Can You Put Gears On A BMX Bike? (Let’s Find Out)
BMX bikes have recently been the star for stunt riding, racing, and other biking activities.
Their lightweight makes them an excellent choice for both young and older riders.
Usually, as a BMX bike rider, one of the most asked questions asked by people interested in getting the bike is gear-related questions.
Yes, it is possible to put gears on a BMX bike. Occasionally, riding a BMX bike is made simpler by adding gears. Yet, they can also make using a BMX bike more challenging in other circumstances. It truly depends on the riding you do and your tastes.
This article will overview BMX gears and the overall bike design.
Furthermore, you will learn more about BMX bikes’ gearing systems. Let’s begin.
Can I Install Gears on My BMX Bike?
Yes, you can install gears on your BMX bikes. However, the gearing arrangement of a BMX bike is distinctive and different from that of a mountain bike or road bike.
Compared to other heavy-duty bikes, BMX bikes often only have one gear, although the gear is still present.
There are usually two rules of gears on a BMX bike. They are either short gearing or tall gearing.
The correlation between the number of teeth on the cog and the sprocket in the back wheel is higher with tall gearing. With short gearing, it’s the opposite.
It is more difficult for the rider to pedal with tall gearing to create additional momentum for speed.
Whereas in low gear, the pedaling is simpler. Many kinds of BMX riders choose different types of gear.
On the other hand, flatland riders prefer short gearing, while on the other, racers often choose taller gearing.
This is because the height of the gear ratio increases with the number of teeth in the sprocket, while the opposite is true for shorter gear ratios.
How Do I Put Gears on my BMX?
Adding gears to a BMX bike is relatively easy. However, since BMX bikes typically only have one gear, the setup must consider the rider’s demands.
When connecting the Cogs, cassettes, and sprockets to a chainring constitutes the gear of the BMX bikes.
A single-speed bike is an option for BMX riders who want to avoid handling the problem of gear shifting.
Single-speed bikes are easier to use than motorcycles with many gears and require less maintenance. They might not be as adaptable as bikes with more gears, though.
To install gears on a BMX bike, you can add a new rear chainring and cassette to a BMX bike to add gears.
If your bike still needs to get a derailleur, you might also need to install one.
Before installing the gears, you must purchase chain breakers, wrenches, and an Allen key set. A BMX bike’s handlebars can be easily changed with these simple tools.
With a BMX bike, installing pegs is also simple and only needs a few tools. Likewise, new tire installation is simple and necessitates a few tools.
A BMX bike with a stunt cage will shield the rider from harm in the case of a fall. Replacing the seat and post with a BMX bike requires only a few tools.
Think about the following before equipping your BMX bikes with gears;
- Ensure that your bike is compatible with gears. Before making any modifications, verifying if the BMX bike can be equipped with gears is necessary.
- Take into account the kind of riding you’ll be undertaking. For example, riding on flat land, you won’t need as many gears as someone who wants to bike in steep terrain.
- Consider your budget. You’ll need to consider the cost when choosing a bike with gears instead of a regular BMX bike.
It’s ultimately up to you whether or not you decide to ride a BMX bike with gears.
All solutions have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to consider your options before choosing one.
What is the Best Gearing for BMX?
Usually, a 44/16 gearing ratio with 55 gear inches is the best for BMX.
This ratio has been present for a long time and has been considered a standard gearing ratio for BMX.
Nonetheless, some modernized BMX bikes differ from the older models in design. So, naturally, as the bicycle’s invention changed, the gears didn’t.
As a result, the newest BMX bikes also have a reduced gear ratio.
The ratios in these situations range from 22/8 to 36/13 and 23/8 to 25/9. Moreover, there are ways to determine the gear ratio of your BMX bikes.
As a result, you may now find the ideal gear ratio for your BMX when riding on the street.
What is a Good Gear Ratio for a BMX Bike?
The size of the wheels and, more crucially, your comfort level determine the answers to these questions.
You will need more teeth if your BMX bike has noticeably larger wheels and vice versa.
Therefore, always choose the gear ratio of a BMX bike that best meets your needs.
Divide the chainring size by the sprocket’s number of teeth by the wheel size to obtain the gear ratio formula.
The figure you get indicates how many times your back wheel turns for each chainring rotation.
The easier your pedal is and the more challenging the pedal is, the lower the number is (meaning you will need to apply more force).
Large chainrings are a feature of BMX race bikes because they are made to enable riders to produce a lot of power.
The BMX race bike gearing option fluctuates between tire widths and wheel diameters the more advanced a ride becomes. That goes beyond only the gear ratio.
Most of the time, BMX racers select and alter the gear ratio to suit their rhythm and the requirements of various racing circuits. But, again, this is to meet their physiological level.
If you want a BMX bike, consider choosing one with about 55 gear inches because this design typically fits most bikers.
The table below explains how to understand better how to calculate the gear ratio of a BMS correctly.
| BMX Bike Type | NTC | NTS | NTC/NTS | The Evaluated Gear Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 36 | 16 | 36/16 | 2is |
| Il | 30 | 11 | 30/11 | 2.75 |
| Ill | 28 | 10 | 28/10 | 2.8 |
| IV | 23 | 8 | 23/8 | 2.88 |
| V | 22 | 8 | 22/8 | 2.75 |
According to a survey stat, there are three recommended BMX bike ratios to use. They are as follows;
#1. 25/9 BMX Bike Gear Ratio
The 25/9 gear ratio is the most common for BMX bikes. It is characterized by a ratio of about 2.78 to 1.
Remember that your BMX bike is better if the ratio is low. Smaller gear ratios often simplify pedaling, allowing for a more straightforward bike motion.
#2. 30/11 BMX Bike Gear Ratio
The 30/11 is another fantastic ratio for the BMX bike. It has a balance of roughly 2.73/1.
The ratio makes it a significant percentage to take into account. But on the other hand, the balance is quite straightforward, making pedaling easy.
#3. 44/16 BMX Bike Gear Ratio
The 44/16 gear ratio, 55 inches, is the best. This is among the earlier released BMX models.
It has comparatively big wheels, is still on the market, and is used by many BMX bikers worldwide.
FAQs
What is BMX Bikes Suitable for?
BMX bikes are an excellent choice for kids. They are mainly designed for performing stunts, jumps, and tricks.
What are BMX Bikes Made of?
BMX bikes are made from versatile building materials. The entry-level or Freestyle BMX bikes are mostly made from alloy steel called Cromoly 4130.
Do BMX Bikes Have Brakes?
In some cases, BMX bikes come with only a rear brake. However, some of the bikes come with rear and front brakes.
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