Can BMX Bikes Go Fast?
 The Short Answer is: |
BMX bikes can reach speeds of up to 55 mph, with experienced riders able to reach this speed. Race BMX bikes typically clock 30-35 mph over shorter distances, especially on downhill ramps. However, BMX bikes are designed for tricks and jumps which are done within short distances, so they cannot attain top speeds over long distances. |
BMX bikes are off-road sports bicycles that are mostly used for racing and stunt riding purposes.
BMX began in South California in the early 1970s when children started racing on their bicycles on dirt tracks while imitating their motocross stars.
Initially, Schwinn StingRay bikes were used as the BMX bike because of better handling and performance.
Gradually the sport started gaining soaring popularity, and now it is an Olympic sport.
BMX bikes are recognizable due to their smaller wheels and frames. Their simplistic design makes it as easy as possible to ride them in intense riding environments such as skate parks or pump tracks.
Other features that define a BMX bike include its lightweight structure and thick and steady tires for durability and stability whilst riding.
High-performance bikes are mostly made of generation 3 Chromalloy (high tensile steel).
Table of Contents
Can BMX Bikes Go Fast? (What are the Types)
There are two types of BMX bikes: Racing BMX Bikes and Freestyle BMX Bikes.
Racing BMX Bikes are the original model of BMX bikes. To reduce their weight and increase speed and acceleration, many racing BMX bikes use alloy frames and carbon forks.
Closely tailoring a racing BMX to its rider allows the rider to perform to the best of their ability, which is important when it comes to competitive BMX racing.
Racing BMX bikes feature a rear brake, which is crucial to allow riders to adjust their speed to the upcoming sections of the course.
Freestyle was developed as a way to introduce more styles, and it gained popularity among riders who wanted more freedom with tricks than what was allowed in traditional races.
The type of BMX bike determines how fast it can go. A freestyle BMX bike can only cover 6-9mph, while a race BMX bike can cover over 30mph because race bikes were made for sprinting.
To improve your speed on a BMX bike, you can boost them by doing regular maintenance checks on your bike parts such as chain tensioner adjustment, tire pressure checkup, lubrication of moving parts like pedals or bearings etc.
The Factors that Affect BMX Bike Speed: Rider Skill, Terrain, and Equipment
The factors that affect the speed of a BMX bike include the weight of the bike, the rider’s weight and body type, the bike’s gearing, aerodynamics, and rider skill level.
A lighter bike with higher gearing and better aerodynamics will typically be faster than a heavier bike with lower gearing and poorer aerodynamics.
Rider skill level is also an important factor in determining how fast a BMX bike can go. A more experienced rider will be able to achieve higher speeds than a less experienced rider.
The type of terrain can also affect speed; for example, flat surfaces are generally faster than rough terrain.
Finally, the components used on the bike can also influence its speed; lightweight parts such as wheels, tires, and frames result in more efficient pedalling and less wasted energy at higher speeds.
The Different BMX Disciplines: Which Ones are the Fastest?
BMX is a type of off-road bicycle racing that has several disciplines. BMX racing is a straight forward racing sport where the players have to compete with each other on the motocross track.
The format of BMX was derived from motocross racing. BMX bicycle races are sprint races on purpose-built off-road single-lap race tracks.
In the case of Freestyle BMX, the sport is stunt oriented and based on different disciplines of free style racing. For each race, different racing venues are followed. Different types of freestyle BMX tracks are explained below.
Freestyle BMX cyclists ride in a style that takes influence from several different disciplines within BMXing.
There are many types of BMX jumps, ranging from small rollers to massive step-up doubles.
There are pro straights for professional racers which are doubles that range from about 6 m to 12 m, while “Class” straights have more flow and have many more range of jumps.
Nowadays, the majority of BMX bikes are suitable for riding across the range of disciplines. However, flatland and race BMXs should only be used for their style of riding.
It is unclear which discipline in BMX is the fastest as it depends on various factors such as terrain, distance, and skill level.
BMX Bikes and Top Speed: How Fast Can They Go?
BMX bikes are generally faster than mountain bikes, with an average top speed of 35mph (56 kph) when descending a starting race ramp.
Freestyle BMX bikes are slower, with an average top speed of 6-9mph (9.6-14.4kph).
The speed of a BMX bike is affected by the type of terrain it passes through, the bike’s condition, the rider’s style, and the BMX model.
On flat asphalt at a comfortable cadence of 85rpm, a BMX bike with a 20 inch rim and 45-16 gear can reach 15mph (24kph), which is faster than jogging speed (5mph/8kph).
