BMX - 20" with high seat and handlebars for Adult rider?

Hi everyone, My wife and I are looking for a small 20" bike that could be modified to fit our adult bodies, like with a longer seat post to raise it up, and some kind of handlebar stem riser. We've thought about wanting to start with a small BMX bike and modify it that way, preferably a single speed. We like the "folding bike" geometry, but wanted something lighter and cheaper, but basically the same size. We also want to keep the cost down. The bikes would be used for recreational riding only, to be transported by car or pickup. Any suggestions?

Most newer stuff have short seatposts, and short stems. You might be better off looking for something old school. Ill try and find something for ya, but first...

1. Where are ya?
2. 1 or 2 bikes?
3. Color preference?
4. Brand preference?
5. Price Limit?

Hi everyone, My wife and I are looking for a small 20" bike ... with a longer seat post to raise it up, and some kind of handlebar stem riser. ... We like the "folding bike" geometry, but wanted something lighter and cheaper, but basically the same size. We also want to keep the cost down. ... Any suggestions?
I think most BMX frames have 25.4mm seatposts. There's a reason why many of the better small-wheel folders have large-diameter (~34mm) seatposts. And there's a reason why many of these have a weight limit of ~230 lbs. The seatpost is one of those pieces that you really don't want to fail when you're on the bike. The handlebars might be a little easier/cheaper to set up than the seatpost. But you'll want high-grade parts since a handlebar failure is, IMHO, even worse than a seatpost failure. :) Prices for used bikes vary dramatically. For new bikes, the Schwinn Hinge is one of the lowest-priced folders. The Dahon Boardwalk is, IMHO, one of the better-quality folders in the low-price range.

Unless you're shopping at wal-mart, most BMX bikes are already designed for adult riders. They're just made for off seat riding. What you want, is the highest standover (and therefore the longest seat tube) you can find, and the longest seatpost you can get. You'll want a frame with at least a 20 and a half inch long top tube.

You'll probably still have trouble getting the seat up to what's generally considered "proper" height. On my own bike, I have no problem getting the seat to where I can sit on it, and get my feet flat on the ground. In fact, I tend to run it just a fraction of an inch above that. Mine's an older Supercross, with a higher stand over than most current bikes.

Given how I like my bike set up, I've decided that the next time I buy a frame, I'm going to order a custom made 125R from Standard Bykes, with an extended seat tube, and a gusset between the top tube and seat tube, like a lot of mountain bikes have, these days.

Just get taller bars and put spacers on. Also buy a long seat post. It isn't that complicated.

We live in western Texas, USA. We would need 2 bikes, One for my height 6' 1" and about 195 lbs., and one for my wife, who is 5' 2" and weighs about 145 lbs. We like bright colors for visibility, no brand preference. (Also want the bike to be rather light, therefore single speed. Something easy to lift into a vehicle.) Price limit, maybe about $250 US each.
We were thinking of having higher seat posts and a higher handlebar stem to be comfortable to ride. We think a 20" tire bike would be smaller and easier to pack up into a vehicle.



Most newer stuff have short seatposts, and short stems. You might be better off looking for something old school. Ill try and find something for ya, but first...

1. Where are ya?
2. 1 or 2 bikes?
3. Color preference?
4. Brand preference?
5. Price Limit?

How can I add height to the handlebars? I can't seem to find info, or parts to do it

... Price limit, maybe about $250 US each. ...
See: http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/boardwalk1.htm :thumb:

I think you'll want an "adult" frame bike like the Silgey Piccolo. If money is an issue, you can pick up a Schwinn Qualifier or Haro Dart - Formula 1 type bikes designed for street racing and they will do with a taller high riser bar and extending the seatpost. Or you can get the Dahon Bullhead, Silvertip, SmoothHound or Hammerhead models - which are rigid bikes with 20" wheels that look like a normal diamond frame bike.

In Asia, such bikes are called mini velos. Do a search on the forum. Good luck.

... If money is an issue, ...
The OP said "Price limit, maybe about $250 each ... ". Do you think a Schwinn Qualifier or a Haro Dart is an option at that price point for a ready-to-ride bike? :)

I picked up a Schwinn Qualifier on Craiglist for $75. If you do a search you can find one. They're ready to ride but you may want to make changes to make the bike suit your needs. :)