New to BMX Racing, need advice on buying a BMX

[Julia Borsos]

Hey all,

I'm considering buying a BMX.
I just joined up at my local BMX club and had my first few races last night and am loving it.

I was using a multispeed STP 2008 which seemed to do okay - please note that I am not going to convert it to single speed, this is not an option as I have just converted it back to a multispeed for a reason, so it's staying as is.

I have two options:
1) continue using my hardtail
or 2) Buy a BMX; basically, my friend (half a head shorter than me and a little lighter) is selling a GT 2010 BMX in excellent condition for $100.
Would this be a good bike for BMX Racing? Would it be worth getitng this and using it instead of my hardtail?
Note I would have to change the tyres over but other than that it seems good to go.

Here's the photo of the bike I'm considering buying.
Thanks in advance

 

[redbruce]

Hey all,

I'm considering buying a BMX.
I just joined up at my local BMX club and had my first few races last night and am loving it.

I was using a multispeed STP 2008 which seemed to do okay - please note that I am not going to convert it to single speed, this is not an option as I have just converted it back to a multispeed for a reason, so it's staying as is.

I have two options:
1) continue using my hardtail
or 2) Buy a BMX; basically, my friend (half a head shorter than me and a little lighter) is selling a GT 2010 BMX in excellent condition for $100.
Would this be a good bike for BMX Racing? Would it be worth getitng this and using it instead of my hardtail?
Note I would have to change the tyres over but other than that it seems good to go.

Here's the photo of the bike I'm considering buying.
Thanks in advance

Thats a BMX park/jump type bike. They are way overbuilt and heavy for racing (although you could - my son started racing on one).

I'd wait and get a proper race bike, it will be easier to ride and more fun to race.

Check out the open events in the BMX race calendar. They often have a market section where people sell/swap gear. You should find a decent bike for around half new price.

 

[DJR]

A race bike will be alloy frame, lighter components and different gearing. Generally no front brake either. If you're going to club meets ask around if anyone is selling a race bike, you may pick up one cheap or as redbruce says the opens are a great place to find bikes. Personally I'd spend a little more and get an entry level race bike from a shop, but depends on budget.

 

[Ideate]

For a $100 that looks fine to start off with.

Just strip the bike to suit racing. Take the front brakes off, take the gyro off for a straight cable, change the seat (lighter skinnier one as you won't be sitting or pinching the seat during a race), change the front tyre for some turning grip, get a cheap chain ring to suit your power and lastly consider going lighter less spoked wheels if money permits.

lol.. Just build a new bike from scratch.. BMX's are so cheap now. I've got a Terrible One SFA frame sitting in my garage that I bought for $800 (frame only). I'd be lucky to get $100 for it today as everyone makes cheap clones.. so now new T1 frames go for more than half that.

 

[Julia Borsos]

Race BMX

Thanks guys, you're completely right.
I did more research and realised that I need a race BMX.
There were some Redlines available but were a bit too pricey at the $450 mark.

I ended up buying this older model GT Power Series XL 20" for $100.
It's an old model (2001?) but bike is in good condition, just needs new tyres and grips.
Will test it out today.
Feels very different to my hardtail!

 

[jp80]

That GT looks great for $100!!

20" is so different from the bigger wheels, just think in a direction, and its happening. I'm having a hard time choosing to ride my MTB these days. Have just started riding at the local track and am loving it so much, and being a beginner, the progression is addictive!

 

[Julia Borsos]

That GT looks great for $100!!

20" is so different from the bigger wheels, just think in a direction, and its happening. I'm having a hard time choosing to ride my MTB these days. Have just started riding at the local track and am loving it so much, and being a beginner, the progression is addictive!

Yeah jp it really is a nice bike despite the years I ended up getting it.
I'm from an mtb background, so I do not much like the lower centre of mass haha it's very different to what I'm used to, but I love it.