First Upgrades To A Complete BMX Bike

So, You Got A Rad New Bike. What's Next?

One of the many great parts of BMX is customizing your bike so it is unique and an extension of your personality.

The general flow of a BMX rider is to start with a complete bike, swap out a few parts to make the bike custom, then over time start making bigger upgrades, such as wheels and frame. Typically, piece by piece, the bike changes and becomes something totally different than the initial complete bike.

Here, we go over the top 5 most common initial parts riders swap out to make the bike truly their own. These are the easier and more affordable upgrades that come in a wide variety of colors.

Stock bike vs customized bike

1. Grips

Grips are the most common part riders change. They are relatively low price and can make a huge difference in the overall look of the bike. Some riders stick with black to blend in, while others go with colors to match other components or decals on the bike.

Grips can be a bit tricky to install. Click here to check out our grip installation instructions to learn our tips and tricks to make this process easy.



2. Pedals

Pedals are an easy part to swap out and, like grips, come in a wide variety of colors to make your bike stand out. While metal pedals and pedals with sealed bearings are an option, most riders use unsealed, plastic platform pedals, which are usually pretty inexpensive.

For help with pedal installation, click here.



3. Seat

Seats are a fun one to shop for because there are so many styles, patterns, and looks available. Some riders like a simple design, while others see the seat as a canvas for art and look for a really cool design. Find what fits your style.

To learn about the different style of seats, and to be sure you get the right one for your bike, click here.



4. Tires

Tires are a great upgrade for both performance and customization. Some riders like to ride a wide, grippy tire, while others like the light weight folding-bead tires. Some riders like traditional black tires, while others want to stand out with a color or pattern tire. Regardless if you upgrade tires for performance or for aesthetic, they're sure to make a big difference.

For help with proper tire installation, click here



5. Stems

The stem is what holds the handlebars on. Stems come in a variety of colors and riders often match their stem to their pedals, grips, sprockets, hubs and more for a tied together look.

For those new to BMX, installing a stem is a bit more complex than pedals or a seat. For help installing your new stem, visit our Tech Help Stem Install page here.



Ready For Some Bigger Upgrades?

Learn about some of the bigger upgrades and the advanatges of each option. Click here

Best BMX Upgrades