How to Assemble a Complete BMX

When you buy a complete BMX bike, most of the parts are already assembled. However, to fit the bike into a reasonably sized box, the handlebars, pedals, and front wheel are not attached.

Assembling a complete BMX bike is easy if you follow the instructions in the video and follow the steps described below. Your new complete BMX will be assembled in no time!

Assembling the bike gives you a chance to really get to know it. As an avid BMX rider, there's nothing better than giving your new bike some TLC before heading out for your first session.

What Tools Do I Need to Assemble a Complete BMX Bike?

You only need a few tools to get started.

Allen keys
Wrenches
Open ended 15 mm wrench for pedals
Air pump

Discover our selection of BMX Tools - We have what you need!

Step-by-Step - Unboxing and Assembly of a Complete BMX

First, remove all plastic and foam, and unpack everything, making sure that nothing is missing from the box.

First part of the assembly process

Grease the pedal bolts.
Identify the left and right pedals.
Turn the right pedal clockwise - tighten with a wrench.
Turn the left pedal counterclockwise - tighten fully with a wrench.
Loosen the stem bolts.
Remove the stem faceplate.
Apply grease to the stem bolts.
Put on the handlebar.
Place the faceplate over the stem, making sure the knurled portion of the handlebar is centered in the stem.
Tighten the stem bolts in a cross pattern – at this stage, you do not have to tighten the faceplate fully.
Loosen the top cap/compression bolt with an Allen key.
Align the handlebars with the fork.

Now, you're ready to mount the front wheel:

Unscrew the front axle nuts almost completely to allow room for the fork dropouts.
Tighten the nuts with your fingers.
Tighten the nuts completely with a wrench.
Slide the BMX seat into the seat tube, you may want to grease the inside of the clamping area so that the seat post is easier to remove in the future.)
Tighten the seat clamp with an Allen key.

Once the seat is installed, you can adjust the handlebars and fork alignment while sitting on the bike. This makes it much easier to make perfect adjustments:

Align the bar with the fork – the front wheel is your guide.
Tighten the top cap/compression bolt with an Allen key.
Finish tightening the stem using a cross pattern, meaning you always tighten the bolt diagonally across from the bolt that you’ve just tightened.
Make sure there's an even gap between the stem faceplate and the stem itself - it's important that the faceplate is tightened evenly.

Before you head out to shred, check a few last things:

Check the chain - if it moves more than 2 centimeters, it is too loose – this can be remedied by loosening the wheel and pulling it backwards until the chain is properly tight.
Make sure all nuts and bolts are properly tightened.
Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure (indicated in PSI on the side of the tire).
Unscrew the valve cap and mount the pump.
Inflate the tire and replace the valve cap.
Repeat on the other wheel.
Now you’re ready to roll!

Discover our full selection of complete BMX Bikes.

If you need more detailed instructions for mounting brakes, see: How to Mount a BMX Brake.

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