BMX bikes are very popular on the market. These bikes are great for commuting as they are strong and can withstand constant wear. BMX with gears is made for long-distances and constant use. Therefore, they are perfect for commuting, right?
BMX bikes with gears are decent for commuting bikes. There are issues with these bikes because the gearing on a BMX bike will never be ideal. If you commute shorter distances with few hills, you can certainly use your BMX with gears for commuting.
BMX bikes are incredible bikes that have a good design that can handle a lot of abuse. With the proper setup and regular maintenance, your bike will carry you anywhere. In this article, you will learn how hard or easy it is to commute on your BMX bike, what types of modifications you can make on your bike to make riding more comfortable and how to take care of your BMX for optimal performance.
Should You Commute on a BMX Bike?
When you have the option between a BMX and another bike type, it is best to go with the other bike type. However, you can still make commuting work on a BMX bike with gears. The ride isn’t going to be as comfortable as it would be with other bikes, but there are some modifications you can make to improve the ride.
One thing that does make a BMX bike with gears suitable for commuting is that they are easy to maneuver. When you are in high-traffic zones, this bike is faster and more agile than other types, making getting around intricate streets faster and easier.
Optimally, BMX bikes are made for doing stand up riding and for tricks. These bikes are not the usual pick when it comes to commuting, especially if you are going long distances. If you are going to commute on a BMX bike, the one with gears is the optimal choice because it is designed more for road riding than doing tricks.
We give you more details on BMX bike commuting here.
What Modifications Make Sense on a BMX bike?
You can make many different types of modifications to your BMX bike to make it more suitable for long-distance travel. A BMX bike’s typical design will have slick tires, low seats, with a steep standover. The wider tires are designed for stability and dirt riding. Modifications that you make to your bike will make it more comfortable for you.
Seat
The very first thing you should change on the bike is the seat. You are riding for extended periods while commuting, and standing can be difficult. Since BMX bikes are made for standing, the seat isn’t going to be as comfortable as a bike made for sitting. Raising the seat and changing the seat to a more comfortable one will make all the comfort difference.
When adjusting the seat height, the general rule of thumb is that it should be waist height. Raising the seat will ensure more comfort when riding long distances. Most seat posts on BMX bikes will not raise enough to achieve the optimal height, but you can raise it enough for added comfort.
There are different types of seats you can buy for your bike. Most BMX bikes come with small plastic seats that are very uncomfortable. These seats are not designed for long-distance travel and should not be used as such.
Brakes
BMX gear bikes generally come with standard brakes on them. If you are looking to replace the brakes, then you are going to want to find U-brakes. These brakes work by having two arms that will go across each other to hug the tire. The pads of the brakes are positioned to stop the wheel at the rim. The arms are attached to cables that are maneuvered from the handlebars.
If you have never used your BMX bike for commuting before and are just starting to use it, you want to check that your brakes are in good shape. If they close easily and bring the bike to a stop abruptly, they are in good condition. However, if you press hard and the bike only slows to a stop, it might be time to replace the brakes.
BMX Bike With Gears – Maintenance
You have been riding your bike for a while and using it for fun. Now you are going to use it for commuting. You will want to keep in mind a few maintenance tips when using your bike for commuting every day.
- Tire pressure – One of the essential steps to taking care of your bike will be checking the tire pressure. Too much air will be rock hard, and that isn’t good. Check with the manufacturer to see what the recommended air pressure is for your bike tires. After you know the right pressure, check it at least once or twice a week when commuting.
- Bearings and chain – Regularly, you should be checking that the chain and the bearings on your bike are correctly greased. Having your bearings and chain adequately looked after is essential to the overall functionality of the bike.
- Pedals – Always check that the pedals are screwed on securely before going on a long ride. BMX bikes can have either metal or plastic pedals. Regularly tightening the screws on your pedals will help keep them from making annoying noises or falling off mid-ride.
- Bars – Since BMX bikes are more for racing and trick riding, using it every day as a commute bike can be some wear and tear it isn’t used. You will need to check that the bars don’t get loose and start to jiggle. Whether you think they are tight or not, get a wrench and double-check. Loose handlebars can be very dangerous.
The Verdict: You Can Commute Safely Using Your BMX Bike with Gears
BMX bikes are not the first choice when it comes to commuting via bicycle. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use yours. A BMX bike with gears is much more preferable to any other type of BMX as it is built more for riding than the others. BMX’s are excellent choices when you are commuting in high traffic areas because of their manoeuvrability.
Since racing and trick riding is a lot of fun on BMX bikes, you might need to make some modifications to make it work for you. Modifications such as changing out the seat to a more comfortable one will make commuting more comfortable for you. Additionally, you will want to make sure the seat height is one where you can sit down occasionally and not have to commute entirely standing.
Keeping your bike road-ready for commuting is key to ensuring your bike can withstand the daily use of commuting. You want to check the brakes, the tire pressure, and the grease on the chains and the bearings regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition. If you use your bike for trick riding when not commuting, checking that the bars are tight and the brakes are secure is another way to maintain your bike for optimal performance.
Conclusion
A BMX bike with gears is not the optimal choice for commuting, but you can make it work for you with a few tweaks. When using a BMX bike for commuting, make sure safety is at the forefront of your ride. Always wear a helmet and make sure you have the appropriate reflectors when traveling in the dark.
Just because a BMX is not considered a commuting bike doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for you. With a few tweaks, your BMX with gears will be just as good as any other bike when it comes to getting to and from places.
