Thinking of getting my first BMX

how does it compare to platt fields?

Is the track made from the same material?

indoors so think it's different build as not needed to be weatherproof. Berms are smoothed tarmac as they'll never be wet.

The biggest difference is size, everything is BIG. The 5m start ramp looks bigger than platt fields (although maybe optical trick due to being indoors), and the 8m start is just scary (hits a huge double at the bottom) but only for Elites to use.

2 starts naturally means 2 different tracks for first 3 straights, rhythm section is shared.

Thanks Mark.

Still got my workbook and 6 sessions to do, less paperwork than L2 outright though thankfully. I'll bring bits along on 25th so you can have a look.

Got a snap of my bike at the track today:

this looks like inappropriate fun for adults who should know better and get paid to play on bikes in the name of 'work'

show us your tailwhips

seats waaaaaaaaaaaay too high. ^^^ looks like you might try and ride it somewhere

i least i don't feel that i am the only adult who should know better!

seats waaaaaaaaaaaay too high. ^^^ looks like you might try and ride it somewhere

Forgetting I'm 6ft 3... it passes the fist test. Need longer post for riding to and from track, did 24 miles commuting stood up over the weekend, good for the glutes.

p.s. re: calling me an adult - I'm only 34, won't be an adult for a few years yet, if ever...

I've not ridden a BMX for around 18 years but now my son's interested in BMX racing (well, at least interested in having a go) I'm going to see if I can get hold of a reasonably cheap cruiser to pootle around the tracks with him on

Have to say I've not been this excited about buying a new (2nd hand in all likelyhood) bike for years

You mean fucked about with?

Does this look "fucked about with" ?

When you find race bikes second hand, they are usually blinged up with MUCH better than stock wheelset, either DXR or profile cranks, profile hubs, thomson seat post and more.

But you get to buy them for less than what the bike would have costed stock, and in many cases you can get a full bike for around the price of a frame.

^ where + how much?

Been thinking about starting riding the track again..... and my old haro race doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence.

Looks like i'll be coaching the youth club & and running one of the track induction sessions, a regular weekly slot on Manc indoor. 3hrs a week total.

In at the deep end!

p.s. got my accreditation too today so can ride open sessions there.

Whats the deal with bmx induction then, is it as drawn out as the track? I used to race a bit of bmx / 4x .... would be interested to ride the manc track but how many hoops do I have to Jump through?

it's 4 steps, all done within a few minutes of a 1hr session which then becomes gate practice. Simpler than velodrome for sure.

Sweet. When would you say is best to go? are there day sessions during the week at all?

there're a few sessions thru the week, check the national cycling centre website for details... you're looking for an "accelerated induction" session. Saturday 11am is a nice one as there's an open session just afterwards...

^ only 2 accelerated induction sessions infact - Fri 7pm and Sat 11am. Soz for confusion, still learning timetable!

I have a verde radia 201 in chrome. it's pretty sweet looking bar some tiny bits of rust

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I've just been given a BMX and wondered what the score was... Here's a few noob bamberclaat questions for you BMXers as I've not rode one for about 20 years.

This thing weighs a ton, honestly it's gotta be about 30lbs. It's got a giro / detangler on it that makes the V-brakes heavier than Vanessa Feltz's lunchbox and the chain tension changes as the pedals rotate. I'm under no illusions that it's nothing but a nameless piece of crap but it was free and I'm always up for something new.

Are all modern BMXs super heavy or is mine made of lead? Is the weight good? Does it help balance or something?

I need to keep the brakes as I'm 30something and brakless will kill me, do I ditch the detangler or just service it? Will the brakes remain heavy even if it's serviced? I've got replacement cables, do I run the front through the headtube?

The rear tyre is balder than Duncan Goodhew swimming in Immac, any recommendations on a cheap replacement?

I almost did a footjam tailwhip the other day. I'm (almost) the bomb.

it's the BMX equivalent of a unipack...

I have a verde radia 201 in chrome. it's pretty sweet looking bar some tiny bits of rust

Mines still available

thomson seat post

Ha! Why do you need a thompson seat post? BMX seats only get used for sitting at the top of the roll-in chatting to your mates!

I've never known any of my bmx pals to have a thomson seat post.

bmx racing people are wierdos, it seems anything goes in that discipline. I heard they even have 24" inch wheels!

:O

As it says at the top of the tread, can't go wrong with a Dialled.