Thursday, July 31, 2008

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

All Bikes Are Not Created Equal - What Makes BMX Bikes Different? by Greg Hall

Everyone knows what a bicycle is and how to use it, but you know that a BMX bicycle is not just your run of the mill bike. What makes a BMX bike different and special when compared to any other bike in the neighborhood?

The BMX bike is one of the fastest growing bikes on the market. In the 1960’s, BMX bikes began as knock off versions of motocross motorcycles. BMX bikes were used to play in the dirt. Riders were seen jumping and racing around dirt tracks, as well as, around their neighborhoods on BMX bikes. Kids who were typically uninterested in motocross or racing wanted to get their hands on a BMX.

So, what is particularly different about the BMX that has taken the bicycle market by storm? You can identify a BMX bike from your average bike in a number of ways. Specific features of a BMX bike include standard 20 inch tires. The tread on a BMX tire is much different when compared to your average bicycle tire. A regular bike tire may have a few grooves or ridges, but a BMX tire tread has large knobs and crevices to help gain traction and maintain control in the dirt. Rough terrain would be too much to handle for an average bicycle tire, but BMX tread can get the job done.

An average bicycle frame is rather heavy when compared to the frame on a BMX bicycle. The lightweight frame sets BMX apart from other recreational bikes. The sturdy, yet lightweight, frame of the BMX can withstand shock well. The durability of the frame is necessary for riders who want to really play and the dirt.

How does BMX keep their frames so light and durable? An average bicycle frame may be made from stainless steel or another inexpensive metal. BMX frames are formed from aluminum or chrome steel. Aluminum will not rust and is extremely lightweight. These qualities help to make a BMX frame both durable and practical. This is especially important for youngsters interested in performing jumps and stunts on their bike.

BMX bicycles typically have only one gear. Unlike other sports and recreational bicycles, a single chain and no gear shift. This variation from the norm allows riders to pedal with ease in multiple directions. The ability to pedal both backwards and forwards on a BMX bike allows for easier stunts, tricks, and jumps. Can you pedal backwards up a hill on any other bike?

Padding is standard on a BMX bike. You may find padding in as many as three locations on a BMX. The crossbar between the handles, the gooseneck, and the straddle bar are common areas for BMX padding to be prevalent. Safety is of utmost concern when enjoying your BMX bike. The wide range of activities during BMX competition make the padding a necessity when it comes to safety.

Another unique safety feature found on a BMX bike is seen in the stem. Four large bolts help to increase durability and stability of the frame during rough landings. A rider may place their body weight on the handles during a stunt. For this reason, extra safety precautions must be in place.

BMX bikes are built differently from an average bicycle to meet the high demands of riders in competition. Lightweight frames and durable parts make BMX stand out from the rest. Safety features are extremely important to protect riders during stunts on uneven terrain. Noting such differences between a regular bike and a BMX, it is easy to see why BMX bikes are so popular.

Diamond Back Bicycles by Sarah Freeland

If you are into bicycles, then no doubt you’ve heard of the diamond back bicycle brand. Diamond back bicycles are famous for many reasons. They offer top quality bikes with cutting-edge technology and design. If you want a top quality mountain bike, BMX bike, hybrid bike or dirt bike, diamond back is the best place to shop. Read on for more information about the diamond back company and their products.

The diamond back bicycle company designs, manufactures and sells a wide range of sport bikes. Some of these bikes include mountain bikes and BMX bikes. They also sell sport bikes for kids. Diamond back sport bikes are considered the best by many professional bike riders. If you are looking for a top-notch sport bike that has the best technology and exciting modern design, then diamond back is the company for you.

In addition to mountain bikes, dirt bikes and BMX bikes, the diamond back bicycle company sells commuter and hybrid bikes. These are great options for anyone who would like to lend a hand in the fight against global warming and avoid sitting in traffic. Hybrid bikes combine the fun of a bike with a motorized vehicle. They make it easy to commute without polluting the air and spending loads of money on gas. You can also use these bikes on long recreational trips, because the motor will be there should you be interested in taking a break.

The diamond back company doesn’t just sell bikes, they also sell fitness equipment. With a variety of stationary bikes, steppers and treadmills, you can get a great workout with diamond back exercise equipment. As a leader in technology, diamond back always puts plenty of research into their products, so you know they will be safe and efficient. Many professional athletes swear by diamond back exercise equipment, get in on the trend with one or more pieces for your home gym.

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Protective And Important Equipment For BMX Bikes by Kum Martin

BMX riding is an exciting sport. However, you should pay special attention to the BMX equipment which is an important part of BMX riding.

Your BMX bike should be according to the type of riding you are doing. There are special BMX bikes for BMX racing, dirt jumping and freestyle. So, choose your BMX bike wisely. Besides this, your BMX bike should not have reflector brackets, chain guard, fenders and kickstand. This is for your own safety so make sure your BMX bikes does not these.

Never attempt getting on your BMX bike without a helmet. There are two styles of helmets available and you can choose anyone one. There is the traditional bucket style helmet and the full face helmet. Make sure your helmet has proper padding to cushion a blow to your head if you should fall. Price of bucket style helmets starts from $30 while full helmets start from $80.

In BMX racing, besides your head, you also have to protect your elbows and knees. Make sure you invest in good quality elbow and knee pads which are especially designed for BMX racing. Usually elbow pads cost around $18 while knee pads costs between $19 and $35.

If you are in BMX racing, freestyle or dirt jumping, you will be spending a lot of time on the ground! That is why it is important to wear long-sleeve shirts (or t-shirts) and pants (or jeans). The key is to protect your body as much as possible from getting hurt. The next BMX equipment that you should invest in is closed-toed shoes.

Do not forget to get a bike repair kit. Buy a kit that allows you do most of the repairs on your bike and always keep it handy. Most bike repair kits should have repair tools, a patch kit and an air pump.

Once you have all the protective and important equipment for BMX bikes, you are all set to go.

The Right Kind Of BMX Bikes For Freestyle And Dirt Jumping By Kum Martin

Though BMX is a universally used term when it comes to BMX bicycles, it is important to know that BMX racing (or bicycle motocross) refers to racing on a dirt track. However, there are other types of BMX bikes used for different other forms of BMX racing. These are freestyle and jump bikes which are much heavier and sturdier than ordinary BMX bikes because of rigorous treatment they put through.

A good quality BMX bike for a beginner costs approximately $200. If you are into BMX freestyle and dirt jumping then you need to pay special attention to the type of BMX bike you are purchasing.

For BMX freestyle and dirt jumping, your bicycle should have a sturdy and heavy frame. If you compare an actual freestyle bicycle to a conventional BMX bicycle, you will realize that a freestyle bicycle is nearly two times heavier. While jump bicycles are lighter than freestyle bicycles but heavier than BMX bikes. If you are small in stature, you should not worry because there are many frame sizes to choose from.

Usually BMX bicycles have a 20” wheel diameter. Jump BMX bikes in contrast have bigger wheel diameters. If you are tall and large then you should opt for a jump BMX bicycle with a 24-inch wheel diameter. Most jump bikes have 13-gauge spokes while freestyle bikes have a 48-gauge spokes. If you compare the tires of different types of bikes, there is a vast difference. Jump bikes are heavily treaded among all BMX bicycles. This is because jump bikes have to concentrate on traction rather than speed. While freestyle BMX bikes have smooth treads making it easier to use them on pavements or indoors. Freestyle BMX bikes also have axle pegs which are used for performing tricks.

Now that you know the basics about BMX bikes for freestyle and dirt jumping, you can hop to the nearest store and purchase one for yourself.