Need a big bike!
 

I have searched the forum thoroughly and have come up with some great ideas for a bike for myself. As a father of three youngs boys who are racing, I suddenly have the need to get a BMX bike and do a little riding in the streets, empty lots and even on the track. The issue at hand...I am 6'6" and 260lbs. I will obviously need a big bike that can handle my weight. I have narrowed it down to a few bikes:

- Redline Flight Pro 24" Cruiser - great bike for the money, have rideen one and feel comfortable, local dealer, lightweight

- Volume Z06 26" Sledgehammer - looks to be very comfortable, slightly more expensive, zero local dealers which means I would have to order it without ever riding/seeing it

- DK General Lee - another good bike with no local support, inexpensive, a little heavy

- Shadow Conspiracy Shadow X Invisable - no local support, limited production bike, looks nice, fairly heavy

Can I get you experienced guys to weigh in on this? I really don't want to have to buy a bike and then throw a bunch of money/upgrades at it. At my age/size I highly doubt I will ever be competitive with racing, but I want to give it a decent shot. Thank you very much for your guidance.

Union Street Bikes Molly

Eastern Traildigger 24

NS Bikes Holy

Tonic Fab Fall Guy

DMR ...somethinger other...they've got a 24" bike as well.

There's something to be said for being able to try a bike out first. The Redline is a good bike for the money. Of your list, I'd go with the Redline.
The Volume is more designed with casual cruisin' in mind. As such I'd suspect it to be a bit sluggish on the track.
The General Lee really isn't too bad for the money. Full Chromoly F&F. But it DOES have the components of a sub-$300 bike. I'd expect to end up making upgrades in the future on that.
The Shadow Conspiracy is a NICE bike. Good parts, etc. But it was released three years ago w/ a limited run of 300. No longer in production. So they're gonna be a bit tricky to find. EBay would be your best bet on that.
Do you have any Trek dealers in your area? If so they can get MirraCo bike who make a 24" similar to the General Lee.
Still - I'd recommend the Redline, if your looking for a complete you can get locally. If price is no limitation, and you don't mind mail-order. You can custom build a bike. I'd go w/ S&M personally.
-Bill

Did'nt notice you mentioned the Z06 Sledgehammer vs the previous model. The Z06 is a fine looking ride. Much better spec'd than the earlier models, etc.
But it does seem to be more geard towards the street (thin tires/wheels).
-Bill

I'd recommend finding a 20" complete with a longer toptube (21.25"-21.5"); that way you can ride with your kids in the 20" class. Tracks usually have loaner bikes, so you may want to see how that feels before picking up a cruiser, as well.

Thanks for the feedback thus far guys. I hadn't considered a 20" bike due to the perceived lack of comfort to ride it on the street for someone my size. Should I re-think that notion or continue down the path of a 24-26" cruiser? I really like the Z06 Sledgehammer (especially since I just sold my Z06 Corvette) even though it may not be as good on the track as the Redline. The lack of local support and being able to ride the bike is a potential deal breaker for me, especially since the bike is $200 more. Keep the thoughts coming, you guys are the experts and I really need your advice.

I'll go with CM on trying a 20", I'm 5'11" and I ride a 20.5 and I think that that's the bare minimum that I fit; if money were no object I'd move up to a S&M Black Bike at 21.25 and I'd be perfect. Try it out, I rode some 24"'s at my LBS and I hated them, 20" is more fun with out a doubt.

http://www.danscomp.com/211339.php?cat=FRAMESFSD

That is a 22" TT.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHADOW-CONSPIRAC...742.m153.l1262

The Shadow Cruiser

SE bikes makes the OM Flyer with 26" wheels and is coming out with a 29'er BMX bike this fall. Got you covered and then some!