Do you like the style of it but still wondering about whether are Bmx bikes good for commuting? In this article, we will share full information about it
Commuting to work can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you live in an area where you meet endless traffic and queues before getting to work. It is essential to start your day stress-free because it can affect your productivity and how you interact with your coworkers.
Many people are now seeking an alternative to these frustrating moments. Some have decided to use their bikes because they are convenient and provide an enjoyable riding experience. Seeing this might make you wonder if you can commute with your BMX bike since it is lightweight and fast, which means it can take you to any location quickly.
However, a BMX bike is unsuitable for commuting but might be good in certain cases. For instance, they are ideal for short-distance riding because they are lightweight and were built to cover short-distance miles. But they are unsuitable for long distances because they lack the features that make longer rides easy and comfortable.
For example, it has shorter seats, making it challenging to get into paddling action because you don’t have enough space for leg extension. It also has only one gear, which means you will not be able to increase your speed. You will have to put more energy into paddling to attain higher speed, which can get you weak faster, especially if you are commuting more than two miles.
Additionally, the brakes are too weak compared to most bike because it was designed to break down with the feet, making them risky for long-distance cycling.
What Are Commuter Bikes?
Commuter bike are multi-purpose bike. They are suitable for both paved and unpaved surfaces. They are durable and comfortable even for long-distance riding. Some of the features of the commuter bike include:
Fenders or mudguards
One of the major problems of biking in the rain or on a wet road is that the tires usually splash water as they roll, leaving the rider frustrated and irritated because they are battling with dirty water. However, a commuter bike always comes with fenders preventing this from happening. This is one of the advantages of commuter bikes because they let you ride comfortably even in difficult situations.
Rear or pannier racks
Another benefit of commuter bikes for long-distance riding is that they can carry loads because they have rear racks attached to the front and back frames of the bike. This enables you to transport important stuff. For example, you can attach your laptop to it, food, camping equipment, and water bottles, making riding easier and better.
Chainguard
This helps in protecting your chains. It is made of plastic wrapped around the chain, protecting it while it cycles. Asides from this, it also protects the rider by preventing them from getting trapped in the chain ring.
What Bikes Are Best for Commuting?
A commuter bike’s two main qualities are comfort and stability. As a result, several bikes fit this description. Some of them include the following:
Electric Bike
Electric bicycles are bikes with a battery-powered assist that activates when you pedal or throttle. This gives them the ability to cover many grounds. So when riding or cruising over rough terrain, you don’t need to put much effort into pedaling.
Folding Bike
Folding bike are those bicycle that folds. They are usually designed where the frames are not one piece, unlike other bike where the frames are continuous metal pieces welded together, making them unbendable. This is the major difference between a folding bike and other bikes. The frame comprises several pieces linked together with hinges and points of flexibility, meaning you can fold them into smaller parts.
This bike is perfect when you don’t plan on completing your entire journey with a bike. You can fold it and enter public transport to your destination. The downside of this bike is that it can’t handle many impacts like a road bike due to its smaller wheels, and it is not as comfortable as a full-sized bike.
Hybrid Bike
This bike combines the efficiency of road bikes with the stable handling and wide gearing of mountain bikes. They are great for long-distance cycling as well as fitness training. They are built around durable frames that offer a comfortable cycling position,
The wheels are the same size as regular or road bike, but the tires are bigger. This means you get more cushioning for smoother rides. Hybrid bike have the type of mountain bike gears. This means you have more gears, making climbing easier than BMX bike. It also offers the same brake as a mountain bike, providing more stopping power.
How Can I Modify My Bmx Bike to Make it Suitable for Commuting?
Even though they are not suitable for commuting, there are ways to make the experience much better. Keep in mind that it wouldn’t be as comfortable as commuter bike.
Raise your seats
BMX seats are very short and will always make you feel exhausted after a short while. So consider raising your seats to enable you to stretch your legs properly for pedaling. Even though it wouldn’t be as high as other bikes, it will offer a better riding experience than a standard BMX seat.
Change the seats
BMX bike seats are always made of plastic. This is because they were designed for tricks and jumps, and such activities are done while standing. But, this isn’t good for commuting because it doesn’t provide much comfort in the long run. So, you need to change your seats or add seat covers to make them softer and more comfortable during your ride.
Go for better brakes
They have little to no brakes, but this is not great for commuting. So, try to fix better brakes. Most bikes allow you to add a brake at the front and back sides of the bike. So, you can add yours wherever you want.
Add fenders
Although don’t have this feature, you can still install it. You can get fenders for your bike from a nearby bike shop. This will stop your tires from splashing water on you.
Safety Precautions to Apply When Riding a Bmx Bike to Work
Safety is a crucial part of everything we do. Whether riding a BMX bike for commuting or other purposes, you must consider your safety. Because bikes are not made like vehicles that offer inbuilt safety features like seat belts and airbags. Therefore, you should always wear your protective gear before riding a bike. These gears include the following:
- Helmet
- knee guards
- Elbow guards
- Gloves
Final Word
BMX bikes might not be the best for commuting, but they can perform better if you upgrade them. They don’t provide much comfort for long-distance cycling, which is the main difference between them and commuter bikes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them to go to work. If your home is not far from work and doesn’t include riding through rough terrain, you shouldn’t have any issues riding your BMX bike to work.
FAQs
Are Bmx Bikes Good for Off-Road Cycling?
Are Bmx Bikes Good for the Road?
Are Bmx Bikes Fast?
Bike Commuting Tips for Beginners
