Pkripper911

Hey guys, I have the age old dilemma of which bmx bike to buy. I am looking for a freestyle bike. I am 46 years old. I used to race and freestyle back in the 80s and 90s. I have mostly rode mountain bikes for the past 20 years and now I am finding a desire to do tricks again. I recently purchased a used 2018 fit Hango. I can't believe how much I can not do anymore. It has a 20.5 TT and I just feel awkward on it. I have admired those lineage haro bikes but I'm not sure I want to drop $1300. In case I find I am just to old. I found a GT pro performers on sale for $518. I am interested in doing mostly flatland and some park riding. I am 6'2" and 230 lbs. Does anyone have a good suggestion for me??

Thanks in advance.

fietsbob

Local shop, here, sells several brands what is carried by your favorite local bike shop?

narrow it down to what you can get and get serviced where you live, not all brands everywhere..

Pkripper911

My locals only carry the low end GTs. And don't stock bikes on the floor you can sit on. One of them may be able to special order a different brand. Outside of that, a shop almost 2 hours away has some fit and we the people with a few on the floor.

Mad Honk 

Back in the 1980's West Coast cycles made a longer frame that I rode, don't really remember the name, but it was great for a taller guy to ride. I rode it off the roof of the Bicycle Garage on a five dollar bet and it survived wonderfully. Look for some of the early stuff when it can be found, it was awesome equipment to ride. Smiles, MH

fietsbob

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_bike_trials a big wheel , and strong brakes to lock up the wheel

fietsbob

even the seat is optional ..

Bikerider007

The new bikes are definitely different but you need a longer top tube. Pegs at least, hub guards if you are going to grind often. BMX parks are everywhere now. It still takes getting used to, not quite there myself but do like my new school.

As for older style, GT performers are classic. New or old, and reasonably priced for the most part, at least the new ones. If you really want to get a bike that will be your fit and probably retain or increase in value. Gary Turner (original GT) is back to hand building bikes. But also supposed to release a collaboration with GT this year. And Dyno is supposed to come back as well. Of course the old school grail is the Hutch Trickstar if you just wanna be cool. And Hutch is back too so you can build one. They average $2500-3,500 build. Might be able to budget build for less but who puts cheap parts on a Hutch. LOL. 24/26/29 are available as well.

Pkripper911

Thanks for the info. Yes I had 3 trick stars back in the day. Some of my favorite bikes. Wish I had them back. But I probably shouldn't build a $3000 bike. I would be afraid to scratch it. But that would be awesome to have. I rode a local park today and still feel awkward on this fit. So I can't have confidence to try harder stuff. Are those hand built GTs the same as the ones out now or something new. I tell you one thing though, if they came out with haritage Redline RL 20II I might loose my mind and go all in! I've always wanted one of those.

Mad Honk 

PK,
The early rippers were great rides, I doubt I can even find one now. I remember the early mongoose rides were clear paint over a chrome frame and all the kids chipped the paint off to get the chrome look! Lots of memories of ABA and NBA sanctioned events with the early bikes, Smiles, MH

Pkripper911

MH

I do remember the early Rippers. I had one. They would crack at the brake mount. After I had it welded I painted it baby blue. Sweet ride. The PKs were ahead of it's time. Those old freestyle shows were the bomb. Very good memories.

krazikev

Cool

Rollfast

Working

osiris419

At 6'2 you might want to look into a 22" BMX like the Fit 22 https://fitbikeco.com/shop/bikes/2019-twenty-two/ or go custom with an S&M ATF 22 https://www.sandmbikes.com/product/h...-for-22-wheel/
A 22" still rides like a 20" and has the same geometry but has a longer top tube and 22" wheels for taller riders

Pkripper911

I know a couple guys riding 22s. They seem to love them. I have been waiting for an opportunity to ride one of theirs. Can never seem to get our schedules aligned. I really would like a bike to do some flatland and still be able to ride the parks. What do you ride?

osiris419

I have a BSD TrailOrPark which is my all rounder and a Deluxe Team which is my trails and dirt jump bike

Pkripper911

Sweet! Thanks for sharing. I have a feeling by the time I figure out what fits me best I will have 10 more bikes and be divorced.

osiris419

Haha yeah I'm constantly buying and selling bikes. My wife is ok with it because I do actually sell them, but currently I have 7 bikes in the garage and another 4 or 5 at work.

osiris419

I also have a 94 GT Interceptor, my childhood dream bike which I finally got a year ago, that I use to chase my kids around the neighborhood

dylanschaw

It's cool that you, at 46, still want to perform tricks on a BMX

Pkripper911

Thanks man. At 46 it is a lot harder for sure. But still very fun. I did ended up getting a Haro sport lineage. I find it a bit less responsive and bulky feeling. It's taking some getting use to but starting to figure it out.

Pkripper911

It's better than blowing your hard earned cash on some other things. I'm glad you have a supporting wife.

smullen

I'm in a similar boat, 6'4" 250+... I now live in a rural area, closest Bike Shop is 45 mins away and has about 25 Bikes, either mountain or road racing. No BMX in stock. I'm sure they can order anything, but I want to see it, sit on it and maybe ride it.

The bigger bikes feel awkward, too big and slugish for me to do tricks on....

Pkripper911

Yeah, I had to take the Gamble and order my haro online since there were no bike stores around had something to try out. Even still it is not a perfect. I had to add higher bars and it is much better. I'm starting to gain control. My TT is 20.75 and it is a bit cramped. Go for a 21 at least. I think you will have to make an educated guess and modify it from there.