How-To

BMX Bike Parts Explained


Bike Sizing

1. FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE BIKE

Use the height chart to determine what top tube length is the best fit for your size. This chart is only meant to guide you towards a bike frame that properly fits your proportions. Please take into consideration your experience, riding style, and preference. These factors are just as important as your height. Bikes are designed for riders 13 years old and up

2. LEARN THE PARTS OF A BIKE FRAME

Getting to know the different parts of a BMX frame is the first big step before buying your bike. For general sizing purposes, the top tube length is a good way to figure out what’ll be best for you. On each bike or frame page, we have a diagram like this listing the different tube sizes and angles.

3. Rider Usage

The products you buy should match your skill level and the tricks you practice. Some parts are designed to handle more stress and some parts are designed to be more economical. If you are doing big gaps, do your research and do not buy a lower level product. Compare your current set of tricks with the ones on the chart to figure out what skill level of bike or product you need.

These skill icons are located below products on the site to show what kind of abuse these parts are designed for.

 


4. Steel vs Chromoly

 

Q: IS 1020 STEEL GOOD ON A BMX BIKE FRAME?
A: Yes, 1020 steel is excellent for bike frames. 1020 steel means it's high tensile steel, as in strong! Steel has been the material for the majority of bike frames for over 100 years because of its high strength, ease of repair and low cost.

Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 4130 CHROMOLY, REGULAR CHROMOLY (CROMO) AND 1020 STEEL?
A:
1020 Steel
 - slightly heavier frame due to slightly thicker tubing
. High-strength drawn / extruded tubing made of recycled steel.
Regular Chromoly - Lighter than 1020 steel but about the same strength. Standard strength welded tubing made of recycled steel + extra metals for added strength. The tubing can be made thinner because of the added strength. The frame comes out
4130 Chromoly - Lighter and stronger than regular chromoly (cromo) and 1020 steel. Made of high-strength drawn / extruded tubing made from highest quality and strength virgin ore.