BMX pegs aren't standard on every BMX bike, but they are very important for pulling off tricks, jumps, grinds and other stunts. Simply put, these BMX accessories are cylinders that stick out of the wheel axle on bikes. They can be used on the front, the back or both wheels, and they can be installed on one or both sides. Pegs give the riders better control over their bike, allowing them to perform all those manoeuvres.
BMX bikes have been popular ever since the 1970s, but with BMX freestyle becoming an Olympic discipline, the interest for them is increasing more and more. If you are someone who wants to become a BMX rider and to do tricks, such as grinds, you should learn about BMX pegs.
BMX stunt pegs
There are some BMX bikes that come with pegs, but generally BMXers get them separately. Performing BMX stunts can be dangerous, so you need to make sure to know as much as you can about what you are getting into.
Materials
The first thing you need to decide is the material of the pegs you are going to buy. These incredibly useful accessories are available in two types: metal and plastic stunt pegs.
Apart from being incredibly durable and reliable plastic BMX pegs are very popular because of the smooth glides they offer riders. They have metal core, made either of aluminium alloy or chromoly steel, with aluminium alloy being a much more lightweight option. Plastic BMX pegs come with removable sleeves made either of hard-wearing plastic or nylon, that allows for great glides on ledges and rails. With all the tear and wear your bike will go through, lightweight pegs are a great option, since you can easily remove and replace the sleeves if the original one wears out.
The traditional metal pegs are the other type. They are a more old-school option than the plastic bike pegs, but they don't offer the same smooth slides, and they will do more damage to the ledge or rail you're pulling up your grinds on. They're made of the same metal materials, but without the plastic or nylon sleeves. Chromoly steel is more long lasting, and while aluminium alloy pegs are super lightweight, they don't slide as well.
Size
When you are buying pegs for your bike, one of the specifications talk about axle size. The standard 14 mm peg will fit most bikes. However, many pegs come with an adapter that would allow you to fit a 3/8-inch axle on a rice bike.
When it comes to the size of your feet, what you need consider is the length of the pegs. The standard is 100 mm, but there are longer pegs, up to 120 mm for bigger feet, to offer the rider more control and stability to perform stunts.
The diameter of a standard BMX peg, regardless whether it's plastic or metal is 38.5 mm. However, many riders prefer lighter pegs. This is why pegs with smaller diameters, like a 35 mm diameter peg, are more popular, since they weigh less.
Other Considerations
BMX pegs typically come separately. So, if you are new to this, you need to think about whether you want to instal them on both the front and the back wheel, and whether you want to instal them on both sides of the bike.
Most riders only grind on one side of the bike, so they may only instal 2. Many instal their metal or plastic pegs on both wheels on both sides, and some prefer having three. So, it's all about your preferences, and what feels more comfortable and more useful for your stunts.
Lastly, some pegs include anti-spin pins to keep them from turning when you are grinding. They can have a one or multiple holes so you can rotate the peg.
How to Install Pegs?
Tools you need:
- Allen wrench, 5 mm
- Ratchet
- Drive extension bar
- Drive deep socket, 15 mm (for a 3/8-inch axle nuts), 17 mm or 19 mm (for a 14 mm axle nuts)
Step one: Remove the axle nut
Loosen the axle nut with a ratchet and deep well socket.
Thread the nut, until it's off the axle.
Remove the washer between the axle nut and the frame or the fork (You won't need it, since your peg is going to serve as a washer).
Step two: Instal the axle adapter and anti-spin pins
If you are installing a 14 mm peg on a 3/8 axle, insert the adapter washer into the end of the peg, or slide it directly over the axle, and then slide the peg over it.
Instal anti-spin pins, if they are included. Using an Allen wrench 5 mm, tighten the pin, making sure it can't come loose and come off while riding from the vibrations.
Step three: Instal the pegs
Slide the peg directly over the end of the axle. (If it has an anti-spin pin, turn the peg so the pin is inside the dropout slot.)
Put the axle nut at the end of the deep well socket and insert it inside the peg.
Thread the axle nut onto the axle.
Step four: Check the chain and the brakes
If you are installing a peg on the back wheel, make sure that the chain is aligned and isn't too tight or too loose. Loosen and re-adjust the axle nut if necessary. Hold the wheel in place with one hand, while checking if your brakes are lined up. After making sure everything is aligned, finish threading completely, so that the wheel doesn't move while you are grinding.
