BMX Accessories to Help You Ride

Equipping a BMX bike is like tricking out a sports car. Although each of the BMX accessories won't cost a lot, you will likely end up buying many of them, which adds up. While the exact accessories you will need depends on the type of BMX cycling you practice, all BMX bikes should feature certain accessories. Here is a basic rundown of the accessories that all BMX riders will need.
 

BMX Frames

Assuming you are building a BMX bike from scratch, the frame is the first place to start. Because you will never replace your bike's frame (if you need to replace the frame, you should simply buy or build a new bike), get a frame that is most suitable for the type of BMX sport you enjoy.
 
There are four basic types of bike frames:
  • Flatland frames are for those who practice freestyle tricks and stunts on hard, level grounds. These frames are very light and very short.
  • Race 20-inch frames, regulation for most BMX racing events, are usually long and light.
  • Race 24-inch cruiser frames can be used in some BMX racing events, depending on the rules and regulations.
  • Street/park/trails frames are for the freestyling crowd who ride on rough, ungroomed terrain. These bike frames are built to take a hit and are very strong and fairly heavy.

BMX Wheels

If you intend to race competitively, you will need regulation tires. Along with having tires with good, durable tread, racing tires generally need to be either 20 or 24 inches wide. Be sure to check the rules of the competition as you get your bike ready to compete.

BMX Padset

BMX racing competitions requires that riders have pads on the top tube of the frame, the stem and handlebar crossbar. While some freestyle BMX riders don't use pads because they get in the way of certain stunts, they are an important piece of safety gear that protect and cushion a rider in the event of an accident or crash. You may want to also invest in grips that will prevent your gloved hands from easily slipping.

BMX Pedals

BMX bikers need pedals with lots of rough texture to provide traction that will keep their feet in place. You don't want your foot to slip off the pedal when you are 15 feet in the air. While clips (foot covers) are not permitted in most competitive races, many freestyle BMX riders don't use them anyway, as they interfere with stunts and tricks.

BMX Pegs

For those who are more interested in freestyle riding rather than racing, a set of pegs on the front tire is a must. Pegs give you greater control over your bike as you do a variety of tricks. Some riders even put pegs on the back wheel to expand their stunt repertoire.

BMX Gyro

A gyro, a small cable that detangles a BMX bike's brake cable, is an important freestyle BMX accessory, as there are many tricks and stunts that involve 360° turns of the handlebars. Non-BMX bikes with rear handlebar brakes are not capable of performing these maneuvers.

BMX Freecoaster

A freecoaster is another essential BMX accessory for freestyle riders, especially flatland riders. This bike part is a type of hub that freezes the cranks while the rear wheel is rolling backwards.
 
Resources
 
Action BMX (2006). What is BMX? Retrieved December 10, 2006, from the Action BMX Web site.
 
BBC (2006). BMX bounces back. Retrieved December 10, 2006, from the BBC Sport Cycling Web site.
 
BMX Trix (n.d.). Freecoaster and Axle. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from BMXTRIX Tech Tips site.