| ign="center"> | | | | The tyres are very different on GT Bmx bikes. Most |
| Sales of GT BMX bikes are increasing faster than | | | | BMX bikes have 20" rims, of course they can also be |
| almost any other type of bike. BMX bikes can be | | | | purchased in other sizes. There is the 12" size for |
| seen on most street, sidewalk and even in their | | | | young children just learning to ride. These days kids |
| natural environment, off-road. Even if you in no way | | | | are learning to ride bikes before they learn to read! |
| leave your residence you've certainly seen such bikes | | | | The next size up is the 16" wheel. These bikes are |
| on television. Sure, you probably know what a BMX | | | | mostly used by kids from the ages of 8 to 12. Once |
| bike is, but what you probably don't know is what | | | | they enter the teen years, most kids ride the 20" |
| exactly differentiates a BMX bike from other bikes. | | | | bikes. This is the size favoured by many adults and |
| We'll tell you how they're different. | | | | pros, as well. The wheels of Gt bmx bikes come in |
| We'll start with their origin. It's quite simple, really. | | | | different sizes, though the larger size is more popular. |
| Bikes remained very much the same for many | | | | The tires on BMX bikes are different from |
| decades after they were invented, but the popularity | | | | conventional road bikes. Being knobby they give |
| of off-road motorbike racing, or motocross, all | | | | excellent traction to the tyres. In fact, they're very |
| through the 60's changed that. Kids saw the pros | | | | similar to mountain bike tires, just smaller. |
| racing around on their dirt bikes and taking them off | | | | Another feature which differentiates BMX bikes from |
| dirt ramps. They wanted to be like their heroes so | | | | conventional bikes are their brakes. BMX bikes often |
| kids imitated them on their bikes, which, at the time, | | | | have just a rear brake. Having a front brake |
| weren't made for such rough-housing. It didn't take | | | | increases the likelihood of accidentally using just the |
| long for bike manufacturers to catch on and start | | | | front one and causing an accident. Plus, racers don't |
| manufacturing bikes made specifically for the rigours | | | | need the extra braking power because they don't |
| of racing and jumping off-road. Soon there were | | | | want to slow down! A BMX bike made for doing |
| sanctioned bicycle motocross (BMX) all over the | | | | tricks will have a front brake, though. |
| country. The BMX segment of the market grew and | | | | BMX bikes also usually come with pads to protect |
| grew and continues to expand today. And of course | | | | the rider during accidents and wrecks, which can |
| most the kids (and adults) you see on these bikes | | | | happen a lot during races. Most racers don't bother |
| don't ever race and probably don't jump them off | | | | with pads, though, they're too cool for that. If the |
| anything more daring than a curb. Still though, BMX | | | | bike does have pads, they're usually on the top bar, |
| bikes are made to take a beating. | | | | handlebar clamp, and the handlebar crossbar. |
| The frame on BMX bikes is designed to be very light | | | | There a Gt bmx bikes for all ages and sizes. They |
| so it can be with no trouble manoeuvred and very | | | | also have many specialised features to suit a variety |
| strong so it can withstand the stresses of jumping | | | | of uses. There are, of course, a wide range in prices, |
| and racing. The light weight of a BMX frame is also | | | | too. If you are considering buying a bike for yourself |
| important because a lighter bike can save you | | | | or someone else, your best source of information |
| valuable seconds in a close-fought BMX race. | | | | are the people at your local bike shop. You find a lot |
| Aluminium and chrome-moly steel are the two | | | | of information online without looking to hard. The |
| materials most favoured by BMX'ers. Regular bikes | | | | two main issues you need to consider are how the |
| are usually made from cheap grades of steel prone | | | | bike is going to be used and how much you are |
| to rusting or even breaking when put under a lot of | | | | willing to spend. From there it's up to you. |
| stress. | | | | |