How to Gauge Your Speed on a BMX Bike

The sport of riding BMX bikes and doing tricks is growing in popularity. Mastering speed, body positioning and even jumping come into play as you learn to gauge your speed on a BMX bike. Dedicate yourself to perfecting these skills and you will succeed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Lightweight 20-inch bike
• Bicycle helmet

1. Increase your leg muscle strength to make a better, faster ride. Exercise 30-90 minutes each week to help build your leg muscles, thus increasing speed. Because its fun, it won't seem like exercise.
2. Practice your BMX tricks whenever you can. If you want to ride up and down ramps, find a park that suits you or make your own. You simply need to go faster for higher jumps.
3. Perform racing moves in short, 10 minute sessions, on a measured track, and rest for five minutes. Repeat this process, trying to cut your time. You should soon get a feel for how fast you need to go at different times to reach the top of different ramps.
4. Discover jumps you are unfamiliar with. You must perform the same trick, repeatedly, to increase your skills. After some practice, you can gauge what speed you need the next time.
5. Look over your BMX bike to be sure everything is in proper order. Make sure your tires are in good condition and your wheels are light, so as not to slow you down. Inspect the seat to ensure a tight connection to the frame.
6. Consider whether you need to pedal. Experience shows you that once you get started up a ramp, you can turn and go down the ramp by coasting. Keep this move up and you may be able to go up the next ramp without pedaling.

Tips & Warnings

• Good physical conditioning helps you achieve better speed and skills.