BMX - What Bike do I get?

buying a BMX for the first time in a LOOOOONG time. Want just one bike that is versatile.

Do I want 20" or 24" wheels?

What are some solid brands without breaking the bank?

Thanks!
;)

Have you tried the Search function? Or at least read the thread titled New members, read this first! (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=148213) You'll be helping us help you.

Cheers.

I did check before I joined. Heard the 20" vs. 24" discussion, but not in terms of versatility. Plus no brands. I'de like to spend $300 to $400, and make upgrades.

Go to the local bike shop, or drive to one that caters to BMX. Ask what you can get for $400. They will give you options. From there, decide what you have to have to start with. Are you going to race? I'd recommend a cruiser myself. I think at $400 for a new bike, you start to get into sealed bearings. Or, look on ebay. Here's one I was thinking about. Seems like a rippin deal. I spent $225 on my Haro cruiser. I have ha NO problems with it in 3 years.

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-cruiser-haro-racing-bmx-racebike-custom-sx24-sx_W0QQitemZ7200613014QQcategoryZ98082QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

What kind of riding do you plan on doing? How close are you to your ride spots, and how tall are you?

I'm 5'6 and I want something I can ride around the block on and maybe get back in to tricks?

:D

Forget about the cruiser, unless you want to go racing. You're short enough that a 20" is fine for you. Cruisers aren't so good for tricks or jumping, except on a groomed track. Do you know what brands are available locally, or were you going to order online?

I know the last time I rode a 20" I was a kid & now I'm A GOOD BIT OLDER. But the 20's seem so tiny to me now... I guess I'll get used to it.

By the way I'm a buying locally from a small shop...the guys really into Haro, but can order other stuff.

I have a Haro cruiser for racing, and a Backtrail X3 for messing around on. I only know the Haro and GT product lines, because that's what my LBS sells. I don't know what the US price of the X3 is, but I thought it was a good value for a stock bike. Full cro-mo frame/fork/cranks/bars, 48 spoke wheels with hollow 14mm axles, and a cassette hub. The only changes I've made so far are a Primo brake lever, Evolver brake, and a Primo chain tensioner. It seems like a solid foundation that won't need much upgrading for my intended use.

thanks for the help!!!

I'd like to point out that I don't suggest a Backtrail X3 because I have one. I bought one because they're the bike I suggest to customers looking for a solid BMX bike at a fair price. I know there are better bikes out there. It's got some limitations due to the back wheel not being chromed. But from what I've learned to far, they're decent bikes, especially for someone that doesn't want to upgrade right away.

I'd like to point out that I don't suggest a Backtrail X3 because I have one. I bought one because they're the bike I suggest to customers looking for a solid BMX bike at a fair price. I know there are better bikes out there. It's got some limitations due to the back wheel not being chromed. But from what I've learned to far, they're decent bikes, especially for someone that doesn't want to upgrade right away.

Explain the "back wheel being chromed" thing.

If you want to stop with a U brake, you really need a chrome back wheel. Where have you been?

If you want to stop with a U brake, you really need a chrome back wheel. Where have you been?


What's a "U" brake? I'm thining older style caliper brake? I don't mingle with other riders. And the riders I see are at the track, and no one has a chrome wheel.

I think race bikes pretty much have V brakes as the standard. Here's a U brake:

http://www.california-bmx.com/catalog/images/U-brake%20Diatech%20Hombre%20copie.jpg

Okay then...what basic upgrades would you suggest on the backtrail?

OR

how much more bike can I get for 350.00?

Okay then...what basic upgrades would you suggest on the backtrail?

OR

how much more bike can I get for 350.00?
if your intrested in backtrails,and dirt jumping i would get a backtrail x3.not that expensive and its a good bike!! my buddy has one,they are light to..

Okay then...what basic upgrades would you suggest on the backtrail?

OR

how much more bike can I get for 350.00?

The brake was the only thing I wasn't happy with. The only Backtrail to look at is the X3.

The brake was the only thing I wasn't happy with. The only Backtrail to look at is the X3.

do you ride street or strictly dirt jumping...how does it hold up?

I know Its an early on concern, but $'s no problem (within reason) & I don't like to fool around with a thousand upgrades...VERSATILITY

he barely rides it. it'll hold up

he barely rides it. it'll hold up

Ouch! I bought it for dirt jumping and screwing around on. Spring time in Australia means rain and hail, so I haven't ridden it that much. And next month it will get packed into a shipping container with about 8 other bikes and everything else I own, and sent back to the states.

how long have you lived down under?

I think race bikes pretty much have V brakes as the standard. Here's a U brake:

http://www.california-bmx.com/catalog/images/U-brake%20Diatech%20Hombre%20copie.jpg

I have a set of them in the fiesta version, but not best brake I've ever used.

i think kinetik started out with a backtrail and he does fine

how long have you lived down under?

About 2 1/2 years now. There's a state here named after you - Queensland. Not only is it beautiful, but they rarely get any rain in certain parts. Down here, it rains year round. I have one day off a week, and it seems to rain every Sunday. I've got 4 other bikes I could be riding as well, but I'd like to go play at the track on my Backtrail. Tomorrow I'm going riding, even if it's raining.

what bike would be nice for me i just like to mess around jumping ramps in the street and bunny hopping over stuff
im 5.6 125lbs and budget is around 300-400$

you have a 3-4 hundred dollar budget for that?!?!?!?!
your better off going to x mart

You can get a decent bike for that price in the US, can't you?

Mongoose Fuzz for dirt, RAF for ramps.