How To Build Your Own BMX Bike From Scratch- Complete Guide
BMX Bikes are known for hardcore sports and aggressive riding, these bikes are a gateway to the wild side of bicycling. Although sometimes getting a complete BMX bike from the retailers can be a very expensive experience, and for that, this guide will help you build your own custom BMX bike from scratch. Since you will know and install each component yourself you will have complete power over the bike and will know how to master it without any kind of problems.
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When it comes to the bike industry, manufacturers cannot meet every single demand and trend out there, and that leaves a lot of people heartbroken. People have different demands when it comes to bikes, some want a different type of braking mechanism and some want a more comfortable saddle, most of the time keeping up with these demands can be very troublesome.
After experiencing these problems, have you ever had the thought that apart from buying a complete BMX Bike, why not build your own from scratch? A Custom-Built BMX works even better for street riding and that is a well-known fact!
Complete BMX Bikes don’t cater to a lot of people’s needs, sometimes you need a bike that is fully distinct from others.
Why Build A Custom BMX Bike?
If you want to have a really good challenge and test your skills as a BMX rider, then build a bike on your own. This is a serious challenge, and the end results are going to be very satisfactory since you will be making the bike out of love.
Being a bike rider, there are many responsibilities that we need to take care of, this includes bike maintenance and assembly. Using a normal BMX Bike that you got from the store gets outdated just in a few months if you are a seasoned rider and getting a new bike whenever this happens is definitely not the right way to go, that is why it is always recommended to build a custom BMX from the ground up if your needs vary from time to time.
Building a BMX from scratch will be the ultimate test but this is why we have made this guide for you, we will make sure that you have all that you need for the perfect bike construction. Let’s get started!
The Components Needed For BMX Bike Construction
Building a BMX Bike is going to be tricky, but that is why this guide is here. I wish I knew these things before I got started but still, glad to help out others. We have split the main components into different categories, and you need all of these components/tools to build the perfect BMX Bike for yourself!
Main Body
Here are all the components needed for the main body of the BMX:
Bearings
Here are all the components that you need for the bearings section of the BMX:
Stem, Handlebars, and Seat
Here are all the components that you need for the Stem, Handlebars, and Seat section of the BMX:
Crankset
Here are all the components that you need for the Crankset portion of the BMX:
Bearings and Axle
Here are all the components that you need for the Bearings and Axle portion of the BMX:
Pedals and Sprockets
Here are all the components that you need for the Pedals and Sprockets portion of the BMX:
Optional Tools To Get
Here are some optional tools to get:
Tools Needed For Bike Assembly
Here are the necessary tools needed for bike assembly:
STEPS TO RETURN YOUR UNUSED DK BICYCLES PRODUCT
Contact us to initiate your refund or exchange. Do not return the product without prior authorization. Please email us at info@dkbicycles.com or call 1-800-332-9237. Include your order number in email or have it ready if you call.
All returned items will be refunded the full purchase price (minus shipping) once returned to DK and inspected. Returned items can also be exchanged for store credit. Shipping costs are non-refundable. In the event that your order was placed with free shipping, your return may be subject to part or all of the shipping charges incurred by us.
All returns must be completed within 30 days of purchase. This does not mean 30 days after you opened your order. Sorry, we do not offer refunds or exchanges beyond 30 days after purchase.
Your DK product must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. We cannot issue you a refund or exchange if your return is missing parts or packaging. Clothing must not have been washed or worn.
SHIPPING
Send returns to:DK Bicycles 217-A South Pioneer Boulevard Springboro, Ohio 45066
Please write Attn: Returns on the box or label. We highly recommend that you choose a trackable shipping service for your return.
Don’t throw your bike like this guy ����
You are responsible for your own shipping costs for returning your item to DK Bicycles. If you receive a refund, the cost of shipping on the original order will be deducted from your refund. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
In all warranty cases, please contact the dealer where you purchased the product from first. Chances are that they’ll be able to help you out directly. Before you contact us, please review the warranty policy listed below.
DK Bicycles warranties the replacement of original DK Bicycles products due to defects in material and/or workmanship in accordance to conditions outlined below. All complete bikes purchased through mail order and/or over the Internet must be assembled by a qualified bicycle mechanic and accompanied by both proof of purchase and an assembly receipt (from a local bike shop) or the warranty shall be deemed void. Please support your local authorized DK Bicycles dealer.
