(Part 2) Best products from r/bmx

1. Go to your local sporting goods store, Dick's Sporting Goods tends to be the best for this because of how aggressively they price clearance.
   
2. Ask them if they have any "air backpacks". If the associate looks confused, ask for a manager. Air is when something goes below clearance and rings up for $0.02, and they will sell it for 75% off of the original price, but in many districts they're getting ready for inventory so they are motivated to move this stuff. I know at some of my local stores they just sell all air for $5. I got a $120 Browning backpack for $5. You're going to be looking for a nice hiking backpack with the part that goes around your waist so the bag isn't banging you in the back as you ride.
   
3. Order a bunch of tubes, they are available for as little as $3, or if you run Tublitos then grab some patch kits and one extra tube.
   
4. Order a cheap set of sockets, allen keys, and a chain breaker off of Amazon.
   
5. Throw all that stuff in your cheap backpack with the last remaining part of your chain from when you initially cut it.
   
6. Bring that bag with you every time you go riding anywhere.
   
   Now, for about $100 you'll never be stuck again. I'm amazed when I see people who aren't prepared for this kind of scenario.

Strong chains are good. But you can just rock your chain on the oppo side. I have LHD and grind on my right side, basically never hit my chain. I have an awesome chain with a design that also protects sprocket teeth just in case, even though I have LHD.

KMC Kool Knight Bicycle Chain Bicycle Chain (Silver, 1/2 x 1/8 - Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060LU99U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YxWbAbNM3SCV2

Super late to this but I used these for a year until I got my Colony fl pegs and thyre pretty good. I never did any grinds with them though since im into Flatland mostly.

Best I've ever had. No slip or slide. Washes well. Not difficult to take off, but is easier over jeans. I do like the sturrips on your suggestion, but they look like they would be hot quick.

I'll recommend the KMC K710 chain. I personally think it's the best bang for your buck at $11 shipped to your door. All similarly rated chain is going to be the same, you end up paying for aesthetics and branding. The Odyssey Bluebird chain is $15-20 and it's a 510 chain, the Shadow Interlock V2 is nearly $40. So it really depends on what you find value in.

I use Anker Buds,

They're sweatproof, sound nice, wireless, don't get in the way AT ALL

NOTHING will knock them out of your ears, they're great.

They're easy to put on and simply forget about, and music/volume controls are on the right ear.

EDIT: I forgot there's more than one "anker buds"...

It's these ones: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundBuds-Bluetooth-Sweatproof-Headphones/dp/B01IUP89LS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1504923306&sr=8-4&keywords=anker+buds

Quick trick if you're short cash.
Get a dry scotch bright pad (the green ones you clean dishes with).
Put the pad inbetween the rim braking surface and your brake pad. Push the brake pad in OR squeeze the brake and spin the rear wheel.
It cleans up your rims and makes for a quick and easy fix.


Long term fix. Buy some new brake pads. They're cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Bicycle-Brake-Threaded/dp/B000BMRSCK/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1458062380&sr=8-14&keywords=bmx+brake+pads

Mongoose legion l80 might be a good choice, unless shes a generally tall girl. https://www.amazon.com/Mongoose-Legion-Freestyle-Bike-Blue/dp/B074L2YCVH?th=1 This is under your budget, and objectively better than really anything else new in that price range. Shorter toptube than the l100 so if shes the average height for a girl, it'll fit her.

I run one of these, it's well certified and I find it very comfortable, as well as $37.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M56962U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The two oils I use for that stuff are either Phil wood tenacious oil or tri flow. You can also use tri flow as a so-so chain lube but the Phil wood stuff will objectively be better. Since it's a bmx bike, I'd go tri flow, you don't need fancy shit. Carefully(!!!!!!!!!!) pop off the plastic seal with a razor blade or exacto knife, then apply a liberal amount of oil into the bearing. Pop the seal back on, then let the bearing sit on both sides for like 5 - 10 minutes so excess can drain a little. Wipe the bearing dry of any excess on the outside to deter collection of crap on the bearing then reinstall with small(!!) amounts of grease on the outside where the bearing presses into the hub. You can do this for any sealed cartridge bearing on your bike.

Alright, well similar theories apply to the 20". And that makes searching for used bikes on craigslist/offerup a bit easier.

Far as new bikes go this is maybe the best you will find.

https://www.jrbicycles.com/cult-2018-gateway-jr-bmx-bike-black

Or going for a Mongoose bike but these bikes are kind of just in between walmart bike and the one above, so I'm not sure how much better it is than the current bike. You said he was just cruising for now so you shouldn't have any strength issues: https://www.amazon.com/Mongoose-Legion-Freestyle-20-Inch-Wheels/dp/B07GNJDFK7/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=mongoose%2Blegion&qid=1564628291&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1

This

Its manual focus, but set it at 1 meter and f5.6 or so and you'll have plenty of DOF.
I use the shit out of mine for non-bike stuff too.

I bought these shin guards on Amazon. They have side protection for tail whips as well as shin protection. They were pretty inexpensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Triple-EXOSKIN-Shin-Guard-Large/dp/B00B1364KU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

You could get this multi tool which is good and comes with the 17 mm you need and also good for 15mm

ODYSSEY Tool Multi Travel 8In1 Bk/Sl - Y-710-BLK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9TKYQ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TyAhDb3V3F0R6

$10 pair of soccer shin guards is a life save for stuff like that. This is what I use.

The Odyssey Aloha Twisted PC is what you're talking about. I literally just bought myself a pair of these last month(?) from Empire BMX. However, I can't find them at their shop anymore. Amazon has one last pair but they ship random so idk what design you'll be getting. I got lucky and got the color I wanted >:D I really hope Odyssey starts making them again, I installed my pedals the same day I got them and scuffed them up with a 180 gone wrong. I would buy another pair if I could find some.

Here's the Amazon Link if you're still interested.

Edit: On Odyssey's website they said they were limited edition pedals.

little costly but help a shit ton , also helps when working on things like they where intended for

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wear-M-Pact-Fingerless-Black/dp/B0001VNYEC

they also make a cheaper pair

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wear-MFL-55-010-Fingerless-Tactical/dp/B01EOWA4H8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_469_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V2B6913ZFNNBGKH70PZB

Go to your local bike shop and get something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Bicycle-Headset-Spacers-Alluminum/dp/B07F65R15K