Is a BMX right for me?

[mr00jimbo]

Hello all!
Looking to buy a new bike, mostly for street commuting. I like the simplistic one-gear utilitarianism of the BMX. It might be harder to ride, but what the hell.
My friend was super into BMXs, and he suggested I get a 24" bike, so it looks less like a "kid's" bike, since I'm not really going to be doing tricks really with it. Ideally I like a bike that can fit in the trunk of my car (damn seats do not fold down!) and one that is pretty straightforward and simplistic.

Would the 24" be a good choice, and have the look and feel of a full-sized bike with the general joy of a BMX?

I'm about 5'9 and 170 pounds if that makes any difference. Thanks!

[freeagent1970]

Honestly your best bet is to go ride a few different bikes. Im six foot 2 and about 300 lbs and i have a Powerlite xl 20 inch, a redline cruiser(24 inch) a mountain bike..with gears in a 26 inch. They all sever there own purpose. I find on the 20 i stand constantly. I can sit on the 24 but i prefer to stand on it and i can sit all the time on the MTB. How much you spending? Do you have alot of hills? How far is your commute?...Good luck with your search.

[fuzzbox]

You could get a single speed road bike.

[imcrushingyerhd]

I rode a Gary Fisher SS 29er and fell in love with it instantly. It's a mountain bike though, so I don't know if you want to go that route or not. If your strictly commuting I'd go more for that cozy upright lightweight big wheel feel. It's almost like riding in a Jeep without doors haha.

As far as the cruiser BMX you'll get around faster than with a 20". I wouldn't recommend a 20" for strictly commuting.

[fuzzbox]

I rode a Gary Fisher SS 29er and fell in love with it instantly. It's a mountain bike though, so I don't know if you want to go that route or not. If your strictly commuting I'd go more for that cozy upright lightweight big wheel feel. It's almost like riding in a Jeep without doors haha.

As far as the cruiser BMX you'll get around faster than with a 20". I wouldn't recommend a 20" for strictly commuting.

Word. Commuting with a BMX bites. It's all about the big bikes.

[FuzzyRyder]

i used to commute an hour both ways on my bmx almost everyday to ride street and or our big bowl at the forks. I just ride fast and bunny hop over **** and do little gaps or grinds on what ever i saw. its not bad at all if you are having fun with it.

[dervish]

single speed and fixed gear are where its at, i suggest checking out the subforum
BFSSFG

[mr00jimbo]

Thank-you guys. I drive mostly, the BMX would be for getting into shape and just cruising around for a nice bike ride. I do have hills around, some big ones but not a lot in the areas I'd want to ride.

[bmx2478]

i used to commute an hour both ways on my bmx almost everyday to ride street and or our big bowl at the forks. I just ride fast and bunny hop over **** and do little gaps or grinds on what ever i saw. its not bad at all if you are having fun with it.

Amen!
Don't think of the ride as the hard part, stick some pegs on and turn it into a long street session on the way.
It's funnnn.