How to Assemble a BMX Bike

BMX bikes take on many forms and jobs.

BMX bicycles are built for speed and toughness. BMX is a type of bicycle racing that is a mixture of jumps, bumps and turns on a dirt track. Much like motocross racing, BMX racing is a single to several lap race from one end of the track to the other, with the first racer across the finish line dubbed the winner. BMX bikes have to be strong, light, and most of all fast. The racers are constantly hammering on the pedals and need to be able to deliver all of their power to the ground as fast as possible. If you are purchasing a BMX bike, most likely it will arrive unassembled or partially assembled in a box. This article will take you through the process of assembling your new BMX bike so that you can get racing!

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench set
• Socket wrench set
• Crescent wrench set

Instructions

1. Unpackage the bike and lay all of the parts out in an open space. You should have: a frame with bottom bracket installed, a front fork, handlebars, front crank, set of wheels with a freewheel, pedals, and a seat with seatpost. Remove all of the bubble wrap from each of the components to make them easier to work with.

2. Slide the fork into the headtube (front vertical portion) of the frame and then slide the handlebars and stem onto the top portion of the fork that is sticking out of the head tube. Use the allen wrenches to tighten the stem down on the fork tube, making sure to keep the fork and handlebars lined up straight.

3. Slide the front wheel into the front fork and tighten down the axle nuts with the appropriate crescent wrench. Slide the back wheel into the rear chainstays, making sure to wrap the chain around the rear sprocket, then tighten down the axle bolts on the rear wheel as well.

4. Slide the crank and pedal arms onto the spindle in the middle of the bottom bracket and then use the socket wrench to tighten the mounting bolts down. Insert the pedals into each of the pedal arms and then use the appropriate crescent wrench to tighten the pedals down as well. Insert the seatpost into the seat tube of the bicycle and then tighten the seat clamp to hold the seatpost in place. Pump your tires up and take the bike for a spin!

Tips & Warnings

• If you find that your handlebars are not lined up correctly, simply loosen the headset bolts, tap the handlebars into the correct position, and retighten the bolts.

• After a few hours of riding, retighten every bolt on your bicycle as they can begin to work loose after a bit of vibration from the track.

Resources

• Online resource for BMX bikes, parts, and accessories