Guide on Choosing the Right BMX Pegs

BMX bikes have become incredibly popular in the last few decades. They are an incredible sport, and an overall fun activity to do, so it’s no wonder that a lot of people have started adding optional gear to boost their performance. One of the most popular types of BMX gear is pegs. Pegs are often considered useless dead weight for most types of bikes, but BMX pegs are an entirely different matter.

They are designed to improve performing stunts, which is the basic utility of these BMX stunt pegs. They can vastly expand the number of tricks you’re able to perform, but they can also increase the potential for injury. That’s why you should always opt for wearing all of the must-have safety gear for BMX bikes. Before you start looking for BMX pegs for sale, there are a few things you should know about.

What do BMX Pegs Do

As previously mentioned, pegs increase the number of tricks you can do, but it’s not as simple as that. They are designed so that the riders can place their weight over the center of the wheel, which provides a much more stable platform than the pedals. This results in riders having significantly more control over the bike when performing tricks. That’s another great reason to use BMX stunt pegs, as you’ll most likely use them to grind on surfaces such as rails, benches, or curbs, and you’ll need all the help in balance you can get.

Features and Style

It’s important to note that as a feature, BMX bike pegs are completely optional. That’s because not all BMXs are made for performing tricks. A lot of people use them for racing, for instance. BMXs with pegs attached to them are absolutely going to slow you down when racing, which is why they’re not used in racing competitions. However, that all changes when you’re doing tricks, which is what BMX stunt pegs are made for.

It’s also important to note that not all stylistic choices are purely stylistic, which is especially true for the paint and décor used on the pegs. There are different types of paint and décor that can be applied, and some will alter the speed and intensity of the grind. Meaning sometimes you might get smoother grinds, and sometimes harder, but longer ones. That entirely depends on your personal preference, so make sure you understand exactly what type of paint and décor you’re using.

Choosing the Right Pegs

There are a few things to consider when you’re looking at BMX pegs for sale, including the style of riding and skill level. Most notably, if you’re a beginner or not.

Beginner

Beginners are often best suited with one pair of pegs, usually metal ones. That’s because you’re still learning the ropes, and you’re probably going to grind on the same side as your dominant foot. A single pair will allow you to easily land and take off with your dominant foot, and the metal will allow you to grind a little bit longer.

Street

Most BMX freestylers tend to ride street, as that is the old school style of BMXing. There’s a common misunderstanding that you have to use metal pegs, but plastic pegs can work just as well. However, if you prefer to hear the clang when you land on a surface, then you might want to use Chromoly pegs.

Park

If you’re riding in the park, which is usually mostly wood, then metal pegs would be a poor choice. You’d destroy most of the surfaces you’re performing tricks on, and you also run the risk of injuring yourself. That’s why the vast majority of riders who do tricks in parks prefer to use plastic pegs.

Flatland

The idea behind using pegs on flatland isn’t to grind but to support and balance the rider. As you won’t hit any ledges, but you’ll still need flexibility and lighter weight, the ideal type of pegs would be aluminium ones. Just make sure you get longer pegs, as they’re also a bit wider, which means you’ll have a bit more legroom to support yourself. A wider area will provide better support for your feet, which is paramount for performing tricks on a flatland as you won’t be doing any grinding.

Materials of Pegs

The materials can make a world of difference when it comes to pegs. Plastic pegs are ideal for sliding on most surfaces. They might not provide the clang a lot of BMXers want to hear, but they will allow for plenty of options for grinding on unwaxed surfaces once the plastic wears off.

Chromoly is the most popular material for freestyle BMXing, as it’s great for riding street, meaning it will be able to withstand a lot of abuse. They also last much longer than aluminium ones, and they often provide a better feel for sliding than plastic ones.

Aluminium pegs are a good middle ground for performing tricks, but not as ideal in the park or on the street. However, they are absolutely ideal for performing on the flatland, as it’ll do wonders when it comes to balancing the rider. Beware though, as aluminium pegs tend to bend or break quicker than other pegs if you’re riding anything else than flatland.

Tips for Using the Pegs

One of the best tips for using the pegs properly is to grind on both sides, even as a beginner. That’s because you’ll need to not only improve your trick game but also feel more comfortable with your BMX in general. Try not to grind on one side exclusively, because once you get used to only one, then you’ll have issues doing more specific tricks. Try to get hub guards if you can, as they’ll make the grinds much smoother, especially if you’re using Chromoly pegs. They also prevent you from landing on your driver and spokes. Additionally, make sure to apply wax on all surfaces you’re going to grind, and don’t rotate your metal pegs if you want your sliding to be great. BMX pegs, while optional, are a great accessory to add to a BMX. They are essential for performing tricks, and there are a lot of tricks to perform.