What Tools Do I Need To Build A BMX Bike? (Must Know This)
A new BMX bike does not come in the whole form. They usually come in packages with several parts.
You need to assemble these parts to form the BMX bike you would love to ride. You may not carry out this task effectively without some tools.
These tools not only make the work easier, but they also allow you to assemble the composite parts to achieve a very strong and well-fitted BMX bike.
The tools you need to BMX bike include a pump, a 17mm Socket, an alley key, and a pedal spanner. Other important tools that you need when you should have when assembling your BMX bike include a puncture kit, chain tool, tire levers, and spoke key. With these tools, you can easily build up your BMX bike.
In this article, I will discuss every tool you need when assembling a BMX bike. I will also tell you which is cheaper: building your bike or buying it assembled.
Further, the article provides a step-by-step guide on how to build a BMX bike.
Tools Needed to Build A BMX Bike and Their Uses
Here are four tools you need to build a BMX bike. They include;
- Socket
- Pump
- Allen key
- Pedal spanner
These tools may have several functions, but here is how to use them to build a BMX bike.
#1. Socket
The socket is a cylindrical shaped tool with a thin metal rod attached. This tool is used as a wrench to loosen or tighten nuts or bolts.
The wrench has a half-inch connector rod attached to the wrench. The connector provides a good grip while you twist and turn the wrench to either fasten or loosen a bolt and a nut.
You must loosen and tighten some nuts and bolts when fixing your BMX bike. In addition, some of these nuts need to be fastened tightly to one or more other parts at a junction.
Asides from fastening some parts, some fittings may also be fastened on the components. The standard socket dimension is the 17 mm wrench.
#2. Allen Key
The Allen Key is a vital tool you should have before you put together your BMX bike. This tool is a simple tool with hexagonal openings.
These openings come in different sizes and are meant to articulate with the heads of bolts and screws.
An Allen Key is bent like an L, with the head having the depression that admits the head of the screw.
The head of the Allen Key comes in different sizes. This tool is simple and light. The hexagonal recess serves as a socket that locks on the head of the screw.
The most frequently used size of the Allen Key is the 5 mm size socket.
#3. Pedal Spanner
A pedal spanner is a wrench-like tool that looks like a rod with openings at both ends. At one end, the opening is closed at the edges.
At the other end, the opening at the edges is opened like a crescent. You can use the pedal spanner to install the connection of your pedals to their cranks.
Aside from removing and installing a pedal, you could also use the pedal spanner to work on parts inside the pedal.
For most BMX pedals, you will most likely find the 15 mm wide pedal spanner more useful than the others.
#4. Pump
When you unpack your BMX bike, you will find that your tire is flat. You need a pump to re-introduce air into the tires.
With the pump, you can inflate the tires through the positive air displacement into the tire. It works with a hand-operated piston.
You must pull up these pistons and push them down to release the air into the tires. That is because the piston draws air into the valve of the pump when you pull the piston up.
When you push down the piston, the air enters the tires. A pump is an essential tool for building your BMX bike.
In this table, you will find the highlights of how you can apply these tools to build your custom bike:
| Tool | Uses |
|---|---|
| Socket | Loosen or tighten nuts and bolts |
| Allen key | Loosen or tighten bolts and screws |
| Pedal spanner | Install the connection of your pedals to their cranks |
| Pump | Inflate the tires |
Is It Cheaper to Build Your BMX?
It is not cheaper to build your BMX bike. However, if you choose to build your bike, it comes with a little more costly than buying it whole.
Building a custom bike is more expensive than buying your bike whole. Building your custom bike has a lot of requirements.
Buying the right component is a vital step in building our BMX bike. Unfortunately, these components may be more expensive at a single purchase.
Usually, building your BMX bike aims to achieve a bike built to your taste. Naturally, therefore, it will require some rigorous shopping for this part.
Overall, buying your bike as a whole is cheaper than building your custom bike. However, most bike enthusiasts would prefer to bear the extra cost.
Are Self-Made BMX Better?
Self-made BMX bikes are better. A BMX bike you assemble would be better than a bike you buy as a whole.
When you assemble a bike, you can select the best quality materials. Since there is huge competition among manufacturers, you can easily find the best component.
Most manufacturers prefer to adopt specific components as a business niche. This system of marketing makes them efficient in the production of such brands.
Such efficiency implies that you can pick the best of every component from different brands as you assemble them to form a bike.
When you combine these separate components, you will have taken the best materials out of the market to assemble your bike to your taste.
Aside from having a blend of quality materials, you could also have a unique bike. It is very unlikely that your self-made bike would look like someone else’s bike.
How To Build A BMX Bike?
When you are ready to build your bike to custom, here are some steps you should follow to have a smooth and easy process:
- Get the right components
- To know the standard dimension.
- Assemble all your tools
#1. Get The Right Components
For you to have a perfectly built custom BMX bike, it will be best to have the right components in place.
Locate places where you can find quality components for your BMX bike. Many manufacturers have online shops where you can buy these components.
#2. Know The Standard Dimension
Not every component in your BMX bike measures the same. However, you should know the dimensions of all the components you need to build your BMX Bike.
The measurements of these components are important; they will provide you with comfort during your ride.
Some important measurements you have always noted include the frames, steerer tubes, wheels, and bottom brackets.
#3. Assemble All Your Tools
Having your tools handy will make the job easier. Every tool is important; when you have them close to you, you can be more efficient.
Aside from the efficiency, you will have your job neatly done.
#4. Couple The Parts Together
Different parts make up your BMX bike. Here are some essential parts you want to assemble when building your BMX.
#1. Mount the Seat Post
Once you have the right frame, unpack the seat post from the packaging. Smear the inside of the seat tube with grease.
Insert the tube into the seat post and push downwards until you have achieved the optimal length. Many of the tubes come with markings on the tubes.
Depending on how you want it, you can adjust the length of the tube and also the angle of the seat and the tube.
#2. Attach the Handlebar
You can now fasten your handlebars. You can find the handlebars at the anterior aspect of the frame. The whole installation goes around and about the bike frame.
Apply your grease to the thread locker. Afterward, you can apply the new handlebar to the anterior aspect of the frame.
#3. Insert the Wheels
After you have secured the handlebars in place, you can now have the tires installed. You can find the tires at the end of the frame.
You must install an axle before you can have the wheels on. The type of axle you need depends on the type of bike you are building.
#4. Inflate the Tires
The tires are delivered without air in them. Once you have installed the wheels, you need the pump to inflate the tires.
#5. Install the Pedals
Once you install and inflate the tires, you can install the pedals. First, grease the thread of the pedal and tighten them.
#6. Perform a Final Check
After you have installed the pedals, perform a final check of all your installations. For example, check the seat post for the correct height and angle.
Check every bolt, and ensure you have screwed them properly. You can also take a test ride to be sure you have everything rightly in place.
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