BMX_MOM

I am just getting my 6 y/o started for the next years season of BMX racing, here in Michigan. There are so many choices of bike I don't know where to begin. Felt, Redline, Haro...etc and the kist goes on. I know he needs a mini. But whatelse do you look for? What about gear? Are dirt bike pants ok? Helmet? There are not allot of bike stores where I am at so I really cant just make a day of looking. What about used? I was a track brat growing up in the late 70's early 80's but time has changed soo much. My brother use to race for Schwin in IL at that time! If anyone can give me some pointers I would really like that. Thanks!

PGZX3

dirt bike pants are alright, but a little heavy, redline and haro are great choices for minis as are just about any mini you buy, the biggest thing here is you want a lightweight bike and you want a variety of gears so you may want to invest in a cassette rear hub or a flip flop hub and a number of front chainrings to make sure your son can always get up the biggest jumps with ease but won't be spinning too fast on the straights. A full face helmet is a must if you're any kind of good parent (my opinion, but a strong one!!) Gloves are a great idea as well, and a jersey to match whatever pants you find won't hurt any. When you find a mini, just remember, you want lightweight, but don't overpay for components, there are SO MANY people at the tracks selling great stuff for dirt cheap (cranks, forks, wheelsets are a big one) that you can easily buy a cheaper bike with a nice frame and find some nice parts at the track over a few weekends. One last big thing, well two, most o fthe tires will be sew ups on minis that small, some time invested into learning how to mount them will save you a fair amount of money, and clipless pedals are a great idea at this early age because for one, he learns easily, and two, the pedals will overpower him and buck him off the bike easier than you think, with clips he will be more or less forced to put more effort into it, and he will progress that much quicker, that being said, a good platform type clip is great for beginners as something small like eggbeaters can be constrictive.

If you need more advice just ask, I also raced for schwinn briefly and have plenty of experience in playing the parts game as well so when the pocketbook calls, I can help find the right buy!!

RiPHRaPH

i bought my 6 y.o. a redline and he loves it. the main differences in models was the bottom bracket and how it attaches to the cranks. we bought the Redline Raid Chrome model. its been great for him.