Can You Put Suspension Forks On A BMX? (Explained)
When you own a bike, you’ll want to install a system that’ll not just make it run faster than it does and smoother.
However, knowing that not all bikes are compatible with suspension forks, you’ll likely seek information on whether or not you can put it on a BMX.
Indeed, it’s possible to put suspension forks on your BMX bike. Of course, the first thing is to know the type of bike you’re using and whether it would be compatible with the suspension fork. Nonetheless, you can go on ahead and put the suspension fork but ensure that it doesn’t pry with the bike’s balance point.
This piece is all you need to know about putting suspension forks in a BMX. In the end, you’ll also find other interesting facts about your BMX bike and suspension forks.
Let’s begin!
Will Mountain Bike Suspension Forks Fit on a BMX?
It’s possible to use suspension forks on a BMX. However, before you do that, please confirm the sizes of the two bike types.
Many BMX bikes come within the 20-26 inch cruisers; in that series, the 20-inch sizes are the commonest, followed by the 24-inch cruisers.
The tires that come in 26 inches are difficult to find. But, of course, that’s different in mountain bikes with higher-level cruisers such as the 26, 27.5, and 29 series.
It’ll be challenging to find a mountain bike that is of a smaller size other than the 24-inch tires.
So, to use mountain bike suspension forks on a BMX, you’ll need to ensure their tire sizes are close enough.
Although installing forks from a mountain bike into your BMX is possible, I’ll advise you to define the objective for which you want to achieve that.
That’s because although BMX doesn’t have the standard suspension system, it still has a rigid fork, which is its suspension system with a front fork configuration.
A bike with a suspension fork different from a BMX will have specific qualities that most drivers will prefer.
That’s likely why you’ll desire to change or install a new suspension fork into your bike.
However, before you do that, there are certain things you must make sure of concerning your BMX bike;
- Do you need a suspension fork in your BMX bike? Answering that will determine the extent you’ll be ready to go through to achieve the objective.
- You’ll also need the right size and type of suspension fork to fit your bike.
- Are you ready to let out some cash in case the help of a professional comes up?
When all of those are in place, you can go on ahead to install the suspension fork of your choice.
Additionally, installing another bike’s (mountain bike) suspension fork into your BMX has pros and cons.
This table will summarize all of it!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Additional speed. | The geometry of the bike would change. |
| Additional comfort. | An alteration in your trick’s routine. |
| Better control. | No more ground contact for you. |
Are Suspension Forks Good on a BMX?
Generally, it’s okay and suitable for a BMX to have a suspension fork, but that depends significantly on the bike’s function.
There are special suspension forks on a BMX that suit the bike. These forks have a particular name known as rigid forks.
The suspension fork in a BMX is unique in distinguishing it from other bike types.
This fork has a rigid architecture that makes it more vibration-absorbing. For that reason, you’ll be riding your BMX on rough stony ground and still have some feeling of balance.
Furthermore, the vibrations on the ground get absorbed more when you pedal, use different speed levels, or even apply your brakes.
The rigid forks on BMX bikes are so-called because the manufacturers ensured using tensile steel rather than aluminum alloy.
Many of the suspension forks we get in many bikes today are from aluminum alloy, which puts them far from BMX.
And, of course, that’d be in terms of how rigid and different their suspension forks are from each other.
Although rigid forks give some tensile strength that makes BMX withstand massive vibration, the standard suspension fork has its use.
You’ll freely ride on muddy ground with a suspension fork made from aluminum alloy and not get scared.
Also, what differentiates that suspension fork from the BMX type is its fit for mountain rides.
So, although the fork system can absorb vibration, you’ll need to change it to ride through mountains or muddy paths.
That means total replacement of the front forks of a BMX bike into something that’d suit your objective.
Why Are Suspension Forks Absent on a BMX?
Suspension forks are lacking on a BMX because of the design and function of the bike.
A BMX bike’s flexible structure makes it fit for learners and riders who’d appreciate vibration-absorbing bikes.
A suspension fork in a BMX would do nothing but only render it harder than it should be.
Hence, it’s almost impossible to find random BMX bikes out there with suspension forks because the percentage of them with suspension forks is relatively rare.
Now, here are some reasons why suspension forks are lacking in BMX;
#1. Weight Saving
BMX bikes are naturally lighter than their counterparts because they lack suspension forks. That’s also part of the reason why experts go for it rather than those with suspension forks.
A suspension fork in your BMX would only make it too heavy to ride on.
#2. Easy Maintenance
The less complex the make-up of a bike, the less demanding it’ll be in maintenance.
If you own a bike with a suspension fork, you’ll always require maintenance services.
#3. Better Control
The absence of a suspension fork in a BMX makes it lighter and easier to control, especially when you have your trick routine.
#4. Better and Easy Maneuvering
Without a suspension fork in the BMX, you can maneuver without difficulty; that’s because the bike is light enough to allow easy navigation.
Although there aren’t suspension forks in a BMX bike, it has some system that differs from the standard suspension fork.
That differentiation isn’t just in their material type but also in their essential functions. Also, though there aren’t the usual suspension forks on BMX, installing one is possible if you please.
How to Fix Suspension Forks on a BMX?
Haven learned about the possibility of fixing the suspension fork of another bike into your BMX. I’ll show you something new in this section; how to fix suspension forks.
I’ll use a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
But first, here’s a list of things you need to set up for this objective;
- The new suspension tool.
- A hammer
- 2.5mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm Allen key.
- File
- Measuring tape
- Saw-guide and saw
- Star Nut Installer
Here’s the step-by-step guide to fixing a suspension fork on a BMX bike;
- Use the Allen key to screw out the axle and the front wheel and get them aside.
- Remove the brake by releasing the brake cable from the cable guide.
- Undo the brake caliper.
- Remove the stem and handlebar.
- Undo the headset.
- Loosen the stem pinch bolt.
- Now the fork is loose, pull it out gently by securing each end with your hands.
- Use your saw guide and saw to cut out the length of the fork stem you’ll need.
- Use the file to smoothen the rough edges of the fork’s end.
- Slide the fork back into the holder; now, you can screw around all the stuff you took out initially.
FAQS
Are BMX Bikes Specific for Hills?
BMX bikes aren’t specific for hills; although you can ride them on a mountain, you can choose simple paths. The most important thing is knowing what your capabilities are.
What Are the Good Features of a BMX Bike?
All forms of BMX bikes are vast in their features to appropriately suit their riders. For example, while some riders prefer a hardtail BMX for freestyling, yours could be the full suspension type.
What is the Function of an Increased Fork Offset?
An increased fork offset gives you the leverage to install another bike’s suspension on your BMX bike. An increased fork offset allows adding a mountain bike’s suspension fork to your BMX.
Would Any Suspension Forks Fit Every Bike?
No. That’s because every bike has a specific type of suspension fork that’d fit into it.
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