BMXing

MotherMayI · 24 Aug 2009 at 02:00

Im currently trying to improve my fitness, lifestyle etc. As part of this, I decided Id cycle to uni this year rather than shell out for the bus. While looking through various bikes, originally I was only going to get a rubbish £30 one or so second hand, I realised that it could actually sort out two of my desires.. Ive been wanting a hobby that isnt utterly self destructive (dont ask, long story), and have always been tempted to give BMXing a try, but never have because it scares the hell out of me and I dont know anyone who does it.

Either way.. I realised I can now combine the two needs.

So, Im looking for a good bike to start with. It will be mainly for cycling to uni, the gym etc., but I want it to be good enough to be able to try my hand at the various BMXing disciplines (street and flatland tempt me particularly).

Anyone got any bike suggestions? Or just general starting pointers? I just want to have a bit of fun every now and then on the bike as well as just getting myself around.

Jonny ///M · 24 Aug 2009 at 02:44

Depends how much you want to spend really. I would be suggesting some sort of 26" wheeled jump styled bike with either rear gears only or just a single speed to make it a big bmx.

For a starter bmx I'd be looking at 200 quid for the likes of 3 piece cranks and 14mm axles!

Sindri · 24 Aug 2009 at 03:17

If your just starting out bmxing, i wouldn't advise spending a lot of money on your first bike as it will take a battering and won't turn you into a pro overnight. Decent bmxers would still look good even on a crap bike, so personally i would look for a good second hand one.

MotherMayI · 24 Aug 2009 at 03:43

£200 was the exact figure I was thinking as a limit, maybe going up to £250 if need be. The uni annual bus pass is that price, so I feel I wouldnt really be losing anything.

Are there any makes/bikes I should look out for specifically? Ive been having a look on http://www.alansbmx.com/index.php?cPath=21&page=1&sort=3a as its the only website I can find that seems to be decent/legit/ship to England.

This will be a complete starter bike, so Im not expecting anything special.. But dont want to get lower quality when I could get something decent for the same price with a few pointers.