're setting up your brake cables, make them as short as possible while still having smooth braking. Long cables tend to get in the way.

• Always make sure your spokes are tight and the wheels are straight.

• When choosing pegs, find ones that are knurled or grooved for traction. Smooth pegs are great for street and ramp riding, but you'll want the traction on flatland.

• If you can get pedals that have removable pins or are not too aggressive, use those. You're more likely to tear your legs up on sharp pedals than slip off smooth pedals.

• Always use pegs on the axles rather than ones on the fork or frame. The further from the axles you are, the harder the tricks are.

• Short crank arms, 165mm or 170mm, are in the way less, and less likely to get you tangled up. For many cranks, 175mm is the shortest you'll be able to find.

• If any part of the bike is creaking, check it out. It probably needs to be greased or tightened, or it may be cracked. A good bike is solid and silent.

• BMX freestyle is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

• Always wear a helmet.