Some tips to keep your bars healthy:
Tip One: Tighten your bars often.
Tip Two: Sometimes take them off the step and clean up the contact of the stem.
Tip Three: Tighten all the bolts evenly.
Tip Four: Get some bar end protectors if you think you need them. They do save your bars a lot!
Tip Five: If you are cutting down your bars, then do it with caution and care. Cut them evenly, and file off the rough ends, otherwise they cut the grips.
Tip One: Tighten your bars often.
Tip Two: Sometimes take them off the step and clean up the contact of the stem.
Tip Three: Tighten all the bolts evenly.
Tip Four: Get some bar end protectors if you think you need them. They do save your bars a lot!
Tip Five: If you are cutting down your bars, then do it with caution and care. Cut them evenly, and file off the rough ends, otherwise they cut the grips.
Tech tips for your bicycle motocross vehicle from Empire BMX, on the Bermdog Show. How to fix a Flat tire.
Get Flash to see this video. Item URL: Flat Repair 101
If you are looking to do some more advanced tricks, (i.e. barspins, suicides) try putting your seatpost a little higher so you can grab it with your knees, I see alot of riders who keep the seat really low, and that can be hard to grab the seat. Also, move the seat forward in the rails, this is equally important and helps a lot. It may feel funny to ride at first but it should help if your'e trying to get your riding to the next level.
Here are some tech tips for your bicycle motocross vehicle from Empire BMX, on the Bermdog Show.
Get Flash to see this video. Item URL: Bottom Bracket Installation 101
This little video shows you how to not fix your wheel :D.
Get Flash to see this video. Item URL: How to Not: Fix your wheel
If you are having trouble with your brakes, specifically the type of trouble that involves your brake pads not hitting the rim correctly, then this might help. First loosen whatever bolts hold your pads in place. Don't take them off, just loosen them. Then, take a good burly zip tie and position it so that it holds the brakes together(i.e. in the stopping position) and crank that sucker down hard. Theoretically, your pads will both be making the maximum amount of contact with the rim. Now, while holding the pads in place, because the zip tie will always need some assistance when Mr. Wrench enters the fray, tighten down all your bolts. If you did it right, you should at least see a marginal improvement, and if you're like some people I know, any improvement in braking means less injuries and more ride time. See, I have just improved your life drastically.
Get Flash to see this video. Item URL: How does a freecoaster work ?
I found this video on Youtube and it's from Transworld BMX. They got Odyssey product designer Ben Ward to give us the complete 411 on freecoaster hubs. From the differences between freecoasters and cassettes, to their strengths and weaknesses, all the way down to the anatomy and mechanics—Ben explains it all. Joe Vee even throws in some real world demos at a the park and a few street spots. Big thanks to Ben Ward and Odyssey for their help with this video.
Brakes:
Do you really NEED a front brake? Rip that crap off for some considerable weight loss. Come to think of it, do you really NEED brakes at all? I ride brakeless and I do just fine. Also, is that fancy gyro REALLY needed? Of course not!
Handlebars:
Get a 2-pc bar, it's much lighter than a 4-pc. While your at it, trim it down a bit for some extra weight loss.
Rims:
Most everyone has 48-spoked wheels nowadays. Getting a good pair of high-quality 36-spoked wheels can save you up to 2 Lbs. depending on the thickness.
Tires:
A good pair of dirt tires can be up to a pound lighter than some of the super-tough street tires on the market right now. I use Maxxis Ringworm tires that are fairly heavy but they're rating for 110 PSI. Try to stay away from 100+ psi tires.
Cranks:
Forged 3-pc are unnecessary. I use high-quality one-pieces since I've learned to land good and lightly. If you MUST have 3-pc cranks, get some good 3-pc tubular cranks.
Do you really NEED a front brake? Rip that crap off for some considerable weight loss. Come to think of it, do you really NEED brakes at all? I ride brakeless and I do just fine. Also, is that fancy gyro REALLY needed? Of course not!
Handlebars:
Get a 2-pc bar, it's much lighter than a 4-pc. While your at it, trim it down a bit for some extra weight loss.
Rims:
Most everyone has 48-spoked wheels nowadays. Getting a good pair of high-quality 36-spoked wheels can save you up to 2 Lbs. depending on the thickness.
Tires:
A good pair of dirt tires can be up to a pound lighter than some of the super-tough street tires on the market right now. I use Maxxis Ringworm tires that are fairly heavy but they're rating for 110 PSI. Try to stay away from 100+ psi tires.
Cranks:
Forged 3-pc are unnecessary. I use high-quality one-pieces since I've learned to land good and lightly. If you MUST have 3-pc cranks, get some good 3-pc tubular cranks.
Pipe cutter method
Before you begin make a mark on both ends of your bars at the point that you want to cut them off at. You want to make sure that you cut the same amount off of each end or you'll end up with lop-sided handlebars which is no good.
1