View Full Version : Mountain biker that want's to get into BMX/
This may sound a little stupid, but I've been playing GTA: SA a lot lately and riding the BMX bike around, they look like a lot of fun, I do remember them being relativity cheap back when I was young, but I know nothing about them now, can you still get a good BMX bike without spending a lot of money? Something that would be good for doing tricks on the street.
BMXTRIX
06-09-05, 10:38 PM
www.danscomp.com take a look at complete bikes. Cheap compared to mt. bikes. Your LBS will also carry a few models that they are likely pretty clueless about - so ask here. Decide on a budget and if you can build it yourself, mail order is excellent.
What is a good size to get? I'm seeing ones that are 16", 18" 20" are they refering to the frame size or tire size?
I wish I knew more about this sport hehe.
alcahueteria
06-10-05, 12:11 AM
I am trying to adjust from mtb to bmx as well. Those measurements are most likely for the top tube. To my understanding 20" and 24" (cruiser) wheels are what you will see the most of, but I think there are smaller ones too.
I am really digging it. It's helping me get smooth, so to speak. Since there's no suspension you have to be able to absorb the force. I have a freeride hardtail and I ride them both pretty equally. And they are definitely cheap compared to mtb, which is a big plus.
Some other mail order sites:
http://www.albes.com/
http://www.empirebmx.com/index.aspx
How are Hoffman Bikes? I assume they are designed by Mat Hoffman?
They look pretty nice.
KinetikBiker
06-10-05, 07:29 AM
the new hoffmans are Really nice.
check them out...and there nicly priced...a little heavy but your mountain bike is probly the same weight......
they come in cool colors too.
CMcMahon
06-10-05, 10:09 AM
What is a good size to get? I'm seeing ones that are 16", 18" 20" are they refering to the frame size or tire size?
Those are tire sizes, 20" is standard, 16" and 18" are what you'll find on bikes for kids under the age of ten.
Top tube sizes generally range from 20.25"-21" on most frames, with shorter tubes on flatland bikes and longer tubes for very tall people.
BMXTRIX
06-10-05, 01:36 PM
Hoffman makes some decent stuff, and most is not designed by Mat directly. He is not always the brightest guy, so he lets those with more knowledge help where help is needed... which actually makes him smarter than most.
There are lots of good bikes, but really, if you want the best bike for your money, you have to come up with a budget and include your height and what type of riding you plan on doing.
If you want to race, then having a freestyle bike is worthless.
If you want to try flatland, then having a long street bike is bad.
If you want to do street/dirt than a race bike won't likely hold up for you.
The sizes you listed were covered by Beerman above - they were wheel sizes and unless you plan to race, than 20" is the only way to go. Even then - 20" is the way to go. ;)
You will find that in any given price class there are certain bikes which are slightly better than others, and quite often a manufacturer that makes a decent $200.00 bike, won't have the best $500.00 bike. So, keep asking and keep looking and hit up your LBS for a test ride or two.
Hoffman makes some decent stuff, and most is not designed by Mat directly. He is not always the brightest guy, so he lets those with more knowledge help where help is needed... which actually makes him smarter than most.
There are lots of good bikes, but really, if you want the best bike for your money, you have to come up with a budget and include your height and what type of riding you plan on doing.
If you want to race, then having a freestyle bike is worthless.
If you want to try flatland, then having a long street bike is bad.
If you want to do street/dirt than a race bike won't likely hold up for you.
The sizes you listed were covered by Beerman above - they were wheel sizes and unless you plan to race, than 20" is the only way to go. Even then - 20" is the way to go. ;)
You will find that in any given price class there are certain bikes which are slightly better than others, and quite often a manufacturer that makes a decent $200.00 bike, won't have the best $500.00 bike. So, keep asking and keep looking and hit up your LBS for a test ride or two.
I won't be racing with any bike I get even though there is a BMX dirt race track within walking distance from me, I just wanna get into street, doing tricks, having fun, maybe using the bike for a little cruising but mostly just tricks.
I looked at Haro bikes earlier, they had too many to choose from and I got confused at what would be best.
Also I suppose using my mountain bike helmet would be a bad idea since they are desgined to be useless after one hard hit to the ground, so what would you recommend helmet wise that looks nice and protects?
As for price I would like to keep it around the $300 range, but I've always been anal about quality so if $500 is what it takes to get a good bike I guess I will spend $500.
How much does the Hoffman Condor PL1 cost? It looks really nice, lots of highend components and the best one in the Condor line.
For what it's worth, I'm going to try a 20" out on the track, and see if that suits me for racing better than a cruiser. I'll probably get a freestyle bike when I return to the states too.
BMXTRIX
06-10-05, 10:21 PM
TWEEK - How tall are you?
There will be numerous recommendations coming along.
Also: How is your proficiency with bicycle mechanics?
TWEEK - How tall are you?
There will be numerous recommendations coming along.
Also: How is your proficiency with bicycle mechanics?
I'm 5'9" 140lbs
As for the question about bicycle mechanics, I know quite a bit, I can take them apart and maintainthem, and fix what needs fixing, but sometimes I will get lazy and let my LBS do it as they have great labor rates.
You need a BMX and a sandwich. Maybe even a beer and pizza diet.
hmmm a beer diet?...what a great idea!
no, a whiskey diet would be much better for you.
You need a BMX and a sandwich. Maybe even a beer and pizza diet.
Let's not get off topic here, I've still not found out which bike would be the best for me.
I've narrowed it down to a Hoffman Condor or some Haro model.
have you considered a 24' cruiser? also, what is your price range?
have you considered a 24' cruiser?
I don't like thoes things, and I wanna do freestyle, I've never seen anyone in my life do freestyle on a 24" cruiser.
My price range is about $300 but like I said I'm anal about quality and if $500-600 is what it takes to get a bike that will stand up to the test of time, then $500-600 is what I'll spend.
queensrider86
06-11-05, 08:14 PM
I don't like thoes things, and I wanna do freestyle, I've never seen anyone in my life do freestyle on a 24" cruiser.
My price range is about $300 but like I said I'm anal about quality and if $500-600 is what it takes to get a bike that will stand up to the test of time, then $500-600 is what I'll spend.
i've seen this guy do a tailwhip to barspin on a cruiser.
Some of the photos I posted were of a friend of mine on his cruiser - big air. But they're certainly not really suited to freestyle.
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