Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Bikes: S&M Black Bike, FIT 3.5s, KHS Solo One (destroyed in roof rack incident), Bianchi Pista (sold), Trek 6000 SS(temporarily dismantled), Trek 850 1x8 , Generic SS 20" folder, Kona Shonky, Sunday Wave-C, Surly Cross Check
I'm about your age (36) and about your weight, although a few inches shorter. I have both a 20" and a 24" BMX, so I'll try to explain some of the differences (in my opinion):
The 20” is a FIT S3.5 set up with a 25mm spacer under the stem, a FIT DLT stem, and Odyssey Lumber Jack handlebar. This gives me a lot of rise and is pretty comfy. Overall, it’s a lot like the BMX bike I rode as a teenager. It's not so comfortable for cruising but I can bunny hop it high and it’s extremely agile.
The 24" is a Sunday Wave C with Odyssey Elementary Stem and Odyssey Space Bar.
The 24", at least the Sunday, feels (almost) just like a 20" with everything slightly scaled up. This feels more compatible with my older body. The 24" feels more stable and feels a lot faster. I can bunny hop it easily, although not as high as I can with the 20".
When riding the bigger bike, I often forget that I'm not riding the 20".
The differences between the two bikes only become very noticeable when executing more technical maneuvers. For example, 360's off curbs were awkward at first on the 24", but once I learned them they actually felt more stable on the bigger bike.
Although I can't imagine not owning a 20", If I could only keep one bike; it would probably be the 24". If I was a couple inches taller, like you are, the decision would be even easier. I do spend a lot more time riding the 24".
The difference in weight is too negligible to make a difference. My 20" weighs a 21 or 22 pounds and the bigger bike weighs 23 or 24.
Being a die hard S&M guy, I considered the 24" Dirt Bike. I ultimately settled on the Sunday Wave C, as I thought the geometry would make it ride most like a 20" which turned out to be true.
Let us know what you decide!