First BMX advice please

[Newbie72]

Hi, I'm researching BMX bikes for my son's Christmas present and am looking for advice on good brands for an entry level BMX. I've worked out the size, but (as with everything) there is a huge price range from $130 to into the thousands. My son will just be using it in the street/park with his friends and I don't expect he will ever take it to the skate/bike parks or ever race it. So, it only needs to be entry level. Price is a key point, but I don't want it to be rubbish either. Can anyone recommend any great priced quality entry level BMX's and an indication of price or better still where I can buy one online or Sunshine Coast/Brisbane area?
Thanks in advance

[KGB]

Sounds like anything in a name brand, from a reputable shop should be fine. I'd spend more if he was going to be smashing it around a lot but it sounds like thats not the case.

[Derny Driver]

I found a cheap frame online and then built one up.
Its more old school than what the kids these days are riding but my son loves it.
A BMX is not a real BMX without Tuffs! You can buy new Skyway tuffs online.
Cost about $500 to build.

back brake not connected when photo taken

[koshari]

thats a good idea getting a frame with lugs for the V brakes because Old School BMX single pivot callipers Sucked. nice looking steed, any wonder your young bloke loves it.

A BMX is not a real BMX without Tuffs!

After the ET kuwahurra second coming araya 7X alloys were More than acceptable.

[Newbie72]

Thanks.. KBG are there any 'name brands' that you can recommend? Been to 4 different bike stores and each have had different brands

[bychosis]

Locally there seems to be a lot of the better BMX brands on gumtree. Seems young persons get a job, some money buy flash BMX then sell it when they get more money and buy a smoke box.

[KGB]

What brands would I buy....?
I'm a fan of redline. I like the specialized fatboys of old. Anything with a giant sticker seems to be popular. Haro? I dunno, I'm a bit out of the loop with bmx. Just avoid kmart type brands.

[Newbie72]

Thanks KBG - Does Kmart brands include places like AMart sports? My wife found this one for $150 http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/N ... nuFrom=701" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dreams V Reallity]

Newbie, you're getting some good advice from KGB and Bychosis. Unless you want to build your own.
Additional research would be to visit a BMX track on race day (don't take the munchkins, they'll only want to have a go) and see what brands are around, and ask some questions about cheap & quality. I know you said race/skate bowl were not your intention, but if my son is a guide, they will go there at least once to try it themselves.

[KGB]

I'd park Amart in between kmart and real bike shops. Similar to Anaconda and Rebel Sport I guess (when rebel sold bikes seriously). I worked at a Rebel store for a long time. We had some good quality bikes and some skilled staff - unfortunately, with chain stores it can be hit and miss from store to store. I'd walk into some other stores and be embarrassed to admit I worked for the company.
For this reason, I'd probably avoid "sports" stores unless you know the staff and are confident they are on the ball.

The Amart bike would probably be ok but going to a specialist bike shop improves your chances that a bike will be decent quality and assembled well.