Can BMX Bikes Pedal Backwards? (Reasons Explained!)

Since Bob Haro popularized BMX bike tricks in the 70s, the sport developed in leaps and leaps. Going to a BMX event will have you gasping now and then at the daring stunts on the show. What do you think? Can BMX bicycles pedal reverse, or is it reserved for the BMX top riders?

Yes, it’s possible to pedal backward on the BMX. However, because BMX bikes do not have reverse gear, you can’t be able to pedal backward. You pedal backward only without going in the exact direction.

A backward movement through BMX bikes is known as the roll. It is what riders use to begin performing certain tricks, such as “fakie.”Generally, rolling starts from a slanted location like a ramp, an unintentionally steep hill, or a driveway.

Let’s now get deep into the details of what occurs. Let’s get into the technicalities of how it happens, shall we?

What is the reason BMX Bikes pedal backward?

Usually, the cranks spin to engage with the sprocket once the rider pedals, pushing it forward. The forward motion of the chain can move backward on the hub.

The hub in the rear, which is located in the rear axles of the bike, joins the frame to the wheel through spokes. It is a hub that holds an axle and is fitted with bearings to ensure that the wheels can rotate freely.

The rear hub is responsible for transmitting force from your pedals to spin the wheel. When you push forward, the seat components connect to the hub’s surface’s teeth, allowing forward motion.

When you pedal backward, however, the components inside the hub are disengaged. Thus, although you can pedal backward, you can’t get backward motion.

Different types of BMX Hubs

Three principal hub types:

BMX Cassette Hubs

Cassette hubs are equipped with internal clutching mechanisms that allow motion when the rider is onto the pedals—certain brands, like Profile Elite Hub (Check on Amazon). Profile Elite Hub (Check on Amazon) has 204 engagement points allowing immediate pedal engagement.

You’ll be able to tell if you’ve got a cassette hub due to the distinct sound you hear whenever you coast or backpedal. Additionally, you’ll see the pedal moving backward when you shift your bike forward.

So, if you go backward using the cassette hub, it is also necessary to pedal back. Cassette hubs tend to be more durable, making them an excellent choice for the sport of biking.

BMX Coaster Hubs are Free Coaster Hubs

Three ways they are different than cassette hubs. For one, you do not need to pedal backward when returning to a free coaster hub. Second, in contrast to the cassette hub, the free coaster hub is quiet since it doesn’t feature pawls.

Finally, free coaster hubs don’t instantly engage due to “slack”, – which is the amount you push forward before the seat starts to engage. However, riders can modify slack to suit their preferences.

If you’re a fan of free coasters, take a look at the KHE Greyhound Free Coaster, which allows you to alter the gap of the free coaster without taking off the shell.

Imagine! It’s as simple as one Allen wrench, and you’ll be fine. But it’s important to mention that coaster hubs for free cost a little.

Hubs for BMX Coaster – BMX Coaster

The unique aspect that the hub has is that its backpedaling activates the brakes. You’ll know that you’ve got a coaster hub when you observe an arm connected to the chainstay to the rear axle.

A coaster hub is equipped with an automatic clutching system and a drive system that can do this: it moves the bike forward as you pedal, stops pedaling when you stop, and activates your brakes when you pedal back.

Coaster hubs can be found in children’s bikes as well as the BMXs that are entry-level.

After you better understand the various hub types to choose from, what maintenance procedure do you need to follow?

Maintenance of the BMX Bike Hub The To-Do List

The hub system is prone to get gunky due to normal usage. This accumulation of gunk will cause the hub system to slow down and, in some cases, disappear.

Here are some steps to ensure quick maintenance of your hub before going to a full hub service:

Take off the rear wheel of the bike, then the cassette.
The next step is the final cap. Then, you’ll be able to remove the axle using the attached freehub body.
Ensure you are careful because the pawl mechanism has easily lost components. Make sure you have a cloth to place the parts you are removing.
Set everything in the same order in which you take them out. This will assist greatly when changing the components.
To clean the hub’s internal components, apply a cleaner, like the Park Tool CG-2.4 cleaning kit, which includes the chain scrubber and the gear brush.
Do not apply the degreaser directly. Spray the degreaser onto a clean cloth and then wipe.
Make use of a screwdriver with an enclosed tip with a cloth to get rid of the gunk accumulated on the drivetrain.
Verify that the pawls are clean and neat. If not, gently remove each pawl and spring, being careful not to start the springs.
Use a degreaser with an absorbent cloth. Don’t spray the degreaser directly, as it can damage internal bearings and cause them to wear more quickly.

