Are you eager to start grinding rails and curbs with some fresh BMX bike pegs? Well before you go bolt on a random set, there are some important details you need to cover.
Getting the improper size pegs for your bike’s axles or wheels can lead to everything from annoying rattling to downright dangerous riding conditions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know about selecting and installing the ideal set of BMX pegs for your ride.
Below we’ll cover what pegs are, why riders use them, BMX bikes with pegs, the critical sizing specifics, how to safely install and remove them, what bikes support them, and some great beginner tips for hitting the streets with these slick cylindrical grinders.
So whether you’re a novice looking to add some style to your bike trick repertoire, or an experienced rider needing a refresher, read on for the complete scoop on picking and riding the right BMX pegs on your trusty steed. Let’s drop in!
What Exactly Are BMX Bike Pegs?
For those unfamiliar, BMX pegs, sometimes referred to as bike pegs BMX, pegs for BMX bike, or just BMX pegs, are metal cylinders that bolt onto your wheels. They provide a stable contact point to grind ledges, rails, copings, and any curb or surface that gets in your way.
Pegs are a signature part of freestyle BMX bikes with pegs that allow for stylish tricks.
Benefits of Using BMX Bike Pegs
Here’s a quick rundown of why riders use pegs:
- Grind rails, ledges, copings, curbs, etc.
- Pull off new tricks – feebles, crooked grinds, etc.
- Extra foot support for maneuvers like nose manuals
- Customize and style your BMX ride
With the right set installed, the tricks you can stomp are nearly endless. But to reap these benefits and have maximum fun, getting suitable pegs for your bike and riding style is key.
Choosing the Correct BMX Peg Size
The most crucial factor in buying effective BMX pegs is getting the right size peg cylinders and mounting hardware for your bike’s axles and wheels and we will learn how to put pegs on a BMX bike below sections. There are 3 standard BMX peg sizes:
10mm Pegs
10mm pegs are the smallest variety and fit 3/8″ axles found on most entry and mid-level BMX bicycles. Perfect for lighter riders under 150 lbs focusing on street and skatepark riding.
14mm Pegs
The 14mm size fits 14mm chromoly rear axles common on pro and expert-level BMX bikes ridden aggressively at the skatepark. It is also ideal for heavier riders over 180 lbs needing the added strength.
Axle Pegs
Some overbuilt pegs fit completely over the rear axle for maximum durability under hardcore riding. Compatible with high-end BMX race and street frames. But often overkill for most beginners.
To determine what size to buy, carefully check your bike’s rear axle diameter or dropout width specs. Don’t risk it by guessing a size – improperly sized pegs that don’t fit flush simply won’t stay on securely and can damage your bike’s rear end.
It’s also smart to select pegs made of ultra-tough metals like heat-treated chromoly, aluminum, or alloys that can withstand abuse from grinding.
How to Install BMX Pegs Properly
How to install pegs on a BMX bike? Now for the fun part: securing those fresh pegs onto your whips! Putting pegs on your BMX does require some mechanical skills, but we’ll break the process down step-by-step:
Assemble the BMX Peg Mounting Hardware
Your new pegs should come with mounting bolts, angled washers, spacers, and sleeves. Piece together this hardware so the angle washer cups the backside of the bike’s rear dropout. This helps align everything properly.
Secure the Non-Drive Side Peg First
Take your assembled non-drive side peg bracket and place it flush against the wheel axle. Use the long mounting bolt to snugly secure the peg to the dropout, being careful not to fully tighten it just yet.
Install the Drive Side Peg
Here comes the slightly trickier part – the drive side with the gears, chain, and sprocket. Fit this peg flush against the non-drive side you just installed. It can help to have a friend hold the wheel steady as you position the peg and insert its mounting bolt.
Evenly Tighten on Both Sides
With the pegs aligned on both sides press firmly to ensure they sit centered on the axle. Take your torque wrench and evenly tighten the non-drive and drive-side peg bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Check Clearance and Retighten
Before riding, do a quick check that your pegs can spin freely without rubbing the chain or brake components. Also, reconfirm bolts are tightened to spec after the break-in period. Some settling may happen requiring a quick tightening.
What Types Of BMX Bikes Allow You To Put On Pegs?
The exact type of BMX bike model determines whether or not pegs can be safely installed for grinding:
Dedicated BMX Race Bikes – Race-only bikes unfortunately don’t have rear mounts, brake posts, or axle width needed to accommodate pegs. So refrain from bolting on pegs on your race-ready ride.
