BMX - Newbie- Which racing bike? Help!

Hi. Interested in getting a BMX racing bike and maybe give a try at the track.

I am a big guy. 6'1" 220ish with decent power per my PowerTap. When I heard Bob (Rob) Lindstrom was a former BMXer it kinda piqued my interest. That and talking with Jamie Staff a little also didn't hurt.

What bikes will fit me well? Been messing with Google and only came up with the Redline Flight Pro XXL so far. What other choices do I have? Thoughts on those models?

I can't wait to rip on one...haven't been on a BMX in ...wow...won't even say how long, but I can't wait!!!

Thanks.

Oh if anyone has one for sale, I would mind buying a good used one...

Thanks again.

-Meek

the flight is prob the best complete out there... you can def ride it right out of the box. take a look at the intense pro xl... its a cheaper alternative at a good value.

price limit?

Thanks for the replies so far.

Price limit...hmm. Let's say sub-$750. But please give me ALL the options between the lowest priced good bike ($350ish?) up to 750 with some thoughts on the models. This will allow me to do some research and gain some knowledge.

Another question: What, if anything, is typically upgraded immediately from stock bikes in this price range?

Once again, thanks for the help. :p

-Meek

If you're an older guy w/out a lot of experience riding a 20", I'd recommend looking into the cruiser class (24"). They tend to be a bit more stable riding, also more of us older guys race them so you're more likely to be racing against people your age and skill level. At least that's what I find in my area. I don't pay too much attention to what's availiable in the race world, but Redline seems to have a good line of race completes that are well thought of.
-Bill

If you're an older guy w/out a lot of experience riding a 20", I'd recommend looking into the cruiser class (24"). They tend to be a bit more stable riding, also more of us older guys race them so you're more likely to be racing against people your age and skill level. At least that's what I find in my area. I don't pay too much attention to what's availiable in the race world, but Redline seems to have a good line of race completes that are well thought of.
-Bill


Bill, can you please rattle off some of the decent 24's? Thank you.

I would, but honestly, I don't pay much attention to what's availiable for racing. I'm primarily a park/light street rider on a 20". But when I race (occasionally) I use my SE Floval Flyer that I've had since '97.
From what I've heard Redline seems to be a good line. But I'm sure there's others.
-Bill

Intense make good race bikes

Intense Cruiser XL-$400 i think
GT Powerseries Cruiser-$550
Redline Flight Cruiser-a lot
Redline Proline Cruiser-around $450 i think

For cruiser class, you can get a GT, Haro, or Felt that come ready to race. All you'll need to add is a plate. And maybe some pedals.

I've been incredibly underwhelmed by the Redline mx24 and DK Fury 24. If I could have anything right now in a cruiser, I'd go Supercross.

As far as 24" vs 20", go to a few races at the tracks you'll be racing. I race both classes. It may be at your tracks no one near your age races 20" and all you race are kids. Or it could be the other way around. All the people you race on 24" are older than you and you wished you had a 20". So I usually do both, then also race in an open if they have one.

I like Standard bike frames. Both the 20" and 24" I race are Standards. I also have an S&M 24" cruiser, and an old DK 24" cruiser. Good bikes to.

I to am a big guy, 5-10, 225lbs. I feel safer on a chromoly bike. I worry over cracking an aluminum frame. I also tend to like to build a bike from parts rather than buy a complete. That way I get exactly what I want.

If you want to buy a complete, there's nothing wrong with that either. As they say its not the bike but the machine pushing it. I would look at what your local bike shops carry, and look at those. Ride em. As far as brands of completes, Red line, Haro, FMF, GT, K-1, their all compairable.

I to am a big guy, 5-10, 225lbs. I feel safer on a chromoly bike. I worry over cracking an aluminum frame. I also tend to like to build a bike from parts rather than buy a complete. That way I get exactly what I want.


Have you ridden an aluminum frame?

Yea. I raced a diamond back cruiser for a while. I know, Diamond back! Yuck! I liked that bike though. Cracked a weld at the head tube. Maybe if it were a Crupi or something it wouldn't have happened, but I sure have had good luck with Standards. I think maybe for the big guy, "steel is real"

Tru dat