Good Starter Bike

[turbojames]

Lately I've gotten the tick to get a new bike. I got a mtn bike, but I want something to play around with on my college campus. I was thinking of looking into a hucker/freeride bike, but I don't want the hassle of suspension and gears. I'm pretty sure that I want to jump back on a freestyle bike.

I went to the local shops and checked out some bikes. They all felt so small. I was wondering if there are any good bikes that aren't too expensive and may have the size I'm looking for. Are there any outstanding bikes I should keep an eye on?

I saw the Haro Nyquist R24 in another thread and I thought it was pretty rad. What's the opinion on that bike? Also are there any other 24 inch freestyles out there worth looking at?

-James

[turbojames]

I'd like the bike to hold its own on dirt jumps too

[turbojames]

One more ? ... Is the top tube length what determines how roomy the bike feels when sitting on the seat? I'm 5'11", so what is my prime top tube length?

[w00dy]

Top tube length and handlebar setup primarily affect how roomy it feels. Having larger wheels won't necessarily mean it has a larger cockpit. I think lower bars make it feel more stretched out. You can also tilt them forward a bit, but I don't much like how that feels when riding.

[Echo]

The DK General Lee 24 is pretty cheap and plenty bad ass :cool:

[HRDTLBRO]

Mosh used to make a pretty sweet 24, I think it was tan. It would probably be hard to get your hands on one, though. I believe they stopped making bikes last year or the year before under the Giant name.

[pnj]

I'd like the bike to hold its own on dirt jumps too


that is usually determined more by the rider then the bike.

[turbojames]

how good is the KHE Black Jack? It's got one of the longer top tubes I've found on a 20" wheeled bike, dirt tires, and a rear V-brake which is pretty much what I am looking for.

[BrokenKrank]

If you are looking for a 24'' BMX, I would say that Nyquist R24 is you best bike for your money. For a 20'', you can do better than the KHE, they have a goofy headtube/rotor setup and it looks like Black Jack has 1 piece cranks. The Mosh 4 star bikes that www.danscomp.com has on sale are very good deals at $250-$345 depending on the set up and have very good parts for the price. They have 20.75-21 inch top tubes which are good for your hight for a bmx bike. It will feel shorter but you will get used to it. There are a lot of other choices out there too if you want to spend more. Look for an all 4130 chromoly frame and fork and 3-piece cranks. Macneil has a street/trails frame with a 22 inch top tube that you could get if you want a longer top tube since you're used to mountain bikes. You would ave to build that up though. Personally, I would get the Mosh Lux 4 Star (http://www.danscomp.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&item=101811) , its one of the best deals i've seen. Or find something used.

[Fat Head]

20 inchers are more fun to mess around on, and 24s have long wheel bases
you'd be fine with a 20.5in or higher size wise.
look at a volume blacksheep or others on the danscomp auction page.

[stringcheese]

HI LEO YOU SMELL LIKE BRUSSEL SPROUTS AND YOUR SISTER IS GREAT IN THE SACK (assuming you have one)