Too old to BMX
#176
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I found a BNIB 2022 Fairdale Taj 27.5" in Translucent blue on clearance ($300 off).
Unfortunately, the bike shop is in the next province and they want $200 to ship. Almost tempted to drive the 5 hrs and take the wife for a weekend road trip.
Unfortunately, the bike shop is in the next province and they want $200 to ship. Almost tempted to drive the 5 hrs and take the wife for a weekend road trip.
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#177
Senior Member
The free Mongoose Brawler is getting its workouts on a regular basis. Made some changes due to a badly threaded left pedal. New old stem and a black-white saddle completes the switches so far.
fun bike to ride around on with a9/25 geared drivetrain.
fun bike to ride around on with a9/25 geared drivetrain.

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#180
Senior Member
Most of my BMX bikes were free with parts added from my bins or dug out of the dusty LBS bins.
passed a BMX throwaway this morning on the ride for coffee.
The one nice one I got cost 74$ but went for over 500$ in 2008. Still a work in progress.
Ride on Everyone!
passed a BMX throwaway this morning on the ride for coffee.
The one nice one I got cost 74$ but went for over 500$ in 2008. Still a work in progress.
Ride on Everyone!
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#181
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In most neighborhoods around the country, including city areas, there's ALAWYS a bicycle in the trash. I personally see them almost daily, so you may need to rethink that comment.
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If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#182
Senior Member
Agreed^^^
On the way home yesterday the BMX was still out by the curb. Roll d it home.
On the way home yesterday the BMX was still out by the curb. Roll d it home.
#183
Senior Member
Parts on the yesterdays pickup are being cleaned or replaced.
Frame and fork sanded, rust converted and now coated in new colours. They will spend a month up in the attic before rebuild.
fun on the bike, fun off too!

Frame and fork sanded, rust converted and now coated in new colours. They will spend a month up in the attic before rebuild.
fun on the bike, fun off too!


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#184
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Originally Posted by 3speedslow
Most of my BMX bikes were free with parts added from my bins or dug out of the dusty LBS bins.
passed a BMX throwaway this morning on the ride for coffee.
The one nice one I got cost 74$ but went for over 500$ in 2008. Still a work in progress.
Ride on Everyone!
Most of my BMX bikes were free with parts added from my bins or dug out of the dusty LBS bins.
passed a BMX throwaway this morning on the ride for coffee.
The one nice one I got cost 74$ but went for over 500$ in 2008. Still a work in progress.
Ride on Everyone!

__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#187
Senior Member
First, let me say that I live in a military town. When schools out, the rotation of families begin in a wave. Since moving weight allowances have been cut, more stuff goes into the huge pile of stuff you see in front of their rental homes.
a month ago, I was doing my usual ride around the neighborhood in the evening. As I rode past a side street I saw one such pile. I turned down and went up to the house. Up close I saw the handle bar beacon! Always the first thing which catches my eye.
This is what I pulled out of the pile…

2021 entry level Haro Boulevard BMX.
Rolled that beauty home!
dusty, spider webs and mud nests abound and two flat tires.
a month ago, I was doing my usual ride around the neighborhood in the evening. As I rode past a side street I saw one such pile. I turned down and went up to the house. Up close I saw the handle bar beacon! Always the first thing which catches my eye.
This is what I pulled out of the pile…

2021 entry level Haro Boulevard BMX.
Rolled that beauty home!
dusty, spider webs and mud nests abound and two flat tires.
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#188
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First, let me say that I live in a military town. When schools out, the rotation of families begin in a wave. Since moving weight allowances have been cut, more stuff goes into the huge pile of stuff you see in front of their rental homes.
a month ago, I was doing my usual ride around the neighborhood in the evening. As I rode past a side street I saw one such pile. I turned down and went up to the house. Up close I saw the handle bar beacon! Always the first thing which catches my eye.
This is what I pulled out of the pile…
2021 entry level Haro Boulevard BMX.
Rolled that beauty home!
dusty, spider webs and mud nests abound and two flat tires.
a month ago, I was doing my usual ride around the neighborhood in the evening. As I rode past a side street I saw one such pile. I turned down and went up to the house. Up close I saw the handle bar beacon! Always the first thing which catches my eye.
This is what I pulled out of the pile…
2021 entry level Haro Boulevard BMX.
Rolled that beauty home!
dusty, spider webs and mud nests abound and two flat tires.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#189
Senior Member
Thanks!
I could not believe it myself as I stood there. As several people have said when I tell them the story” You can’t believe what gets thrown away in this town”!
The bike is entry level, hi ten frame, but still a 3-400 $ bike. I am enjoying it greatly! Have to post new pics of it soon.
I could not believe it myself as I stood there. As several people have said when I tell them the story” You can’t believe what gets thrown away in this town”!
The bike is entry level, hi ten frame, but still a 3-400 $ bike. I am enjoying it greatly! Have to post new pics of it soon.
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#190
Senior Member
Got this 2003 Mongoose Optic awhile ago as a wreck for a few $. Been slowly bringing it back as I can. No back brakes as yet, the two cable brake lever uses a double cable I can’t find yet. Might not even be available!
geometry is 19” top tube and 14” chainstay, good for manuals. Gearing 16/40 I believe…
First time out and around the neighborhood.

liking the Skyway mags on it!
geometry is 19” top tube and 14” chainstay, good for manuals. Gearing 16/40 I believe…
First time out and around the neighborhood.

