is it dumb to race with front suspension?

[seanfrazer7]

I want to get back into the race scene out here in UT (after being out of it for 8 years). But I have a limited amount of money. I am also interested in downhill and dirt jumps. There are bikes that look like cruisers but they have 26" tires and front suspension that are made for dirt jumps. the back is still rigid. I am trying to decide whether to buy a 20" bike to race OR buy one of those dirt jumping bikes to do both. I know I could race cruiser class with the 26" bike but would I stick out like a sore thumb and look completely dumb? Has anyone seen someone race this kind of bike before?

[dilleyboys]

They are getting very popular i'll bet we see many of them on the track soon!

[JAlvey]

yes

[bnd]

The 26 mt. bikes dirt jumpers are getting to be very popular in the cruiser classes. 41-45 has 3 or more regulars on them. If you can lock out the fork while racing on the track, that's the way to go.
If you want to do other things like dirt jump or skatepark, a 26er is the way to go. The Specialized P bikes look like a good buy right out of the box.

Welcome back!

b.

[seanfrazer7]

Thanks guys! I think I'll save for the 26"! When I get it I'll post some pictures.

[ronnyg801]

Hey, Ive got a 26" I dont race anymore but I like the bike a lot. I plan to race again this spring on it. If it were me I would go to Go-Ride and check out the Black Market bikes they have there. I have a P2 I got for a song on KSL but I would way rather have a Black Market than a P-bike. I feel they come more well equipped.

As far as front suspension, I feel it is fairly worthless on a BMX track IMO. I-street in the other hand. I am thankful that it is there.

If you are really planning on doing downhill a hard tail will not cut it.

Unfortunately a "do it all bike" doesnt shine any place. Not saying you cant have one but be prepared to feel it.

[Alex-Gren]

I'm not much of a mt. biker but from all the stuff I've heard Black Market completes are amazing for the price, and they really aren't that expensive. I've ridden one and they ride really well too!
Also, Black Market is a branch off of S&M just like Fit Bike Co. And they are all awesome companies.

[seanfrazer7]

What do you think about the 2009 SE DJ flyer? It's only $600. Will it hold up?

[ronnyg801]

I cant find specs on it but it looks similarly equipped to an entry level black market(which isnt bad). You may end up having to upgrade some stuff down the road, possibly not but I would bet it is a good start.

I was browsing S&M's site yesterday and saw that they now have a 26" pitch fork so if you decide you dont like front suspension or want to shed the weight there is a solid option.

600 bones is pretty hard to beat new, I paid 400 for a used p2 that was fairly used.

[seanfrazer7]

I decided to buy a 2009 SE DJ flyer. Hopefully you'll see me at Rad Canyon in May! Come say hi if you see me! I'll post a picture when I get some. Thanks for the posts!