How to Set Up a BMX Bike to Practice Flatland Tricks

Most bicycles with 20-inch wheels are commonly referred to as BMX bikes, but this is a misnomer. A BMX bicycle is designed for bicycle motocross racing, is typically lightweight aluminum and is unsuitable and unsafe for practicing flatland--a balance-based competitive cycling sport--style tricks. A 20-inch freestyle bike is typically a heavier, more solid steel framed bicycle with a gyro--a brake detangler--installed from the factory that allows for the handlebars to spin completely around without the brake cable becoming tangled. These bicycles are frequently misrepresented as BMX bikes, and as such are what most people commonly desire to "convert from a BMX bike to a flatland bicycle," when in reality they already own a bike suitable for flatland tricks that needs only pegs, such as the ones pictured at global-flat.com, installed.

Things You'll Need

  • Four non-threaded universal bicycle axle pegs for 3/8 inch and larger 14 mm axles
  • 3/8 inch driver
  • 15 mm deep socket bit
  • 19 mm deep socket bit
  • 2 inch socket extension
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Instructions

  1. Installing Pegs

    • 1
      The bolt attaching the wheel to the frame holds the axle nut.

      Remove one axle nut and washer by turning counterclockwise with the appropriate socket bit and driver. Set the washer aside as pegs will take the place of the washer.

    • 2

      Slide one peg over the axle, using the included sizing spacer for smaller axles if necessary.

    • 3

      Insert the axle nut in the bit and, using the 2 inch extension and driver, reattach the nut by turning clockwise.

    • 4
      These bicycles have pegs installed.

      Repeat steps 1 -- 3 until all pegs are installed.