COMPLETE BIKE FRAME/FORK LIMITED WARRANTY
DK Bicycles offers a standard 12 month warranty against manufactures defects on all steel and chromoly complete bike frames, forks, and handlebars from the original date of purchase. Aluminum complete bike frames carry a six month warranty against manufacturers defects from the original date of purchase. These limited warranties apply to the original owner with proof of purchase (receipt). Frames, forks, and handlebars must not have been altered, painted, or sandblasted. Bending or denting of frames, forks, or handlebars is excluded from this warranty. Bending is a sign of impact, rider abuse, error, or punishment and therefore is not covered under this limited warranty.
DK Bicycles offers a standard 90 day warranty on all complete bike components for defects in workmanship from the original date of purchase, backed by a one-on-one consideration for cases that fall outside of this period. This limited warranty applies to the original owner with proof of purchase (receipt). Normal wear, accident, impact, rider abuse, error, or neglect, improper assembly, and improper maintenance of parts are not covered by this warranty.
AFTERMARKET FRAME WARRANTY
DK Bicycles offers a full two-year warranty on all chromoly aftermarket frames and a six month warranty on all aluminum aftermarket frames from the original date of purchase. These warranties apply to the original owner with proof of purchase (receipt). Aftermarket frames must not have been altered, painted, or sandblasted. Bending or denting of frames, forks, or handlebars is excluded from this warranty. Bending is a sign of impact, rider abuse, error, or punishment and therefore is not covered under this limited warranty.
DK Bicycles offers a standard 90 day warranty on all aftermarket components for defects in workmanship from the original date of purchase, backed by a one-on-one consideration for cases that fall outside of this period. This limited warranty applies to the original owner with proof of purchase (receipt). Normal wear, accident, impact, rider abuse, error, or neglect, improper assembly, and improper maintenance of parts are not covered by this warranty.
How to Build a BMX Bike In 8 Easy Steps? A Complete Guide
Every component in a BMX bike will matter because they affect your performance considerably. Many bikers like to customize their bikes to achieve the most outstanding efficiency. How about you? Manufacturers can’t satisfy all of your requirements for the bike. So, you can choose to build a complete BMX by collecting and assembling components. If you plan to upgrade your experience, do not miss this post. We will show you how to build a BMX bike from scratch. Let’s read on to discover!
Building a BMX bike is challenging because you have to work with all the parts. over, once you do something wrong, the whole system will fail.
We will split the assembly process into eight steps. Please scroll down and take notes to get everything done properly.
Step 1: Gather the components
There are eight parts in a BMX bike body, each coming with numerous components as follows:
When selecting the components for your bike, please pay attention to these points:
The fork will endure a lot of stress, so you don’t want it to break on you as you’re completing a performance. Choosing a fork with the appropriate characteristics for your riding style is vital.
When buying a BMX fork, there are many different features to take into account, including Investment Cast dropouts, taper, offset, and heat-treating.
There are two main types of headset systems in a BMX bike:
- Integrated system: The bearing holder, which sits in the frame, supports the bearing ring.
- Push-in system: With the bearing sitting above the frame instead of into it, a push-in method secures the headset bearings.
Most riders prefer the integrated system because it gives a high-quality solution at an affordable price, and the design is more appealing
BMX cranks usually have a 3-piece structure with two crank arms and one spindle. Some of them come in 2- or 2.5-piece designs. The 2-piece design is easier to install, but sometimes you can’t use Spline Drive sprockets with it.
The regular BMX chain is available in full-size and half-link types in a 1/8-inch size. Riders have opposing ideas about the superior option between these two, so it depends on your personal preference to opt for the better.
Step 2: Build the frame
Fork and frame together make up the overall structure of your BMX bike. Make sure to invest in a solid frame if you want your bike to last for a long time.
A frame could give a BMX bike a completely different experience from another one because of the various geometry and dimensions involved.
If you are confident or have experience in bike assembly, you can weld the bike frame tubes on your own. Alternatively, you might take it to a mechanic and have him handle the fitting.
