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Starting out in BMX


WrightJnr

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I'm looking for some advise. My two boys aged nine and twelve are very keen Mountain bikers and can easily handle 20km plus rides. They are pretty competent on a bike, the elder is very good IMO. We've been looking at BMX now for a while and went today to watch the Nationals in the Cradle. Boys are now VERY keen to start riding/racing BMX. I'm very keen as its really suits the youngsters and I did it as a sport way back!!!

 

Anyone on here involved in BMX? Any and All advise would be greatly appreciated. Both boys had PW50 and PW80's so they have full face helmet and rising kit already. A friend has offered to lend us a bike for a few practice rides before we dig in. But I will need to buy 2 bikes and whatever else might be required.

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Best investment for everyone & guess what you are going to starting riding again... in the ou toppies class. As you said the kids already have riding kit albeit a bit heavy for bmx racing but it's good to start out with as there will be plenty of crashes in the beginning. You can go with lighter protective clothing & helmets later once you know they are in it for the long haul. So just the bikes to sort out now. Go down to the local BMX clubs, in Kempton Park, Germiston & Alrode, I'm sure someone there will know of bikes for sale.

 

Good Luck

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My kid is still on the way so I have no excuse but ive been watching Scotty Cranmer YouTube videos and I want a BMX too!! 

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Check out the Gauteng BMX Facebook page for second hand bikes and just ask general questions there. A lot of bikes advertised right now. Also ask for specific size bikes and the community will usually help you find bikes. MX kit is just fine, most kids buy their kit from Full Throttle. My son rides with basic protective gear; Helmet, goggles, gloves and neck brace. But seriously just check out the Facebook page and you'll be able to find just about everything on there.

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Forgot to add that if you want new bikes there are only 2 shops that bring them in and they only bring in stock once a year if you lucky. That also leaves you with basically 2 brands to choose from, GT and FreeAgent. Most other new bikes are personally imported and that's why I'm suggesting second hand. Also most kids bikes get upgraded with carbon forks and lighter wheel sets so you score every now and then when buying second hand. New bikes are quite expensive to import with entry level race bikes starting at around $600 without postage and duties.

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Thanks! And yes, I am quite keen to line up next to them on the gate :-)

btw what are your kids ages?

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btw what are your kids ages?

Eish. 9 and 12. Second sentence, first post.

 

Sent from my Nokia 6310i

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If you are looking for a bike or more info the best place to go is cycle fusion in honeydew. Kevin will put you on the right track and he may have a few 2nd hand bikes there also. He also has a few new bmx bikes there to have a look at.

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Eish. 9 and 12. Second sentence, first post.

 

Sent from my Nokia 6310i

yikes numbers bro numbers, lol sorry I missed that.
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Thanks for all the feedback. I've found 3 FB pages for local BMX and have followed them. There are quite a few bikes for sale which is good, I'm just trying to figure out sizes. BMXER post above should help with that. Then there what I assume is the "cruiser" which has the narrow wheels?? After watching a few races I see most of the younger lads were on those.

 

I did have a long chat with Kevin from FreeAgentBMX on Saturday. He was very helpful and said they having a club race on Sunday in Honeydew. I plan to go check it out.

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Thanks for all the feedback. I've found 3 FB pages for local BMX and have followed them. There are quite a few bikes for sale which is good, I'm just trying to figure out sizes. BMXER post above should help with that. Then there what I assume is the "cruiser" which has the narrow wheels?? After watching a few races I see most of the younger lads were on those.

 

I did have a long chat with Kevin from FreeAgentBMX on Saturday. He was very helpful and said they having a club race on Sunday in Honeydew. I plan to go check it out.

A cruiser has 24 inch wheels. What you saw on the weekend were kids riding Mini up to expert size bikes. These have smaller profile wheels, although still 20 inches, to make it lighter and easier to roll. the bikes, just like mountain bikes, all have the same wheel size with different frame sizes. The frame size is dictated to by top tube length. My son is on a mini frame17,5" TT. He is turning 4 in August but is quite tall for his age.

Measure your sons and go by the guides in the above link and you should get the ballpark frame size. Let them try the bikes out before you buy.

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  • 2 weeks later...

7c88fdee23300db06a27f6cb422a29a9.jpg

 

First race today at Kempton Park. Fantastic day.

well done!! This is a great foundation should they venture into road or MTB'ing later in life. The skills they will

Learn today will Never be lost...ever!

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