I haven’t been on a BMX in nearly 30 years. Im shopping for something that will be 80% cruising and 20% beginner level trick/stunt. I’m 6’3″ 240lbs. I know you young dudes think a 22″ isn’t a true bmx, but would the FIT 22″ be a good bike for what I described?
by ROVER_08
4 Comments
Cruising? for sure.
Occasional go to the skatepark and carve around some pools, hit a hip? Sure.
Ride a pump track/dirt jumps? Sure.
Modern street riding? Definitely no, my bet is that it’s not responsive enough. You can definitely do a 180, some manuals, bunnyhop over stuff etc. But those nitty gritty technical combos are not going to be easy/pleasant to do.
Cool bike for what you described. Bear in mind that your choice of parts like frames/forks/rims/tyres is going to be extremely limited because 22inch is not popular at all. You’re boxing yourself into fit/s&m mostly, which is great but pricey.
im 6’2” and ride 21.25 and would most likely enjoy a 22”.
22” has been a very useable solution for taller/older riders. Rim and tyre/tube selection is ok the slim side, but the rest is all standard bmx stuff. As far as I’m concerned 22 is bmx, and it’s been around a lot longer than many realise, pushing on for 20 years now.
I don’t know what 240lbs is (I am useless at weights) but I’m assuming you’re including that stat to state you’re a big fella, even at 6’4″
The thing about 22″ BMX is they aren’t cruiser class (24″ minimum) but they aren’t true BMX either.
The issue is parts. Most parts are the same as a 20″, except the wheels, toobs, and tires.
Those are really difficult parts to replace on a 22, because it’s a really under-supported size. I’m surprised it hasn’t died out again by now to be really honest.
It’s really not going to be *that much* different to a 20″. So I personally feel like it’s a big sacrifice for not much gain.
The truth is you just don’t ride a BMX sitting down. Once you accept that and get used to riding standing up, you’ll wonder why you went for a 22″ and suddenly can’t find decent tires, or replacement wheels after yours taco on a bad landing.
I have a 24″ I ride around on in the winter. It annoys the crap out of me because it’s not that different. It doesn’t offer me anything different and its not better in any way. I do whack the seat up really high and pedal sitting down, but it’s nowhere near as comfortable as standing up on my 20″ BMXs. Sitting down to pedal on my 24″ makes my knees and hips hurt and makes my legs tire out.
A 22″ will be worse. So what will you gain? I’m not sure you’ll gain anything personally.
I am 5’10” for comparison. Not a heavy build.
Oh and I’m 53, so not a young dude either.