BMX for grownups

"Dave" <dave at hfp acoustical> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.

I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?

I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

Are you set on having 20 inchers? Thought about a 24 or 26 inch wheeled
cruiser? The Texas Cruzer looks like a lot of fun.

Dave said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.

I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?

I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

Better 20" frames are sized by top tube length and yes there
are lots of frames for guys your size.

My muscular employee your size spins the bike around in
various planes in midair and remounts as it lands. (among
other seemingly impossible -yet graceful- weird moves) If
that turns you on, you are not alone. By a long shot.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Quoted message said:

"Dave" <dave at hfp acoustical> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.
I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?
I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

gooserider said:

Are you set on having 20 inchers? Thought about a 24 or 26 inch wheeled
cruiser? The Texas Cruzer looks like a lot of fun.

Ever watched a PROPS video? You just can't swing a big bike
around like a twenty.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Dave said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.

I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?

I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

Consider a 26"-wheeled urban bike like the Specialized P-series and the
Giant STP series. Most of these are beefed-up aluminum-framed bikes (except
the P-street) that are designed to take a beating. They come in a size
short and long. If you aren't quite smooth, then 20-inch-wheeled bikes have
wheels that are far, far stronger than 26" ones. On the other hand,
20-inchers require more finesse and smoothness because of the fully-rigid
everything. In other words, if you don't have a lot of time to practice
your technique, go for the 26er first.
--
Phil, Squid-in-Training

Andy, is BMX big in your area?
Jim

Dear Dave,

Get a pro XL or XXL model. Supercross makes a pretty good ride. Or if
you can find a used Y2K or 2K1 model GT Box Pro XL, they're good. Giant
Mosh is a good solid ride. The new BMX bikes are faster-handling than
the old ones, maybe because tracks have become more "technical." A
typical 20 will have a chainstay 15" or less. Most BMX bikes measdure
the top tube center-to-center and a 21" to 21.5" length should be about
right for your size.

Good luck

jn

"Thursday"

Dave said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.

I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?

I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

As others have said, they're sized by top tube length. I think that the
largest 20" frame made is the Macneil Deuce Deuce at 22", although
there might be some others that are that long or longer. Note that
stock BMX bikes, and especially sub-$400ish ones- seldom have top tubes
in the longer end of the "grown up" lengths. You'd probably need to get
a frame seperately. However, BMX fit is pretty much completely
subjective. Some will disagree with that, and there are some sizing
considerations that can be quantified, but it's pretty ridiculous to
see sizing 6'+ tall riders to 20" bikes as a science. There's no one
particular size to go to that you can know will "fit" you. And
depending on what exactly you're after, you may want to look at going
with a 24" BMX. Also remember the other sizing parameters - crank
length, handlebar height, width, and angle, and seatpost setback
(although that's not much of a factor with many types of riding I
think).

Dave said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.

I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?

I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

Then you need a Redline Monocog:
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/monocog.html

It's sized like a MTB with 26" wheels, but has the simplicity of a BMX
ride.

Pretty affordable from what I remember.

On 18 Jan 2006 22:29:36 -0800, "Nate Knutson" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

However, BMX fit is pretty much completely
subjective. Some will disagree with that, and there are some sizing
considerations that can be quantified, but it's pretty ridiculous to
see sizing 6'+ tall riders to 20" bikes as a science.

That's kind of what I was thinking.

I'll try a long top tube frame, taller bars, and a higher seatpost.

And I'm not going to ride for miles and miles, at least not without
falling off (while trying a stupid stunt) a few times....

Thanks for all the comments, gents.

I've been browsing through ebay, and very few people tend to list the
top tube length. I'll have to start asking questions, sounds like.

Anyone know a good bmx-focused lbs in the Houston, TX area?

So what's the real advantage/disadvantage of smaller wheels?

As I see it:

Smaller wheels are:
tougher
lighter
twitchier (less rotational inertia=less stable)
have a rougher ride

Is that about right?