liking the Skyway mags on it!
Last edited by 3speedslow; 08-24-23 at 02:06 PM.
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#191
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*edit: just saw the front brake routed through the headset; that bike definitely had a gyro
#192
Senior Member
Gyro…
It did indeed have a gyro! It was so rusted and the cables were fused inside the house I just removed the whole set up. Been trying to rework a solution so I can use the original 2 cable back brake. Might wind up buying a modern version of the 2 cable brake lever or go back to a new gyro setup.
The mags look awesome but even with new brake pads don’t stop so well. I’ve heard this about the DC Bulldog brakes as well.
The original wheels were still in great shape and aluminum too so putting them back on will be soon. Might make a difference.
The mags look awesome but even with new brake pads don’t stop so well. I’ve heard this about the DC Bulldog brakes as well.
The original wheels were still in great shape and aluminum too so putting them back on will be soon. Might make a difference.
#193
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"Too old to BMX".....
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam, 160lbs. Never ridden a BMX bike.
Been doing my research and now wondering if a 20" dia wheel with 21" top tube, raised lay-back seat post and handle bars tweaked forward (a bit) would fit me for neighbourhood cruising?
Or will a 24" dia wheel BMX fit my needs better? I pretty much decided that I don't want wheels 26" and bigger even though they would be better cruisers. Planning on visiting the BMX store this weekend.
Btw, I'm pushing 64, in decent shape but have no plans to ride the pump track........yet
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam, 160lbs. Never ridden a BMX bike.
Been doing my research and now wondering if a 20" dia wheel with 21" top tube, raised lay-back seat post and handle bars tweaked forward (a bit) would fit me for neighbourhood cruising?
Or will a 24" dia wheel BMX fit my needs better? I pretty much decided that I don't want wheels 26" and bigger even though they would be better cruisers. Planning on visiting the BMX store this weekend.
Btw, I'm pushing 64, in decent shape but have no plans to ride the pump track........yet

Last edited by Speedway2; 09-19-23 at 06:15 PM. Reason: more info
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#194
Senior Member
We are very similar in height and age, my weight is 130. The BMX bike you describe is how I set mine up and have no problems. My Haro is 21” top tube and a great rider but hard to manual. My 19” Mongoose is better for that. I don’t do wild stuff but enjoy riding all around Jax. I’ve only been on BMX for a few months too.
20” or 24”, both will work!
20” or 24”, both will work!
#195
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"Too old to BMX".....
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam, 160lbs. Never ridden a BMX bike.
Been doing my research and now wondering if a 20" dia wheel with 21" top tube, raised lay-back seat post and handle bars tweaked forward (a bit) would fit me for neighbourhood cruising?
Or will a 24" dia wheel BMX fit my needs better? I pretty much decided that I don't want wheels 26" and bigger even though they would be better cruisers. Planning on visiting the BMX store this weekend.
Btw, I'm pushing 64, in decent shape but have no plans to ride the pump track........yet
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam, 160lbs. Never ridden a BMX bike.
Been doing my research and now wondering if a 20" dia wheel with 21" top tube, raised lay-back seat post and handle bars tweaked forward (a bit) would fit me for neighbourhood cruising?
Or will a 24" dia wheel BMX fit my needs better? I pretty much decided that I don't want wheels 26" and bigger even though they would be better cruisers. Planning on visiting the BMX store this weekend.
Btw, I'm pushing 64, in decent shape but have no plans to ride the pump track........yet

#196
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We are very similar in height and age, my weight is 130. The BMX bike you describe is how I set mine up and have no problems. My Haro is 21” top tube and a great rider but hard to manual. My 19” Mongoose is better for that. I don’t do wild stuff but enjoy riding all around Jax. I’ve only been on BMX for a few months too.
20” or 24”, both will work!
20” or 24”, both will work!
I'm looking for an easy cruising BMX and plan on staying in the saddle vs standing on the pedals like the young kids I see riding them.
My visit to the LBS should be interesting.....
#197
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I'm 2" shorter than you and concerned that a 20" rim BMX might look awkwardly small which is one reason why I'm thinking about going with a 24".
#198
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On the track I FAR prefer the 20" - the 24" is big and clumsy. It absolutely looks awkwardly small.
#199
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Viich....I also think the 24" might be too "cruiserish".
Just discovered that there are BMX bikes with 22" wheels. Might be a good compromise between a 20" and 24" but doesn't seem to be much choice out there.
Another compromise that might work are the "trail ready" BMX bikes with a 21"TT and a longer chain stay to stretch out the 20"er wheel base. I think I'm leaning towards this option. All I can say is I'm learning more about BMX bikes then the fact that they're just small
......
Just discovered that there are BMX bikes with 22" wheels. Might be a good compromise between a 20" and 24" but doesn't seem to be much choice out there.
Another compromise that might work are the "trail ready" BMX bikes with a 21"TT and a longer chain stay to stretch out the 20"er wheel base. I think I'm leaning towards this option. All I can say is I'm learning more about BMX bikes then the fact that they're just small

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#200
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Quick update......Went to the local BMX store this am and brought home a United Motocross. Waited while they built it but was worth the wait.
The 21"TT and the 330mm(?) layback post makes it a bit roomier in the cockpit (for my needs).
It's gonna be a fun bike to boot around the neighbourhood......

The 21"TT and the 330mm(?) layback post makes it a bit roomier in the cockpit (for my needs).
It's gonna be a fun bike to boot around the neighbourhood......


Last edited by Speedway2; 09-23-23 at 11:35 AM.