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Holding Icon BMX Bikes Buyers Guide

The huge selection of BMX bikes for sale can be daunting if you're looking to buy a BMX for the first time. Luckily Halfords has put together some handy guidance on the exciting world of BMX biking to help get you started.
BMX Bikes Buyers Guide

MAIN FEATURES OF BMX BIKES

BMX bikes were first designed in the US in the 1970s, as youths copied motocross riders on their pedal bikes. Since then it's become a massively popular form of cycling and is even an Olympic sport.

The jumps, speed and stunts associated with BMX biking means the bikes have to be strong, light and extremely durable. They usually have 20 inch wheels (smaller than other models like road bikes or mountain bikes) and small but sturdy frames.

There are two main categories of BMX bike, each tailored to the type of BMXing you might enjoy:

BMX RACING BIKES

BMX Racing is a fast, furious sport involving riders competing against each other on sandy or hilly tracks. BMX racing bikes are built for speed and usually feature aluminium frames for a faster, stiffer, lighter and more responsive ride.

BMX 'Cruiser' bikes with 24 inch wheels are sometimes used for racing, particularly for taller riders.

If you want to do tricks and stunts on your BMX bike then a racing model is probably not for you - a BMX Freestyle bike is what you're looking for.

BMX FREESTYLE BIKES

BMX Freestyle involves riders doing daring jumps and stunts rather than racing against each other to win. Riders perfect their tricks by practicing in skate parks, on flat ground, or using obstacles like benches and walls on the street.

BMX Freestyle bikes normally include the following features:

  • Frames made of high tensile steel or chromoly. High tensile steel is used on most entry-level BMX bikes as it's cheaper, but more experienced riders prefer chromoly as it makes the bike faster and easier to manoeuvre
  • Strong wheels and rising handlebars that can withstand the impact of jumping and landing
  • Stunt pegs for tricks like grinds and balancing
  • Rotors (or 'gyros') for 360° bar spins without tangling the cables

One discipline of BMX Freestyling is dirt jumping - dirt jump bikes have most of the features of BMX bikes, but have chunkier tyres for jumping on dirt trails.

HELP CHOOSING A BMX BIKE

Feel free to browse our online selection of BMX bikes to give you a better idea of the different specifications. If you need further help, don't hesitate to drop into your local Halfords store where our staff will be able to assist you.

BMX BIKES PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

When practicing BMX tricks, you're likely to fall off at some point - that's why you should invest in some quality protective gear like cycle helmets, bike gloves, and bike body armour & pads. Buying these as part of a bundle with a new BMX bike can make this cheaper.

GET YOUR BMX BIKE BUILT AT HALFORDS

The high speed and impact that BMX bikes have to withstand means it's important they are built properly. Reserve and collect your BMX at Halfords and one of our expert technicians will build and safety check it for free (excluding Trax bikes*). You can even bring it in for a free 6 week service to ensure it's in top condition.

*Trax bike build prices - £9.99 for 12"-16" wheel bikes and £19.99 for 18" wheel plus bikes. 6 week first service included.

FAQs Bikes FAQs

  • It's unlikely, but if you can buy the same product cheaper, within seven days and 20 miles of the store, Halfords will match the price.

    Even against trade outlets! Please ask in your local Halfords store for details of terms and conditions. Excludes online and catalogue orders.

  • Before you buy a bike you have to think about what you will be using it for.

    There are many types of bikes available, so it is important you get the correct one. See our guide to choosing the right bike.

    » An All Terrain or Mountain bike is a bicycle designed for mountain biking.
    » Hard tail bikes are built for speed. They are strong and powerful bikes built mainly for road surfaces.
    » Full suspension bikes are built to handle impact. They are ideal for riding through mountains or over huge hills.
    » Road bikes and Sports bikes are designed for speed, and speed alone. The lower riding position means that the air flow is less restricted enabling you to create and maintain a lot more speed than on an average bike.

  • Yes, Halfords offer a FREE build and safety check on any bike you buy online or in-store from Halfords (excludes Trax bikes*).
    We can even build bikes bought elsewhere, for a charge. We'll also give you a FREE 20-point Six Week First Service, to make sure your bike is still in tip-top condition. Check out our Bike Build page for further information.
    *Trax bike build prices - £9.99 for 12"- 16" wheel bikes and £19.99 for 18" wheel plus bikes. Six week first service included

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