John Nguyen

I have a budget from $200 to around the lower $300 range. I'm a slightly larger guy, 5'9" 167 lbs. I would like to ride flat land on my BMX. I'd like a bike that's not too heavy. I mostly cruise around, but I'd like to learn how to do some tricks on my bike. I don't know whether to buy a complete bike, or to build one out of separate parts. I've been looking around these forums and I would lean to Eastern bikes, as they seem to have a good reputation. These are some bikes I've chosen as possible buys, I chose the lower $200 models, because I would've guessed you would build on one of those bikes, but that's why I'm here.

https://www.danscomp.com/101568.php?cat=BIKES#
https://www.danscomp.com/101578.php?cat=BIKES
https://www.danscomp.com/101577.php?cat=BIKES
https://www.danscomp.com/101441.php

~Edit~

I also would not mind buying a used bike at all, if it is in good condition. If you guys can link me some good bikes on sale on craigslist (or any other site or store) that's near Orange County, California, or maybe in Southern California that would be sweet.

MY26INCHCRUISER

I would try to find a bike with a full crmo frame and forks.
This way if you wanted to upgrade to better parts you have a good frame set.
The ones you listed have a steel frame.

Kodyo

Dk effect and Ramei (spelling?) are the cheapest full chromo bikes i know of on danscomp.
They are $290

Street rider

The bikes you chose would probably explode before you could really learn any tricks on it.

John Nguyen

Oh.. lol

So can you guys come up with a parts list for me to buy? I might look into the DK effect, but are you sure of the quality of their bikes?

Street rider

Pretty much anything thats full chromo is going to be pretty solid while you're learning.

Kodyo

Yes, DK is a great company in my opinion. They are much more down to earth than most of these companies today. They sell bike for cheap that are made of good materials.
And it has Full chromoly bars/forks/frame/cranks and sealed hubs and a pivotal.
The only weakness i can see are the single walled rims. I suggest you keep your psi at the max it can go to avoid bottoming out on curbs and getting flat spots on the rim.

I build a custom Kink now, but I still have the DK general lee that i started on and i still ride it when it rains outside.

https://www.danscomp.com/101133.php?cat=BIKES
https://www.danscomp.com/101131.php?cat=BIKES

You honestly can't do better for $290

And don't buy any parts till they break. Maybe get some grips or sticky pads if the one's it comes with are bad (although my dk already came with stick pads)