WHAT YOU NEED TO GET ON THE TRACK
There are certain specifications and requirements for BMX bikes to ensure they are safe for racing and meet the technical specifications of the sport, and riders are required to equip themselves with appropriate clothing and proactive wear to help prevent injury.
Hover over the icons below to learn more about the essential elements of BMX race bikes and protective equipment.
Wheels and Tyres
20” wheels may be raced only in standard categories. Cruiser 24” wheels may only be raced in cruiser categories.
Wheel axles must not protrude more than 5mm from the hub nuts. Disc wheels are prohibited, and all spokes must be fitted and properly fastened.
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Tyres should be inspected before each ride to ensure they are in good condition and inflated correctly.
Handlebars and Steering Head
Handlebars may have a maximum width of 74cm and a maximum rise of 30cm. Handlebars must have grips fitted that completely cover the ends, or have end plugs securely fitted.
Handlebars must be free of cracks and other damage.
The steering head must turn smoothly and the stem must not protrude more than 5cm above the headset locknut
Cranks, Pedals, and Gears
Cranks may be one-, two-, or three-piece designs with crank arms of any length provided they clear the ground.
Pedals must be securely fitted to the crank arms and must have ‘teeth’ sufficient to provide grip to the shoe but not be too sharp as to create a safety hazard.
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Toe clips and straps are not permitted. Interlocking pedal cleat systems are allowed for riders 13 or older. A rider using cleat systems must be able to demonstrate the ability to engage and release from the pedals to an official if requested.
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Multiple-speed gears are permitted.
Seat
The seat base must be sufficiently strong to resist penetration by the seat post.
The seat post must be secured to the seat tube by a sufficient clamp.
This clamp's fixing bolt may not protrude from the body of the clamp by more than 5 mm.
Brakes
All bicycles must be equipped with an effective rear brake, which must be operated by hand.
The rear brake cable/hose must be secured to the frame. A front brake may be fitted, but is not required.
The free end of the handbrake lever must be smoothly rounded or covered in such a manner as to prevent it from presenting a hazard. All exposed cable ends must be capped, soldered or covered to prevent fraying.
Number Plate
Each bicycle entered in competition must have a number plate attached to the front of the handlebars. Number plates must be made of plastic or a similar flexible material. Numbers must be a minimum of 8cm in size.
The numbers must be clearly visible from a distance for race officials and commentators to identify them. Riders must use the plate and number colour combinations specified for the category in which they are Racing:
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Mini Wheeler – Purple plate, white numbers
Sprocket (U7) – Orange plate, black numbers
Challenge Novice (8+) - Green plate, white numbers
Challenge boys/ men – Yellow plate, black numbers
Challenge girls/ women – Blue plate, white numbers
Cruiser Category – Red plate, white numbers
Elite, men & women – White plate, black numbers
Junior elite men & women – Black plate, white numbers
Frame
The bicycle's frame must be of sufficient strength to withstand the rigours of BMX Racing and be free of any cracked or bent frame members or welds which are cracked or otherwise deficient.
Frame-mounted accessories are not permitted. Examples of such accessories include: aerodynamic accessories, chain guards, side stands, mudguards, sheet metal accessories such as simulated fuel tanks, butterfly nuts, any superfluous welded or mechanically fastened fittings such as chain guard lugs, frame-mounted reflectors and any other sharp protruding objects.
Helmet
Helmets must be of full-face construction with a visor no less than 10 cm in length. Helmets must comply with current Australian standards. Riders must ensure their helmet is securely fitted and fastened at all times while within the track boundaries.
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Open-face helmets are not allowed and neither the helmet nor its visor may be modified.
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Jersey and Gloves
A BMX jersey shall be a loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt that extends down to the rider's wrists. Jerseys used in BMX events should be of a type specifically sold for use in BMX, Moto-cross or Mountain Bike downhill events.
Road style jerseys, skinsuits, or one-piece suits comprising the jersey and the pants/shorts are not permitted for use in BMX events, nor are jerseys with zippers, other than a very short (less than 10cm long zipper) at the collar.
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All riders must wear full-finger gloves which cover the entire hand to the wrist at all times while riding.
Pants and Shoes
Riders are required to wear either long pants or short pants combined with suitable knee and shin protection at all times. Such long or short pants must be of a type that is specifically designed, and sold to provide protection in BMX, Motocross or Downhill Mountain Bike events and constructed of tear-resistant materials.
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Footwear must be fully enclosed and sturdy, and provide sufficient gripping surface for pedalling.
NBMX Number Plate
Seal Custom BMX Plates are the official supplier of Northern Hornets BMX race plates. Click above to order from them directly.
NBMX Custom Jersey
Northern Hornets BMX is proud to partner with Ace Race who supply our official club kit. Orders are placed in batches periodically. Click above to add yours to the next order!
Mylaps Transponder
All racing, from club to state to national, uses transponder timing systems for scoring. Riders 8 and above racing competitively will require a transponder and subscription for their bike. Click above to order from Auscycling.