Newbie wants a bike

[mr_blUe]

ok stats on me...
i'm 6'0'' 215lbs 26yr old
never done any kind of bmx riding or anything of the sort, never owned a bmx bike
shat...i don't even know if i'm using the correct term...i've seen freestyle in some places..and bmx in others...i'd say i'm more of the freestyle type...but i don't really know what that means

basically...i want a nice bike that is conducive to wheelies, jumps, stopies and just tricks of the likes. i know you guys are gonna laugh at this...but i ride a bike to work everyday, and it would just be more fun if i had a bike that i could actually do stuff with, rather than my mountain/road bike that is pretty straight forward.

i don't even know where to begin...i know i don't want to spend more than 200 bucks first off...so i know that limits me a bit...i don't want to go into a local bike shop..cause any time i've done that, they just try and sell me the most expensive getup, and talk down to me cause i don't freakin know anything...
so hopefully you guys can give some hints or suggestions...

thanks

[mr_blUe]

ok...after thought...i'd say i'd be willing to spend up to $250..but not much more than that...
and i've looked through the threads...and i just didn't see anything that helped me with my question...so thats why i posted mine

[trailsirder234]

you'll probably want a long top tube on the frame of the bike you get, 21" would be about right, there are a few companies that make larger, dk makes a 21" 1/4 and macniel makes a 22, it'll be way more comfortable for you seeing as your 6 foot, and then just get some strong parts on whatever you get, chromoly's good yeayea

[bmxrdr88]

Yeah, but hes looking for a complete. Not a frame. Check out Danscomp.com, Staff-bmx.com, Frankfordbike.com, and your local bike shop. They can't be that bad. but just look around for a bike with a 21" top tube. And you'll be set. start with DK's and Hoffman's.

[Brian]

Don't worry about going cheap on your first bike. You've got a couple of things going for you here. One, you ride to work. Sounds like if you decide to upgrade later, you've got the means to pay for something better. Two, you ride to work. I'll assume you don't have a car, and the bills that come with one. That should leave you with more money to spend on bikes.

So, if you don't know what you want, don't spend a lot on a bike until you determine your style, which will determine your needs. I'm guessing something along the lines of "Urban assault" riding is what you're interested in. The guys will correct me if I'm wrong, but something like a Backtrail might not be a bad place to start.

[dooley]

Go second hand. For $250 you should be able to get a bike that doesn't need any upgrading.

[Darin]

Have you considered a BMX Cruiser. I know some guys will dissagree. But I'm 6'1 210 riding a Cruiser and quite happy with it. I have my own reasons but stability is on the top of the list. Bigger wheels, longer bike, more stable at speed, jumping and landing. Plus, it just look like the right sized bike for me. Check them out before you make up your mind. I think I paid arouns $300 for my Haro Cruiser. It's TOUGH. I jump and land pretty hard, nothing broke or bent yet. Except a back rim, which I straightened. No biggie.

[Brian]

Good point, Darin. I've got the Haro and the Felt. Not the best choice for banging kerbs around town, but certainly more comfort for a commute.