Newbie help

[Si1981]

Hi all,

Firstly I should say I'm a complete newbie to BMX and have come from a motocross and Downhill MTB background. For years I've wanted to give BMX a go but at 6'3 tall I'd always decided that I just wasn't the right size for the sport. But I've now decided I definitely want to give it a go at the ripe old age of 29!!

So, basically I just wanted some info on what I should be looking at for a race bike for someone of my height. I don't really want a cruiser so could someone offer some advice on what to look for. When bikes are referred to as XL or XXL, what does that mean? Is that in reference to its sizing? Also, if anyone has something for sale that would be suitable then please give me a shout. I'm quite happy to go second hand if it's in good condition.

Cheers in advance.

[matthaywood36]

Welcome to the sport! I'm 6'1 and I have just upgraded to a Pro XXL+. The sizing depends on the manufacturer, but the main things to look at for a chap your Highet is Top Tube Length as this will give you room. Also look at the length of the rear stays, a shorter one will feel quite twitchy where as a longer rear stay will feel more stable, but you could loose acceleration out the gate.

Hope this helps

Matt

[Si1981]

Cheers matt.

In terms of the stays, what would be typical and what would be considered longer than average? I tend to favour stability over reaction speed, I definitely do with my DH bike (slack and long!)

[mauriceandgrandad]

Hello and welcome! Don't know where you are but this is worth a look.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=88057

Ian

[fasy]

Hello and welcome
Regards to your height 6:3 i would recommend and xxl and above or a top tube length that is over 22inches. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=82543
If you have long legs as well then longer cranks would be advisable 180mm or 182mm.

When looking at frames a pro xl usually means its between 20.75 and 21.5 depending on manufacturers. xxl can be 21.75 and above.
second hand is a good way to go if your new to the sport. You can pick up some very good parts on the for sale page for cheap.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=86782
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=86466
heres some links to get you started. Hope all goes well.
Also check your local bmx club. They might have some bits floating around to help you on your way

[Si1981]

Cheers fasy. So really looking at 22" TT then. I guess I can always upgrade the cranks if need be at a later date. What about bars and stem. I assume I can always open up the cockpit with longer stem and higher/wider bar combo?

It's a case of finding what the norm is with things like that so I know how much longer/wider etc to go for if/when I upgrade.

[xiphon]

Another DH'er over here, experimenting with twitchy 20" wheeled bikes

Same username on most bike forums I frequent.....

[Si1981]

Hey xiphon.

Your link from another MTB forum that brought me here

[xiphon]

Hey xiphon.

Your link from another MTB forum that brought me here

Ha! STW? SDH? MTBB?

[Si1981]

STW although I also recognise you from SDH. Just trying to source a bike for my first forays into this. Like you, I'm used to big bouncy slack stable bikes so this is going to be a huge leap!

(Si09 on SDH by the way)

[xiphon]

STW although I also recognise you from SDH. Just trying to source a bike for my first forays into this. Like you, I'm used to big bouncy slack stable bikes so this is going to be a huge leap!

(Si09 on SDH by the way)

First time I went on a track with a BMX, there was 3 of us - all seasoned DH racers. It was hilarious trying to steer these tiny twitchy 20" things..... but having gained confidence on the big bikes, we were sailing through the air in no time.

Originally I bought a park BMX, but found I prefer the race track - so a new build for 2013 is underway

[Si1981]

That's good to know. I'm hoping that will be similar case for me. I love jumping on my DH bike so I'm hoping doing the same thing on something designed for the air will be much more fun.

[KGBMatt]

welcome

Im 6'4" and ride a Dialled pro xxl 22" top tube with a 60mm stem and it suits me fine
I do run slightly higher bars than normal but thats just personal preferance.
go to a track find somebody roughly your height and ask if you can have a go on their whip.

Matt