BMX bikes are very popular with young riders. They come in three types:

BMX Racing:

These bikes are the type you would find kids racing on the BMX track. They are built to be rugged, but also have to be lightweight for racing. They have 36-spoke wheels for strength, knobby tires for traction on dirt, and a single hand-brake for the rear wheel.

Entry-level price for BMX racing bikes is about £140.

BMX Freestyle:

These bikes are used for performing a variety of tricks. They are built to be extra rugged, and have 48-spoke wheels for extreme strength. The tires are smooth, since they are used only on pavement. The handlebars can spin completely around, and the frame has 2 or 4 pegs which the rider can stand on while performing tricks. Freestyle bikes have hand-brakes for both wheels.

Entry-level price for BMX freestyle bikes is about £160.

BMX Jumping:

These bikes have to be even more rugged to withstand repeated impact with the ground. They have 48-spoke wheels, plus heavier-duty frames and axles. The tires are knobby, since they are used on dirt, and have a single hand-brake for the rear wheel.

Entry-level price for BMX jumping bikes is about £160

Why You Should Not Buy a Bicycle at a Department Store

Many bicycles are sold each year at department stores. To the untrained eye, they look no different than than those sold at bicycle shops, and sell for much less. There are several reasons you should not buy your bicycle from a department store:

1. The frame must be the right size for the rider. Most department stores do not have an assortment of frame sizes for adult bikes, and they don't have experienced salespeople to make sure you get the proper size bike.

2. Department store bikes either come un-assembled or are assembled by contract employees who are paid by the bike. If you put it together yourself, you will need special tools like cone wrenches to assemble & adjust it.

3. The components are low-quality, especially the bearings. They wear out quickly, and when the bearings go bad they can also damage the hubs.

4. They are usually not worth repairing. New bearings & a new wheel will cost about £50-60, and if the bike only cost about £80 when it was new, why bother.

5. Their resale value is almost nil, while used quality bikes are generally worth about half of their original selling price.

6. A good bike just makes cycling more fun. It's not so enjoyable when you have to pedal down hills to keep up with your friends who are coasting on good bikes. After your initial purchase of a bicycle, helmet and a few other accessories, cycling is a very inexpensive hobby that one can enjoy between the ages of 6 and 80. You don't have to pay extra each time you go out for a ride. Compare this to green fees each time you go golfing. Don't skimp when buying your first bike. You might become frustrated with cycling and give it up, and that would truly be a loss.