When you think of those sports trends that have had their ups and downs throughout the years, but continue firm despite it all, you can’t overlook the story of success of BMX. Sure, it might have been the hype back in the 1970s and 1980s, but its popularity hasn’t waned worldwide even today thanks to the numerous benefits it offers – and it’s not only the fact it’s become incorporated into the Olympics.
For one, BMX biking provides you with the chance to have a great workout outdoors. Besides building muscles while having fun doing all the tricks and jumps you can possibly think of, it’s also great for the mental and cardiovascular health, and your well-being in general too. Moreover, the wide range of bike designs means it’s suitable for people of all generations!
What Goes in a Bike?
As it’s the basic means of this sport, the BMX bike you choose has a say in how great of an experience you’re going to have with BMX biking. Regardless of the terrain or jumps you put them through, bikes should be able to offer the durability and strength you expect while still be lightweight enough thanks to the innovative geometry and dynamics used in the creation of the designs.
Now, as a beginner in the sport, you might focus only on getting the best price from the desired brand, without actually taking the time to even pay attention to the components. However, if you care about the experience itself, and the quality of the ride, you should consider the BMX bike wheels as they’re crucial parts you can use to your advantage when trying to get a customised upgrade.
Why Are Wheels so Important?
The answer to this question is pretty simple: they have their effects on the weight, speed and overall performance of a bike. As such, depending on whether you want to optimise the bike, or make it better suited for your preferred riding style, you can start by changing the wheels.
As there are various brands of BMX wheels you can pick from at the specialised retail stores, besides taking the price and brand into account, you should have the basic wheel parts in mind. This would make the shopping easier for you!
Consider the Rims
What you first need to know about rims is they’re the connection that keeps the tyres together with the wheels. In other words, they’re crucial components, and as such you can’t think of buying something cheap. Created to take and diffuse the impact that comes from landing after all the jumps, what you require in rims is outstanding materials that would guarantee sturdiness despite the pressure.
Two of the most common yet top notch options that are worth investing in are carbon fibre composites and metal in the likes of the most recent addition – aluminium alloy. Now, apart from the differences in materials, another aspect that requires your full attention is the internal wall design.
The reason there are differences with this in the first place comes from the need to have models that offer structural support, and those that offer lightweight properties. For this reason, you can find the multiple-walled rims with internal chambers that are made for sturdiness, and the single-walled alternative that’s lightweight.
In case you’re into making the best of both worlds, there’s a third option of BMX bike wheels rims for you: the double-walled design that’s neither too heavy, nor too delicate. Also in terms of weight, you should be aware there are differences in the spokes. If you’re looking for a more lightweight outcome, you should pick less spokes, as opposed to the more that add to the weight.
For instance, when you’re into racing, you need to be as fast as you can be, and an extra load on the weight from the spokes isn’t a welcome addition, which is why you should opt for the regular design consisting of 32, or 28 holes. In case you’re more into jumps and tricks, then you require a design that can withstand all that pressure, like the 48 spoke rims. Can’t make up your mind on the styles you want to try out? Then perhaps you’d make good use of the 36 spoke design instead.
Consider the Hubs
Not less important than the rims, the hubs are the central parts that have a say in how smooth your BMX bike wheels will be running. It shouldn’t come as surprise given their placement, forming an attachment to the rims thanks to the spokes, and the inner sets of bearings which in turn are used for threading the axles.
Depending on the wheels you’ve got, there are three types of hubs you can choose from: the freewheel, the cassette, and the freecoaster. Typical for the use with bigger bearings and a freewheel, the freewheel are different from the cassette type which is known for the lightweight properties and internal driver. What sets the freecoaster apart from these two is the fact it’s got an internal clutch system allowing you to roll backwards even without back pedalling.
Pro Daily Info 