BMX KNOWLEDGE FROM RIDERS
BMX Steering Explained
Your BMX front end is made up of several parts that all need to work together correctly ā mainly the forks, headset, stem, handlebars and grips.
There are also important compatibility differences including fork wheel size, dropout size, fork offset, headset type, crown race, compression cap and regular or oversized handlebar and stem clamps.
This guide explains the main differences and what to check before ordering new BMX steering parts.
BMX Steering Quick Guide
Fork offset: A steeper offset makes the front end quicker and more responsive, while a more mellow offset gives a more stable feel.
10mm dropouts: The most common dropout size on modern freestyle BMX forks.
Integrated headset: Bearings sit directly into bearing seats built into the frame's head tube.
Non-integrated headset: Uses separate headset cups fitted into the frame.
Tapered headset: Uses a larger lower headset bearing than the upper and is found on some BMX, dirt jump and MTB-style frames.
Regular bars/stem: Standard 22.2mm BMX handlebar clamp.
OS bars/stem: Oversized 25.4mm clamp ā the bar and stem need to match.
BMX Forks
BMX forks have a major effect on the strength, handling and feel of the front end. Most modern freestyle BMX forks use a 1 1/8" threadless steerer and chromoly construction, while BMX race forks can also use aluminium or carbon.
Before buying forks, check the wheel size, steerer and headset compatibility, dropout size, offset, tyre clearance and whether you need brake mounts.
BMX forks are available for different wheel sizes including 16", 18", 20", 22", 24" and 26", so always check that the fork is designed for the wheel size you're running.
Fork Offset
Fork offset has a noticeable effect on how the front end of a BMX feels.
A steeper offset, such as 15mm, makes the front end quicker and more responsive. Steeper forks are popular for technical street riding, nose manuals and other front-wheel tricks.
A more mellow offset, such as 32mm, gives a more stable and traditional BMX feel. Around 32mm is a common standard offset and is particularly well suited to trails and riders who prefer a less twitchy front end.
There are plenty of offsets between the two, so the right choice depends on your riding style and how you want the front end to feel.
Fork Crown Races
The crown race is the surface that the lower headset bearing sits against at the bottom of the fork steerer.
Many modern BMX forks have an integrated crown race machined into the fork, meaning the lower headset bearing sits directly onto it and no separate crown race is required.
Other forks use a separate crown race which needs to be fitted onto the fork before installation.
This is important when changing forks. If your old fork uses a separate crown race but your new fork has an integrated crown race, you normally won't transfer the old race across. If the new fork requires a separate crown race, make sure the correct one is fitted.
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Compression Caps & Fork Top Caps
The compression cap, also commonly called a fork top cap, threads into the top of a modern BMX fork and is used to preload the headset bearings before the stem is fully tightened.
Fork top caps aren't all the same. Different fork manufacturers and models use different thread diameters and pitches, so a compression cap from one fork may not fit another.
For example, M24 is used on a number of modern BMX forks, while other sizes and manufacturer-specific designs are also available. Always match a replacement compression cap to the fork rather than assuming they're universal.
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Fork Dropout Sizes
The fork dropouts need to be compatible with the axle used by your front hub.
10mm dropouts are the most common on modern freestyle BMX forks and work with the majority of modern BMX front hubs.
14mm dropouts are also found on some BMX forks and older or heavier-duty setups. There are also specialist forks using different axle systems, including thru-axle designs.
Don't assume a front wheel will fit a new fork just because the wheel diameter is correct ā always check the axle and dropout size too.
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Fork Brake Mounts
Many modern freestyle BMX forks are completely brakeless, while others are available with brake mounts.
If you're planning to run a front brake, check that the fork has the correct mounting system for the brake you intend to use. A brakeless fork won't normally allow you to simply add a front brake later.
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Fork Tyre Clearance
Modern BMX tyres can be pretty wide, so tyre clearance is worth checking ā particularly if you're running a larger front tyre.
Fork design, wheel size and tyre width all affect clearance. Check the fork specifications or manufacturer's recommended maximum tyre size if you're unsure.
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BMX Fork Warranties
Warranty can be worth considering when choosing a new set of BMX forks. Some premium aftermarket forks are backed by lifetime or limited lifetime manufacturer warranties.
Brands such as Odyssey and Ćclat offer lifetime or limited lifetime cover on qualifying aftermarket forks, while warranty terms vary between other brands and models.
Always check the individual fork's product information and current manufacturer warranty terms to see exactly what is covered.
BMX Handlebars
BMX handlebars have a big effect on how the bike feels. The main measurements to compare are handlebar size, width, backsweep and upsweep.
Modern freestyle bars are commonly available in 2-piece or 4-piece construction. Both can be strong, high-quality options, so the choice often comes down to the look and feel you prefer.
Chromoly is the most common material for freestyle BMX handlebars. BMX race bikes can also use lightweight aluminium and carbon handlebars, while some specialist aftermarket bars are made from other materials.
