The latest popularity of bicycle pegs started around the turn of the century, even though they've been around for much longer. Nowadays, they are mostly used by BMX-riders who like to perform tricks. Nevertheless, they aren't a standard on every BMX bike, and while you may buy a complete BMX bike with preinstalled pegs, most riders prefer choosing their own and installing them on their own.
The cylinders that stick out of the wheel, called BMX pegs are BMX accessories that can be installed on the BMX wheel axles, to give the rider control over their bike, as well as an opportunity to perform stunts, jumps, glides, grinds... There are no rules as to how many pegs you install on your bike, whether you install them on your front or your back wheel, or whether you install them on one or both sides of your BMX bike.
While performing stunts is really fun, it can also be quite dangerous, so if you decide to buy BMX wheel pegs separately, it's vital to not only know as much as possible in order to make the right choice but also to learn how to install them properly. When it comes to choosing BMX bike pegs for yourself, the two main things you need to take into consideration: size and materials.
Diameter, Length and Axle Size
Most riders prefer lighter BMX stunt pegs, so they go for ones with a smaller diameter. This is exactly why pegs with smaller diameters are the most popular option. However, the standard BMX wheel peg typically comes with a diameter of 38.5 mm. However, if you prefer a lighter version, like many other riders, then you can go for a smaller diameter, like a 35 mm peg, for instance.
Another thing you need to take into consideration when it comes to the size of the BMX peg is the length of the cylinder, which you should choose according to the size of your feet. The standard peg is 100 mm long, but there are also longer ones that go up to 120 mm. If your feet are bigger, you should get a longer version, to give you more stability and control over the bike, in order to be able to perform stunts.
When it comes to the axle size, the standard BMX wheel peg is 14 mm and it will fit most bikes. For a rice bike, there are stunt pegs that come with an adapter to fit a 3/8 inch-axle.
Plastic or Metal
There are two types of BMX wheel pegs when it comes to the materials from which they are made: metal and plastic.
Plastic BMX pegs are highly durable and are preferred by many BMX riders because they offer smooth glides. The outer layer of these pegs is plastic, which is why they are called that way. This is essentially a removable sleeve made from either nylon or hardwearing plastic, which is what allows the riders to make great glides on rails and ledges. The core, nevertheless, is a metal cylinder, made typically of either aluminium alloy or Chromoly steel, with the latter being the more lightweight option.
The traditional BMX pegs, on the other hand, are entirely made of metal. Like the metal core of plastic pegs, metal pegs are made of either aluminium alloy or Chromoly steel. A lot of riders prefer metal pegs because they are the old-school option. Nevertheless, they don't offer the same smooth slides like the ones with plastic sleeves. Furthermore, these stunt pegs will do more damage to the rail or ledge on which you are pulling your grinds.
If you are going for more lightweight pegs, aluminium alloy is what you should go for. Plastic BMX stunt pegs with aluminium alloy are a great option since you can easily remove and replace the sleeve if the original one gets damaged in some way. However, if you decide to go for metal pegs, though they are lighter, aluminium allow doesn't slide as well, and they are not as durable as Chromoly steel.
Number of Pegs
Another thing you should decide is the number of pegs you need. A lot of riders install only two pegs because they only grind on one side of the bike. However, there are also many who prefer having stunt pegs on both wheels on both sides of the bike, and there are others who decide to install three pegs. It all depends on your preferences: what feels comfortable and what's more useful and more helpful for your stunts.
Installation
IF you decide to install your BMX stunt pegs by yourself, you'll need the following tools:
Ratchet
Drive extension bar
Drive deep socket, 15 mm (for 3/8-inch axle nuts), 17 mm or 19 mm (for a 14 mm axle nuts)
Allen wrench, 5 mm (if you are installing anti-spin pins)
While you need to be careful to install your stunt pegs properly on the wheel axels, the process is quite straightforward: first, you remove the axle nut with a ratchet and a deep well socket and then you simply install the pegs. If you are installing an axle adapter for a 14 mm peg on a 3/8-inch axle, you'll have to do it before installing the pegs. The same goes for installing the anti-spin pins if they are included.
