What Is a BMX Fork?

BMX forks hold your front wheel in place and affect the steering and balance of your bike. Connecting the stem and the front wheel, forks are an important part of your setup. BMX forks are made from a range of different materials. Freestyle BMX forks are made from durable Chromoly, so they can withstand the abuse of freestyle riding. Chromoly is also a popular all-around choice for BMX race forks, while carbon fiber is the ultimate lightweight option. When looking for a BMX fork, it is important to consider the steerer tube length, the dropout size and the offset.

The Different Fork Sizes

BMX forks come in a range of styles and shapes, but there are some common features. Most BMX bike forks are 315 mm in height and have a steerer tube length of approximately 160-166 mm. However, these can vary, and changing these parameters can influence your riding experience. BMX dropouts - the tiny plates at the end of the fork that holds the front wheel in place - come in a range of shapes and sizes, but no need to stress about them.

What Is the BMX Fork Offset?

The BMX fork offset is the distance from the center of the fork leg to the wheel axle, in other words, how much the front wheel will sit in front of your fork. Deciding on how long you want your offset to be depends on what you want to do with your BMX. Shorter offsets will mean a quicker and more responsive front-end feel, making it easier to turn rapidly and do tricks like nose manuals. A longer offset is better for riders who go faster and higher, as it gives more stability and smoother rides.

Want to take care of your setup but not sure how to do it? Then head over to our BMX Assembling and Maintenance Guide.