[916dave]

Way back in the day I used to do a lot of street and dirt riding and am now looking to pick up a new ride to get back into it. Since I've been out of the loop for the last 10 years, I had no idea how much things have changed. The bikes look totally different. And since I'm kinda starting from scratch, I'm thinking a complete would be the way to go right now. What do you guys know about these bikes, am I missing any solid contendors from my list, and are there any that are recommended and/or those I should stay as far away as possible? And weight, as always is an issue. The lighter the better. Anyway, these seem to be the main completes available right now. Thoughts?

NS – http://www.ns-bikes.com/
http://www.ns-bikes.com/2011/bikes/holy-1.html - 12.5 kg
http://www.ns-bikes.com/2011/bikes/metropolis-1.html - 12.2 kg
Eastern – http://www.easternbikes.com/products/completes/2011#
http://www.easternbikes.com/products/completes/2011/85- 28.70 Pounds
Banshee – http://www.bansheebikes.com/amp.html
BlackMarket – http://www.blackmarketbikes.com/
http://www.blackmarketbikes.com/index.php?pg=products&sub=completes&sub2=malice
http://www.blackmarketbikes.com/index.php?pg=products&sub=completes&sub2=soldier
Specialized P bike?
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52718&scid=1004&scname=Dirt%2FPark%2FStreet
And there is also Atomlab: http://www.atomlab.com/mtbbikestp.html

 

[demo 9]

budget? type of riding-specifically?

 

[916dave]

budget? type of riding-specifically?

I would like to keep it under a grand (but the cheaper the better). Riding will be mostly street and dirt. Some park but prob not a ton. Im also 6'1 so I dont know if any of the bikes are better suited to shorter or taller people.

 

[Paulyd]

The Atomlab Trailking has a pretty long toptube, matching with some comfortable riser bars will probably feel good for you. complete wise, i think it's more than you're looking to spend.

 

[demo 9]

My vote goes to black market, that is of course based off the fact that most generally feel they are the "best" company. Not to say that its better than any of the other bikes (could be) but as a company they seem to be the most popular, i also believe they offer a complete around 1200, which may be a little bit more than your budget, but its a very nice and solid bike

 

[Tetreault]

The banshee amp is by far the best complete, and frame, but it is the most expensive, @ $1600usd.

from there I would basically flip a coin between the malice and metropolis, i believe both are around $1300 with a similar quality spec and frame. both being over seas manufactured basic 4130 frames with similar geometry.

I don't personally like any of specialized or easterns complete options, but that's just my opinion.

EDIT: actually after looking at the spec of both the black market and the NS, i would go for the metropolis, avid instead of hayes, SB8 tires insted of krads, and the Salt branded OEM parts are probably some of the best for entry level completes in the bmx biz

 

[Randomshot]

i vote the holy

 

[Flat tyres]

The Atomlab Trailking has a pretty long toptube, matching with some comfortable riser bars will probably feel good for you. complete wise, i think it's more than you're looking to spend.

That bike may not hold up under a 6'1" dude, just saying, without knowing riding style or weight, I'd be skeptical. Real sweet bikes nonetheless.

 

[916dave]

EDIT: actually after looking at the spec of both the black market and the NS, i would go for the metropolis, avid instead of hayes, SB8 tires insted of krads, and the Salt branded OEM parts are probably some of the best for entry level completes in the bmx biz

Right on, I appreciate it.

 

[916dave]

That bike may not hold up under a 6'1" dude, just saying, without knowing riding style or weight, I'd be skeptical. Real sweet bikes nonetheless.

I'm only about 165 lbs, but tend to be kind of hard on bikes. My last bike developed a few cracks around the rear triangle.

 

[FR4life.]

Another vote for the metropolis.

 

[ServeEm]

What part of Sac are you from? I would say go to Elite Bikes in Citrus Heights. By far the best bmx store in the area, they've expanded and have a good mix of 26" completes.

http://elitebikeshop.com/index.php

 

[eaterofdog]

My advice on getting a 26 is get a 24.

 

[ServeEm]

Hell, if we're going there I would insist on a 20.

 

[916dave]

What part of Sac are you from? I would say go to Elite Bikes in Citrus Heights. By far the best bmx store in the area, they've expanded and have a good mix of 26" completes.

http://elitebikeshop.com/index.php

I'm in midtown, but I'll go check them out this weekend.

 

[ServeEm]

Midtown nice, hella spots to ride out there. If you go this weekend keep in mind they're usually closed on Sundays in the winter.