[Closed] Rush Skatepark, BMX mid-life crisis and new bike advice please

Can't help on the choice of BMX sadly.

I'm a little taller than you and have gone down the route of an Identiti Dr Jekyll.

This, because I've barely used it in the 4 years I've had it. £100 plus postage.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-country-bikes-bmx-was-800-when-new-yours-for-165

Thanks for the offer bud, I normally buy 2nd or 3rd hand stuff (my two MTBs currently are) but this is a 40th birthday present to myself so its got to be shiny and new, or as near as damn it 🙂

I bought a wethepople zodiac a few months ago and highly recommend it. Before that I tried a cheap haro that weighed a tonne and didnt fit me at al and nearly put me off buying a bmx as I thought they would all be like that. A while later I started taking my daughter to the local bmx tracks and got the itch so started looking for a bmx of my own. Not really sure of what I was looking for I just bought what I thought was a cheap half decent one from the local classifieds. Turns out it is nearly wethepeople's top of the range model. I was amazed but bmxers seem to care about weight nowadays and after riding a lighter weight one I can see why. With the longer top tube it fits me as well which I didn't expect.
I went looking for one expecting a bmx to be a bmx. Heavy cheap and all one size but like all biking you get good, bad, ugly, cheap expensive just take your pick.

Personally:

I's go for a United:
http://www.deadsailorbmx.co.uk/shop/bmx-bikes/united-completes/united-2014-bmx-bikes/united-martinez-2014-bmx-bike/?gclid=CLnase2y274CFbDJtAodT2AA9A

or Sunday:
http://www.winstanleysbmx.com/product/57045/Sunday_Gary_Young_AM_2013_BMX_Bike

Or something similar, depends if you want a rear brake really.
Don't worry about the TT length to much. You can always upgrade anything you break at a later date.

Sunday also do the [b]Model C[/b] a 24" bmx that is as scalled up from a 20" (like it's been enlarged on a photocopier), so apparently ride the same but much easier for older, adult bike riding guys like us. Not tried one buy very tempted myself.

Borrowed a model c for a few days, i can see it good for someone who hasn't ridden 20" before, feels a lot more friendly for cruising around the skatepark and getting into things. But for riding as a BMX, spins, peg stuff etc, was too clumbsy for my tastes, but i've ridden BMX for 10+years.

Trawl pinkbike maybe?

WTP Envy.

Have a look at Custom Riders web site, or any of the other shops that ride what they sell.

love bmx!

That's great news Jedi, I'm coming to see you Saturday in the Bigfoot group, perhaps you can offer a total BMX novice a few tips 🙂

Everyone else, thanks for the suggestions so far

Definately go with a 20" BMX as it's what the place is meant for. Also the outdoor skate plaza in Ciren should finally be completed in a month or so. Not so sure about the advice on ignoring the TT length, as it appears to me that's the most crucial dimension on a BMX (and the overall geometry). If you go with a rider owned brand like United you'll get a well sorted bike at a slight premium, I'm a cheap skate and went for a distributor dreamed up brand of Social and got full cromoly frame, forks etc for £270 with added discounts (Social Narc was cheapest full cromo I could find). Silver Surfers (>30) is last Friday of every month. If you can make it down there weekday daytime on a sunny day you'll find it a fair bit less manic and more space to play in . Mark is resident BMX coach. Nice friendly venue.

PS. Crucial BMX in Bristol is a localish rider owned store and have a huge array of complete bikes in store, ready to roll, to suit all budgets and sizes.

Yeah it was silver surfers when I went, the place was packed. Awesome fun though I was buzzing all night and couldn't sleep, kid at Christmas, haven't had that feeling from mtbing ever I think. The links I posted above, most are full cromo, double wall rims, 3 pce cranks, all sealed bearings etc and range from 230 to 300, just can't decide which to go for. Plaza in Cirencester sounds interesting, look forward to checking it out 🙂

i would say top tube length is extremely important as it's the main thing that determines fit, as well as the frame shape determined by tt

Should the top tube be a little short i image changing the bars would shortening things a bit, as you can get some pretty big bars these days (as well as rotating them a little)

I have a Sunday Model C 24". Great rehab bike for ageing bmxers. Touch on the heavy side.