How To

How to Make Cool Bike Ramps at Home

Contributor
By J. L. Davis
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

If you ride freestyle BMX and enjoy doing tricks, then you will eventually want to make a cool bike ramp at home to do tricks on. Riding freestyle BMX requires a great deal of dedication to practice, so the proper equipment and daily practice are important. The ramp is a great place to start. A home ramp is also convenient for daily practice and experimentation without the pressure of an audience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Two 2X4's cut to the desired length Two 2X4's cut to the desired height 2X4 's for cross-braces, according to the width of the ramp A large box of 2-4 inch screws Very large piece of plywood board wide enough to fit the length of the ramp Table saw or hand saw Several large thin sheets of plywood Tape measure Level Drill Paint
  1. Step 1

    Plan your ramp. Decide on the perfect size for your needs. Your new bike ramp should be high enough to give you a good jump. A ramp that is too steep will slow you down considerably and ruin your jump. Also, consider the weight of the ramp, because it may need to move it around. The general rule is that a 45 degree angle with a shallow curve will work best and is perfect for almost any trick.

  2. Step 2

    Measure and cut the two 2X4 height boards to the desired height using a table or hand saw. Also measure and cut the two 2X4 length boards. Cut cross-braces out of 2X4's to the desired width of the ramp, you will need a cross-brace every 2' throughout the length of the ramp.

  3. Step 3

    Use 2" to 4" screws to connect the cross-braces to the ramp. It will be much easier to screw in the braces if you stand it on its side. Have someone stand behind it using their body weight to support it while you use your weight to make sure that everything is flush and tight.

  4. Step 4

    Repeat step 3 with the front and back of the ramp, using lengthwise braces and support. Again, please ensure that all parts are tight and very flush.

  5. Step 5

    Using a very large ½" plywood board (large enough to allow for a single piece to be used). Use a pencil to trace out your desired size carefully, remembering the old adage "measure twice, cut once", leave enough room to allow for the curve in your ramp.

  6. Step 6

    Attach the board using long screws 4 inches or longer, forming your curve carefully, to the support frame. Put screws through the board at the cross brace. Place the screws at one foot intervals along each cross brace. (Use smaller intervals as needed for your ramps size; smaller intervals for smaller ramps.) Again, ensure that everything is flush.

  7. Step 7

    Support the newly formed ramp from beneath to ensure that there is no buckle or give with the added weight of bike and rider. Cut additional cross-braces to slide between the newly formed side walls and attach them at the top of the curve every 2'.

  8. Step 8

    Attach your cut plywood ramp surface to the base with large screws, Start at the bottom and work your way up carefully smoothing the boards as you attach them. Make sure to screw into the cross-braces, but do not allow any screws or edges to stick up on your riding surface, these can and will catch your tires, and make for a costly repair so you will want to ensure that everything is flat, flush and tight, and sanded down. Paint, be creative and let yourself have fun with it, don't worry what anyone else will say or think, this is your special creation and you can always repaint it later.

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