BMX Recommendation

Gadhafi

Alright Lads,

I'm looking at picking up a BMX soon, the thing is I haven't got a clue where to start, Budget would be roughly 200euro.

Ive done a bit of research and discovered threes quite a price difference between brand new and 2nd hand? they don't seem to hold there value too much so Its more than likely il be buying 2nd hand.

I'm 6ft 1 so I guess Il need quite a big bike. I was reading this guide here

http://bmx.transworld.net/1000087668/features/10-tips-for-buying-a-complete-bmx-bike/

and I think a "racing bmx" would suit my needs the most, the only thing is that when people advertise they don't say what kind of BMX it is. Would I be right in saying that the bikes separate into different categories as prices climb? at lower prices there is just a "generic bmx" so to speak?

I'm not to sure if ive expressed myself to well, but anyway, I'd ppreciate any help you could throw my way.

thanks:)

Lumen

At 6ft you'll probably want a Pro XL or Pro XL+/Pro XXL size.

The larger the bike the longer the top tube. A smaller bike may be easier to shift your weight around on, but also harder to control.

Look for a largeish chain ring. A ("compact") drivetrain (tiny chain ring coupled with a tiny rear cog) tends to be used for parks and ramps rather than racing.

I'm 6ft and ride a Pro XL+, badly.

Harrybelafonte

I seriously doubt you'll get a decent racing-specific BMX for 200, but i could be wrong. You don't really need it to be a racing one if you're starting off. Most of the people racing in Ratoath ran park/street BMXs. Look for particular brands more than anything else, you'll want something strong and light, We The People, Haro, Mongoose, GT etc. Redline are your top end racing bikes but you pay for them. Even something mid-school from the 90s would suit. All you need for racing is a back brake, so look second-hand, gyros can be removed and chainsets are easily upgraded to whatever size you want to run. Don't get sometime too cheap, but don't worry too much about the racing element either.

If it helps I'm also six one and basically just use a 2010 Haro F2, think it cost me 270 at the time, but many online shops would have cheaper bikes from similar marques. It came with a front 34T, my kid's bike is older and his had a 43T. The newer chainrings would all be a lot smaller, but if you check CRC you can get decent new chainrings for similar. (CRC also have a racing frame (no fork) at the moment for 70, it's a BeOne. You might be able to put the whole thing together for about 200, but I'd still argue that secondhand would be better value for moeny).

Also, check out the Ratoath Facebook page. They have direct deals with a coupld of shops and will also be able to advise on what to get. There's also the BMX Talk site.

Harrybelafonte

This and just change chainring and sort the chain.

Gadhafi

Thanks for the replies lads, it's given me a lot to think about

Harrybelafonte, that's a nice bike, but do you Think it would be the right size for me?

Harrybelafonte

Gadhafi wrote: »

Thanks for the replies lads, it's given me a lot to think about

Harrybelafonte, that's a nice bike, but do you Think it would be the right size for me?

Well, I'm probably not the best to ask about that. Strictly speaking I think our size are to be on Pro XXL frames with a 21.5 TT, but mine is a 20". If you're only starting, I push that it doesn't really matter. I'll wait to see if anyone corrects me, but I don't think it's as strict as a road bike.

LeoD

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

It came with a front 34T, my kid's bike is older and his had a 43T.

Back in the 80's the standard gearing on BMX bikes was 44-16. I suppose the tracks are different now. None of this fancy-schmancy frame sizing either - 1 size fits all back then. If you were long you just lobbed on these crazy laid-back seat posts. Oh happy days...