How do I choose the right gear ratio for my BMX drive?
Choosing the right gear ratio for your BMX drivetrain is critical because it directly affects your speed, acceleration and control. Here are some steps to choose the right gear ratio for your BMX drivetrain:
1. Understand your riding needs:
- Think about how you want to use your BMX bike. Do you want it to be primarily for stunts, tricks, and skatepark riding, or do you plan on longer rides on BMX race tracks or around town?
- BMX bikes come in different wheel sizes, such as 16 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches. The wheel size affects the gear ratio needed.
- The gear ratio of a BMX drivetrain is determined by the ratio between the front sprocket (chain sprocket) and the rear sprocket (cassette or freewheel sprocket). A smaller front sprocket and a larger rear sprocket will result in a low gear ratio, while a larger front sprocket and a smaller rear sprocket will result in a higher gear ratio.
- It can be helpful to try and adjust different gear ratios to see which one suits your riding style best. You can do this by swapping out sprockets and wheels.
- If you're unsure which gear ratio best suits your needs, feel free to contact our KHE service department or ask for advice from experienced BMX riders.
Generally speaking, a low gear ratio (more teeth in the front, less teeth in the rear) will give you better acceleration and control when doing tricks, while a higher gear ratio (less teeth in the front, more teeth in the rear) will give you higher speeds on straightaways, but will make acceleration more difficult.
So choosing the right gear ratio depends a lot on your riding style and preferences. Experiment and adjust as necessary to find the ideal gear ratio for you.