What Are BMX Bikes Made of?

The Short Answer is:

BMX bikes are typically made of chromoly steel or aluminum. Cheaper BMX bikes are usually made of steel, while higher-end freestyle bikes are mostly made of aluminum.

BMX bikes are a type of bicycle that is designed for off-road racing and stunt riding. They are made from various materials such as steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.

Cheaper models are usually made of steel, while higher-end freestyle bikes are mostly made of aluminum.

Chromoly steel frames are heavier and more economical, while aluminum frames are lighter and more expensive.

BMX bikes have larger rear wheel axles and removable brake mounts, making them ideal for riders who want to perform tricks and stunts.

In this article, we will explore the different materials used to make BMX bikes and their advantages.

What Are BMX Bikes Made of?

Here are some of the main parts of a typical BMX bike and the materials used to make them:

1. Pedal Materials

BMX pedals come in different materials to suit the rider’s needs. Some common materials include plastic and alloy.

Plastic pedals are often shin-friendly and lightweight, while alloy pedals are more durable and provide better grip.

Riders can choose between 1/2″ or 9/16″ crank sizes depending on their bike.

2. Front derailleur

A BMX front derailleur is a mechanism that shifts the chain from one chainring to another on a BMX bike.

It moves from side to side and is responsible for changing gears on the front of the bike.

There are different types of front derailleurs available with varying clamp sizes, gear ratios, and compatibility with different types of bikes.

3. Chain (drive chain)

A BMX chain, also known as a drive chain, is an important part of a BMX bike. It connects the pedals to the rear wheel and helps transfer power from the rider’s legs to the bike’s wheels.

There are different types of BMX chains available on the market, including full link cycle chains and half link chains.

They come in different sizes and are compatible with various drivetrains such as Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.

4. Chainstay

The chainstay is part of a BMX bike that connects the bottom bracket to the rear dropouts. It is an important component that affects the stability and control of the bike.

Chainstay length is measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the rear axle, and it can vary between different BMX frames.

A longer chainstay can provide more stability and control, while a shorter one can make the bike more responsive and easier to maneuver.

5. Rear derailleur

A BMX rear derailleur is a device that helps shift the chain between different gears on the rear wheel of a BMX bike.

Some BMX rear derailleurs come with features like adjustable tri-pack limited slip clutch and riveted adapter for frames with rear-facing dropouts.

6. Rear brake

There are many options for BMX rear brakes available from various brands. Some popular types include hydraulic brakes, sidepull calipers, and U-brakes.

It is important to choose a brake that is compatible with your bike’s frame and wheel size.

7. Seat tube

A BMX seat tube is the part of a BMX bike frame where the seat post is inserted. The seat post is then used to attach the saddle or seat to the bike.

BMX seat tubes come in different sizes and diameters, depending on the frame and seat post being used.

8. Seat stay

A seat stay is a part of a bicycle frame that connects the rear wheel to the rest of the frame. It is usually made of steel tubing and comes in different shapes and sizes. BMX seats are also available in various designs and colors.

9. Seat post

BMX seat posts are parts that attach the seat to the bike frame. They come in different types such as pivotal, tripod, standard, and micro adjust.

They also vary in size to fit most BMX frames on the market. Some popular brands include Odyssey, Rant Believe, S&M Long Johnson, WeThePeople, and Cult Counter.

You can find a wide range of BMX seat posts online or at a local bike shop.

10. Seat Materials

BMX seats are typically made of a molded plastic hull with minimal polyurethane foam padding and a leather or synthetic cover.

Some seats may have an all-over logo design, while others may be made of unique materials such as leather and fabric from punk and metalhead battle jackets.

There are also different systems for attaching the seat to the bike, including pivotal, stealth, and railed systems.

11. Crossbar

A BMX crossbar is a part of a BMX bike handlebar that connects the left and right sides of the handlebar.

It is designed to provide additional support and stability to the handlebars, especially during jumps and other high-impact maneuvers.

There are various types of BMX crossbars available, including those with pads for added protection.

12. Down tube

The down tube is a part of a BMX frame that connects the head tube to the bottom bracket. It runs from the headset to the bottom bracket and is usually thicker than other tubes on the frame.

The diameter and thickness of the down tube can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the bike.

13. Tire valve

There are different types of valves for bike tires, including Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves.

Schrader valves are wider and typically wrapped in rubber when used on BMX bikes, while Presta valves are narrower and have a lock nut to secure them to the rim.

Valve caps are also available in various colors and styles for both Schrader and Presta valves.

If you need to inflate a tire with a Presta valve using a standard pump or air compressor, you can use a brass adapter.

14. Spokes

BMX spokes are the thin metal rods that connect the hub of a BMX wheel to its rim. They provide support in building up the bike wheel and are tightened to provide tension.

Spokes come in different sizes, lengths, colors, and materials such as steel and titanium.

