In many ways, the BMX could be said to have changed greatly since its early days as an attempt by children and adolescents to copy motorcycle moto cross, or since the improvised modifications of the early 1980s to facilitate the performance of freestyle stunts and tricks at skate parks.

BMX technology has of course improved, with the serious industry players having almost virtually settled on a consensus regarding optimum design characteristics of their bikes.

Meanwhile, the place of BMX in our culture has also undergone a something of a drastic transformation.

BMX has slowly but surely strove to secure a more official, dare we say it, ‘respectable’ status. BMX racing in the UK for example is now subject to the guidelines laid down by the British Cycling Federation. Regular official BMX race meetings are held across the UK, with adults as well as children taking part. BMX racing is now also an official Olympic sport and will be part of the next Olympic Games, in 2012 in London.

Freestyle BMX (the discipline which includes ramp riding and the performance of tricks and stunts on a flat surface) is now represented by the International BMX Freestyle Federation, its aims being to promote and support the sport of freestyle BMX. Official events are also being organised on a regular basis, from street ‘jams’ (sponsored by large well-known sports brands) through to the X-games, the equivalent of the Olympics for freestyle BMX followers.

Many people in BMX still cling resolutely to the sport’s ‘street’ credentials. At the same time the placing of BMX on an official level continues. At bmx.co.uk we are glad that these two trends have remained mutually supportive, and we look forward to continue helping and advising all BMX riders with their choice of BMX bikes and BMX parts, no matter their allegiance.