Cruiser Questions

[Skew]

I'd like to start racing cruiser class in addition to 20" and I've got a few questions that I'd appreciate some help with.

24" vs 26"
What is a better wheel size to start with? I've noticed many fast racers out there with 26" wheel dirt jumpers with front suspension. Although it seems that a 24" ride would develop more transferable skills to the 20". What makes one go with a 26" over a 24"? Is bigger always faster? The 24" seems more conventional right?

Frame size
My 20" bike is a factory intense xxl with a 21.5 top tube. I'm 6' tall and the size feels right for me. Should I be looking for a similar size frame in a cruiser, or larger/smaller?

Thanks

[sixstringsteve]

I like the way you're thinking logan!

If you want to go the 26" route, I've got a great starting bike that I'd sell cheap. I was going to build it up as a DJ hardtail, but I've got 5 bikes as it is, and that's a bit too many.

[b2]

I'd like to start racing cruiser class in addition to 20" and I've got a few questions that I'd appreciate some help with.

24" vs 26"
What is a better wheel size to start with? I've noticed many fast racers out there with 26" wheel dirt jumpers with front suspension. Although it seems that a 24" ride would develop more transferable skills to the 20". What makes one go with a 26" over a 24"? Is bigger always faster? The 24" seems more conventional right?

Frame size
My 20" bike is a factory intense xxl with a 21.5 top tube. I'm 6' tall and the size feels right for me. Should I be looking for a similar size frame in a cruiser, or larger/smaller?

Thanks

my 20" is a pro xxl @ 21.5" TT. my 24" is a pro cruiser XL @ 21.75". I have 53mm stems on both from Form. Both are Vendetta frames (although the decals may say something else currently... ). My new frames for next year will be similar dimensions to that. I'm 5' 11" and feel great on both of the bikes. If you're not looking for a dual purpose bike, I'd say to do a 24". There are more BMX race-specific options in a 24" but the 26" are gaining more popularity--especially with GT offering a 26" race bike.

Also, I bet there could be some 24" frames up for sale soon so you could probably get into it a little cheaper that way.

[Skew]

Thanks Brent! I'll keep my eyes out!

[sixstringsteve]

what's your price range? Are you looking entry-level, or top of the line?

[Skew]

3 to $400, maybe 5 if it was really special. The staats cruiser for sale at the races last weekend would have been good. I just have to wait until after the holidays to make a big purchase.

[JAlvey]

For your height, get a frame similar in size to your twenty. 21.5-21.75" should be good. Also, be sure to set it up similar, especially with similar bars (bend/width, not height), same crank size, similar tires etc. Most people will still feel comfortable on one size smaller tire. Usually run a similar gear, but about 0.5 inch taller roll out on the cruiser.

So far as 24 vs 26 goes, the 24 will feel more similar to your 20 and will be easier to find parts/gears/etc for. Most of the guys on the 26 inch bikes aren't racing 20". The smaller bike, the more reactive it will be out of the gate, pumping, manualling etc. The bigger the bike, the faster it will go once you get it going. Overall, the guys on 24's are beating the guys on 26's, with Spencer and Dilley being two guys that prove that wrong, so it's probably more the rider than the bike.

If you get a cruiser though, be sure to do most of your practice on your twenty. Getting faster on your twenty will make you faster on your cruiser, but not necessarily the other way around.

If you are looking for a new frame, I know of a bunch of GHP cruisers coming on the market for cheap. They have a 21.75TT and you could probably get a frame for 150-200 depending on condition. I also plan to sell my supercross (21.5tt) for 200 if that is of interest.

Justin

[sixstringsteve]

For what it's worth, my pink supercross cruiser that you rode on Sat is a pro size. It has a 21.5" TT, and a 45mm stem (super short cuz I have tiny arms). I later found out that my handlebars were kids bars, not cruiser bars, so they rode a bit higher than normal. Plus my bars were pushed way back. So it wouldn't be hard to make my SX Pro feel longer.

[Skew]

Thanks for the info Justin. I appreciate you being very specific.

And thanks again for letting me ride your bike Steve. Yes your bike felt like a good fit, however it was difficult to tell with the clipless pedals.

[SOblad]

The original cruiser started out using 26" because of the ballon tired Schwinn and beach cruiser, there were 26" alloy rims and a larger choice of tires. Not long after introduction of 24" cruisers they took over and 26" all but disappeared. Lately 26' have started making a comback. My son Bryan even competed on a 29er and really love it, Bigger wheels ride smoother.

[sixstringsteve]

I'm going to start racing cruiser next race. I hope you can get a cruiser by then Logan!

[Skew]

I'm going to start racing cruiser next race. I hope you can get a cruiser by then Logan!

Me too Steve. I'll enjoy racing [chasing] you in another class. Although it likely won't be for a couple more weeks.

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2011 Haro pro 24". Anyone have thoughts on that bike or brand? I really don't have a clue.

[sixstringsteve]

After the craziness of the holidays and all the treats the neighbors keep bringing over to my house, I'm going to be following you for a while.

This thread got me excited for haro as a potential future bike:

http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/ind ... 11&hl=haro


I read that they have a race light cruiser frame available as well. That would be a sweet bike. Also, haro has a 25% off sale going on their web store. Not sure if that includes bikes, but it just might. Can you tell I'm excited to have you in the cruiser class with me?

[jnasty]

Not to get too preachy, but try and support local. The more we use the local shops, the more they will carry, and the more they will support our awesome scene.

I know that two of our biggest supporters of local BMX, Laketown and Wild bills have some good deals going on.

I like the Haro bikes, they are built well, and color schemes are always good.

Jonas

[Skew]

Not to get too preachy, but try and support local. The more we use the local shops, the more they will carry, and the more they will support our awesome scene.

I know that two of our biggest supporters of local BMX, Laketown and Wild bills have some good deals going on.

I like the Haro bikes, they are built well, and color schemes are always good.

Jonas

Thanks Jonas, point taken. I can definitely see the value in supporting the local shops.

I wish there was a better one here in Davis County. Sort of a catch 22. The shops here in Davis County won't carry more than a token selection of bmx race bikes because they sit in their inventory all year long, no one shops in their stores for bmx race bikes because their inventory and expertise is so limited.