Why we bike

Many people say its just something to do, or something to occupy time out of the day. Some people do it to fit in, or to impress others. They do it only to try to win cometitions or to win money. These are not the true bikers, these are the "posers". A biker thinks like this: Biking is a way of life. It is something I can do to shield myself from reality or all the stress with school, work, or family and friends,  with something I love. I bike, not always to compete, but to have fun with my friends or maybe just have some alone time. I love being able to put my headphones in, hit play, and just ride through the streets, or flow through the park. Only bikers understand this, we can not explain to others how we feel, becuase they would not understand. We are who we are, like us or not. We do not bike to impress you, our family or anyone, we bike because its what we love and it is our life style.

Frames: style, length, color, weight?

Many bikers still today are known as, "weight weenies," which is pretty much self explanatory. As many, if not all people know, the frame is one of the most key components of a bike. It is the largest part, so a lot believe that's where the color, weight, and style of your bike come from. There are three different styles of frames. There is the traditional street/park frame which usually has a higher top tube (most upper tube on the frame) and usually a smaller size top tube, although sizes usually differ on the riders preference. The next frame is known as a flatland frame. These primes usually have a top tube the is either very low and close to the down tube, or curved downwards. This is so that we can get our feet and body over the frame easier and without clipping the top tube. The last type of frame is a dirt/trail frame. In dirt BMX riding you fly high and are in the air for a good amount of time. Because of this, dirt frames usually have a low top tube so the rider can get their feet over the bike without clipping, which would end up pretty bad. As for weight, each rider has their own preference, whether they want a insanely light bike, or an average or even a bike on the heavier side. Each one of these frames can be used for whatever the rider wants to use it for, with the risk of it not holding up as well as a frame specified for what you're riding. I for example, ride a dirt frame ( low top tube), but I ride mainly park. I just find it much more comfortable and that's my preference. Whatever frame you like, ride it.

Park vs. Street Bike Set-Up

Each rider in BMX, has their preference on whether to ride Street, Park or maybe a little bit of both. Depending on what style you like to ride, your bike will be completely different than your friends. You could ride 4 pegs, 3 pegs, 2 pegs, or no pegs. You can run 100psi in your tires or maybe you only want 60. There are many different parts of a bike that can be switched around and changed to accomodate youre own unique style. For strictly street riding, their tires usually run at a very high maximum psi. They also run their bikes brakeless and run tires with a softer compound to grip the pavement. They can either run 2 pegs or no pegs. Now for the park riders (like me) we usually run a medium to high psi in our tires. We have the option to run a gyro cable (brakes that still allow us to spin the bars) or no brakes. We can run any different number of pegs and usually run tires with a much harder compound. Although these are the usual set ups for these types of riders, no one is restricted. You will meet people that run the craziest setups, but it only matters to them. No one knows what your style is or how you like to have your ride, except yourself.

Best Online BMX Shop?

Empire BMX? Albes? JR Bicycles? Danscomp? Many have their own preference on what online store has the best prices for the best equipment. Each one of these BMX outlets have their own way of selling gear and publishing up and coming events, new gear, etc. Danscomp is probably the best known worldwide, mostly due to their BMX team which consists of some of the best riders in the sport. No one can tell you where to buy from or what shop to support. In my opinion, if you have a local bike shop, they should ALWAYS come first. You always should choose to support your local business because some people around the country may not be as lucky to have a local store. It's your choice, and everyone will be happy as long as you stay on that bike!

Here are some links to some great outlets!
http://www.danscomp.com/
http://www.empirebmx.com
http://www.albes.com
http://www.jrbicycles.com

Bath Skatepark Back in Action

The Bath Skatepark closed about a year ago due to financial difficulties, but has finally reopened earlier this summer, which put a big smile on those who skateboard and ride BMX. There have been some changes to the park which upset some, but pleased many. There are NO scooters, heelies or uni-cycles allowed anymore. There are specific times when BMXers can use the park all to themselves, as well as specific times for skaters. There are also open park hours in which both skateboards and bikes are allowed in the park. For more information on the Bath Skatepark & Recreation Center, please visit their website, www.bathskatepark.com.