BMX - Another old man looking for advice on getting a bike

I'm looking to pick up a bike so I can get some exercise in & get back in shape I'm not a fan of the big heavy mountain bikes so I'm leaning towards a bmx bike. I've done some research but I'm still confused on what to get. Here's my details:

- 36 / 200 lbs
- 6' 1"
- Mostly street use but I would like to be able to take it off road. Off road would consist of mostly dirt service roads through the woods nothing too crazy
- May try to relive youth and try some tricks but nothing too crazy
- A bike big/long enough that I won't be hitting my knees on the handle bars.
- Lightweight
- Looks cool (lol)
- Looking to spend $300-$450 new or used

The only bikes I found so far that I like and I think fits my needs are the 22" Faction bikes. Unfortunately with the exchange rate and shipping costs they are a bit out of my price range.

Any advice you folks can give me is greatly appreciated....

Thanks!!

I would recommend looking into a BMX cruiser (ex: Volume Sledgehammer 26", Sunday Model-C 24", etc.) if you're looking into a single-speed bike that can hack it off-road as well as on the streets, mainly because a 20" BMX bike is not all that great for exercise.

CMcMahon makes a valid point. My knee-jerk reaction could've been ' why a 20" wheeled BMX'
A 30yr.old nephew of mine has a few bikes at his diposal. At 210 he's in superb shape, he's a Phys-Ed teacher and likes his BMX bikes alot. He rides 'em all over town. I think it's funny, he doesn't, you don't either.
Mongoose has a site. DiamondBack comes to mind but .... there are others as well. This brand & others can be found at not so pricey LBSs. A sporting goods store named "Dick's" for instance as well as Ski/Bike stores... other all-around stores have good bike depts. Knee-hitting size never came into play with my nephew; the sites/ stores can guide you.

I would recommend looking into a BMX cruiser (ex: Volume Sledgehammer 26", Sunday Model-C 24", etc.) if you're looking into a single-speed bike that can hack it off-road as well as on the streets, mainly because a 20" BMX bike is not all that great for exercise.

I disagree that they aren't good for exercise, but i agree that they are terrible for transportation beyond 2 miles. And older people would find it difficult to ride, unless they rode one while they were younger

Exactly why they aren't good for excercising.

Thanks to everyone who has replied!!

I'm not a big fan of how the cruisers look. Granted I'm basing my opinion only on the pictures I'm seeing online. Maybe if I saw one in person I'd feel differently. They more or less remind me of a smaller version of a mountain bike.

I like the look of the 20" bikes but I'm just worried about the bike being too small for me. Maybe I'm worrying about nothing? I had numerous BMX bikes when I was younger that was my main mode of transportation for 7-8 years. I think that's why I'm leaning towards a BMX type bike over any others.

I keep going back to the 22" Faction bikes but I'm not sure if they are worth the $600-$700 it will cost me to get one. I'm also not sure if that's the best choice for me right out of the gate.

Does anyone have any opinions on the Kink Gap XL?
http://www.danscomp.com/101679.php

Thanks Again Everyone!!

Thanks to everyone who has replied!!

I'm not a big fan of how the cruisers look. Granted I'm basing my opinion only on the pictures I'm seeing online. Maybe if I saw one in person I'd feel differently. They more or less remind me of a smaller version of a mountain bike.

I like the look of the 20" bikes but I'm just worried about the bike being too small for me. Maybe I'm worrying about nothing? I had numerous BMX bikes when I was younger that was my main mode of transportation for 7-8 years. I think that's why I'm leaning towards a BMX type bike over any others.

I keep going back to the 22" Faction bikes but I'm not sure if they are worth the $600-$700 it will cost me to get one. I'm also not sure if that's the best choice for me right out of the gate.

Does anyone have any opinions on the Kink Gap XL?
http://www.danscomp.com/101679.php

Thanks Again Everyone!!
This is the Sunday cruiser,It is far from your regular cruiser
And it is fun to ride,I get plenty of exercise on it

Since you think you're "old," I'm about to go over to a guy's house (he turns 44 or 45 in a week) to ride his miniramp.

FACT: He shreds way harder than I do.

Do you plan on doing any tricks? Or are you just riding?
I'm going to assume the latter. In that case, the Gap xl is a pretty good buy, it's hi tensile mix, which is strong, but less than desirable for bikers who are getting big air or doing really strenuous things with it.
If you do plan on tricks get this
http://www.danscomp.com/101788.php?cat=BIKES

your TT length should be around 21", but if it still feels small, you can always get a stem with more reach or bars that are bigger

If you are going to do minimal tricks I'd reccomend a cruiser. Just cause you cover more distance and it is roomy. It isn't too far from the same feel as a 20" in my opinion.