BMX Racing Equipment List: 15 Items (with Pictures)

BMX racing equipment list with all 15 items: the BMX bike, full-face helmet, gloves, racing jersey and pants, knee and elbow pads and a neck brace.

Six of them belong to the rider, and after the bike every one of those is protection: a full-face helmet, gloves, a long-sleeve jersey and pants, pads and a neck brace. Four belong to coaches and teams, including bike maintenance tools and training programs, and five describe the venue, from a track with starting gate, jumps and berms to timing, a bike maintenance area and emergency medical services.

15items in total

6carried by the rider

9supplied by coach and track

Quick answers

What is specialist equipment for BMX racing?: A 20 inch race bike with a light aluminum frame, a certified full-face helmet, gloves, a long-sleeve jersey and pants, knee and elbow pads and a neck brace. Clipless shoes and pedals come later, once gate starts are consistent.
What safety equipment is used in BMX racing and what is it for?: The full-face helmet covers the jaw and face, which a normal cycling helmet leaves open. Pads take the slide off knees and elbows, the neck brace limits how far the head can travel in a heavy landing, and long sleeves and pants stop track rash.
Is BMX clothing safety gear or just team kit?: Both. A race jersey and pants look like a uniform, but the long sleeves, the 600D fabric in the pants and the pre-shaped knee that clears a brace are all there to keep skin and joints intact in a crash.
What does a beginner need to start BMX racing?: A race bike, a full-face helmet, gloves, long sleeves and long pants. Most tracks will not let a rider on the gate without those, and many clubs lend a helmet for a first session.

BMX Racing Equipment at a Glance

Six items are the rider's own, four belong to the coach and the team, and five are part of the track. Only the first block has to be in the car on a race morning.

Item	What it does	Who supplies it
BMX bike20 inch race frame	Light frame and race geometry built for gate starts and sprints	Player
Full-face helmet	Covers jaw and face, the part a normal cycling helmet leaves open	Player
Gloves	Grip on the bars and skin left on the hands after a slide	Player
Racing jersey and pants	Long sleeves and tough fabric against track rash	Player
Protective gearknee and elbow pads, neck brace	Takes the impact off joints and limits head travel in a landing	Player
Clipless shoes and pedalsoptional	Locks the foot to the pedal for power through the pedal stroke	Player
Training programs	Structured gate, sprint and endurance work across a season	Coach
Bike maintenance tools	Chain, crank, bearing and brake work between motos	Coach
First aid kit	Track rash, cuts and knocks are the routine calls at a gate	Coach
Team uniforms	Identifies the club in the gate and on the podium	Coach
BMX trackgate, jumps, berms	The course itself, from the starting hill to the last berm	Facility
Spectator seating	Somewhere for families to watch a full afternoon of motos	Facility
Scoring and timing system	Records each moto so results and transfers are beyond argument	Facility
Bike maintenance area	Stands and space to check and repair bikes on race day	Facility
Emergency medical services	Trained staff on site for the crashes that need more than a bandage	Facility

Equipment for BMX Racers

#1 BMX Bike

A BMX bike is the cornerstone of racing equipment, specifically engineered for speed, agility, and durability on the BMX track. Its lightweight frame and robust construction are designed to withstand the rigors of competitive racing and intricate maneuvers.

Mongoose Title Pro

20 inch race bike

Check price

FrameTectonic T1 aluminum, 3.11 pounds, 21.26 inch top tube
Rider height5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 8 inches
Drivetrain170mm 3-piece chromoly cranks, 44T ring, euro cartridge bottom bracket
Wheels20 inch Arisen XLR8 tires on double wall aluminum rims, 16T freewheel
Brakesaluminum linear pull with levers
Front endchromoly bar and fork, 50mm stem, sealed bearing headset

A race frame is aluminum and light, which is the difference from the steel freestyle bikes sold in the same size. Everything on the Title Pro is aimed at the first pedal strokes out of the gate, where a heavy bike costs you the holeshot.

#2 Full-Face Helmet

A full-face helmet is crucial for BMX racers, offering comprehensive head and facial protection. Its design is focused on safeguarding the rider during falls and collisions, which are common in the adrenaline-fueled sprints and jumps of BMX racing.

Fly Racing Rayce

Certified full-face

Check price

CertificationASTM F1952-15 downhill, CPSC 1203 and CE EN1078
Shellpoly-alloy with an EPS liner
Weightabout 930 grams in size medium
VentilationTFV intake and exhaust ports
Linerremovable and washable, with cheek pads
RetentionD-ring strap, adjustable visor with aluminum hardware

The three certifications are the part to check, because a full-face that is only motorcycle rated is heavier than a BMX rider needs and often not accepted at a track. Under a kilogram matters on a hot afternoon of motos.

#3 Gloves

Gloves are critical for maintaining a solid grip on the handlebars, especially during high-intensity races. They also protect the rider's hands from blisters, abrasions, and provide additional cushioning against impacts.

Fox Racing Dirtpaw

TPR knuckle guards

Check price

Knucklesdirect-inject TPR guards
Palmpadded single layer Clarino, touchscreen compatible
Cuffcompression molded neoprene with hook and loop
Fingersstretch mesh gussets for airflow and dexterity
Fingertipssilicone print for lever grip
Uppernylon

Full-finger is the only sensible cut on a track, since the first thing that hits the dirt in a crash is a hand. The knuckle guard also takes the hit when two riders touch bars in a berm.

