BMX Race Sizing Guide
Rider Height | Frame Size | Toptube Length | Stem Length | Bar Rise | Bar Width | Crank Length | Gearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4'4" & under | Micro | 15" - 16.5" | Mini: 25mm - 35mm | 2" - 2.5" | 20" - 22.5" | 145 - 155mm | 41-43 / 16 |
4'2" - 4'10" | Mini | 16" - 17.5" | Mini-Mini XL: 30mm - 40mm | 2" - 3.5" | 21" - 23.5" | 155 - 165mm | 41-43 / 16 |
4'6" - 5'1" | Junior | 17" - 18.5" | Mini XL-Expert: 40mm - 45mm | 3" - 5" | 22" - 25" | 160 - 175mm | 42-43 / 16 |
5'0" - 5'4" | Expert | 18.5" - 19.5" | Expert-Pro: 43mm - 48mm | 5" - 7" | 25.5" - 27" | 170 - 175mm | 42-43 / 16 |
5'2" - 5'6" | Expert XL | 19.5" - 20" | Expert-Pro: 43mm - 48mm | 6" - 7" | 25.5" - 27" | 170 - 175mm | 42-43 / 16 |
5'3" - 5'8" | Pro | 20" - 20.5" | Pro: 50mm - 55mm | 7" - 8" | 27" - 28" | 175 - 180mm | 43-44 / 16 |
5'7" - 6' | Pro XL | 20.5" - 21.25" | Pro XL: 50mm - 55mm | 8" + | 28" | 180 - 190mm | 44 / 16 & over |
6' & over | Pro XXL | 21.25" - 22" | Pro XXL: 52mm - 60mm | 8" + | 28" | 180 - 190mm | 44 / 16 & over |
What is BMX Racing?
BMX Racing is a high-energy, competitive sport where riders race on specially designed off-road tracks. Originating in the late 1960s in Southern California (of course…), it’s grown into an internationally recognized sport, even becoming an Olympic event in 2008.
A bit about it:
Track and Racing Format
Track Design: BMX race tracks are typically 300-400 meters long and feature various obstacles, including jumps, banked corners (berms), and rhythm sections. They’re designed to test riders’ speed, agility, and bike-handling skills.
Race Format: races usually consist of 8 riders competing head-to-head in a sprint format. The race starts from an elevated starting gate and involves a single lap around the track. Riders are classified based on age and skill level, from novice to expert categories.
Bikes
Design: BMX racing bikes are built for speed and agility. They have a lightweight frame, typically made from aluminum or chromoly steel. They usually feature 20-inch wheels, although smaller sizes are available for younger riders.
Components
Gearing: BMX race bikes have a single gear. The gear ratio is chosen to balance acceleration and top speed.
Brakes: only rear brakes are used, emphasizing simplicity and weight reduction.
Tires: are smooth or lightly treaded to minimize rolling resistance and maximize speed on the dirt tracks.
Key Competitions
Olympic Games: since 2008, both men’s and women’s events have been held, featuring the world’s top riders.
https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/cycling-bmx-racing
UCI BMX World Championships: organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), this annual event crowns world champions in various age and skill categories. https://www.uci.org
USA BMX: organizes a national series of races across the United States, culminating in the Grand Nationals. https://www.usabmxfoundation.org
Training and Skills
Physical Fitness: BMX racers require explosive strength and endurance. Training often includes sprinting, weightlifting, and plyometric exercises.
Technique: riders must master the “bunny hop” to clear obstacles, cornering techniques for berms, and the ability to maintain speed through rhythm sections. Starting technique is crucial, as the race is often decided in the first few seconds out of the gate.
Safety Gear
Helmet: full-face helmets are mandatory to protect against falls and collisions.
Pads: riders typically wear knee, elbow, and shin pads, as well as gloves to protect their hands.
Clothing: durable, long-sleeve jerseys and pants designed for BMX racing provide protection and comfort.
BMX Racing is a thrilling and fast-paced sport that combines speed, agility, and technical skill. It requires a specialized bike, protective gear, and intensive training. With competitions ranging from local tracks to the Olympic Games, BMX Racing continues to grow in popularity and attract new riders of all ages.
USA BMXhttps://www.usabmxfoundation.org and
UCI BMX https://www.uci.org/discipline/bmx-racing/2IM2tidwZ8mImqzFMsFwB4?discipline=BMX
are excellent resources for detailed insights & event calendars. Ride on!
