When it comes to learning how to ride a bike, a common question may be which kind of bike is best to learn on? If you are among those people and are wondering whether you can use a BMX to learn to bike, keep reading this article.
A BMX bike is a great bike for beginners and can be used for learning bike riding.
A BMX is preferable because it helps practice some control when it comes to braking, turning, and speed.
There are two types of BMX bikes generally available in the market; freestyle BMX bikes and race BMX bikes.
Freestyle BMX bikes are built to handle the rigors of riding on streets, dirt jumps, and skate parks. This means that the structure, wheels, and other components must all be optimized for both strength and mobility.
Race BMX bikes are designed for speed and acceleration, which is why they are usually made of lightweight material and have modified geometry to keep them stable, sturdy, and agile at high speed.
A freestyle BMX is a good choice for beginners because it is strong and durable. As I mentioned, you may fall quite a few times before you become proficient at it, so it’s better to get a bike that can endure it all.
Another advantage of getting a BMX bike as a beginner is that it is inexpensive. When you are just starting to learn, you don’t want to buy a costly bike that might get damaged while practicing. Learning to ride a bike is all about trial and error!
How Is a BMX Bike Different From a Normal Bike
At first glance, a BMX bike may appear similar to a mountain or road bike. However, the differences can be easily spotted upon closer inspection.
Here’s what makes a BMX different from other bikes:
Wheels
A BMX usually has smaller wheels than other bikes, which makes it ideal for riding on off-road tracks because it provides the perfect grip. A freestyle BMX typically has 20-inch wheels.
For added durability, BMX wheels normally have strongly built rims. This is critical because if you encounter a lot of bumps while biking, the rims can split if they are too weak.
Gears
BMX bikes are not very heavy, and one thing that helps in making them lightweight is a lack of gears. BMX bikes only have one gear to cut down on weight.
A mountain bike typically features 21 to 24 different gears, which increases the weight and makes it heavier.
Components
A BMX does not possess any extra components or assemblies, which helps make them lighter and faster.
On the other hand, mountain bikes and road bikes come with many additional components making them heavier. Due to this, it is not easy to transport them.
Is It Harder to Ride a BMX Bike vs. A Regular Bike?
As a beginner, a BMX bike is easier to ride than a mountain or a road bike. A mountain bike is much more versatile and has a lot of different gears, which can get you confused. It is more suitable for uneven terrain and hills.
A BMX bike allows easy movement in parks or on tracks because it is lighter in weight.
A freestyle BMX bike is usually made of chrome steel alloy, which helps make it lightweight and improves its strength and durability.
Racing BMX bikes are generally made of aluminum which is lighter than steel alloy and allows higher speed capabilities.
Beginners Guide to Riding a BMX Bike
Bike riding is not only an adventurous activity but also helps you stay fit and healthy. There are several things you need to keep in mind as a beginner.
Firstly, do not forget to wear elbow and knee pads and a helmet.
Riding a bike is tricky, and as someone new at this, you might fall and hit your head. A helmet will keep you safe from getting a concussion.
Secondly, it is important to remember that patience is the key.
With a little bit of patience and lots of practice, you can master the art of riding a bike.
Some important tips to remember while riding a bike as a beginner are mentioned below:
- Start with a simple and basic bike. Once you become comfortable and confident, then move on to a more advanced BMX bike.
- Start with riding in front of your house or a parking lot where you can learn bike control, turning corners easily, and how to stop quickly. Skate parks are also a good idea because you can learn many tips and tricks from other riders in the park.
- Do not try to ride fast because you are a beginner and are just learning the tricks.
- Choose a bike that fits your body comfortably. You need to see what frame size and bars are right for you. You can do this by visiting a bike shop and trying out different bikes to see which one fits you the best.
- Be alert and try to stay aware of your surroundings. This will help you remain safe and avoid hitting any bumps or rocks.
- And lastly, make sure that you are having fun. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time; as long as you enjoy the activity, the experience is worth it!
Final Thoughts
A BMX bike can be used for many purposes, including learning to ride. You can go biking with your friends as a fun activity or ride a bike as a way to remain fit.
Learning to ride a bike is not difficult; it just requires some practice and patience. Start with the basics, and keep working your way up. However, always make sure that you are taking all the necessary safety precautions.
In this article, we have discussed in detail the differences between a BMX bike and a normal bike and also suggested some tips for you to make your bike learning experience pleasant.