You can buy BMX spokes online from various retailers who offer expert advice and free shipping. Some retailers also offer spoke covers that fit BMX, road, and mountain bikes.

15. Tires

BMX tires are wider, chunkier, and knobbier than road bike tires. They are designed to withstand punishment similar to mountain bike tires.

The tire casing is the inner portion of the tire that gives it its shape, and the tread is the outermost layer.

The best BMX tire width depends on the type of riding you do. For freestyle or flatland riding, tires that are approximately 2.125 inches wide are recommended.

If you primarily ride skateparks, a slimmer tire is recommended. BMX bikes come in different sizes with 16-inch, 18-inch or 20-inch tires depending on the rider’s size and preference.

16. Rims

BMX rims are an important part of a BMX bike. They connect the tire with the wheel and take the initial impact of landing.

There are two types of BMX rims: single wall and double wall. Double wall rims are stronger and more durable than single wall rims, but they are also heavier.

When choosing a BMX rim, it is important to consider factors such as strength, weight, and durability.

17. Hub Materials

BMX hubs are an important component of a BMX bike wheel. They come in different materials and weights, which can affect the overall weight of the bike. Some popular BMX hub materials include aluminum, titanium, and chromoly.

The weight of a BMX hub can vary depending on the brand and model, with some weighing as little as 415 grams and others weighing up to 742 grams.

When buying BMX hubs, it is important to consider factors such as axle size, bearings, hardware, guards, cassettes, and whether the hub is sealed or unsealed.

18. Forks Materials

Most BMX forks are made from 4130 Chromoly, which is a type of steel that is strong and durable.

The thicknesses, lengths, and machining process can vary between different brands and models.

Some companies offer heat-treating and invest casted dropouts to increase the strength and durability of the fork.

The Snafu 2.0 Race fork is an example of a fork made from heat-treated Chromoly.

19. Brake lever

A BMX brake lever is a component of a BMX bike’s braking system. It is used to control the brakes on the bike.

There are different types of brake levers available, including short reach V-brake levers and one-finger brake levers.

Some popular brands of BMX brake levers include Stay Strong, Odyssey, Dia-Compe, and Diatech.

20. Headtube

The head tube on a BMX bike is a 4-5 inch long tube that connects at the front of the top tube and downtube, usually at an angle of 74º to 76º.

Most head tubes have integrated bearings, and your forks go through the headtube. The frame’s head tube angle has a huge impact on the stability and control of your BMX bike.

There are different types of headsets that fit into the headtube, such as internal or standard headset cups.

Some frames may also have a tapered headtube with a “bell” shape where it is smaller at the top for the 1 1/8″ bearing and larger at the bottom.

The design of the head tube can also be an aesthetic feature of BMX frames.

21. Materials Used In Stem

BMX stems are typically made from strong and lightweight aluminum alloy. The two most commonly used alloys for BMX racing stems are 7075 and 6061 aluminum.

Both materials are of high quality, but 7075 is stronger and lighter than 6061.

22. Handlebars

BMX handlebars come in different shapes and sizes, and their geometry affects the way a rider feels on their bike.

There are different types of BMX handlebars, including two-piece and six-piece bars. The gripping area is made up of two tubes, and there are additional tubes that go down.

BMX handlebars can vary in dimensions, sizes, and materials. Riders may prefer certain types of handlebars based on their personal preferences and riding style.

23. Brake cable

BMX brake cables are a basic part of the bike that can be improved to enhance performance.

Most BMX bikes use a rear U-brake, so the brake cables typically involve a standard 1.5mm inner wire and full outer casing.

Brake cables are made of twisted steel wire and run through an outer sleeve from the bike’s control levers on the handlebar to the brakes.

There are various types of BMX brake cables available for purchase, including kits with front and rear gyro brake cables, normal brake cables, and more.

24. Shifter Materials

There is no information available on specific materials used in BMX shifters. However, high-end shifters for bicycles in general can be made of strong and lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and magnesium.

The components of a mountain bike groupset include the shifters, crankset, bottom bracket, front and rear derailleurs, chain, and cassette.

There are also resources available on how to choose and install shift cable housing for optimal performance.

25. Fender Materials

Bicycle fenders can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, carbon, and even wood.

The most common material used for bike fenders is polycarbonate plastic. Metal fenders have also become more popular in recent years.

Aluminum and stainless steel are commonly used metals for bike fenders and can last a lifetime if set up correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BMX bikes are made of various materials such as steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

The choice of material depends on the rider’s preference and the intended use of the bike. Steel is a popular choice for its durability and affordability, while aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Carbon fiber is a high-end material that offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio but comes at a higher cost.

Ultimately, the choice of material will depend on factors such as budget, riding style, and personal preference.

Whether you choose to build or buy a BMX bike, it’s important to consider these factors to ensure that you get the best bike for your needs.