Waller BMX carries a huge range of handlebars, and our Handlebar collection can be filtered by Handlebar Size, Backsweep and Upsweep to help narrow down the right bars.
Handlebar Size
Handlebar size refers to the height of the bars and is normally quoted in inches ā for example 8.5", 9", 9.5" or 10".
Taller bars raise your hand position and make the front end feel taller. Lower bars put your hands lower and can suit smaller riders, race setups or riders who simply prefer a lower front end.
There's no single correct handlebar size. Rider height, bike geometry and personal preference all play a part.
Use the Handlebar Size filter in our Handlebar collection to quickly narrow the range down to the sizes you're looking for.
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Backsweep & Upsweep
Backsweep is how much the grip section of the handlebars angles backwards towards the rider when viewed from above.
Upsweep is how much the grip section angles upwards when viewed from the front.
Even small changes in backsweep or upsweep can make bars feel noticeably different at the wrists. Neither is automatically better ā it comes down to comfort and the position you prefer.
If you already know what you like, use the Backsweep and Upsweep filters in our Handlebar collection to narrow down your options.
Regular & OS BMX Bars
One of the most important compatibility checks when buying BMX bars or a stem is the handlebar clamp size.
Regular BMX handlebars use a 22.2mm clamp. Oversized or OS BMX bars use a 25.4mm clamp.
The bars and stem need to match. A 25.4mm OS handlebar needs a compatible OS stem, while a regular 22.2mm BMX bar needs a regular 22.2mm stem.
Always check the clamp size in the product specification before mixing bars and stems.
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BMX Stems
The stem clamps the handlebars to the fork steerer. The main things to consider are top load or front load, stem reach and handlebar clamp size.
Top load stems clamp the bars from above and are extremely common on modern freestyle BMX bikes. Front load stems clamp the bars from the front and generally position the bars lower.
Stem reach is the distance from the centre of the fork steerer to the centre of the handlebar clamp. You'll commonly see BMX stems with measurements around 48mm, 50mm or 52mm, although other reaches are available.
A shorter or longer stem reach changes the position of the bars and can alter how roomy and responsive the front end feels.
Most importantly, check whether you're using regular 22.2mm or OS 25.4mm handlebars and choose the corresponding stem.
BMX Headsets
The headset contains the bearings that allow the forks and bars to turn smoothly inside the frame's head tube.
Most modern freestyle BMX frames use an integrated headset, but you'll also find non-integrated headsets and tapered headsets depending on the frame and bike.
The important thing is to identify what the frame is designed to accept before ordering a headset.
Integrated Headsets
An integrated headset doesn't use separate pressed-in headset cups. Instead, the frame's head tube has the bearing seats built directly into it and the headset bearings sit inside these seats.
This is the standard system found on the majority of modern freestyle BMX frames.
Non-Integrated Headsets
A non-integrated headset uses separate headset cups that fit into the frame's head tube.
These are commonly found on older BMX frames and some other bikes. The frame determines which headset system you need ā an integrated headset can't simply replace a non-integrated headset unless the frame is designed for it.
Tapered Headsets
A tapered headset uses a larger lower headset bearing than the upper bearing. You'll see this on some modern BMX-inspired, dirt jump and MTB-style frames, including frames such as the Root Industries FOUR V2.
A tapered frame doesn't necessarily mean you're limited to one type of fork steerer. Depending on the frame and headset, it may be possible to run a straight 1 1/8" fork using the appropriate lower crown race or reducer arrangement.
If you're changing between a tapered and straight fork setup, check the frame, headset, lower bearing and crown race combination rather than assuming your existing parts will all transfer across.
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Headset Compression & Spacers
A threadless BMX headset needs the correct compression before the stem is tightened onto the fork steerer.
The compression cap or fork top cap pulls the front-end assembly together to remove play from the headset bearings. Once the headset is correctly adjusted and turns smoothly without play, the stem bolts secure the stem to the fork steerer.
Headset spacers can be used to position the stem at the correct height and make sure there's enough room for the compression cap to preload the headset correctly.
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BMX Grips & Bar Ends
BMX grips come in different patterns, compounds, diameters and lengths, and changing grips can make a surprisingly big difference to how the bars feel.
Some riders prefer a soft, longer grip while others prefer something thinner or firmer. Flanged and flangeless grips are both common.
Bar ends should always be fitted. They close off the open end of the handlebars and help protect the rider from the exposed end of the bar in a crash.
They're also required at some indoor skateparks, BMX tracks and race clubs, where you may not be allowed to ride with open-ended handlebars.
If you lose or damage a bar end, they're cheap and easy to replace ā don't leave the end of the bar open.
Shop BMX Steering Parts
Shop BMX forks, handlebars, stems, headsets, grips, bar ends and front-end spares. Check the compatibility information above or contact Waller BMX if you're unsure which parts will work together.