BMX - (big) old timer needs a cruisers...

I'm 35yo, 6'3 and 200lb.

The kids are just getting to be old enough to start riding bikes, and I'd like to pick up a cruiser to ride with them.

I was a pretty serious BMX racer (and a mediocre freestyler) in my time, so would like something capable of possibly racing and definitely jumping.

Any recommendations for makes/models? Anything particularly nice straight off the showroom floor?

Thanks.

Steve

The Haro SX 24 is ready to race, as is the Felt Sector 24. GT also makes a cruiser that's race ready. Pedals and a number plate are all the bikes need. By jumping, I can only hope you're referring to dirt jumps at the track. You won't find a raceworthy 24" that will hold up to any kind of street for long.

I'm 35yo, 6'3 and 200lb.

The kids are just getting to be old enough to start riding bikes, and I'd like to pick up a cruiser to ride with them.

I was a pretty serious BMX racer (and a mediocre freestyler) in my time, so would like something capable of possibly racing and definitely jumping.

Any recommendations for makes/models? Anything particularly nice straight off the showroom floor?

Thanks.

Steve

My Haro. SR2.0 About $225 new. I've done nothing but replace the tires. I ride it pretty hard. I I'm 6'1 and weight 210lbs. It does not have sealed bearings, but don't miss em. Ebay has some rippin cruisers in the 200 to 400$ range. You'll make out well, and have a good time riding with your kids. Me, my 12yo son and 14yo daughter will be racing next season. I just got my daughter a cruiser off ebay. My son has the best bike of all of us, and Redline Flight Expert. Let us know how you make out.

If your primary concern is jumping then I suggest you go with something like this http://www.4130.com/ride/bikes/federalfunction2.html

You could certainly race on it, I don't see how an extra couple of kilos would make all that much of a difference.

Should have been more clear... Definitely dirt on the jumps. This old body doesn't heal as fast as it used to!

Regading the race-readies that you mentioned... Should I be concerned at all about the wheelsets (or anything else, for that matter) not holding up to the pounding of a 200lber jumping them on dirt? Would doing drops (less than 6') change your answer?

Thanks alot for the info.

Steve

Drops will break an aluminum frame, no doubt. Most of the guys that I raced with in the Masters were in the 200lb range, and any wheel problems were the resulting of casing a jump. On their own, the 36 spoke wheels are quite strong.

Hmm...

Maybe I'd be better off looking at full ChroMo frame/forks, then. A little heavier, but a little stronger, and I could probably save a few bucks.

Racing, for me, would be more for fun than competition. And, I wouldn't have to worry so much about bike failure on the trails and jumping.

Am I on the right track?

Steve

Depends on how smooth you are too. Maybe start a thread asking about 24" cro-mo frames. If you're only racing for fun, you can ride nearly anything. There's also a thread about 20" bikes for someone your size. You'd do ok with a 22" top tube on a 20" bike.

This has prolly been posted, but it looks sweet....

http://www.evilmonito.com/SC%20x%20IM/

ummmm they had a dk general lee 24" it was pretty good...dont know if they still make it

ummmm they had a dk general lee 24" it was pretty good...dont know if they still make it
Yeh they do, I've seen them.

ive seen them to...that doesnt mean they still make them...i think they discontinued the cruiser.

I am a lot bigger than you, and I ride a Haro Backtrail X24. Indestructable!!!