Get to know Van Homan through this in-depth profile and collection of his best BMX videos. I’m a fan of Van since FOREVER! I still remember the impact Van’s Criminal Mischief part had on me and my riding. That video as a whole was on an entirely different level, but then Homan’s part came and blew us all away. That thing’s from 2001, and even to this day, it will stay an inspiration to many BMX riders, young and old. Van was born on November 21, 1979, in New Jersey. His career as a BMX rider started racing, but he later transitioned to dirt and street riding. Eventually, Van became an all ..read more

Do you also want to know what’s the best BMX frame material? The answer is simple: Chromoly! But let’s dig deeper. Your bike frame should take A TON of beating. Thus, you don’t want to choose a material that could bend and break – at least not easily. When it comes to BMX frames, there are mainly two big players: chromoly and high-tensile steel. Both have their fans, but let’s be real, not all materials are created equal. Here’s the scoop: Chromoly has an epic strength-to-weight ratio, making it tough as nails without weighing you down. Plus, it’s durable and performs like a champ, making it t ..read more

Are you trying to find out if BMX tire direction actually matters? In short, yes, it does. The setup of your BMX, especially your tires, plays a massive role in how well you perform and enjoy the ride. Hey, you don’t want to wear your shoes on the wrong feet or reverse, right? You see, tire direction affects how your bike handles different surfaces, in corners, etc. It’s about grip, control, and ensuring you don’t slip when you’re about to pull off something awesome. And honestly, who wouldn’t want their bike to perform at its best when trying to pull a trick? Let’s roll! Can You Put A BMX Tir ..read more

Do you also wonder how long a BMX bike lasts? It’s super important to get the scoop on BMX bike longevity. Knowing the lifespan of your BMX isn’t just about determining when you’ll need a new ride. It’s way more than that. It’s about getting the most bang for your buck, planning for upgrades, and avoiding any unexpected breakdowns that could ruin your day or lead to injuries. By knowing how long your BMX is likely to last, you can make smarter choices, like when to invest in a better model or replace parts before they give out during a trick. Plus, it helps you set aside a budget for maintenan ..read more

Are you trying to figure out what’s the difference between male and female BMX axles and hubs? Is one version better than the other? I have been questioning this same question for a long time. And now, after many years of testing, I have the answers you’re looking for. But for those who don’t feel like riding the whole article, here’s what I recommend: Put a female hub in the front And put a male hub in the back And for those who aren’t familiar with the terms: Female axle/hub: Has a center axle with two bolts on each side. Male axle/hub: Essentially a straight rod that goes through the hub ..read more

Is it really that important how you install a BMX half link chain? Yes and no, depending on the chain you get. When I received the first Shadow Conspiracy Interlock chain well over ten years ago, I triple-checked how to install it. So, if you’re wondering if half link BMX chains are directional, they actually are. However, not all of them. For instance, Odyssey’s Bluebird half link chain works both ways, so there’s no right or wrong way to put it on. But if you get the Shadow’s Interlock chain, I don’t recommend you ride it “backwards.” Note: You might also be interested in my collection of th ..read more

So, are you also struggling with your back foot hitting your peg? I know I was, but NOT anymore. This issue was almost none existent back in the day. Why? Because the frames’ chainstay lengths were way longer than they are today. I remember riding all four pegs many years ago, but I later switched to three pegs because of the annoyance of bumping my back foot on the peg. However, I wanted to bring the fourth peg back because of all the endless possibilities it unlocks. This made me investigate further, studying pros and reading on forums to see how to fix the issue. Luckily, I found the soluti ..read more

Someone recently came to me asking what’s the ideal BMX bar angle. It’s a lengthy answer, so I decided to create an article around it to help all the other BMX riders worldwide. However, what works for most is: A bar aligned/in-line with forks. Customizing your BMX setup is crucial for optimizing performance, comfort, and control. And the bar angle stands out as a key factor that directly impacts your riding experience. The quest for the “ideal” bar angle is highly subjective and varies from one rider to another. This variation is due to differences in BMX riding style, physical build and pers ..read more

Can the 5-degree difference in BMX head tube angle (75° vs. 75.5°) really make that big difference? In short: YES! Understanding the nuances of BMX bike geometry isn’t just technical jargon – it’s the key to unlocking peak performance and joy on two wheels. The frame head tube (HT) angle determines how your fork and wheel connect to the rest of the bike. It influences everything from how sharply you can turn to how well you can maintain control at high speeds or during intricate tricks. And yes, a half-degree difference might sound trivial, but in BMX, it completely changes how your bike feels ..read more

Do you also wonder the real difference between short vs. long BMX chainstay lenght? Is one better than the other? It depends. Every BMX rider knows that the key to a great session lies in skill and the fine details of their bike setup. Some of us are more geeky about it than others, but that’s perfectly fine. The chainstay length is a crucial detail to your bike’s feel and performance. So, what exactly is a chainstay (CS)? In simple terms, it’s the part of your bike frame that runs from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of rear hub. It might not sound like much, but this part of t ..read more