And Much More

Be sure to clean the springs and pawls as well. The freehub body must appear fresh.
Install the springs and pawls inside the body of the freehub, making sure not to lose any of the components. Make sure to adjust the individual pawls as well as the springs to make sure that they function correctly.
Apply a high-viscosity PTFE oil like the Supp e Lube 5104 (Check the item on Amazon) for the springs on the actuators and pawls. Make sure to lube the ratchet ring on the hub as well.
Reinstall the axle and apply some lubrication before fixing the pawls.
Place the axle in place after applying grease.
Put the wheel back in place, turn it over and listen to the heavenly sounds of the pawls engaging with the drive train. This is a sign that the springs have been working correctly.

You can pedal backward and forward. What types of hubs are available, and how to keep them? Let’s talk about the reasons BMX riders reverse pedal.

What is the reason BMX Riders backpedal

Backpedaling is a technique that helps riders move from one stunt to the next. It’s also an essential skill to assist you in leaping over obstacles like curbs and the half-pipe wall.

There are additional health benefits associated when your backpedal.

According to a study according to one study, the quadriceps muscles, which are the upper leg muscles that are located in the front, are more active when you backpedal – as much as 17.5 percent. They also have stronger muscles.

Backpedaling increases heart rate by around eight beats per min. The best news for your ears is that those who pedaled backward improved their burned calories.

You’ll reap these unique advantages and many more as you increase the duration of riding your BMX.

Finally, how can you use a few suggestions to help you master the art of backpedaling?

Backward Pedaling Tips for BMX Bikes Even for those who are over 40!

For a successful backpedaling technique, beginner riders need to look for a slight slope on a driveway if they don’t have ramps. More experienced riders can utilize straight walls or change from other tricks to a “fakie.”

We’ve provided you with the information for those who can do a slow-speed fakie but are stuck shortly after that. Find out more tips to master fast Fakies.

If riding your bike in reverse, begin with one pedal and slowly pull yourself back to gain the reverse momentum. Some riders prefer to start sitting on bikes with more of a seat post since moving backward is simpler.
If your bike is equipped with a cassette hub, and you’ve begun rolling backward, and the pedals are beginning to move backward, they will start going back.
Don’t get too wild in your pedaling or exert pressure on your pedals. This can cause problems with your balance.
Keep your weight in the center by placing the bike beneath your body without leaning too far to either side. If you feel that you’re going to fall, gently shift your weight to your rear wheels. Then, steer in the direction that you’re losing.

It’s true that understanding the mechanics involved in performing the “fakie” – or bike riding generally – is more complex than performing it. However, you’ll be better prepared after you’ve read and comprehended the fundamentals.

So, go out and get on your bike and begin. Don’t forget to check the stem. It can help you maintain your balance when your “fakie.”

FAQs (About the BMX Bikes’ Pedal backward)

Do you know if jogging backward is terrible for Your Bicycle?

Pedaling backward harms bikes with single-speed gears, such as BMXs. It is the BMX bike’s hub. It is designed for coasting and backpedaling. Backpedaling could cause damage to the derailleur during gear shifts on bikes with multi-speed gears, like mountain bikes.

Do BMX Pedals Reverse Threaded?

Reverse threads are found on the left-side pedals of BMX bikes. Reverse threading makes sure that the pedal doesn’t become loose while pedaling. The reason behind this is explained in the concept of mechanical precession.

In this way, the round object rolling inside a circular ring in one direction will then rotate in the other direction.

In Conclusion – Can BMX Bikes Pedal Backwards?

Bikes for BMX can pedal backward. But, as BMX bikes have single-speed gears and gears, backpedaling provides the option of no forward motion.

However, even when pedaling backward isn’t a source of movement, it’s not a waste of time. Knowing how to pedal backward is essential to move into other tricks and stunts.