New School | cruiser revolution

The dirt on the new 24″ S&M Dirt Bike

22 12 2010

Last week we learned that S&M was in the prototype stage in the development of the new 24″ version of the classic Dirt Bike.

We now have more dirt on the new frame, thanks to Jay at S&M.

The thinking behind the new Dirt Bike is that it will be a 24″ street/freestyle/all-around frame with a bit of retro style to it (it might even be offered in Chrome).

The geometry is similar to the Fit CR24, with a slightly lower bottom bracket.

Two protoypes are out for testing right now, a black one and red one. Final colors have yet to be decided.

The specs

Keep in mind this a prototype, so there is still some testing and tweaking to be done, and none of these specs are set in stone.

That being said, here’s what the current specs that are on the frames being tested:

21.75” TT
9.75” standover height
74.5 headtube angle
71 seat angle
14.85” chain stay length (slammed)
12.5” BB height

Other features

(Again, these are still subject to change)

Dirt Bike dropouts
Capped chain & seat stays
Mid BB
Engraved head tube with removable gyro tabs
1.375 TT straight gauge .035 Supertherm
1.5” butted DT Supertherm
2.25″ tire clearance
.75” seat stays
.625” seat stay bridge
.875” chain stays
.75” chain stay bridge
Welded brake mounts
Built-in seat clamp

Works with either standard drive train or micro-drive.

What do you think?

There’s no release date yet for this puppy, but considering all the buzz that it’s generating, I have a feeling a lot of people are going to be picking one of these frames up when they become available.

What about you?

Now that you have a better idea of the specs and features, what are your thoughts on this frame?

Comments : 14 Comments »
Tags: 24" Dirt Bike prototype, 24" freestyle, 24" street, Rockabilly Jay, S&M Dirt Bike, S&M Dirt Bike 24", S&M Dirt Bike cruiser, S&M Dirt Bike cruiser frame
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Old School, Skatepark, street, Trails, Trails/Jumping

Festive red wheels for the holidays

21 12 2010

Just in time for the holidays, Odyssey has released its popular 24″ Hazard Lite complete wheels in hard anodized red.

Front wheels are laced to the Vandero 2 hub and rear wheels are laced to the V3 cassette.

It’s been a while since I’ve rocked the red anodized…but I’m digging the look of these wheels….if you are too, check your local shop or mailorder because they’re available now.

Comments : 7 Comments »
Tags: 24" Hazard Lite wheels, Odyssey BMX, Red anodized components, Red Hard Anodized 24" Hazard Lite wheels, V3 Cassette hub, Vandero hub
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Skatepark, street, Trails, Trails/Jumping

Wanna test drive a Sunday Model-C?

14 12 2010

The guys over at PlusSizeBMX are filming a video series called Project Model-C.

It looks like a pretty cool concept.

The series is going to be made up of clips that show their experiences taking a Sunday Model-C around in their travels through New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio and a few other places. At every stop they’ll be inviting riders to try it out and get their feedback (and I expect some of their riding) on tape.

Looking forward to their first installment.

For now, check out their teaser.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Project Model-C teaser, posted with vodpod

Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: plussizebmx.com, Project Model-C, Sunday Model-C, Sunday Model-C test drive
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Skatepark, street, Trails, Trails/Jumping

S&M Dirt Bike grows up

11 12 2010

Holy Moeller!

S&M released a picture today (on their Facebook feed) of their new Dirt Bike cruiser.

And I have to say, it’s making me a little giddy…and super anxious to get the (ahem) dirt on the new 24, in terms of specs and geometry.

But along with my excitement, I also have a bunch of questions:

Is this a new and improved version of the Fit CR24 frame (RIP)?

Was the decision to make a 24 influenced by Rockabilly Jay’s Dirt Bike-inspired cruiser?

When, oh when, will this go into production?

