How to choose your BMX Race?

BMX Race (or BMX Racing) is a spectacular cycling discipline, on the Olympic programme since 2008. BMX Race has its origins in California, in the late 1960s, at a time when motocross was becoming a major sport in the United States. Inspired by the spectacle of these motorcycle races, young people adopted the same codes: they built tracks and began improvising bicycle races, imitating the style of motocross riders. The new BMX discipline gradually became more structured and quickly gained popularity in Europe.

The bike used in BMX Race has its own specific characteristics. The frame, size and components of the BMX are optimised for the demands of the discipline.

Here is all the Probikeshop advice you need to choose your BMX Race!

Everything you need to know about BMX Race

BMX riders use a small bike, which consists of a small frame and small wheels, a tall and oversized handlebar, and a low saddle. This configuration promotes the dynamism and manoeuvrability of the bike. BMX bikes are single-speed.

In a race, 8 riders line up behind the starting gate, which is situated at the top of a vertiginous ramp — a starting hill 8 metres high. The quality of the initial burst at the start is decisive for the rest of the race. The BMX track is laid out over a variable length of between 300 and 400 metres. Its surface is fast and rolling. It features several banked corners and bumps of all kinds: single bumps, doubles, triples, whoops (a series of closely spaced bumps taken in manual), etc.

The competition is organised over several rounds, from heats through to the final. BMX Racing is a highly spectacular cycling discipline, where competitors give everything over 30 to 40 seconds of intense effort. Explosiveness, power, speed, technique, instinct and a sense of line are the main qualities required to hope to shine in BMX. The Elite women's and men's champions include Mariana Pajón, Axelle Étienne, Niek Kimmann, Sylvain André, Joris Daudet…

What are the criteria for choosing a BMX Race?

To choose your BMX Race well, several important criteria must be examined: frame size, frame material, wheel dimensions and brake type.

What frame size for my BMX Race?

You need to feel perfectly comfortable on your BMX in order to make the most of your potential on the track. Choosing the frame size that matches your build is essential.

BMX frame sizes are classified into different categories: Micro, Mini, Junior, Expert, Expert XL, Pro, Pro XL, Pro XXL, Pro XXXL… These BMX sizes correspond to the length of the Top Tube.

Frame size also determines wheel size in some cases. While most BMX frames have 20-inch wheels, the smaller categories (Micro, Mini) use 16 and 18-inch wheels, and for larger sizes, you will find BMX Cruiser bikes with 24" wheels.

Probikeshop offers the following size guide to help you find your BMX:

What material to choose for my BMX?

A BMX Race must withstand the intense demands placed on it by the rider — at the start, on re-acceleration and on landings. BMX frames and forks prioritise robustness, dynamism, lightness and stability above all else.

Which tyres and wheels to choose for my BMX Race?

Adult BMX Race bikes generally use 20" wheels — BMX Cruiser bikes in 24" also exist. For children, Micro or Mini BMX bikes have 14", 16" or 20" wheels.

Most rims are made from aluminium, a material that guarantees a good strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon wheels exist for BMX competition. BMX wheels average 36 spokes. When choosing wheels, it is important to ensure they are compatible with your braking system, whether rim brake or disc.

Tyres can have a completely smooth or lightly patterned tread. Side knobs are more or less pronounced to consolidate grip depending on weather conditions. The dimensions of 20-inch tyres range from 20" x 1"1/8 to 20" x 2.30". BMX Race bikes use a wider tyre at the front than at the rear.

Which braking system for my BMX: disc brake or rim brake?

BMX Race bikes are fitted with a single rear brake, which is simply used to control the speed of the bike. The choice of brake is nonetheless important, as braking phases are strategic moments that demand maximum attention.

Disc brakes have several advantages:

However, fitting a disc brake adds weight compared to a rim brake. The cost of the equipment is also higher.

What equipment does a Racer use?

BMX Race rider equipment includes mandatory items: a full-face helmet, a pair of long gloves, trousers, a long-sleeve jersey, enclosed shoes, and socks above the ankle. Given the risk of falling, the use of protective gear (knee pads, elbow pads…) is recommended.

The BMX helmet

In BMX Race, the rider wears a full-face helmet, which protects the head and face in the event of a fall. Brands incorporate advanced technologies, such as the MIPS system (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), to absorb as much energy as possible from a bad impact. The BMX full-face helmet is most often worn with a goggle.

The BMX long-sleeve jersey

The BMX rider wears a long-sleeve jersey without a zip. Modern BMX jerseys feature close-fitting cuts that do not restrict freedom of movement in the upper body. Stretch fabrics are very comfortable to wear.

BMX gloves

BMX rider gloves must fully cover the hand and fingers. Snug-fitting and abrasion-resistant on the palm, they also secure grip on the handlebar with silicone inserts.

BMX trousers

BMX trousers are designed to be highly resistant to abrasion in the event of a fall. Modern cuts offer a more precise fit, better comfort and great freedom of movement.

BMX rider shoes and socks

Competitors' shoes must be fully enclosed. The best riders use shoes compatible with clipless pedals to optimise power transfer. In BMX competition, socks must cover the ankle.