How many of you ride a BMX?
Does it improve your MTB riding?
Should I forget about buying one in my 30's? My youth was spent on a skateboard, so it's not like I'm going back to something I used to do.
Bike Forum
Who rides BMX?
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Posted 7 months ago #
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i started 3 years ago after 25 odd years away. love it
Posted 7 months ago # -
I may have to tap you up for advice Jedi. Just figured that there are loads of parks around these days that I could go and play at for the odd couple of hours
Posted 7 months ago # -
exactly. i ride corby which is 75 mile each way but me and atkins can ride there all year as its indoor
Posted 7 months ago # -
How much do you reckon I'd need to spend on one? There's a shed load on Winstanley BMX goign cheap at the moment...
Posted 7 months ago # -
when atkins came back to bmx he just walked into a shop and bought a 350 quid bmx. then rode the shit out of it for a year. legend
10yrs retired and like he never leftPosted 7 months ago # -
38 now been riding 'again' for 8 years (trails and racing).Someone said to me 'put a good mtb'er on a bmx and they'll be awful,put a good bmx'er on an mtb an they'll be brilliant'.
I'm neither a good bmx'er or mtb'er
Posted 7 months ago # -
I had a 20 year gap, started again with my son. Been riding it for about ten years again now. I started racing again this year too, hadn't done that since I was 14. I was 43 yesterday
I think it definatley complements your mountainbiking, especially racing, really helps with your flow
Posted 7 months ago # -
Sounds like a purchase is on the cards then, thanks. Nothing like injuring yourself on the bike to think of new ways to hurt yourself.
Anyone care to give me a quick run down of what I should be looking for, front and rear brakes, just rear?? etc
Posted 7 months ago # -
If you're of 'normal' proportions look for a 21"+ top tube (I'm 6'3" and ride a 21.5") and at least 8" rise bars.It'll still feel tiny but will give you a bit more room.Race style bikes generally have longer back ends aswell which make them a little less twitchy at speed.You're unlikely to putting it under too much stress so i would'nt be too concerned about a race bike not being tough enough.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I thought only children rode BMX bikes..
Posted 7 months ago # -
I used to ride bmx, but not any more!
I would imagine it would improve your mountain bike skills, even if all you learn is how to do jumps and manuals. Pretty basic skills that I guess alot of mtb riders dont have since they've never been into bmxing.
I am 6'2" so just bought the longest frame I could find, a 21.4" Fly Pantera. As above, get some 8" rise bars like Slams, ideal. WetHePeople used to make good complete bikes, dont know if they still do but could be worth a look.
Posted 7 months ago # -
And audi driving ,stormtrooperlight,IT nerds rode mountainbikes
even if all you learn is how to do jumps
What, you mean theres other things you can do?Stiil looks fun to me...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=800qDjldgeYPosted 7 months ago # -
Used to ride too but stopped about 6 years ago. If you are prepared to put the hours in you'll come out a better rider. Great way to learn to pump, jump and generally throw a bike about. Be prepared to fall off loads
Posted 7 months ago # -
Alot of mtbers seem to think that to be able to do jumps and drops you need a bike with 6 inches of travel. If you ride bmx, you soon realise this isnt the case.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Margin of error on a sofa=HUUUUGE
Margin of error on childs bike=TIIINY
Upshot being when you make mistakes on a 20" you know about it (usually whilst staring at the sky) and you learn not to do it next time.Posted 7 months ago # -
Posted 7 months ago #
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Used to about 6 years ago and I think I'm going to get back into it when I can afford a bmx. Think everything you need to know has been covered. I would also look for something with a higher standover/seat tube length. Loads of modern bmxes have low slung frames and they look really uncomfortable.
I'm tempted by one of these when the new one comes out, but the lack of rims and tyres puts me off a bit. ps here's something awesome for inspiration, barspin off a northshore drop
Posted 7 months ago # -
This could be a personal thing, but after riding bmx for 25 odd years (to a half-decent level) I still don't trust suspension forks on my mountain bikes. Don't know why really. I'll attempt any sized jump/gap/drop no bother but going fast over really rough stuff scares the sh1t outta me.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Yup! Loving it!
Posted 7 months ago # -
I NEED to ride the unit 23 bowl (I've got a picture of the little devil bowl which its based on as my screen saver) ,shame its so bloomin far away.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Well, if you're ever up this way give us a shout. It is indeed freekin' awesome!
It looks big there but once you're in it, man! it really is BIG! Some fantastic riders in every day too. Hall 2 has recently been redone and it's even better than it used to be.
The foam pit is also a laugh.
Posted 7 months ago # -
As far a brakes are concerned it's personal. Not many people run two brakes now, running just the rare brake itn't a problem. I still run a front brake but that's because I like trying the odd front brake style trick, never land them though! If you are riding on a track or just carving and jumping bowels the I defiantly would not have a front brake.
Rob Ridge.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk9I924mfQAPosted 7 months ago # -
I tried it a couple of years back having not really done it properly as a kid and found it very tough. it involves a lot of practice and commitment that most people don't have once they hit their 30s. plus it's hard to get over the fact that when you start you're pants and you're on a kids bike - so you've got to practice in private or be prepared to take some stick.
Posted 7 months ago # -
So where to go and practice where no one will laugh at you...? I don't think mrs blobby would be too pleased if I turned the back garden into a bmx track.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I used to race BITD. I got the itch again a few years back. I compromised and got myself a GT pro series 24" . Just because I'd always wanted one as a kid. They really are fun for hooning around locally. Absolutely exhausting to ride for more than five minutes though. Once you've reached.... Ahem... A certain age.
Get one! You can never have too many bikes
Posted 7 months ago # -
I've had a couple of goes on the new indoor BMX track at Manchester velodrome.
As brakes says ^^, it's a big step down mentally when you come from a decent level on MTB then find that on a BMX you're RUBBISH and it's also 4000x harder than it looks. Great fun (and bloody knackering!) but be prepared to be completely shown up by someone young enough to be your son.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I used to ride street & skatepark but gave up about 4 years ago. I really should get round to selling my S&M Bennett plus all the forks, stems, cranks and other bits I've got cluttering up the house.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Rorschach don't worry it won't be long before Trek or Specialized choose to jump onto a 29er BMX niche bandwagon
Posted 7 months ago # -
Posted 7 months ago #
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thepodge - selling stuff you say?
but be prepared to be completely shown up by someone young enough to be your son
I think I could handle this as I have no history in the sport... my ego would struggle with getting on a skateboard again however.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Don't let Jedi encourage you, & what ever you do don't ride with him, the git just laughs when you fall off a quarter pipe
Posted 7 months ago # -
TSY - how's the knee? Hope you're not still glued to that sofa!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Auntie C_G -
have a look at this thread!Posted 7 months ago # -
Blimey! You have seen your GP haven't you?
My haematoma changed colour every day although swelling stayed.
Bike injuries suck.
Posted 7 months ago #
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