John Dye at Volt BMX
What bike/frame/set up would you suggest for an older rider who’s coming back to bmx?
On the complete bikes side I would recommend a bike with classic BMX (old style) geometry.
A bike that is more like the one you last rode-longer back end to keep you more central and the bike more stable, no shorter than 13.5″ rear end with a taller -8.5 to 9 “standover . You do not want a newer street/park style bike with super twitchy geometry, you won’t benefit from a steep head angle and short back end if the last time you rode was 15 plus years ago. Fit and United both make complete adult style bikes 21” top tubes are the smallest tho (Fit trail, United Motocross) which are labelled as trail bikes, but they will be the closest thing to 90s BMX geometry. If you want some thing smaller it will be slightly tighter handling, Fit Series 1 or United Supreme would be the other recommendations.
How will it ride?
The bike will ride like the last bike you had but lighter. (Unless you rode something unusual?) Sealed bearings through out, mid bb and internal headsets are great additions to the newer completes and make these bikes up to date and usually problem free. The geometry should make it way more predictable than the smaller rear ends and steep head angle’s on some of the other bikes. Light weight, smooth and stiff is how new bikes should feel. Longer rear end for stability and slacker head angle around 74.5 -75 degrees will make it easier to handle and predict.
If you get a bike with 75.5 head tube angle and a 13 “ rear end, you are probably in for a few surprises.
How much and where can they buy it?
Around £359.95 and up
Grant Smith at BSD
What bike/frame/set up would you suggest for an older rider who’s coming back to bmx?
From our frames I’d recommend the Freedom frame or the Sureshot, both are all rounder frames good for riding everything.
How will it ride?
Both have brake lugs (many of the BSD frames don’t!) and a low BB which feels stable due to the lower centre of gravity, also the back end lengths aren’t too short. Both are good for hitting everything!
The frames nowadays feel solid without being too heavy! Also the internal headset and mid BB will seem revolutionary if they haven’t used/seen or fitted them before. I think the feeling of having a dialled bike will make the most difference, especially if the last time they rode was in the 89s or 90s! 🙂
How much and where can they buy it?
Both are £319.99 but if you wait a few days the older colours will be on sale soon.
https://bsdforever.com/collections/frames/products/freedom-frame
https://bsdforever.com/collections/frames/products/sureshot-frame
Matt Nicklen at Entity BMX
What bike/frame/set up would you suggest for an older rider who’s coming back to bmx?
All complete bikes these days fit the bill and more brands are offering larger sizes on low end models so you DONT have to spend an arm and a leg getting back into it.
For example I would recommend something like the United Motocross 2020!
How will it ride?
The United Motocross comes in a 21” top tube which is great for a larger rider, itching to shake off that belly, or maybe your tall and slender and need good leg room.
Plenty of classic features, raw frame/black parts keep it subtle but can easily modify and switch up colours for a loud look. Sealed wheels is a must for a heavier dude and the bike rocks them along with sealed headset and bb, these are the mod cons you want!!
The geometry is more traditional, nothing to twitchy so will feel nice and comfortable cruising around bowls if your looking to become 1 with the bike, still sporting a backend perfect length for manuals and airing and a nice low bb so will feel more suited for a taller guy behind the bars.
How much and where can they buy it?
The United Motocross 2020 Retails at £379 and is available now on
Kip Williamson from Master Blaster Planet
What bike/frame/set up would you suggest for an older rider who’s coming back to bmx?
If you’re an older guy you might want to consider the Subrosa Malum 22″ complete. It’s a really nice bike that’s ready to ride out of the box. Slightly larger wheels and overall set up is perfect for the middle aged rider who wants something bigger than a 20″. If you want to stick to a 20″ complete, and you want to ride some light park/street/dirt I would suggest the Subrosa Salvador and Salvador XL (21″tt).
Letum complete which features a 100% chromoly frame, fork, and bars… freecoaster, 4 pegs, 4 hub guards, Shadow Sabotage sprocket with guard, 3 pc cranks and a rear brake all for usd $500. The Letum is hands down the best bang for your buck in terms of a 20″ complete ready for the streets or any park shredding!
How will it ride?
Ideally you want a quality bike that can handle a fair amount of abuse if you’re reading this, and that’s what Subrosa offers. Their $350 bike is twice as good as a $350 bike from the 80s or 90s. The overall quality has come a long way! Back in the day having 3 pc cranks on your bike was an aftermarket upgrade but almost all complete bikes these days including Subrosa feature 3 pc cranks. The cranks on the $300 bikes are different from the cranks on the $800-$900 bikes. Beyond the quality, bikes have come a long way in terms of the geometry too. Current geometry just feels better to ride and makes a lot of things easier to learn. It’s BMX so you get what you pay for!
The more you spend the better the quality the frame, fork, bars and components will be. Almost all of the Subrosa completes offer a cassette or freecoaster or an option for both depending on the model. All of the Subrosa bikes ride amazing and feel great. They all come with a rear brake mounted out of the box which is removeable along with the brake mounts if you care to ride brakeless. It only takes about 15 minutes to get it up and running. Mount the front wheel and handlebars, install the pedals and you’re riding!
How much and where can they buy it?
Subrosa entry level bikes start at $300 and go up to $900
John Buultjens at Haro Bikes
What bike/frame/set up would you suggest for an older rider who’s coming back to bmx?
Lineage 100%! The bikes are the strongest bikes we make and ride with ease. If you are on a budget, look for a mid level bike like the Interstate, full Cr-Mo with double wall rims and sealed components through out.
How will it ride?
With Lineage you get that emotional connection to the past, you sit on a master or Sport and look down you feel 16 again. Plus with todays geometry and sealed components, your riding will be a breeze.
Lineage series is full high end with that modern feel, once you sit on the complete bike once built, you immediately feel at home. Doesn’t matter if you are causing around or riding flat or park, you will have a connection like no other bike could give you. That’s if you where a Haro lover in the 80’s.
How much and where can they buy it?
Most Lineage bikes are over $1,000us, full Cr-Mo bikes start at $500us. You can find them at your local Haro dealer or online
