How to get started? Feedback Wanted

[J Gallo]

All,

I'm going to be working on a new page for RAD Canyon's site that will be a "how-to" for getting started in BMX racing. I'd like the format to be a kind of step by step approach, that answers the most frequently asked questions.

So, I'd like to get some ideas from the community, especially those that have just started recently. What information would you like to see included? Should it be broken down into sections, such as Track Info, Bike Info, Protection, etc?

Any and all ideas are welcome, thank you for the input!

[Jave9000]

I'd say have a link to the "for sale/wanted" on UtahBMX. That way people getting started can find a used bmx bike from the people who have the best bikes for sale at a great price.

[b2]

i like your sections idea.

mention that you don't need a sweet ride to get into it, but warn that it can be addictive. one thing that I thought cool about the ABA flier thing from last year was that the single biggest picture was of a kid who wasn't on a hardcore race bike, he didn't have all of the top end apparel, and may have had a temporary plate.

make sure you mention how many helpful people there are at the track, and to come out and ask questions.

i like the note that Jave9000 makes... you don't have to buy new stuff, there are people shuffling gear and parts around all the time, and if you ask, someone might have what you're looking for...

[Jave9000]

Yeah no doubt you don't need an expensive bike to race. So am I cool to race my old Auburn Cr-20r? It was cool back in '90.

[b2]

Yeah no doubt you don't need an expensive bike to race. So am I cool to race my old Auburn Cr-20r? It was cool back in '90.

no, go get a 50-lb. goose at walmart...

[Jave9000]

That is about what my Auburn weighs Even worse is my 24" General Lee. I need a lighter bike to try and keep up with you old 28 and over Novices.

[ccowley]

those auburns sure were cool lookin though. kris park used to ride for them back in the day. i got a 29 pound pile of haro you can ride

[Scott Mckay]

Finally a thread I know something about. We just got started in the fall at Farmingtons indoor. My 8 yr. old used his Haro 26 pounder to try it out and took 3rd his first night. He was hooked and so was I. The very next day there was a used redline proline jr. at the track for $120. Great price and a great bike for Novice especially. Like Brent said that can just be the beginning. He is on his third bike and its not him its his Dad who is having fun building his bikes.

I think some simple information in the beginning that would be useful is.

1. Gear charts - That was all I did was play with gears. Maybe even some suggestions on the most common gear setups for indoor and outdoor.
2. Bike size – I got my boy a jr. not knowing there was a mini that would have fit him better at the time.
3. Where to buy Bike Parts – I drove all over the valleys to find out only a few sell BMX stuff. So maybe list some options of shops and websites that will help. PBP, Taylors, Dans Comp., Utahbmx.coms used section etc..
4. Keeping it simple in the beginning can still be fun and this community is more then helpful and a great place for the kids to be.

[b2]

2. Bike size – I got my boy a jr. not knowing there was a mini that would have fit him better at the time.

This is a really good one... I was talking with Miguel (Mason and Mikey's dad) about the sizes of Redlines... micro, mini, jr. etc... he wasn't aware of all the options... very good idea to mention this. Of course there's going to be the mfg. variable in the mix, Redline's Micro is different than Avent's micro, for example. So maybe the frame sizes or formulas and such.