Introduction

BMX actually stands for bicycle motocross, and involves a lot more than riding a small bike around urban spaces wearing large trousers. Real BMX tracks are made of packed dirt and involve a series of jumps, with the aim being to beat your competitors over a set number of circuits. In freestyle BMX, performing tricks is the order of the day.

The basics

BMX bikes are fairly cheap and robust with no gears, which means it's easy enough to acquire one and get started. The biggest problem when jumping is tensing up, so it helps to keep your hands relatively loose on the handlebars (though not too loose, obviously). Focus on what's in front of you, not the next jump, and "spot your landing".

Health benefits

As with other forms of cycling, BMX biking is great for burning fat, improving balance and working on CV. It's also been suggested that cycling can help lift depression. Someone tell those moody teens.

Equipment, costs and practicalities

A decent BMX bike can be had for £150 – though it depends what you intend to use it for (a BMX bike for riding verts will have different qualities to a racing variety). A good buyer's guide is essential.

There are currently more than 30 BMX clubs in the UK. Helmets are recommended, and are compulsory for races. Long-sleeved shirts are advised for protection, as are gloves with finger padding. Elbow, knee and shoulder pads are usually reserved for races. Hoodies with American grunge bands on are optional.

Trendiness rating: 5/10

Nathan Barley has irrevocably damaged the image of BMX bikes in the UK. But watching someone land a jump well is a rare thrill.

Inside line

Jeremy Hayes, British Cycling: "BMX racing is an exciting and fun family sport for all ages. With lots of BMX facilities dotted all over the UK, it's accessible to everyone, from beginner to expert. Most young people have a BMX bike - although these may be freestyle BMX bikes which are a bit heavy, you can still get down to your local BMX track and have a great time, and possibly upgrade to a BMX race bike later.

"BMX races cater for all abilities and ages, from five to 45 plus, and are fantastic traffic-free places for the whole family to have a great day out, whether they're competing or just spectating. There is a thriving nationwide club structure - use the club finder on the British Cycling website to find your local club. Most have their own BMX track, used for club events and practice days and evenings."

Find out more

britishcycling.org.uk/bmx - the BMX section of British Cycling's website.

bmxworldchamps.co.uk - BMX World Championships website (which is currently running a project to cover a rookie biker's journey into BMX racing).

You may also like

Mountain biking, horse riding.

You might hate

Badminton, tight trousers.

Over to you

Are you a BMX rider? Help us build up this resource by sharing tips, videos, links to clubs and anything else that beginners might find useful.