What Parts Do You Need to Build a BMX Bike?
Building a BMX bike from the ground up is an exciting project for any rider. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, knowing the right parts you need to assemble a BMX bike is essential. The customization possibilities are endless, and with the rise of BMX online stores, sourcing high-quality BMX bike parts has never been easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential components you need to build a BMX bike and help you navigate the world of BMX parts.
Frame
The foundation of any BMX bike is the frame. BMX frames come in various materials, but the most common are chromoly steel and aluminum. Chromoly frames are more durable and provide a smoother ride, making them ideal for street and park riding. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, are lighter and more suitable for racing.
When choosing a frame, consider the size and geometry. BMX frames are typically measured by the top tube length, which can range from 18" to 21". Riders with a taller build generally opt for a longer top tube, while shorter riders might prefer a smaller frame.
Fork
The fork is another critical component, connecting the front wheel to the frame. BMX forks are often made from chromoly for strength and durability. They are designed to withstand heavy impacts from jumps and tricks. A solid fork ensures stability and control during landings, making it a key part of your BMX build.
Make sure the fork you choose is compatible with the size of your front wheel, as well as the type of riding you plan to do. Street and park riders often look for forks with thicker dropouts to handle the wear and tear of grinding and bashing.
Handlebars
The handlebars on a BMX bike play a crucial role in how you control your ride. BMX handlebars come in various heights and widths, depending on the type of riding you do and your personal preference. Taller handlebars offer more leverage and make it easier to pull off tricks, while shorter bars provide more control for racing.
When shopping for handlebars, consider their rise, width, and sweep. A good rule of thumb is that taller riders generally opt for higher handlebars, while smaller riders may prefer shorter ones.
Stem
The stem connects your handlebars to the fork, and it's a vital part of your BMX bike. Stems come in two main styles: top load and front load. Top load stems elevate the handlebars higher, which can provide more leverage for tricks, while front load stems sit lower and offer a more streamlined look.
The material of the stem, often aluminum, ensures that it’s lightweight but durable enough to handle the pressures of intense BMX riding. Keep in mind that choosing the right stem can significantly affect your comfort and control during rides.
Headset
The headset is a small but vital part of the bike that allows your handlebars to rotate smoothly. It consists of bearings and cups that sit inside the head tube of the frame. BMX headsets come in two main types: integrated and non-integrated. Integrated headsets are more common and are easier to install and maintain. Non-integrated headsets require a bit more work during installation but are still effective.
When building a BMX bike, make sure the headset is compatible with your frame and fork. A well-installed headset ensures smooth steering, which is essential for both freestyle and racing BMX bikes.
Cranks
The cranks are one of the most important parts of the drivetrain on a BMX bike. They connect the pedals to the chainring, allowing you to transfer power to the rear wheel. BMX cranks are usually made from chromoly for durability, and they come in two main styles: 2-piece and 3-piece cranks. Most riders prefer 3-piece cranks for their strength and ease of maintenance.
When choosing cranks, consider their length. Longer cranks provide more leverage for pedaling power, while shorter cranks offer quicker acceleration, which can be beneficial for racing.
Bottom Bracket
The bottom bracket houses the bearings that allow your cranks to rotate smoothly. BMX bottom brackets come in various sizes and styles, such as American, Mid, and Euro. The style you choose depends on your frame and crank setup.
Mid bottom brackets are the most common in modern BMX bikes due to their balance of strength and ease of installation. Ensure that the bottom bracket you choose is compatible with your frame and cranks to avoid issues with fit and performance.
Pedals
Pedals are an essential part of your BMX bike, providing the contact point between you and the bike. BMX pedals come in two main materials: plastic and metal. Plastic pedals are lightweight and cheaper, while metal pedals are more durable and offer better grip, especially in wet conditions.
For riders who do a lot of tricks and jumps, plastic pedals are often preferred due to their lightweight nature. Metal pedals, on the other hand, are ideal for racing because they provide better power transfer and durability.
Chain
The chain is a simple yet crucial part of any BMX bike. It transfers power from the cranks to the rear wheel. BMX chains come in single-speed varieties, designed to handle the high stresses of BMX riding. There are two main types: regular and half-link chains. Half-link chains offer more adjustability when dialing in the chain tension, which is especially useful for custom BMX builds.
Choose a high-quality chain that’s durable enough to withstand the impact of jumps and tricks, as a broken chain can ruin a ride.
Sprocket
The sprocket (or chainring) is the part that attaches to the cranks and drives the chain. BMX sprockets come in a range of sizes, with smaller sizes being more popular for street and park riding. A smaller sprocket reduces the weight of the bike and provides a more compact setup.
When choosing a sprocket, consider the number of teeth, which affects how easy or hard it is to pedal. A sprocket with fewer teeth will make it easier to accelerate, while one with more teeth will provide more speed.
Wheels
BMX wheels consist of rims, hubs, and spokes. Wheels are one of the most critical parts of your BMX build, as they need to be strong enough to handle landings and impacts. BMX wheels are typically 20 inches in diameter, though some smaller bikes may use 16-inch wheels.
Rims are usually made from aluminum, while hubs can be sealed or unsealed. Sealed hubs offer better protection against dirt and water, making them more durable for street and park riding. Spokes connect the hub to the rim, and more spokes generally mean a stronger wheel.
Tires
The type of tire you choose will depend on the type of riding you plan to do. BMX tires come in different widths and tread patterns. Street and park riders often opt for wider tires with smoother treads for better grip on concrete surfaces. Dirt riders typically use knobbier tires for better traction on loose surfaces.
When selecting tires, consider the width and tread pattern that best suits your riding style and the terrain you’ll be riding on.
Brakes
BMX bikes can be built with or without brakes, depending on your riding style and local regulations. For racing, brakes are essential, while some freestyle riders prefer brakeless setups for more freedom during tricks. If you choose to use brakes, BMX bikes typically use U-brakes, which are mounted on the rear of the frame.
Seat and Seatpost
The seat and seatpost are often overlooked but can greatly affect your comfort during rides. BMX seats come in pivotal, railed, or tripod designs. Pivotal seats are popular because they allow for easy angle adjustments. Railed seats offer more traditional adjustments, while tripod seats are a newer, lighter option.
Conclusion
Building a BMX bike is a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor your bike to your specific riding style and preferences. With the wide availability of high-quality BMX parts from BMX online stores, you can easily find everything you need to create your dream bike. From frames to tires, each component plays a crucial role in how your BMX bike performs.
Looking for BMX bike parts? Best in quality BMX bike parts and that too at an affordable price. You are just one click away. Shop today at Billet BMX.
