| The Modern BMX bikes that many of us are | | | | with traction in loose dirt compared to regular |
| familiar with have come a long way from the | | | | bikes with smooth tires and smaller wheels. As |
| original bicycle invention and even from the BMX | | | | mentioned before the frames are also much |
| bikes of the late 60s which were specifically for | | | | lighter but still sturdy which also sets them apart |
| jumps and dirt racing. After a while they even | | | | from the heavier recreational bikes on the |
| became desired even among those not into | | | | market. Another way that BMX bikes stand out |
| racing. These days you see kids riding them for | | | | from regular bikes is that they only have one |
| everything to riding to school and visiting friends in | | | | gear with one chain in order to do the tricks and |
| addition to doing tricks. | | | | so that they are easy to pedal backwards and |
| These bikes like others come in many different | | | | forwards. |
| sizes so that a diverse range of people can enjoy | | | | These bikes also generally do not have front |
| them. BMX is a sport that can be started as a | | | | brakes and they will have padding in place on the |
| young child and be continued well into adulthood. | | | | crossbar, the straddle bar, and the gooseneck. |
| With the minis for kids up to the ages of six to | | | | This is to protect the rider during BMX |
| nine, then the expert model up to thirteen year | | | | competitions as does the sturdy construction with |
| olds, and the professional size for that age | | | | the stem being held in place by 4 large bolts to |
| through adult. These are only a guide since some | | | | keep the frame from coming apart when landing |
| kids are bigger than others, like my son who was | | | | from a jump. |
| over 200 lbs at 16 from lifting and surfing. | | | | These bikes have been big business for 40 years |
| Another important factor that the bikes have is | | | | and they definitely aren't showing any signs of |
| their lightweight construction which is crucial for | | | | slowing down at all. You may think of kids when |
| jumping and racing. This is accomplished by the | | | | you think about BMX bikes but the fact is there |
| use of aluminum in many cases or with another | | | | are a lot of adults who ride them, especially when |
| low cost composite. By far the most popular | | | | you think about the professional BMX riders. The |
| metal used is aluminum. | | | | extreme sports shows that are shown on ESPN |
| One of the ways that a genuine BMX bike can be | | | | and other sports channels have only added to the |
| distinguished from regular bikes is that nearly all of | | | | popularity of the bikes. |
| them have 20" wheels and knobby tires to assist | | | | |