1. Dirt/Street/Park/Flatland/Race
There are five main aspects of bmx as stated above, its up to you to decide which one your bmx is going to be used for, theres no point in buying a flatland bike if your going to take it up the local 20 foot trails...thats just going to end badly.
Identifying the difference-
Street bikes tend to have a higher top tube and a steeper head tube angle, usually run 2,3 or 4 pegs, wider tyres and no brakes. (although most shops will supply them with at least 1 brake).
Park bikes tend to have a lower top tube, a gyro rear brake, slicker tyres and are normally seen without stunts pegs, although some riders do run stunt pegs.
Flatland bikes are the easiest to spot the difference on, usually have an unusual shaped frame consisting of a very low top tube and 4 stunt pegs. A front gyro brake and a high seat are very common.
Race bikes have a much longer frame than the other main aspects, this is due to providing stability. Higher end race bikes will also consist of some carbon fibre components. Single rear brakes and bigger sprockets are often found on these bikes.
Although these bikes are made for certain aspects, you can still ride them for every aspect. However it is best to use the bike for the purpose it was built for.
2.Sizing
This is where things get a little more tricky. Everybody hates choosing a size in case its too small or too big, well bmx bikes are unfortunately no different. However the joys of 2014 means there are thousands of bikes out there to choose from, all in different sizes. The average bmx frame will be between 20" and 21" with a few exceptions. Handlebars also come in a lot of different size nowadays, some reaching way above 10" high and 30" wide. Nearly all high end completes have 20" wheels. The best way of getting the right size is head to the shop and try it out first hand, ask to sit on it or better yet test it in the car park. If your only choice is to order online, ask your friends if you can try out their bikes, if it feels good, measure up the size and search online for a bike you like as close to that size as possible.
Tip: Handlebars can be cut down a few cm's if need be. (Angle grinder/pipe cutter or even a hacksaw).
3. The metal
4130 is what you want, or atleast as much as possible. This is extremely important for those who want their bikes to last in the long run. Almost all high end bikes now consist of a 4130 frame,forks and handlebars. The reason? Its strong and light. Unlike the heavier steel bikes, 4130 will last. Stay away from hi-ten if possible.
4. Bearings
Bearings, like everything else, you get what you pay for. Pay less, get less. When searching for a bmx check to see if the bearings are sealed or unsealed. Ideally you want both front and rear hubs sealed, as unsealed hubs will be one of the first things to break as they are constantly spinning when the bike is in use. (new hubs especially rear hubs can be expensive to replace, they will also need professionally building to the rim afterwards). The same with bottom brackets, like all bearings if they are unsealed water and dirt is much more likely to get in and shorten the life span.
5. Be prepared
Like everything, bikes will eventually break. the more you ride and the harder you ride the more likely your bike will break. The best tip we can give you for this it to carry the right tools as often as you can, as well as learning to fix your own bike. Most common problems are punctures, snapped chains and things coming loose, all of which are easy fixes. If you still cant figure out how to fix your bike then head to your local bike shop or Google the problem, there's a 99% chance somebody else has had the same problem and asked the question online. Some shops/online stores will offer warranty on some bikes/parts or a free check up a few weeks down the line. If you can get either of these, go for it!
6. Know your limit
Just because you have £600 to spend on your first ever bmx bike does not mean that you should. High quality beginner bikes can be picked up for less than £300. Great! you now have £300 left over to spend on the latest coolest bmx product out there. Dont! save it, your bike is going to break at some point down the line, its best to save some money for when these things go wrong. Nobody likes snapping a frame and not being able to replace it for months.
7. Model year
Unlike a car, nobody really cares about the year your bmx was made, as long as it rides good that's all that matters. As a new year approaches, the current years bikes get price dropped. This is probably the best time to buy a brand new bike as you still get a high quality complete but at a discounted price.
Final tips
If you buy directly in store make sure they build it properly and every bolt is as tight as it should be. Pester them to do a safety check too. If your ordering online, it will come in a large box, when assembling, double check every bolt is tight. Nobody likes doing a manual to see their front wheel roll down the street.
Ordering a bmx online?This is the place to go.
(thanks to google for the images)
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