Saturday, July 25, 2009

Where Did BMX Bikes Come From

By Barry Johnson

Racing and performing stunts using BMX bikes or bicycle motocross have been present in our sport since the early 1970s from all parts of the world.

Organizations have been formed to support this type of interest of some people. The National Bicycle League which was formed in 1974 was a non-profit bicycle motocross organization founded by George E. Esser in Florida. In 1977, the ABA (American Bicycle Association) was created to further support the growing sport. Then in 1981, the International BMX Federation was formed wherein they held their very first competition in 1982. Just this 2008, the very first BMX category joined the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing with two categories: one for Male and one for Female. And the very first to won the gold medals were from Latvia and France.

As a sport, BMX bikes can be costly since the riders devote a lot of effort in making their units better as compared to normal bicycles. Prices would range from $150 to as expensive as more than $3,000 per unit. Several companies such as Schwimm, GT, Haro and YAMAHA have also been manufacturing BMX bikes to offer a variety of designs to BMX bike riders.

These BMX bikes are rather smaller than other bicycles. Their sizes and wheels differ. BMX bikes are smaller but with bigger wheels that are more effective for driving in uneven roads. Others also are custom-designed to suit the riders' needs.

BMX bikes are used by riders in competing in races or in showing different stunts similar to what skateboarders do. Some riders make this as a source of their living where they get paid to compete and showcase their stunts. Riders tour from places to places to enter competition where they can gain recognition for their performances.

Freestyle riding is the common term riders used when they carry out these stunts. Haro was the first to create bikes particularly designed for this. These specially designed bikes allowed the riders to execute stunts from the easiest to the more difficult. They can either perform aerial or ground tricks which the audience would love to watch.

There is a thrill in this type of sport which can give both the riders and the audience the excitement and need for speed and power however one has always to bear in mind to be careful since BMX bike riding is a dangerous sport. - 16887

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