BMX biking is a popular sport that covers many aspects of cycling, such as street, park, dirt, and flatland riding. While I often talk about the different BMX styles, I rarely discuss flatland riding, due to its impact on the brand and the scoring system. However, a question from one of my fans prompted me to create a video and write a blog post specifically about flatland BMX biking. In this post, I will give you a comprehensive guide on what parts to look for in a flatland BMX bike, and why these parts are crucial to your riding experience.
First and foremost, the geometry of a flatland BMX bike is essential to consider. The Colony Apprentice
is a complete bike designed specifically for flatland riding, and it’s a great option for those who want a flatland bike straight out of the box. However, if you’re looking for more customization options, you need to keep an eye on the following parts:
- Low standover height: This allows you to jump around the frame with ease, without having to worry about the top tube getting in your way.
- Gyro: Flatland riding involves spinning and doing maneuvers that cause the brakes to tangle, so a gyro is essential to keep them in check.
- Seat height: While seat height matters to a certain extent, it’s not as critical as the other parts mentioned above.
- Pegs: You need to stand on something to perform your flatland tricks, so pegs are an important part of a flatland bike.
- Front brakes: Front brakes play a crucial role in helping you perform your flatland tricks, so they need to be sturdy and reliable.
In terms of the geometry, you want to look for a bike with zero offset forks, which makes the bike more responsive and easier to pop into a nose manual. A short chain stay and a responsive head tube angle are also important factors to consider. The Colony Apprentice is perfect for flatland, however, it’s also quite expensive, with a 700-dollar price tag. If you can’t afford such a high price, you can always opt for a cheaper bike and make modifications to it to make it more suitable for flatland riding.
The last tip for flatland is to have proper shoes for riding. When you’re doing flatland tricks on the bike, you need to ensure that your feet stay on the pegs/pedals. There are many options that could be a good fit for your feet on the flatland bike, but I would go with Etnies. Check out different Etnies options here. These shoes are light and durable.
In conclusion, flatland BMX biking is a unique and challenging aspect of BMX riding that requires specific parts and geometry to perform at its best. Whether you choose a complete bike like the Colony Apprentice or opt for a cheaper option and make modifications to it, make sure you consider the factors mentioned in this post to get the best flatland BMX bike for your riding needs.
