BMX - What to look for in a 24"?

Hi, Im a high school student and i ride a late 80's ralleigh mtb with a 20inch top tube and 26" rims about 5 mi/day. For my next bike I'm planning on getting a 24" bmx, just for skrewing around and maybe a little jumping.
I tried riding a friend's 20 but i couldn't get used to it. I was wondering what i should look for in a 24 so i get decent quality for less than 300$? Any complete recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks, nathandsch

I am wondering the same thing. I stopped into the bike store on Saturday ans saw a Diamondback Lucky 24 and a DK General Lee 24 and that got me thinking about getting one. I beleive that both were inbetween $300 and $400.00. I liked the Lucky better, but that was just based on looks. I had been tossing around the idea of a single spped mountain bike to play with, but the BMX bikes remind me of my youth.

I'd like to hear what others have to say.

i have a haro 24, its an awsome bike (and its for sale if you want it, i live in MA. $200)
i love 24's, they are biger and stronger and a lot smoother than the smaller 20 inchers, but they are heavy. i'd recomend a haro like mine for dirt, street, and watever else you can think of. (i would say the same for the other 24's, but i'v never riden them so i dont know for sure) theyre incredibly strong and will never break, but they pay in weight. if thats not a problem i'd highly recomend one. =]

Any problem with manuals or hops for say, 5'4 riders? My main concern is that weight will be an issue. My problem is that I'm a bit short, but hate riding 20". This is going to be my only bike purchase for the next few years so i want something that I'll be able to manage.

alright, i think ive come down to the dk cygnus 24. ts got the measurements i want and the price is right. Anyone have experience with this particular bike?

You want to make sure that it has 24" wheels, a drivetrain, and handlebars, for starters.

You want to make sure that it has 24" wheels, a drivetrain, and handlebars, for starters.

doh, thanks bro. The real question is, is there anything special i should know before buying a bike in my circumstances?

For the money the DK you are looking at is not a bad bike. Cruisers are no stronger than a comparable 20 inch bike but can be more comfortable to ride any significant distance. Cruisers have a steep head angle compared to a 24 inch wheel mountain bike/dirt jumper so they steer pretty quickly, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you are doing. If you are actually jumping a 24 inch wheel dirt jump style mountain bike with a low travel fork is a better option but likely well out of your price range.
At the 300 price point there will be lots of compromises in the parts, usually the wheels, but you can replace them with better as they wear out. The stock gearing of 33 * 15 is a pretty light gear, it will accelerate well but you are going to spin out pretty quickly.

Check out Faction bmx ,They have a new complete 22 inch bmx

I just looked on that site and those bikes are pretty nice. The price is average for a normal good bike, too.

I might buy one soon.