AlmostTrick

It seems that I have decided I need a BMX style bike. Not because I want to race or start learning radical park tricks at almost age 60, but mostly because I appreciate the look of the bikes and just think it would be fun to ride around on one. Mostly in the neighborhood, or on the local MUP’s. Some light off road riding would be fun too.

I’m looking at 26 inch wheel bikes so I can actually ride it somewhere and back. Nothing bigger than 26 since I already have a 29” mountain bike.

I have spent much time looking online and have a good idea of what I want. More on that later. What I’m interested in hearing is what bike(s) YOU recommend for an old man just wanting to have some fun… and why. Thanks!

acir71

Hi, you might wanna check out the SE Ripper & Subrosa line up. I was researching about the 26incher and stumble upon these names the most. I don't own one so I can't really say anything beyond that

DMC707

HEre ya go -- pose away

https://shop.fairdalebikes.com/colle...j-26-candy-red

https://www.sebikes.com/products/om-flyer-26

AlmostTrick

Thanks, @acir71 and @DMC707.

That Fairdale in Candy Red with chrome fork and bars is hot. Graphics and lettering are nice and subtle too, which I like. Of course the video is fun also.


Most of the SE's are just too visually busy for me. Multi colors and lettering all over aren't my thing.

Rajflyboy

24 inch cruiser is what you need

get seat post extender if you need it

AlmostTrick

You may be on to something.

I recently got a Redline PL26. The bike has everything I like. Old school looks, standard size gearing, chrome, and subtle graphics/lettering.




While assembling it I noticed a repair on the top tube, where the paint was a shade darker or a bit thicker. Also a tiny dent when the light catches it right. The paint was glossy and smooth so I suspect it was a factory repair. I went back and forth between "it's barely noticeable just keep it", to "nope, my $550 new bike should be mint, send it back". It's been re-packed and is going back.

On my test ride it felt big. And heavy. Hopping or lifting even just the front wheel was difficult. Still, the bike absolutely fits the image I want, and since I promised my wife I wouldn't be doing any risky stunts, I'd be keeping it if it were mint.

Rajflyboy

Beautiful Redline

i wish more people would ride BMX on a daily basis.

acir71

Love it! Timeless

Viich

J&R bikes has a 'big bikes' collection of 24"-29" wheel BMX bikes. https://jrbicycles.com/collections/big-bikes

Fit, GT, Haro, wtp, Sunday, subrosa,........ Most companies look to have 26" or 29" as well as 24".
Race cruisers are in there too, not sure if that's what you're looking for.

Oldbikenut

If you have a little time (to find one) and like to work on bikes go vintage!

AlmostTrick

Thanks for stopping by with the link, Viich .

OMG Obn, Why didn't I even know this was a thing? So cool! Thanks.

AlmostTrick

Not a traditional BMX bike, but I've been admiring this WTP cruiser quite a bit...

Oldbikenut

Oh it's a thing and I really enjoy these bikes! The 26" cruisers seem to be popular these days for a lot of us that used to ride BITD or wished they had. I showed these two bikes of mine just to show the differences. The Schwinn King Sting is a 1981 and can be a bit pricey, the 1982 Murray Baja is a budget bike that I like riding just as much as the Schwinn and I'm kind of a sucker for chrome.

Wonka

Have you considered a 24" if you like the old school look? I got a Monza 24 inch earlier last fall and I'm impressed so far. Check them out at Monza bc dot com (I can't post links yet...)

3S1M

I agree with the SE color schemes. So busy and wild.

Sunday makes a 24" bike.

There was another one I was thinking of too...….. Schwinn is making a 24"er that is BMX styled too. I think the only change I'd make is probably a plusher seat if I was gonna sit most of the time. There's another one out there too but I forget which company. Might be the subrosa one that someone posted.

I think the other one I'm thinkin of is a 26"er. Cult I think has one.

https://sundaybikes.com/bikes/2020-completes/model-c/

3S1M

Actually Cult makes a 26" and 29" cruiser/ bmx type.

https://cultcrew.com/collections/202...on-cruiser-raw

AlmostTrick

I'm not sure on the 24" yet, I'd need to try one to see how comfortable and quick it is for distance. Remember, no stunts for me, only riding. I definitely dig the old school styling it has! Nice quality too, Tange CrMo tubing.

https://monzabc.com/collections/monz...e-skyway-white

DMC707

It will not be comfortable ----- they (24" cruisers) are too small for an average size adult to actually ride ---- you would have to source an XL seatpost and reinforce it somehow to keep it from collapsing backwards -- keep in mind these little bikes are only made to be ridden for 45 seconds at a time and the seat is usually only on there for decoration when in an actual BMX race

Mine pictured is a 26" wheeled machine and I had to epoxy a wooden dowel inside the seatpost to keep them from folding backwards when I had it extended for actual riding outside of a BMX track

AlmostTrick

Thank you, DMC. What you are saying makes sense to me. I'm 5' 7", but have very long legs. (32 inch inseam) Here is the 26" Redline with the saddle adjusted to a normal position for proper pedal efficiency for me.

Your orange and chrome bike sure looks hot! It may be my favorite in the thread.

sean.hwy

Since you are older ( me too ). How does your body feel riding one of these? I was hit on my motorcycle in 2016. Did the PT/yoga for year no improvement. Had need surgery both knees 2017. More physical therapy and yoga. I can now hike 15 miles ish, but still can't run. So I am picking up bike riding. When I look at the bmx bike the idea of sitting down so low and peddling for like 30 minutes seems like my knees would have to bend way to much. dunno. Looks cool though.

sean.hwy

What are those? They look really like. I like the extra gusset on the lower bike, reminds of my bmx bikes back in the day.

AlmostTrick

It feels normal because I adjust the saddle the same as any other bike, to near full leg extension on the bottom of the down stroke. This kinda does ruin a bit of the cool, because a true BMX'er would have the saddle slammed. (and tilted up) But they are only riding for short distances, and spend a lot of that time standing. Riding anything more than a mile or two like this would be uncomfortable for sure. But with the saddle up it feels as comfortable as a beach cruiser. Especially with the 26 inch wheels.

Here's a retro Schwinn SX 1000 with 24" wheels available on sale at City Grounds for only $225. Pretty cool for sure!

DMC707

That would be because those bikes ARE from BITD. Top one is a Schwinn King Sting and the other one is a Murray Baja --- both from the early 80's .

Extremely cool machines --- pretty rare too

Darth Lefty 

Which is why MTB's have dropper posts now.

I'm partial to this thing, and its ancestors, though there's no room in the garage or budget. The Surly Sunrise Bar is also a good first step for turning any old MTB into a BMX.

https://surlybikes.com/blog/attentio...owside_is_here

sean.hwy

That make sense. Enjoy your new ride. Good looking bike.