Comments : 9 Comments »
Tags: BMX Cruiser, Chris Moeller, Dirt Bike 24, Fit CR24, Rockabilly Jay, S&M bikes, S&M Dirt Bike cruiser
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Skatepark, street, Trails, Trails/Jumping

Pumped up Volume Sledgehammer

9 12 2010

It looks like the guys at Volume are taking their popular 26″ Volume Sledgehammer in a new interesting direction.

While promoted as a bike for cruising around, it can still hold it’s own if you want to ride it a bit more aggressively (see previous posts of Buddy and Joe Rich shredding on Sledgehammers for proof).

What’s new for 2011

For 2011, Volume shortened the chainstays to 15.75″ and lengthened the top tube to 22″. From the looks of it, it seems like the new Sledgehammer is now being designed less for “cruising” and more for “serious” riding.

Another thing new for 2011?

A disc brake.

Not sure how I feel about this…seems a little too MTB for a bike like this. But then again, I’m not a huge fan of V-brakes either (which is what the ‘hammer came with in previous years).

And, I can’t believe I’m actually saying this (in this era of low top tubes)…it looks like the top tube/seat tube is too high…sure, it’s fine for just cruising around…but if you really want to ride this puppy…it seems like it would get in the way.

What do you think about the 2011 Sledgehammer?

I’d especially like to hear what you think about the disc brake.

Comments : 15 Comments »
Tags: 2011 Volume Sledgehammer, Buddy, Joe Rich, Volume bikes, Volume Sledgehammer
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Skatepark, street, Trails, Trails/Jumping

Talking 24s in Fastlane BMX mag

6 12 2010

I’ve been a fan of Fastlane BMX magazine for a while now.

In an era when racing is all but ignored in the major mags, Fastlane is all about BMX racing.

Sure you can pick up a mag from one of the major U.S. sanctions, look at the token coverage in BMX Plus! or if you can deal with the erratic publishing schedule, find a BMX World (even though it reads like a brochure from the Department of Motor Vehicles). All in all, not great options.

To me , if you’re into racing (or need to be reminded of how fun racing is) Fastlane is the only mag worth buying. Stories are fun to read, there’s international coverage and great photos. It’s combination that’s tough to beat.

Fastlane doesn’t run hot and cold on 24s either…from cruiser bike checks to regular shots of cruiser riders, Fastlane isn’t afraid to show cruisers some love.

That’s why I was stoked to have the opportunity to write an article about cruisers in Fastlane #8.

(That’s yours truly banging elbows with my friend Carbon in the photo, top right.)

If you’ve ever wondered how I got hooked on the whole cruiser thing, this is something you’ll want to check out.

(Note: Fastlane is UK- based, so visit fastlanebmxmag.com for ordering info.)

Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: banging elbows bmx, BMX cruiser racing, BMX cruiser riders, BMX Plus!, bmx racing, BMX World, Cruiser Revolution in Fastlane BMX mag, Fastlane BMX magazine, UK Fastlane
Categories : New School, Old School, Racing, Trails, Trails/Jumping

Tried, tested and true

25 11 2010

A scientific theory must be testable.

It must be possible in principle to prove it wrong.

Experiments are the sole judge of scientific truth.

Is it true that Liquid frames rule on the trails?

Check out this old photo of Jeremy from Liquid Bikes testing a Liquid Feedback frame prototype.

I think we have the scientific proof right here.

Science can be fun.

Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: 24" BMX jumping, Jeremy Combs, Liquid Bikes, Liquid Feedback frame, Trails BMX cruiser
Categories : New products, New School, Trails, Trails/Jumping

C-ya Fit CR24, you’ll be missed

23 11 2010

Dear Fit CR24,

We had a good run.

Two great years.

In 2009, you caught my eye with your old school chrome frame. (I later found out you sometimes sported a badass black finish too…something that just added to your allure.)

Underneath that old school flair though beat the heart of a feisty new-school cruiser.

You liked it when I played rough with you. Always coming back for more.

As the seasons changed, so did we.

You could tell there were new competitors for my attention.

Not one to back down, in 2010 you hiked your bottom bracket to keep my interest. You knew it was all about the ride and this change made things more interesting and fun. It looked like you and me were going to make things last.