No matter which method you choose, consider the following three things when building the frame:
BMX frame types
Your choice of BMX frame depends on the riding style you perform. Here are the three main options:
Is It Better To Build Or Buy A BMX Bike?
You can build or buy your bike. The two options are different in the cost you pay and your experiences.
Generally, buying a complete BMX bike is better for beginners, whereas seasoned riders like to build and customize their bikes.
Cost
It may be more cost-effective to buy a complete BMX bike from the store rather than build one. BMX bikes often cost between 300 and 450,500, and in some situations, they can come at a high price tag.
On the other hand, if you want to construct a BMX bike, you will need a budget of 450,000 to 5000,000 on average. Finding the right components for your bike is essential.
You may be lucky enough to find secondhand products in great condition. Constructing your own BMX bike out of old parts is not a terrible idea unless the parts get broken.
Experience
It is challenging to make your own BMX, but the outcome will be well worth the work. Everything about the bike is precisely how you want it to be when you gather the components.
However, this factor depends on your skill level as well. Investing in a store-bought BMX bike will be a better idea if you are a newcomer. You don’t have to pay much for your first bike.
Besides, beginners don’t have enough knowledge of bike assembly. You will ruin the structure. What’s worse, the bike can’t perform as you expect, causing problems and even accidents.
On the contrary, if you are a professional, customizing your bike will give you a fantastic experience. You know what you need for your bike and choose the right component to satisfy your needs.
Tips For Building A BMX Bike To Make It Faster
You can build your BMX correctly following our instructions. But you will need more than that to bring out the best of the structure.
These tips will help you make your bike faster and conquer more challenges.
Lubricate the chains
Regular maintenance is essential for the bike chain. After installing all the components, don’t forget to lubricate the chain with the right bike lubricants.
Once you have a properly-oiled bike chain, you will achieve two things:
- First, your BMX bike can run smoothly and help you reach high speeds.
- Second, lubrication will prevent debris accumulation in the chain, extending its lifespan.
Check the gears
A well-maintained BMX bike may work efficiently for stunt driving and racing. Adjusting your gears is crucial for this efficient biking.
You can learn how to shift the gears on your BMX bike by yourself, even though it may seem like a complicated job.
Otherwise, rely on an expert to adjust them if you don’t want to deal with the difficulty. Usually, the cost is not very expensive.
Adjust the brakes
It can seem confusing to need to correctly adjust a BMX bike’s brakes to improve your speed. But you can take slopes and curves more smoothly if you properly set the brakes.
Drop the front
Your BMX bike’s model and maker greatly affect its speed. It does not exclude you from taking action, though.
Physics, or more specifically aerodynamics, suggests that lowering the front end of a BMX bike can aid in maintaining speed.
You can find it hard to handle your bike sometimes since the speed shift after lowering the front end is so substantial. But removing one of the spacers and adapting to the new position may prevent injuries and accidents.
Adjust the saddle height
If you are a seasoned rider, you will know what saddle height feels right for you. If you are a beginner, adjusting the saddle for comfort and speed will be vital.
Sometimes, you need a properly positioned bike saddle for a comfortable ride.
You can get the best with the least effort. For your feet to easily reach the paddles, set them around 10cm lower than the inseam.
BMX BIKE BUILD
This video will show you more hacks and tricks to upgrade your bike. Please check for your bike to perform at its best:
FAQs
Why do some BMX bikes have no brakes?
A brake cable may get in your way and potentially cause an accident if you try to execute bar spins or turn your bike. Removing the brakes will also make it easier for you to grab the bike’s handlebars after doing the trick.
Furthermore, BMX riders don’t often rely as heavily on stopping ability as riders of other bikes. Since they are not moving very fast, they don’t require powerful brakes to slow them down.
Is it easy to build a BMX?
No. The bike has many components, each affecting your performance and safety. over, it takes time to build a BMX entirely and correctly.
Nevertheless, professional BMX riders like to build their bikes because it allows them to customize their constructions. It’s a kind of satisfaction.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a BMX bike?
Building a BMX bike costs more because you have to collect multiple components and ensure they are compatible.
Often, you need 450,000 to 5000,000 to build a BMX bike on your own. But if you buy one, it will cost you about 300 to 450,500.