On 18 Jan 2006 22:50:20 -0800, "landotter" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Dave said:

I've had a resurgence of interest in BMX riding, I think I want to
finally own a cool BMX bike like the ones I lusted after (but could
not afford) when I was in the fourth grade.

I'm 6' 2" and 200#, is there a 20" wheeled bike that will fit me? What
sizing metrics do I need to worry about? I've looked around at the
bikes and there seems to be one size in BMX. How do I make it fit me?

I just wanna go bunny hop some curbs and tool around the neighborhood.

Then you need a Redline Monocog:
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/monocog.html

It's sized like a MTB with 26" wheels, but has the simplicity of a BMX
ride.

Pretty affordable from what I remember.

Quoted message said:

So what's the real advantage/disadvantage of smaller wheels?

As I see it:

Smaller wheels are:
tougher
lighter
twitchier (less rotational inertia=less stable)
have a rougher ride

Heavy duty 20" wheels cannot be described as light. "Twitchiness" is
also called "flickability" or "responsiveness," and it's what makes 20"
bikes rad. 20" wheels ride fine in urban mileus.

I see others have been suggesting 24" and 26" wheeled bikes instead.
I'm almost 6'3", 200 lbs, and I rode a 20" for a few years. IMO, 20"
is a good place to start because they're very durable and because you
have to learn to ride smoothly. You'll look a little silly, but you're
big enough that nobody will say anything. A 21" top tube is pretty
standard for people our size. Do yourself a favor and leave the saddle
low - you won't be sitting much, and you'll quickly become flexible
enough to deal with a little seated pedaling. And don't rake the bar
way out. It should be parallel, or nearly parallel, to the fork.

I ride a cruiser (24"😉 these days. It's more forgiving but less rad.
24" is BMX lite. 26" is BMX wanna be. 29" is just scary.

-Vee

Meccanico di Bici said:

Andy, is BMX big in your area?

No, not at all.

As a matter of fact another bike dealer once mailed me a map
of the US with BMX racing tracks asterisked. There were none
marked in Wisconsin then. His notation was "can I move in
with you?"

I just happen to know a few skilled riders. I met them over
some special wheels no other shop in the area wanted to build.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Quoted message said:

Get a pro XL or XXL model. Supercross makes a pretty good ride. Or if
you can find a used Y2K or 2K1 model GT Box Pro XL, they're good. Giant
Mosh is a good solid ride. The new BMX bikes are faster-handling than
the old ones, maybe because tracks have become more "technical." A
typical 20 will have a chainstay 15" or less. Most BMX bikes measdure
the top tube center-to-center and a 21" to 21.5" length should be about
right for your size.

Or a Kink Freebird 21.

As with any kind of machine we all have our favorites among
very similar models.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

A Muzi said:

Meccanico di Bici said:

Andy, is BMX big in your area?

No, not at all.

Are you just talking about BMX racing? We have a respectable
contingent of street riders here in Madison. On summer weekends, there
are always kids riding BMX bikes around at night. In addition to the
locals, big groups sometimes show up from Racine and Milwaukee. There
are always at least a few BMXers to be found at the 4 Seasons skate
park, too. We even have (had?) a pro rider here - Brian Kachinsky.

Quoted message said:

I just happen to know a few skilled riders. I met them over
some special wheels no other shop in the area wanted to build.

As is probably true elsewhere, Madison's BMX scene is mostly off the
bike shop radar. The kids buy their stuff online and ride at night.

-Vee

Vee said:

I ride a cruiser (24"😉 these days. It's more forgiving but less rad.
24" is BMX lite. 26" is BMX wanna be. 29" is just scary.

So when you say "more forgiving" do you mean it's harder to damage the
bike or harder to damage oneself?

Thanks for the fitting suggestions, it's good to hear from another
tall guy who's ridden a 20". (That sounds a little nasty, now that I
think about it.)

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

So what's the real advantage/disadvantage of smaller wheels?

