You probably are planning to purchase a BMX bike. If this is the case, you want to know the kinds of materials that the bike comprises. Through this arrangement, you will be able to anticipate the kinds of care and maintenance practices to adopt while maintaining it.
We have carried out extensive research on the matter. In our discussions hereunder, we shall now lay bare the findings. To this end, we shall list down the parts of a typical BMX bike and offer explanations on the kinds of materials that each part is made of. Continue reading to find out…
What Are BMX Bikes Made Of?
Below now are some of the leading parts of a typical BMX bike and the kinds of materials that are used to make them up:
1. Pedal Materials
The pedal is the mechanism by which the rider creates the rotational force that eventually steers the bike forwards. It is attached to the crank and spins the chains of the said bike when engaged. The pedals of a BMX are made of Magnesium, Aluminum alloy, carbon-reinforced plastic, polycarbonate, or Nylon.
2. Front derailleur
It is the front derailleur that alters the front gears typically by lifting the chain from one wheel to another one. This enables the rider to adapt to different kinds of road conditions. The front derailleur of your BMX bike is generally made of either stainless steel or Aluminum.
3. Chain (drive chain)
This is a series of metal links that attach to the sprocket, the chain wheel, and the gear wheels at the same time. It transmits the rotational motions from the front sprocket to the rear wheels. The chains of the BMX bike are made of alloy steel or plain carbon and are further plated with Nickel to combat rust.
4. Chainstay
A chainstay is a tube that interlinks the pedals and the crank mechanisms with the rear wheel hubs. It provides the strength and the support that the bike requires to handle difficult road riding conditions. The chainstay of the BMX bike is made of a mix of heat-treated 4130 Chromoly.
5. Rear derailleur
Like its front derailleur counterpart, this too works to change the gears, albeit for the rear, by lifting the same from one chain wheel to another one. In this way, it empowers a rider to adapt to diverse road conditions. It is made of stainless steel or Aluminum materials.
6. Rear brake
As the designation implies, this aids the rider to bring the bike to a halt. It is situated at the rear of the bike and comprises a set of the brake, cable, return springs, and a caliper. This rear brake is typically manufactured by use of Chromoly steel or Aluminum materials.
7. Seat tube
The seat tube is the part of the frame of the BMX bike that leans slightly to its rear. It attaches to the seat post and connects the same with the pedal mechanism. In most BMX bikes, this part is made of Carbon or the thicker alloy.
8. Seat stay
Much like the chainstay, the seat stay also plays the role of attaching two or more parts of a bike together. It connects the top portion of the seat tube with the rear wheel hub. In your BMX bike, it is made of Aluminum material.
9. Seat post
Exist to connect and attach the seat with the seat tube. Its length may be varied to adjust the height of the seat from the ground. At its top is the saddle. Considering the critical role it plays to prop the rider, it is made of similarly hard steel material.
10. Seat Materials
Also called the saddle, this is a small and usually triangular item that is attached to the frame of the BMX bike. It is on this part of the bike that the rider seats. For the comfort of the rider, the saddle of the BMX bike is made of super soft and comfortable polyurethane foam.
11. Crossbar
Each time you behold a BMX bike, it is the crossbar that will be the dominant feature thereof. It is the horizontal component of the frame that connects the seat tube with the head tube. Its role is to stabilize the frame and is made of carbon fibers.
12. Down tube
By far the strongest and the most rigid portion of the bike is the down tube. It gives the bike the rigidity it ultimately relies on to take on the harshest riding conditions. Because of this, it is no wonder that this portion of the bike is made of super-strong steel material.
13. Tire valve
Primarily, the role of the tire valve is to seal the opening of the inflation of the inner tube. In this way, it enables air to seep into the tube not out. The tire valve of the BMX bikes is made of brass but with chrome plating to prevent corrosion.
14. Spokes
Spokes are the core of the moving parts of a BMX bike. They are thin metal spindles that interlink the hub with the rim. The chains of the bike attach to them and generate the propulsion necessary to push the bike forward. In most cases, the spokes are made of Aluminum materials.
15. Tires
Of course, it is the tires that propel the bike in the forward direction. The tires of a typical BMX bike are flat and wide to anchor the bikes firmly on the ground. They are made of steel and cotton fibers but are nonetheless coated with rubber.
16. Rims
It on the rims that the tires of the bike are mounted. The rims are made of metal and are circular in shape. In your typical BMX bike, the rim is made of Aluminum. For this reason, the bike is lighter and comparatively simpler to steer in the forward directions.
17. Hub Materials
The hub is the centermost part of the wheel from whence the spokes radiate. It comprises a series of ball bearings that enable it to rotate around the axle. The hub of a typical BMX bike is manufactured using 6061 alloy that ultimately gives it the strength and support to take on any terrain.
18. Forks Materials
These are two tubes that are connected to the head tube and serve to interlink each end of the front-wheel hub. At the upper end of the fork is attached the handlebar. When engaged to the left or right, the fork turns the bike appropriately. The forks are made of heat-treated Chromoly material.
19. Brake lever
From its name, it is quite clear that the brake lever is a special kind of lever that is fixed onto the handlebars. It serves the purpose of activating the brake calipers via a brake cable. This part of the BMX bike is made of Aluminum and is thus both strong and light.
20. Headtube
The head tube transmits the steering movements to the fork by use of small ball bearings. Given the fact that it has to exude sheer massive strength, it is typically made of strong and powerful steel material. For this reason, it requires some muscle power to engage.
21. Materials Used In Stem
It is a portion of the bike whose height adjusts. The stem is inserted into the head tube and offers support to the handlebars. Typically, it is made of Aluminum alloy and is subsequently lighter. This makes the same easier to maneuver out and about a designated location.
22. Handlebars
Handlebars are perhaps the most visible portions of a typical BMX bike. They come in the form of two handles that are connected by a rube. Their role is to steer turn the bike to the left or to the right. The handlebars of a BMX bike are made of carbon fiber, Chromoly, or Aluminum materials.
23. Brake cable
When you engage the brake calipers, the brake cable transmits the force to the brake pads that are located at the front and the rear wheels respectively. The cables typically comprise the braided stainless steel wire that is stronger and very firm. This makes them pretty suited for their roles.
24. Shifter Materials
Shifters are levers that are used for altering the gears via a network of cables that move through the derailleur. The shifter of a BMX bike is made of the super-light yet agile Aluminum material. Because of this, it is not more of a hassle to engage.
25. Fender Materials
The fender is a piece of curved metal that serves to cover parts of the wheel. It shields the rider from the likelihood of being splashed by water. It is generally made of Aluminum and is subsequently lighter and easier to clean. Aluminum is also resistant to corrosion.
In Conclusion
We have come a long way in showcasing to you the materials that make up a typical BMX bike. You now know the kinds of care and cleanliness regimes you may have to adapt to maintain your bike. As you can see, many materials make up your typical BMX bike.
That means you have to put in place appropriate measures to clean yours well. It goes without saying that the parts and the materials we have belabored above are not all. Take over from where we have left to fill the gaps. We wish you the best in your subsequent engagement with the BMX bike.
