Q. My 8 year old wants to get into bicycle moto-cross. What type of bike and gear ratio would be best? (He has a mongoose BMX trick bike, an xgames mono-shock bike, and an old-school huffy bike- would he be competitive with any of these)
Answer
I assume you will be racing ABA or NBL. At 8 years old it dosn't mater what type of bike you have as long as it is a bbmx. As for the gear ratio, makesure its not to high (or low).
Here's some often asked questions about BMX racing.
What equipment do I need so I can race BMX?
You need a "BMX" bike, and a helmet. You must also wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt when you race. It's also a good idea to wear gloves. Once you have raced for a while, you may want other equipment, but to get started that's all you need, and for many racers that's all they ever use.
What's a "BMX" bike?
A BMX bike is any 20" bicycle. That's the size bike most kids ride. BMX bikes usually don't have gears like "10 speeds" or mountain bikes. Also, to race at BMX tracks your bike needs to be equipped with handlebar grips, pads on the stem, your handlebar's crossbar (if it has one) and frame. Finally, the bikes can't have kickstands, reflectors, chain guards or other gadgets on them, and they can't have front brakes. This is for safety reasons - the gadgets can get caught on clothing and front breaks can cause you to go over the handle bars. Any bike store that sells BMX bikes can explain these requirements to you. (If they can't, go to a different bike store!)
May I try out BMX before I pay to join the NBL or ABA?
Yes. You can come to most tracks on any race day or practice day and try out the track. For insurance purposes you or your guardian must sign a release form.
How do I start racing?
Just come to the track in time for a race or practice session. If you're under 18 years old you will need to have a parent or guardian come with you. Just go to the registration booth, snack bar, or ask anyone for help. It's really easy.
I assume you will be racing ABA or NBL. At 8 years old it dosn't mater what type of bike you have as long as it is a bbmx. As for the gear ratio, makesure its not to high (or low).
Here's some often asked questions about BMX racing.
What equipment do I need so I can race BMX?
You need a "BMX" bike, and a helmet. You must also wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt when you race. It's also a good idea to wear gloves. Once you have raced for a while, you may want other equipment, but to get started that's all you need, and for many racers that's all they ever use.
What's a "BMX" bike?
A BMX bike is any 20" bicycle. That's the size bike most kids ride. BMX bikes usually don't have gears like "10 speeds" or mountain bikes. Also, to race at BMX tracks your bike needs to be equipped with handlebar grips, pads on the stem, your handlebar's crossbar (if it has one) and frame. Finally, the bikes can't have kickstands, reflectors, chain guards or other gadgets on them, and they can't have front brakes. This is for safety reasons - the gadgets can get caught on clothing and front breaks can cause you to go over the handle bars. Any bike store that sells BMX bikes can explain these requirements to you. (If they can't, go to a different bike store!)
May I try out BMX before I pay to join the NBL or ABA?
Yes. You can come to most tracks on any race day or practice day and try out the track. For insurance purposes you or your guardian must sign a release form.
How do I start racing?
Just come to the track in time for a race or practice session. If you're under 18 years old you will need to have a parent or guardian come with you. Just go to the registration booth, snack bar, or ask anyone for help. It's really easy.
I want to begin cycling but I don't know how to get started...HELP?
MalinaB
I want to begin cycling to build up my legs and to lower my blood pressure. I don't know what kind of bike to buy or the equipment that I need. Please Help.
Answer
That's the right track - you definitely need a local bike shop that you trust. Don't be intimidated! People of all ages, shapes, colors and sizes can ride a bicycle.
The first thing you gotta do is tell yourself - you can do this. Tell yourself that a lot. You aren't going out to be Lance Armstrong so no need to add any extra pressure whatsoever.
You are simply going to ride a bike... something we've been doing since we were kids! It's going to be fun!
Now you need a bike. And really - almost any bike will do, but you might consider not jumping into the road cycling elite arena just yet. How about a nice comfortable commuter bike with straight handlebars and a padded seat. Then a helmet.
Guess what? YOU ARE READY!
OK, OK, I know, you probably want to know like brand, type, etc. And the bike shop suggestion is good because you want to test ride! You can't do that in a dept. store. And you really can't get more than a "toolshed" bike at a dept. store. You'd be surprised - bike shops are competitive with the big box stores -- and they have a service department so please start there!
Another thing to do - join a bike forum online! A lot of forums have sections just for beginners... also for women so you can connect with other folks.
So test ride, talk to people, be fearless and have fun - that's all you need to get started. Hey if you don't buy anything from the bike shop - that's OK because let's say you go out and get a used bike - well it's going to need some service right? So those guys better treat you right or you'll take your service/repair dollars elsewhere!!
Do you see? You have the power girl. This is cool. I am excited for you, so don't get all caught up in the details - just take it one step at a time: Get a bike, get a helmet and start riding.
You can invest in other stuff later - like baskets, lights, clothing etc. as you see fit!
OK good luck and see you in the bike lane!
Do a google search for Sheldon Brown's web page... he's no longer with us on this earth - but tons of resources for beginners and pros alike.
That's the right track - you definitely need a local bike shop that you trust. Don't be intimidated! People of all ages, shapes, colors and sizes can ride a bicycle.
The first thing you gotta do is tell yourself - you can do this. Tell yourself that a lot. You aren't going out to be Lance Armstrong so no need to add any extra pressure whatsoever.
You are simply going to ride a bike... something we've been doing since we were kids! It's going to be fun!
Now you need a bike. And really - almost any bike will do, but you might consider not jumping into the road cycling elite arena just yet. How about a nice comfortable commuter bike with straight handlebars and a padded seat. Then a helmet.
Guess what? YOU ARE READY!
OK, OK, I know, you probably want to know like brand, type, etc. And the bike shop suggestion is good because you want to test ride! You can't do that in a dept. store. And you really can't get more than a "toolshed" bike at a dept. store. You'd be surprised - bike shops are competitive with the big box stores -- and they have a service department so please start there!
Another thing to do - join a bike forum online! A lot of forums have sections just for beginners... also for women so you can connect with other folks.
So test ride, talk to people, be fearless and have fun - that's all you need to get started. Hey if you don't buy anything from the bike shop - that's OK because let's say you go out and get a used bike - well it's going to need some service right? So those guys better treat you right or you'll take your service/repair dollars elsewhere!!
Do you see? You have the power girl. This is cool. I am excited for you, so don't get all caught up in the details - just take it one step at a time: Get a bike, get a helmet and start riding.
You can invest in other stuff later - like baskets, lights, clothing etc. as you see fit!
OK good luck and see you in the bike lane!
Do a google search for Sheldon Brown's web page... he's no longer with us on this earth - but tons of resources for beginners and pros alike.
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Title Post: BMX Racers..?
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Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
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