As I see it:

Smaller wheels are:
tougher
lighter
twitchier (less rotational inertia=less stable)
have a rougher ride

Heavy duty 20" wheels cannot be described as light. "Twitchiness" is
also called "flickability" or "responsiveness," and it's what makes 20"
bikes rad. 20" wheels ride fine in urban mileus.

I see others have been suggesting 24" and 26" wheeled bikes instead.
I'm almost 6'3", 200 lbs, and I rode a 20" for a few years. IMO, 20"
is a good place to start because they're very durable and because you
have to learn to ride smoothly. You'll look a little silly, but you're
big enough that nobody will say anything. A 21" top tube is pretty
standard for people our size. Do yourself a favor and leave the saddle
low - you won't be sitting much, and you'll quickly become flexible
enough to deal with a little seated pedaling. And don't rake the bar
way out. It should be parallel, or nearly parallel, to the fork.

I ride a cruiser (24"😉 these days. It's more forgiving but less rad.
24" is BMX lite. 26" is BMX wanna be. 29" is just scary.

-Vee

Vee,
What do you suppose it would take for "legitimate" BMX racing to take
hold? Obviously there needs to be a track, but would just having a
track nearby bring out the kids?

I ask because here in Boulder, CO, there seems to be zero BMX interest,
and I've never known why. There seems to be plenty of kids with time on
their hands and plenty of disposable income for them to play with. I
suppose it's easier to sit in the basement with X-box BMX games than to
actually get their butts outside and ride...............?
Jim

Meccanico di Bici said:

Vee,
What do you suppose it would take for "legitimate" BMX racing to take
hold? Obviously there needs to be a track, but would just having a
track nearby bring out the kids?

I don't know much about BMX racing. As Andy said, we don't have that
in Madison. I guess a track and some good marketing would probably get
people into racing. It's cheaper than most competitive sports.

Quoted message said:

I ask because here in Boulder, CO, there seems to be zero BMX interest,
and I've never known why. There seems to be plenty of kids with time on
their hands and plenty of disposable income for them to play with. I
suppose it's easier to sit in the basement with X-box BMX games than to
actually get their butts outside and ride...............?
Jim

Do kids do any "urban" riding in Boulder? BMX street, freeride,
trials, or anything like that? I don't remember seeing any kids on
bikes when I was there. Maybe all that disposable income is the
problem... kids have 101 ways to electronically entertain themselves
within their own homes.

-Vee

Dave said:

Vee said:

I ride a cruiser (24"😉 these days. It's more forgiving but less rad.
24" is BMX lite. 26" is BMX wanna be. 29" is just scary.

So when you say "more forgiving" do you mean it's harder to damage the
bike or harder to damage oneself?

Because cruisers are more stretched out and have bigger wheels, they're
more comfortable to ride. I don't know if I could ride a 20incher ten
miles, but it's no big deal on a cruiser. That said, if you just want
to bash around, a 20incher is the way to go, IMO. Every time I try to
180 my cruiser, I worry about my big rear wheel.

-Vee

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Meccanico di Bici said:

Andy, is BMX big in your area?

Quoted message said:

A Muzi said:

No, not at all.
I just happen to know a few skilled riders. I met them over
some special wheels no other shop in the area wanted to build.

Vee said:

Are you just talking about BMX racing? We have a respectable
contingent of street riders here in Madison. On summer weekends, there
are always kids riding BMX bikes around at night. In addition to the
locals, big groups sometimes show up from Racine and Milwaukee. There
are always at least a few BMXers to be found at the 4 Seasons skate
park, too. We even have (had?) a pro rider here - Brian Kachinsky.
As is probably true elsewhere, Madison's BMX scene is mostly off the
bike shop radar. The kids buy their stuff online and ride at night.

Indeed.
Yes, I answered about organized racing -which we don't have
here. In some parts of the US it's _huge_ with nationally
more licensed BMX riders than Little League players.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971