BMX: racing and freestyle

Race or freestyle

The BMX, short for bicycle motocross, is done on a compact bike with twenty-inch wheels. It comes in two main categories, both Olympic sports. BMX race is raced by eight riders on a dirt track made of jumps and banked turns, starting from a hill: it's a speed sport. BMX freestyle, performed in parks, streets, dirt, or flatland, judges tricks: jumps, spins, grinds on ramps and urban furniture.

By type of part

The BMX selection is organized by type:

• Bikes.
• Wheels and Tires.
• Transmission.
• Braking.
• Peripheral components.
• Equipment.

The bike also comes in road, mountain bike, city, spare parts, with equipment, on the bikes page.

Protecting the rider

In BMX race, a full-face helmet, such as the Fly Racing Werx in carbon or Rayce for kids, is mandatory: it protects the face during high-speed falls. It is worn with gloves and a long-sleeved outfit, a racing jersey and pants like those from Fly Racing or Kenny. In freestyle, many riders wear an open-face helmet, like the Bern Macon or the Lazer Maze, with rotational protection. Protectors from Fuse, shin guards and elbow pads, avoid injuries from pedals and falls; kids' models also protect the ankle.

Tires and parts

Tires are chosen based on the activity: low and tightly spaced knobs, such as the IRC Siren or Mission Tracker, for dirt tracks; smooth and soft rubber, like the Maxxis Hookworm, for skateparks and streets, where they grip the concrete. BMX freestyle often does without brakes, or uses a rear U brake. Slim saddles, like the Cult x Vans or the Kink, are not much used while riding but are grabbed during tricks. The chainring, handlebars, and wheels, like Eclat, are changed piece by piece to customise the bike.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, and then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

What BMX size should a rider choose based on their height?

The size of a BMX is mainly defined by the length of the top tube rather than the wheel size. A short tube makes the bike more manageable for younger riders and freestyle; a longer tube provides stability for taller riders and in racing.

What helmet should be worn in BMX race?

In racing, a full-face helmet with a chin guard, like those from Fly Racing, is mandatory in competition and protects the face during high-speed falls. In freestyle, many riders wear a skate-style helmet, like those from Bern or Lazer.

What tires should be chosen for a street or park BMX?

For street and park, smooth or lightly patterned tires inflated quite strongly, like the Maxxis Hookworm, roll fast on concrete. In racing on dirt tracks, lightweight tires with small knobs provide better grip.

At what age can kids start BMX?

Many clubs welcome children as soon as they can ride comfortably without stabilisers, on BMX bikes with smaller wheels. A helmet, gloves, and protective gear are required from the first session.

BMX or mountain bike: which should a child choose?

The BMX, compact and robust, develops agility and is suitable for tracks, skateparks, and small jumps. The mountain bike, with its gears and suspensions, is better for forest rides and longer family outings.