Cycling enthusiasts who enjoy going for adventures on various terrains such as grueling off-roads, sports, or racing have used a BMX bike at one time or the other.
These bikes are famous among cycling lovers for the kind of little tricks and stunts they can pull with them. A BMX bike has been built as an off-road bike with the capabilities for racing and performing stunts. Some of the bike’s traits include a sturdy and tiny frame structure, lightweight design, reduced lengths and heights, and lowly placed wheelbases.
These features make it easy for cyclists to ride hard and aggressively on off-road courses while performing stunts and other air impact jumps.
Performance of BMX bikes on trails
BMX bikes can be ridden with less effort on the short countryside trails. Their design that comprises a robust and solid frame makes it easy for a rider to perform little jumps and drops on the trails. However, due to force and gravity constraints, individuals must pay greater attention when making a huge drop. This kind of bike was created with a sports and racing mindset from the manufacturers.
Originally, it was easy for one to ride through any short trails. The braking system was the major issue here because the original bikes came with single brakes.
As a result, riding them on trails that comprised big holes, large stones, and numerous turning points posed a big challenge to riders. The brake system was insufficient to back them up adequately on these kinds of roads.
The bike’s small wheel size is another point of focus too. These wheels allow riders to easily make jumps and swing their bikes while still up in the air. It was also easy for them to try new trick techniques, such as performing impact jumps while riding the bike on trails.
Suspensions have never been a major concern for riding any bike on trails. However, the BMX bikes, with their ideal and comfortable size, a sturdy and solid structure, offer riders the best experience on trails even without suspensions.
Performance of BMX bikes on mountain terrains
A BMX bike can easily be used in mountain biking, especially by experienced and professional cyclists. As much as they are considered the last option for first-timers or kids, the bikes offer the best mountain biking experience.
The saddle on this bike is positioned a little bit low which means that individuals have to pedal it while standing. This puts pressure on a rider’s body since a lot of work is needed when riding up a mountain, and eventually, one gets exhausted easily.
Mountain biking requires riders to change the speed of the bike regularly. This is achieved by shifting gears to reach high or lower speeds to keep moving on the mountain roads.
There are many abrupt shocks, impediments, ups and downs, and numerous turning points that necessitate the change of speed when going through any of these. BMX bikes are designed with a single gear system, which means riders can never get flexible enough on this terrain.
In addition, the braking system of these bikes is considered to be weak due to their small structure. Therefore, it tends to be difficult for a rider to tackle the abrupt shocks on mountain roads with only the rear brakes on their bike.
The mountain roads require a robust brake system that combines both the rear and front for easy braking. These bikes have no suspension, making it risky to climb mountains because of the pressure it exerts on a rider’s body. This becomes even more complicated when you are required to pedal while standing.
Consequently, this makes BMX bikes suitable for riding for a short distance on smooth paths or suburban places. Mountain biking with a BMX is a bit risky and too exhausting for the body.
Converting a BMX bike for off-road terrains
Fortunately, individuals should never worry since their BMX bikes can be easily readjusted to fit off-road terrains. The following are some of the simple steps that one can follow to convert his/her BMX bike for off-road;
1. Equip it with a multiple gear system
BMX bikes are designed to have a single gear system. Installing additional gear or even more gear systems on the bike enhances its flexibility a little more. It also allows the rider to control its speed and have the perfect grip when riding the bike on off-road terrains.
2. Raise the position of the saddle
The ideal position for riding a BMX bike while in a sitting position is when the seat aligns with the rider’s height. Therefore, raising the position of the saddle helps one achieve this. In return, the rider can ride the bike comfortably and for long periods on off-roads.
3. Enhance the bike’s braking system
Originally, the BMX comes with a single braking system on its rear alone. Adding the front brakes improves the braking system, making it easy for one to tackle any abrupt shocks and impediments on the mountainous trails. This helps save the rider and his/her bike from accidents, flat tires, and unforeseen occurrences.
4. Replace the wheels
Replacing the wheels of your BMX bike with bigger ones similar to those found on mountain bikes helps improve its flexibility and structure for off-roads. However, since the BMX has a small structure, this may prove not easy to implement because of the bike’s materials.
5. Add a suspension
Suspensions are essential for one to ride a bike comfortably on off-roads. Adding a suspension to your BMX bike will allow you to get a good grip while riding the bike. Additionally, your body will experience less pressure while going through off-road terrains.
In Conclusion
BMX bikes are best suited for off-road riding, just like any other bike designed for that kind of terrain. The main purpose of the bike was for use in racing and sports, which explains its structure. The bikes can offer the best riding experience on off-roads, including trails and mountain terrains, with little adjustments and enhancements. The BMX bike can easily be adjusted to meet any rider’s needs.
