I BMX raced, 24" open cruiser class, from 30-47 yrs of age. My LAST year I broke my collar bone twice, and had a concussion and ten stitches INSIDE my mouth along with the second collar bone break.
I can tell you two things.
1.) There comes a time (age) when a man has to admit he IS going to go down in the dirt, and NOT get back up, and suffer job related consequences.
2.) many 16-20 year old experts will be on 20" bikes that they have $800 in, while many (including mine) 5-9 year old rookies will be on $3,000 Juniors, cause DADDY has the cash!
I'm planning to get rid of the Yamaha's this next year, cause at 57, I'm just tired of hitting the trees, and/or dirt, EVERY DAMN DAY I RIDE. (yes, I'm good, but NO PRO).
I mean, THINK ABOUT IT, your riding in the DIRT. And common sense leaves when the male ego comes.
Stick with a road bike, and ride the paved trails.
