Right BMX bike for skilled old guy

Hi Lee,

I’m curious to what BMX bike would you recommend for me. I’m 43 and been out of the sport since 1985. I was an local semi pro (17+ expert/a-pro open) until I broke my knee and moved on to MX and three/four wheelers and then eventually national level Jetski racing. I see bikes have changed. My son is now 5 and riding and I’m going to get him a Micro, he has few normal BMX bikes now, but I don’t know what adults are riding? I’m not really interested in a 20” right now, I remember cruisers being cool back in ’85. I’m 5’ 10” and going to weigh 170 in a month or two! I do have a couple of MTB’s I race now and then. Giant Anthem full suspension and a GT Zaskar race hard tail.

Also, I raced MX for many many years and the front brake was the most important brake and when I raced BMX (at least 4 times a week) we used the front brake, tracks look faster than the old days. What gives the new bikes don’t come with front brakes?

Thanks,
John

Hey John,

Rocking the cruiser in the book Pro BMX Skills.

You sound like a good candidate for a 24-inch BMX cruiser. All of the BMX companies make good ones. Pick your price point, find a color you like then PIN IT!

I’ve had good times on my Intense Factory Alloy 24. With a retail price of about $699 and decent parts throughout, it’s a good machine for this MTB/road/ex-moto rider. Once I got used to the cruiser, I stepped up (down?) to an Intense Factory Alloy 20, and it’s even more fun. I’ve hardly ridden my cruiser since I tamed the 20.

If you race, you’ll find lots of fast vet cruiser riders. A lot of those guys were pinning it in ’85 — and they never stopped.

The great disappearing front brake
Yeah man, the tracks have changed. Back in the day you had to brake for flat turns. These days all turns are bermed, and you can go weeks without touching a brake. The rear brake is useful for safety and tactics, but for most riders it’s purely ceremonial.

Rock.

— Lee

Know more. Have more fun!

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