However, this range of top speeds is very dependent on the skill of the rider and the terrain at use.
Building a BMX Bike for Speed: The Components You Need to Focus On
To build a BMX bike for speed, the components you need to focus on are the frame and fork, bearings, stem, handlebars and seat, crankset, bearings and axle, pedals and sprockets (both front and rear), chain and braking structure.
The main body should be lightweight but not flimsy, while the wheel size should be 20 inches for racing BMX bikes.
The crank should be longer for added pedal power and efficiency, while the seat should be small.
Additionally, it is important to consider bike specs when building a BMX bike yourself, as well as the weight of each component to ensure that your overall bike weight is somewhere around 25 pounds.
Finally, it is important to choose components that are compatible with each other in order to avoid any compatibility issues.
Tricks vs Speed: Finding the Right Balance for Your Riding Style
Finding the right balance between tricks and speed is important for any riding style. Practicing slow speed maneuvers and getting reacquainted with balancing the throttle, clutch, and rear brake can help improve control.
Additionally, 16 tips to cycle faster include pedaling more, braking less, riding in a group, working on cadence, and getting more aero.
Finally, 11 tips for balancing life and horsemanship include finding someone to emulate and hitting that perfect synergistic balance.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance: How to Keep Your BMX Bike Running Fast
Proper maintenance is important to keep your BMX bike running fast.
Regular cleaning and greasing of parts can help prevent the need for part replacement.
Lubricating the chain can also help prevent rust and prolong its lifespan.
Training Tips for Improving Your BMX Bike Speed and Performance
Here are some tips for improving your BMX bike speed and performance:
- Practice sprint training to improve each phase of the first straight
- Do exercises that help with speed and power, such as hip thrusts and box jumps
- Make sure your bike is in good condition by checking tire pressure, chain tension, etc.
The Role of Physics in BMX Bike Speed: Understanding the Science Behind It
The physics behind BMX bike speed involve frictional forces, wheel spin, and concepts such as force, acceleration, and speed.
Pumping a bike is also based on physics, with riders pushing against the floor to gain momentum.
Other elements of BMX bikes such as gears, wheels, brakes, handlebars, and frames are also based on scientific principles.
Finally, tricks like 360 one-handed tabletop require riders to pull their body into the bike to increase rotation rate and then throw their arm up to slow down.
Frequently Asked Questions About BMX Bike Speed and Performance
What type of BMX bike is the best for speed?
Race Bikes are the best type of BMX bike for speed. They have a larger front sprocket than other types of BMX, creating a high gear ratio that enables the rider to ride at top speed.
Popular models include the Mafiabikes Kush 2 BMX Bike, Mongoose Logo BMX Bike, Kink Liberty, Elite Bicycles Stealth BMX, Schwinn Sting Pro, and Sunday Bikes.
How do I improve my BMX bike’s acceleration?
A rider’s body position is important for BMX bike speed as it allows them to ride out of the saddle, which gives them more speed and control.
Sprint training is also important for increasing speed as it teaches the rider to be explosive and fast.
Proper body position on a BMX bike helps maintain precise control and keep the front tyre in good contact with the ground.
How important is a rider’s body position for BMX bike speed?
Body position is important for BMX bike speed because it allows the rider to be more explosive and maintain control.
Standing up while riding gives the cyclist more speed.
However, proper body position is also important for maintaining precise control and keeping the bike going in the right direction.
How do BMX bike tires affect speed?
The width and pressure of BMX bike tires can affect speed. Wider tires offer more control but suffer from more rolling resistance, which can slow you down.
Proper tire pressure can help increase speed by reducing hardware friction.
The weight of the wheel also affects speed, with less weight equating to faster speeds.
Narrower tires may feel faster because they simulate the sensation of higher speed without actually going faster.
Can you reach high speeds on a BMX bike without doing tricks?
Yes, it is possible to reach high speeds on a BMX bike without doing tricks.
BMX bikes can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, and this can be achieved by riding downhill or on a track with steep banks, riding in groups to share the burden of cutting the wind, and other methods such as pedaling faster and using lighter components.
Tricks such as the “Truck Driver” involve spinning 360 degrees without moving the handlebars, which does not affect speed.
Conclusion
BMX bikes can reach speeds of up to 55 mph, with experienced riders able to reach this speed. Race BMX bikes typically clock 30-35 mph over shorter distances, especially on downhill ramps. However, BMX bikes are designed for tricks and jumps which are done within short distances, so they cannot attain top speeds over long distances.