What are BMX bikes made of?
The most popular materials used to build BMX bikes are Chromoly steel and aluminum. The steel is heavier and more cost-effective. Meanwhile, aluminum is more lightweight and easier to shape.
What sprocket size is best for BMX?
48T (teeth) sprockets were once prevalent on BMX bikes, but they are no longer the standard. Nowadays, the most common sizes are 25T and 28T sprockets with 23,7mm bore.
How to Choose Bike Parts
If this is your first time building a bike, the sheer quantity of BMX parts available and how to choose the correct type, material, and price point may be overwhelming.
BMX Bike Frame
The bike frame, like the rest of the bike’s skeleton, is possibly the most important component. It also happens to be the bike’s biggest component.
BMX bikes come in a variety of shapes and sizes since geometry and size have a direct impact on the bike’s performance. When it comes to BMX bikes, you must decide if you want to build a freestyle or a race bike, as the two have different geometry.
The top tube length, standover height, chainstay length, and bottom bracket height, as well as the angle of the head tube and seat tube, must all be taken into account while designing the frame. Depending on your personal tastes and body type, take into account whether you’ll be skating on the street, on-ramps, on trails, or on flatland. The weight and material of the frame, as well as the angles of these various points, can all have an impact.
Aluminum, Chromoly, Hi-ten steel, and carbon fiber are among the frame materials that can be used. Lightweight materials like aluminum (which is less expensive) and carbon fiber are perfect for BMX racing because it requires speed (strong and more expensive). Steels such as Chromoly (more expensive) and Hi-ten steel are ideal for freestyle and jumps (cheaper).
BMX Fork
Because it absorbs the majority of the impact during landings and leaps, the fork is intrinsically related to. A fork with Investment Cast dropouts, offset, taper, and butting of tubing, as well as heat treatment, is available. You can save money by using a stronger material for the fork than the rest of the bike.
BMX Stem
The weight distribution of the bike is affected by the stem, which differs depending on whether you’re doing BMX racing or BMX freestyle. You must choose between a top-loading, front-loading, or drop-down stem. It might be heavy and powerful, or it can be light and swift.
The overall feel of the bike is also affected by the reach rise and stack height. A top load stem with taller bars is preferred by many riders. You should also take your height and arm length into consideration, as well as try on several styles to see which you prefer. Because a BMX stem will be under a lot of weight and pressure, it’s best to avoid stems with a lot of cuts and machining.
In a grassy setting, a close-up of a grey road bike.
BMX Handlebars
Bike handlebars are a great place to start if you’ve never done any DIY before. Changing the handlebars on a BMX bike is a fun option because you can play with different sizes, shapes, colors, and features. They come in two or four-piece sets.
BMX Headset
A sealed integrated head tube and sealed integrated headset might make all the difference when it comes to modernizing your bike. You can have a standard head tube with loose ball bearings and forced-in headset cups. On BMX bikes, the head tube and headset are typically combined.
The good news is that it’s simple to install, and if properly maintained, the sealed bearings should last a long time. Dust caps are available in a range of shapes and sizes to assist close gaps and improve aesthetics.
BMX Bike Pedals
The exciting part is about to begin. Changing the shape, grip, and color of your pedals is a quick and easy method to personalize your bike without making a significant difference. BMX pedals can be made of plastic/polycarbonate (PC), nylon blend, or metal, such as 6065 or 7075 aluminum.
There are additional options for sealed and unsealed pedals, as well as different bearing types. Of course, plastic is the cheapest because it wears out faster, but it also hurts less when your shins hit it! Plastic bearings and bushings are frequently not sealed to save money.
The best option for grip is metal pedals. They’re also more durable and endure longer. Some pedals contain replaceable pins, allowing you to avoid replacing the complete pedal. There are two types of bearings: unsealed bearings, which are less expensive, and sealed bearings, which are more costly.
Plastic pedals offer the best of both worlds because they are lighter and less expensive, as well as have interchangeable metal pins to extend their life.
Pegs and Grips for BMX Bike
If you have a BMX bike but haven’t thought about updating the grips, you’re missing out. BMX grips come in a variety of styles, including flanged and flangeless, as well as different designs, lengths, and rubber options, as well as different colors. Aluminum metal pegs, as well as plastic pegs with a steel core and nylon composite sleeves, are available.
