BMX Components: What’s best for you?

Understanding your equipment is a very important part in every sport or active hobby you choose to participate in. When it comes to BMX, there are tons of moving parts throughout your bike that need to be well maintained to allow you to perform to the best of your ability. We’ve picked out 10 key components of your bike that you should look into understanding a little better, and have chosen a few select products that we carry to help you get the best gear for your BMX set up.

One more thing to keep in mind before we start to dig deeper is how often and how much abuse you’re going to put onto your bike. If you’re new to the sport this could be a great starter to understanding all the parts that go into your bike, and why they are so important. Or if you’re the seasoned vet who has been stomping tricks and going big for a good amount of years, this might help you understand why some of the parts you’re purchasing are not holding up to the level of riding you are performing at.

Hubs

The Hub is the central part of your bike’s wheel that connects to the wheel’s rim through the spokes and how the axle is fitted, which allows the wheel to spin freely on two sets of bearings. And just like your specific front and back tires, there are front and back hubs specific hubs as well. If you’re going to be riding a lot of street spots or having your bike take some abuse in the parks you’re going to want some hub guards as well. As most things on this list you are going to get what you pay for out of your hubs and hub guards. The more you pay for these components, the better they are going to perform, depending on your riding style and terrain. Click [HERE] to shop all our hubs.

Bearings

Similar to the bearings you see in skateboard wheels or other recreational wheels, bearings help keep your hubs, your bottom bracket, and your headset turning with ease. Think of riding a bike without bearings like driving a car without power steering. Keeping your bearings clean with routine tune-ups and maintenance is a good way to keep your bike in prime performance grade.

Grips

Grips are what keep your hands on the handlebars. There are a few different kinds of grips out there that are specific to certain kinds of bicycling so you’re going to want to do some research or ask your local bike tech for some assistance. There are also flanged and flangeless bike grips, and deciding between the two is a preference driven situation and will not affect the performance of your grips. Grips will eventually wear down from heavy use and should be replaced once that time arrives. Click [HERE] to shop all our grips

Pedals

Pedals serve as the platform for riders feet to be planted on, to control the rotation of the crank, and get you moving. When it comes to what kind of pedals you need for you BMX setup, we usually see riders in the park doing more technical tricks using a composite plastic type of pedal to reduce injury to your feet and to cut down on weight. Now, if you’re riding bigger features, putting a ton of abuse on your bike, or are on the bigger sets, we would recommend getting some stronger CNC aluminum pedals which hold up to abuse and more weight for a longer time. Click [HERE] to shop all our pedals.

Tires

When it comes to the tires that you want to be riding on your set-up once again you should look into what kind of riding you’re doing. Slick tires work better for areas with smooth pavement like skateparks. If you are looking for something with a little more traction, you should consider looking at a tire that has a wider platform. One last thing to consider is a high pressurized tire that will take impacts better from bigger landings. Click [HERE] to shop all our tires.

Tubes

Tubes are the inflatable piece that goes on the inside of your tire, that retains air pressure. When picking out the right tubes for you, sizing is important to make sure you are matching the correct tube size to your tire size before purchase. Tubes can pop and become flat, but they are replaceable. Common reasons for tubes popping are pinch flats off landings, low maintenance, and punctures. Click [HERE] to shop all our tubes.

Pegs

Pegs are an essential part of BMX. There are really only two types of pegs that cover the whole spectrum. Metal or steel pegs are geared more towards those riders who spend time doing faster freestyle riding or in vert riding. Chromoly pegs with a composite plastic sleeve are more for park and technical riders who focus more on rails, boxes, etc. Click [HERE] to shop all our pegs.

Chain

Bike Chains can stretch over time and need to be replaced during that circumstance. If you ride a chain that has been stretched and worn down it will inevitably break and or wear down other components of your bike, such as the freewheel and chain wheel. Click [HERE] to shop all our chains.

Tools

Tools to work on your bike are always a good thing to have on your person while riding. Whether it is a friend’s bike or your own that needs some tune-ups, you will be glad you packed it with you that day. Box wrenches are always a good tool to have. 10,15,17,19, and 21mm are the most common sizes. Alan keys most common sizes are 4,5,6,8 and 10mm.

Security

Whether you are locking up your bike for the night or just running inside somewhere to get a quick bite to eat or have a beverage, locking up your bike is never a bad idea. Bike locks are available in a plethora of different styles that you can choose from. Key locks, combo locks, the list goes on and on and investing in a lock is going to save you the hassle from having to a.) find your stolen bike or b.) purchase a new one. Click [HERE] to shop all our locks.

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