BMX handlebars Black Friday: number plates on sale
A BMX handlebar in Black Friday is chosen based on its height, measured in inches, as well as its width and clamp diameter; a number plate, in the format of your category, Pro or Mini/Cruiser. The promotions during this operation concern these two families: take the measurements of your bike before comparing two crossed-out prices, to make sure you buy just the first time.
Handlebars, plates, letters: what does this page cover?
This page brings together the front of the racing bike: race and freestyle handlebars, front number plates, frame plates, and adhesive letters and numbers. The plates take up a large part: each rider has one during the race. Some road or MTB handlebars are also listed: they are for different practices.
Height, width, clamp: the dimensions of a handlebar
- Height, or rise, is measured in inches: from 4.25 inches for the smallest racing bikes to 8 or 8.5 inches for an adult, and more in freestyle. The federal regulations cap it at 30.5 cm for racing.
- Width must not exceed 73.7 cm in competition; most handlebars vary to adapt to body size.
- Clamp: 22.2 mm on the vast majority of BMXs, 31.8 mm on some oversized race handlebars, which require the corresponding stem.
A promotion on a handlebar may only apply to one of its heights: the SLT from Elevn comes in 4.25 and 6.5 inches. Look for the measurement in the description, then compare the crossed-out price and the displayed price for the same height and clamp; for a plate, at the same format, Pro or Mini/Cruiser.
Number plates: formats and regulations
In competition, the front plate is mandatory, along with a double side plate fixed to the frame; a number stuck directly on the frame is not allowed. The plates are sold in Pro or Mini/Cruiser format, to choose according to the bike size. The regulations standardise the numbers, at least 80 mm high, followed by an uppercase letter in the bottom right, and set the colours by category: yellow background and black numbers for boys and men, blue background and white numbers for girls and women, red background and white numbers for cruisers. Your number, permanent, is on your licence.
What brands of handlebars and BMX plates are there?
Box focuses here on the Two plates, in Pro, Mini or Mini/Cruiser format.
Insight provides all the gear for racing bikes: Vision 2 plates in Pro or Mini/Cruiser format, frame plates in American format, and letters and numbers by the unit.
Elevn offers its SLT handlebar in 4.25 and 6.5 inches, alongside a Std model.
Pride Racing, a French BMX race brand, pairs its Air Pro plate with its Flowmotion V2 handlebar.
Avian offers the 64 Impala handlebar in chromoly, with a 22.2 mm clamp, in 8, 8.25, and 8.5 inches.
Stem, grips, and other parts
The permanent page for BMX handlebars details materials, angles, and fitting. Before finalising a handlebar, make sure that the BMX stem from Black Friday that will hold it has the same diameter, and think about the grips; all parts are available in the BMX parts. Outside of promotions, discontinued models go to clearance and new heights or colours arrive in the new arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to measure a BMX handlebar?
Height is measured vertically, between the middle of the central part and the top of the arms; width, from one end to the other. The clamp diameter is noted on the product sheet or can be checked with a caliper.
When are discounts on BMX handlebars and plates?
The Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving, and Vélo-Store extends its Black Friday discounts throughout the whole of November. Note the height and clamp of your handlebar and the plate format for your category: Mini/Cruiser for Mini bikes and cruisers, Pro for the 20 inches of older riders.
Should you buy numbers separately?
Often, yes: a plate is sold alone, and adhesive letters and numbers are ordered individually. Count the characters of your number, including the letter, and check the required colour for your category.
Handlebar in 22.2 or 31.8 mm: which one to choose?
Stick with the diameter of your stem, unless you are changing both parts together. The 31.8 mm, which is stiffer, is found on some racing handlebars; your grips will remain compatible, as the arms keep a diameter of 22.2 mm.
Can you cut down a handlebar that is too wide?
A steel or aluminium handlebar can generally be shortened without difficulty: cut an equal length from both sides with a pipe cutter, then deburr. Keep enough length for the grips, and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for a carbon handlebar.
