First post here, so I apologise if anything is in the wrong place. My problem is this: I bought a mongoose program (not the best I know, but it was cheap) back in 2007 or 8 with the intention of taking up bmx. However, what with school work and me being generally lazy, I never really got round to it. This summer I started getting back into it, and am really enjoying it. I feel like now is the time to change my bike as the mongoose is old, heavy and if I land with slightly too much pressure on the handlebars they slip forward, no matter how tight the nuts are.
Currently, I am building dirt jumps which is really what got me back into bmxing, however when I'm waiting for the jumps to set/dry, I do a bit of flatland too.
My first question is this, is there a difference between a dirt bmx and a flatland/freestyle one? Ideally, I would like one single bmx which could be used for both (removing and adding pegs as necessary), not sure if this is possible.
Secondly, (and I think I know the answer to this one) is it worth keeping any parts at all from the mongoose program, or should I just go for a new bike entirely? If so what bikes would be good for me?
Finally, at what point does price really not make that much difference? I mean I'm looking for a decent bike which will last, but not looking to pay thousands. Is £500 a decent budget?
I look forward to any replies, and if you need any more information or I have done something wrong in this post, let me know, I'm happy to help.