Freestyle BMX Bikes – On the other hand, dual-use freestyle BMX bikes used for tricks do have rear brake mounts, axle width, and dropout designs made specifically to handle BMX pegs. Just double-check check you get the correctly sized pegs.
Mountain Bikes – While similar to BMX bikes, don’t attempt installing BMX pegs onto mountain bikes. Their lack of peg mounting positions combined with smaller axle width makes it unsafe and unstable for peg grinding tricks.
Can You Put Pegs on Any BMX Bike?
While pegs can technically be fitted onto any freestyle BMX bike, sometimes the question arises in mind can you put BMX pegs on a mountain bike? some additional factors determine full compatibility:
Bike Wheel & Axle Width – Your rear axle diameter must suit whichever peg mounting brackets you select – likely 10mm or 14mm pegs. Verify specs match up with the hardware.
Brake Compatibility – Linear pull (V-Brakes) and U-Brakes mounted on proper posts provide the needed clearance for peg cylinders. Disc models may require specialized pegs. Regular cantilevers often don’t play nice with pegs rubbing.
Frame Peg Mounts – The majority of aftermarket BMX frames include rear-facing horizontal dropout mounts ready for grinding pegs. But custom and vintage rides may lack these mounts, limiting peg stability.
Riding Style – Honestly assess what kind of riding you do. Street and skatepark riders get the most benefits from grinding pegs with ledges aplenty. Vert, flatland, or race-focused guys may skip pegs entirely, however.
How to Remove BMX Pegs Without Tools
Taking off your battle-tested pegs takes just seconds with no tools required! Simply reverse the installation process:
- Loosen the drive and non-drive peg mounting bolts
- Remove the drive side peg first
- Pull off the non-drive side peg
- Disassemble the hardware and store it with your detached pegs
- Replace axle bolts if pegs overstressed them
It’s smart to remove pegs before transporting your BMX or storing it long-term to prevent damage from catches or leverage forces. And racers need to pull that added weight off on race day!
what side do BMX bike pegs go on for beginners?
Your properly sized new pegs are securely installed and you’re ready to shred the local skatepark scene.
But hold your horses before jumping into feverish feeble grinds! Getting adjusted to maneuvering your bike with the added weight and contact points of pegs takes regular practice like any trick.
Ease into it with these key tips:
Get Accustomed to General Riding With Pegs – Before grinds, practice basic manuals, fakies, pivots, and bunnyhops. Nail the balance feel to build skills.
Learn Basic Grinds First – Start with uncomplicated boardslides, then work up to more complex feeble, smith, crooked, or overcook grinds once comfortable.
Consider Harder Rear Suspension Bushings – Fitting slightly stiffer rear suspension bushings can help steady the back end of your bike for smoother peg stalls and slides. Don’t overdo it though!
Watch Your Achilles’ Area – Be attentive when swinging your leg over the bike’s rear triangle near the pegs. Nothing hurts more than a sliced heel courtesy razor sharp pegs!
Stay Balanced Over Pegs – While grinding or stalling, concentrate on keeping properly centered over the pegs, not leaning too far forward or back. This balanced positioning gives the best control.
Use Rear Brakes Lightly – Dragging the rear brake excessively limits maneuverability in grinds, so have a delicate touch ready to check speed.
FAQs:
Q1: Where do you put pegs on a BMX bike?
A: Pegs are installed on the rear wheel axle, secured to the frame’s rear dropout mounts.
Q2: Which side do you grind on a BMX bike?
A: Most riders grind on the left side of the bike since that side faces obstacles for easy viewing. But pegs allow grinding on either side.
Q3: What are the pegs on the side of the bike?
A: The pegs are metal cylinders installed on the rear wheel axle that provides a contact point for riders to perform grinds on ledges and rails.
Q4: Are bike pegs for passengers?
A: No, BMX bike pegs are not meant for carrying passengers. They are solely for performing grinding tricks.
Q5: What are stunt pegs on a BMX bike?
A: Stunt pegs refer to the metal cylinder grind pegs installed on BMX bikes used to grind ledges, rails, copings and perform stall tricks.
Conclusion
What size BMX pegs should you put on your beloved bike? Match your bike’s rear axle diameter and dropout width by selecting quality 10mm, 14mm, or full axle pegs. Double-check that your frame and wheels have necessary peg mounts and brake clearance too before getting wild.
Then finally practice, practice, practice those essential riding fundamentals before moving on to showstopping aerial peg tricks!
We hope these BMX peg sizing, installation, and riding guidelines provide clarity so you can safely shred the streets.
Just take it slow with the proper gear, respect your equipment’s working limits, and most of all enjoy the thrill only pegs and BMX glory can deliver!