|
Getting started
Safety
and BMX
Spills are always
possible and can happen during a race or even whilst practicing.
Although injuries can happen to any rider, by observing all
safety requirements these injuries can be kept to a minimum.
Safety gear is a requirement for any rider at all club and open
day events. Gates and practice sessions, coaching clinics and
club meetings as well as all sanctioned open meetings require
the rider to observe the safety requirements that are set out in
their ABMXA rule book.
All State accredited Coaches must have a current first aid
certificate Clubs will have accredited first aid people in
attendance at Club meetings, Coaching Sessions and Open Days.
The following is a list
of recommended safety gear. Basically all skin should be
covered, so this means long pants, socks that cover the ankles,
long sleeves, gloves and a full faced helmet. (Tear resistant
shorts worn with ridged knee and shin guards are permitted in
place of long pants)
Racing Pants – Light weight Moto -X racing
pants are usually made from nylon or sail cloth materials as
these are more difficult to tear. Padding is inserted into the
knee and hip areas. Tracksuit pants or jeans are also suitable
but do not afford the same protection.
Racing jersey - A racing jersey is essentially
a long sleeved shirt, some have padding sown into the elbows.
Gloves - Most riders use Moto-X gloves as these
provide the best protection. They must cover the entire hand.
Shoes - Any flat soled tennis-style shoe or
runner will provide the necessary adhesion to the pedals. Some
riders will have clipless shoes and pedals but these are not
recommended for beginners
Socks - As a minimum requirement, rider must
wear socks that cover the ankles.
Helmet - A BMX helmet is very similar in design
to a Moto-X helmet, but is constructed of light-weight
materials. Full face helmets of a one-piece construction.
Race Worthy Bike A race worthy bike is a necessity and
is a bike where:
1. The frame and forks are not cracked, broken or distorted, are
the correct size and in good condition.
2. Wheels are no larger than the maximum diameter of 53.3mm
3. Tyres are properly inflated and have no splits or separations
4. Chain and bearings are oiled/greased and effectively
tensioned
5. The axle does not extend more than 6mm beyond the axle nut
6. There is ample padding to cover stem, handlebars and the
frame (optional)
7. Brakes operate effectively and lock the back wheel
8. Pedals have effective grip
9. Handlebars are no wider that the maximum allowable width of
735mm
Thinking of getting into
BMX and not sure of how much to spend on getting kitted out?
This is an approximate guide of what you might expect to pay at
your local bike shop for a new kit:
Complete, race ready
bike $500.00
Race Pants $120.00
Jersey $ 45.00
Gloves $ 25.00
BMX Full Face Helmet $150.00
Total $840.00
Most clubs will have
second hand bikes for sale ranging from $150.00. You can wear
jeans or track suit pants and a long sleeved top until you can
afford a jersey and race pants set. Some clubs will have Club
jerseys for sale. Any type of gloves that cover the hand and all
fingers are okay.
The helmet is a very important purchase; it is there to protect
your most valuable asset, your head! It should fit properly so
there is little or no movement when shaking head. Don’t want it
to slip forward over your eyes while you are riding! It should
be lightweight and not have any cracks. Motor bike helmets are
okay but you will find they are bigger, sometimes heavier and
not as sleek in design as the BMX ones.
|