#4 BMX Racing Jersey and Pants

The BMX racing jersey and pants are designed for comfort and durability, allowing for a full range of movement while providing a layer of protection. The materials are typically breathable and moisture-wicking, helping racers stay cool and focused.

Fly Racing F-16 Gear Set

Jersey and pants combo

Fly Racing F-16 Men's Moto Gear Set - Pant and Jersey Combo (Cyan/Black/White, Men's Medium Jersey/32 Waist Pant)

Check price

Contentsjersey plus pants, medium jersey with 32 inch waist pant
Jerseylightweight polyester, tag-less stretch collar, extended tail
Pants600D polyester with a YKK main zipper
Kneepre-shaped to clear most braces and guards
Ventingmesh comfort liner and soft-flex rubber vent details
Waistratcheting closure with an adjustable belt

Buying jersey and pants as a set saves the size mismatch that turns up when they are ordered separately. The pre-shaped knee is the detail that matters if you already ride with a brace.

#5 Protective Gear

Protective gear, including knee and elbow pads and a neck brace, shields racers from injuries. These pieces reduce the impact on vulnerable joints and the spine, providing safety in a sport known for its high-flying action and inevitable falls.

Bodyprox 6-Piece Pad Set

Knee, elbow, wrist

BODYPROX Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set for Skateboarding, Roller Derby, BMX Ride, and Inline Skating (Large)

Check price

Contents2 knee pads, 2 elbow pads, 2 wrist guards
Shellhard plastic, scratch resistant with a flat contact face
Paddingthick EVA foam for shock absorption
Fasteningsleeves with hook and loop closures, worn over clothing
UseBMX, skateboarding, inline and roller skating
Sizelarge

Hard shells slide instead of grabbing, which is what you want on packed dirt. The set covers the three joints that hit first, though a neck brace is a separate purchase and worth it once riders are jumping.

#6 Clipless Shoes and Pedals (optional)

For more experienced racers, clipless shoes and pedals can make a significant difference. They offer enhanced foot-to-pedal connection, allowing for improved power transfer and control over the bike, which can be advantageous during competitive racing.

Tommaso Montagna 100

2-bolt SPD compatible

Check price

Cleat system2-bolt SPD compatible, cleats not installed
Solestiff for power transfer, walkable tread
Upperbreathable synthetic with a supportive fit
Usemountain, gravel and indoor cycling
Sizingruns tight, the maker advises one size up
Size shown45

Clipless is the optional item on this list for a reason: it adds power out of the gate and takes the option of putting a foot down away from you. Add the pedals and cleats separately, and practice clipping in somewhere soft first.

BMX Racing Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Training Programs

Structured training programs are essential to help racers improve their skills and stamina. These routines are designed to reflect BMX racing conditions and prepare the team for competitive events.

#2 Maintenance Tools for Bikes

A well-maintained bike is less likely to malfunction, which is vital for safety and performance. Coaches and teams should have a set of maintenance tools on hand for regular checking and quick repairs.

DURATECH 41-Piece Bike Kit

41 tools in a case

DURATECH 41 Pieces Bicycle Repair Tools, Bike Tools Kit with Storage Box

Check price

Pieces41
Coverschain, crank, cassette, pedal and tire work
Compatibilitymost bike types, with extra tools for less common parts
Materialpremium steel, heat treated and plated
Storagemolded plastic case with a fitted inlay

A team that can pull a crank and re-tension a chain between motos does not lose a rider to a mechanical. The molded case is the practical part, because a missing tool in a pit bag is the same as no tool.

#3 First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit is essential for addressing minor injuries immediately. It can make a critical difference in the health and well-being of racers after falls or collisions.

#4 Team Uniforms

Team uniforms promote unity and identification in the sport of BMX racing. They are also designed to provide racers with comfort and durability throughout races and practice sessions.

BMX Racing Equipment for Facilities

#1 BMX Track

A well-designed BMX track is the foundation of any racing facility, featuring a proper starting gate, challenging jumps, and berms that test rider skill and dexterity.

#2 Seating for Spectators

Ample seating for spectators is important for ensuring that fans can comfortably watch and support the racers, fostering an enjoyable and engaging competitive atmosphere.

#3 Scoring and Timing System

An accurate scoring and timing system is imperative for fair competition. It provides reliable race results, ensuring that each racer's performance is correctly recorded and honored.

#4 Bike Maintenance Area

A dedicated bike maintenance area allows for thorough bike checks, repairs, and adjustments. This space contributes to optimal bike performance and racer safety.

#5 Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services are a critical component at any BMX racing facility, providing immediate care for racers in the event of accidents or injuries. These services help ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play BMX Racing?

BMX bikes, helmets, gloves, and protective gear are the equipment you need to play BMX Racing. These items are essential for safe participation in the sport.

What is the most important equipment in BMX Racing?

The BMX bike is the most important equipment in BMX Racing, as it is specifically designed for the demands of the track and racing conditions.

What is a recommended list of BMX Racing equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of BMX Racing equipment for beginners: a BMX racing bike, a full-face helmet, gloves, long-sleeve jersey, pants, and protective pads. This gear provides basic safety and performance support.