[False]

As the title suggests I've been riding BMX (racing, not tricks) for a while. I've been taking my cruiser to the trails lately and feel it's time to get something a little better suited to the task. Any BMXers want to throw their $0.02 in? Did you stay SS? Fully rigid? 26" or 29"? The biggest problems I have are rock gardens and steep climbs with rocks/roots/switchbacks.

I know actually riding some bikes is going to tell me the most, but there aren't a huge number of shops in my area that carry a wide variety of MTBs. I'd just like to hear y'all's opinions.

 

[sasquatch rides a SS]

I rode bmx for years, and right now I'm riding a fully rigid SS 26". 29" wheels will feel clumsy to you whereas the 26's are easy to flick around and have fun on.

 

[officersdr]

I racing internationally for years in BMX up through highschool. I tried the geared 26's and hated banging gears, so I've converted my Yukon into a SS now.

It's amazing how your riding style all comes back to you.

 

[big_papa_nuts]

There was actually a thread about thus about a week ago, http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=685066 .

Bottom line: the easiest way to go about it seems to be to get something as much like a BMX as you can (SS, ridid, ect) that will let you ride the trails comfortably and go from there.

 

[sasquatch rides a SS]

I racing internationally for years in BMX up through highschool. I tried the geared 26's and hated banging gears, so I've converted my Yukon into a SS now.

It's amazing how your riding style all comes back to you.

I've got a singlespeed Yukon too :thumbsup: great bikes

 

[Eric Z]

for whatever reason, a 29er really reminded me of my bmx days. it might just be because i rode 26" in between bmx and 29 and it was something new and fun. a ss will definitely seem the most normal to you but gears can really help if you have to climb a lot

 

[False]

Thanks for that link. I hadn't read that thread. Later today I'll be stopping by an LBS to test ride some bikes and I'll be checking out a 29er later just to see what that's all about. Thanks for the advice, guys.

EDIT: After hitting up one of my local shops I'm definitely looking for a SS 26" bike. I'm not really digging the whole big frame and seat-you-actually-use thing yet, though.

 

[sasquatch rides a SS]

I'm definitely looking for a SS 26" bike. I'm not really digging the whole big frame and seat-you-actually-use thing yet, though.

Have you thought about a dirt jump bike yet?

 

[big_papa_nuts]

Or even a four-cross bike.

But like I said in the other thread, I think something like the Trailstar (I think On-One makes a similar frame but I dont know what it's called) would be an excellent place to start. You can start out with it rigid SS, relatively cheap, and ride it like a big BMX then slowly upgrade if you get more into MTBs. And if not it will still be a heck of a fun way to get around town.

 

[False]

I'm really interested in a DJ setup. From what I've been reading (unfortunately no stores in the area actually have DJ bikes in stock) they're kind of perfect for my style of riding.

 

[officersdr]

I've got a singlespeed Yukon too :thumbsup: great bikes

I know, I was the one that PM'ed you asking about yours.........I'm hoping to finish her up this week. Just need grips and brake levers.

I'll try to get a pics up soon........I do want to firm up my DJ3's. I'm a clyde so she bounces ALOT

 

[Kona_CT]

I don't have the same BMX resume you do.. but I did grow up riding a BMX. I found my DJ bike to have a very similar feel. Mine has gears and a front suspension... but I find myself wanting a SS with front shock now to compliment it.

I do mostly pavement pounding - with some trails thrown in.