BMX Seat and a Seatpost
The four main styles of chairs are pivotal, tripod, railed, and combination. A traditional pivotal with a bolt running through the top or a stealth pivotal with the bolt running through the bottom for a more streamlined look are both available. Pivotal is more adjustable because of its multiple teeth, allowing you to angle it to your desire.
Conclusion
Rather than buying a whole bike from a local bike store, consider building one yourself. From the back wheel to the pivotal seats, you’ll have complete control over the bike. You’ll have the option of reducing rolling resistance, pedaling backward, or using the front brakes.
A complete BMX will contain pegs for stunt maneuvers. If your current bike isn’t cutting it, consider building your own. You also have influence over the bike’s production costs because you may pick whether to change it piece by piece or build it from the ground up.
True, buying a bike from a shop is far more convenient, but all riders can profit from using their DIY skills.
Step 12: Finishing Touches
Almost there now, just got handlebar tape and decals remaining.
Handlebar tape can be bought in all sorts of different colours and patterns (including things like camo), but I chose some basic black tape to match my colour scheme. The tape I bought is foamy, rather than simple tape, for comfort, and has an adhesive strip on the back. Applying the bar tape needs to be done in a specific way, so I’d recommend watching a few of the good videos of the subject on YouTube before you try it, as that’s probably easier to understand than my explanation:
Apply the tape from the end of the handlebars, heading inwards. For the lower bit of the drop handlebars, applying the tape clockwise for the right-hand side, and anti-clockwise for the left-hand. Leave some overlapping the end of the bar, as you’ll use this to tuck into the tube end as you push in the stops that presumably came with your handlebar tape. Wind around the handle now, and when you reach the brake lever assembly, do a loop around the brake handle housing, so that the direction of the rotation of the tape around the handlebars is now reversed. For the top horizontal section you’ll want to twist it towards the rider over the top of the handlebars. Reach where you want to stop, then trim it to a straight edge, and finish with the ‘finishing tape’ that will have come with your handlebar tape. I strongly recommend the foam tape, it’s much more pleasant on the hands when riding hard than a thin tape! Lastly, use a mallet to gently tap in the end stops on each bar, this will hold the tape in place, as it traps the ends.
The last opportunity to personalise your bicycle is the stickers/decals. There are a huge variety available, so you can really customise it to your taste, or even get some custom ones printed if you want to apply your own motifs or artwork. I found someone selling reproductions of the original 1980s Puch Alpine decals, so I applied these to my frame, and was very happy with the result! Don’t forget to clean and de-grease your frame where you’re applying decals, it makes a big difference.
Step 13: Conclusions
Here are some things that were on my mind at the end of this project:
- After spending weeks on it, I am now much more attached to this bicycle than I would be to a bike I had just simply bought, which makes me feel motivated to go for many more rides. Indeed, as my first road bike, I’m really looking forwards to taking it out often.
- It would have been possible to purchase a half-decent second-hand bicycle for less money than I spent on this project in total. This was because I ended up replacing much more than I had anticipated, which cost money. My suggestion would be therefore to consider very carefully the second-hand bike you want to buy, to make sure you don’t buy one that will cause you more work than you can handle!
- However, I really very much enjoyed the restoration, and would like to do another project like this again. Really made me appreciate the effort that goes into restoring classic cars and the like, as that’s hundreds of times more challenging than a bicycle, and this proved to be quite a lot of hard work!
- The only thing I would do differently next time would be to apply a lacquer coat after the painting was complete, this would help protect the paint in the long-term.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this Instructable and feel motivated to get cycling! Restoring an old bicycle like this can be very enjoyable and satisfying, and by restoring an old bike you’re not only helping the environment, you’re putting pretty old bicycles back on the road to be enjoyed once again.
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Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Man i love Puch. You did not only gave it another life breath on its dying bed, but restored its origin. Honour where credit is due. Excellent work my friend
Looks great! You might want to shorten the rear brake cable quite a bit; looks fine in the front but you want it close as possible to the frame in the back. This will make the brakes feel better as well as probably making the housing and cable last longer.