Hello Forum-
Kinda newbie here, as you can tell by my name I am an old school bmx'er. I actually posted this in the Clysdale section, since I am far from tiny, but maybe it belongs here for the appropriate response.

In my travels this weekend, I came across what I believe is a Haro Escape 8.1 for about $300. For the price alone it seems to be a good deal, it looks almost identical to this bike:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...7116338760&rd=1

I am a big guy, 6'4" 300, and was wondering if any of you had any experiences with this and how it held up. I probably won't be a hard core, jump off everything in site type rider (yet) but may want to move in that direction once I get a little better. For now, I will be blasting around my townhouse complex, and probably doing some trails in the area till the snow falls......

Thanks for any advice or input.......

I have an 04 Escape 8.1. I use it for DJ, Urban and have even taken it on some dh trails. I have done 3 foot drops to flat on it and yesterday I hit a 30 in kicker overshoot the landing ramp and hit on the flat ground. I have it set up stock and the fork on it is not really meant for that type of riding. I am about 160 lbs in full gear and am riding a small. My wheels are not the truest but other that that its good. With the proper fork and a good set of wheels this bike would be a good for what I use it for. I paid 650 and have had it about 5months now. For 300 thats a pretty good deal, and if you are just trail riding this big should be ok, until things start to break or you get the bike bug.

Thanks Dirt,
I actually went and got it today, then i scored even better when the guy threw in a like-new set of Minoura Mag 850 rollers for another $50!!!

Here is my haul today, total spent was less than i expected- $300!!!!!

Your dog looks excited to see the new bike. I love pugs.
I have a buddy that's pushing 300 lbs. with an 8.1 and it has held up fine. Actually, he split his fork right up the middle, but they sent him a new one. He rides pretty rough though. jumps, drops... You can use all of that money you saved on the bike to slap on a beefy fork.

Dude you got a pretty good deal. The stock set up will work fine for a started set up ridiong trails. then if you want to ride more aggressive you might want a new fork.

I just purchased a new Fork for my 8.1 an 04 Marz Z1, it was 350 from Jenson. Since I am Dirt Jumping and taking drops I figured I should have a fork that is made for that type of riding.I also ordered a bash guard. I will keep my stock wheelset until they get tacoed beyond repair.

thanks for the replies, guys.

I am looking forward to tomorrow, when I can take it for a nice long ride here in NH. I'll probably look into getting some new forks based on what I have read so far, though for now its fine.

Of course, I had to go by the LBS and get some supplies, and while I was there I saw the nicest Specialized Stumpjumper for $1500.......LOL Once I get up and going, maybe I'll have to get one of those!!!

what kind of bmx stuff are you looking for? I have an early 90's GT-Dyno freestyle bike in excelent shape that I would part with.