BMX originates back
in the late 70's but peaked in popularity in the early eighties. Originally
the human powered form of Moto-Cross where instead of a motorbike,
riders would tear round a circuit of bumps and jumps on a small wheeled
bike with a single gear. BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross) gradually developed
and manufacturers began to make bikes which suited the circuits. They
were fitted with 20" wheels, had a relatively small frame and
high bars. Some of the professional bikes would run on 20"x1
3/8" wheels whereas the majority of bikes were fitted with 20"
x 1.75 or 2.125 wheels. They have a fixed frame size, with no frame
sizing options being available for a given wheel size.
The style of bike became very popular with the younger rider, particularly
teenagers who adopted this new "style" of bike as their
own. As with many types of bikes, the BMX evolved into more than just
a race circuit bike.
BMX bikes tend to be stronger, due largely to their small frames,
and because they have only a single gear, they tend to need less maintenance.
Although BMX faded away in popularity when Mountain Bikes really began
to catch on, a core of riders and enthusiasts has kept the "style"
alive. More recently BMX has seen a resurgence in popularity.
BMX bikes are available with other wheel sizes, although these smaller
wheeled (12", 14" 16" and 18") bikes are purely
childrens' bikes.Types of BMX:Race;
The original. No Frills, just a machine built for speed around a dirt
covered track with humps. Typically fitted with frame pads to protect
the rider.
Pros... Most
BMX bikes are very solid and robust. They tend to be more durable
than other equivalently priced bikes. Less maintenance due to less
individual components.
Cons... Not suitable for riding any long distances,
due to lack of gears and small frame/wheel size. Not as indestructible
as they appear. One key factor to remember with a BMX is that it can
only be as capable as the rider. As with any style of bike, there
are "imitations" ie bikes which look like a BMX but which
are not suited to any form of extreme riding.
Slalom;
26" Wheels with wide tyres, small frame size to allow for easy
and fast turning, suspension forks. Likely to only be running 7 to
24 gears, the chain being captivated onto the front chainring so it
cannot come off. Gear ratios generally high, as most slalom bikes
are used on grass or dirt descents weaving through a sequence of posts
in much the same way that a slalom skier does.
Trials;
Pure Trials bikes tend to be 20" wheeled (see image below), but
many riders use 26" wheel bikes which have been made up from
standard mountain bike parts with a few trials specific components
to finish them off.
Pros...
Both Slalom and Trials are specialist disciplines that require specialist
equipment. These bikes are designed for their specific discipline.
Cons...
Unsuitable for everyday riding due to small frame size and restricted
choice of gears. The steering on these bikes is often too "twitchy"
for ordinary tarmac riding. These a specialist bikes made for specialist
riding.
Tricks should not be undertaken without an
awareness of the risks involved. |
