Racing | cruiser revolution

Redline runs 2-page Proline 24 ad

13 01 2010

Flipping through the latest edition of BMX Plus! recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find a two-page ad for the Redline Proline 24.

So many companies give short shrift to 24s in their ads, it’s nice to see Redline step up and recognize that cruiser riders want to see “their” bikes in the BMX mags too. For Redline to do so in a two-page spread makes me respect them even more.

What’s more, I love that they chose the Proline 24 over the Flight 24 for the ad. While the Flight 24 is certainly a sought after bike for the hardcore race crowd (with factory Answer Scythe forks, etc.) the Proline 24 is a simple, well-spec’d bike that works: Chromo forks, Redline Flight cranks…everything you need to win races or ride trails…nothing too fancy, but nothing that needs replacing either.

Even though I’m kind of surprised it wasn’t offered in red, or that cool bronze-y gold of last year, I find that this blue version is growing on me. Great job, Redline.

Respect.

Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: 24" BMX cruiser, Answer Scythe, BMX Plus!, BMX races, Redline bicycles, Redline Flight 24, Redline Flight Cranks, Redline Proline 24
Categories : New products, New School, Racing, Trails

Too young, too soon

6 01 2010

37-year old racer Bryan Oblad passed away from an apparent heart attack this past weekend following his 36-40 cruiser main event at Rad Canyon BMX in Utah.

I didn’t know Bryan personally but reading about him today made me wish I did. A fixture in his local BMX scene, he was a family man with daughters who raced, a strong competitor and a big fan of SE bikes and vintage BMX. The outpouring of support and prayers on forums like VintageBMX.com show how much of an impact he made on his friends, family and fellow riders. Steve Spencer’s write-up about Bryan is especially touching.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oblad family.

R.I.P. Bryan

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Tags: Bryan Oblad, Red Canyon BMX, SE Bikes, Steve Spencer, Vintage BMX
Categories : Old School, Racing

Don’t look back in anger

3 01 2010

I had grand plans of posting this look back at 2009 on new year’s day..but a bunch of friends were heading down to Joyride 150 for a session so I opted to go riding instead. I figured you would understand.

What happened in 2009?

Let’s take a look at 10 things that made an impact on the 24″ BMX scene in 2009…

10. More choice, more parts Not only are more 24s available, more companies are stepping up with more parts like wheels, tires, etc. Being able to get decent-sized handlebars is nice too.

9. Custom frames Want to have a frame made to order? Companies like FBM and S&M made things easier and more affordable than ever this year

8. Back to the future Old school Pros showed that they still got it…look no further than icons Stu Thomsen and Greg Hill

7. Bike shops Even in era when online retailers seem to dominate, a well-stocked shop with knowledgeable owners and staff is something that just can’t be beat. If you have one nearby, consider yourself lucky.

6. Racing I started racing again in winter 08/09 (after giving it up as teenager) and I was surprised at how much fun I had. Tracks are a lot better now than back in the day and the scene more chill.

5. UK bike mags It seems like all the best mags are coming out of the UK now. The fact that Fastlane runs cruiser bike checks is pretty cool too.

4. Video parts 2009 saw 24’s showing up more often in videos

3. Age is just a number Riders in their 40s are kicking ass on their 24s

2. Anything a 20″ can do… Today’s 24s can handle it all… it doesn’t matter if it’s the trails, track, park or flatland…a 24 can take care of business.

1. The Sunday Model-C This bike was everywhere this year…from the updated 24″ geometry to riders on Model-Cs taking things to the next level…Sunday shook things up in a big way this year.

What does 2010 have in store? I can’t wait to find out…

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Sunday Bikes Trailer-Up, Up and Away“, posted with vodpod

Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: 24" BMX video parts, Age is just a number, Anything a 20" BMX can do, Bike shops, Custom 24" frames, decent-sized handlebars, Fastlane BMX racing magazine, FBM, Greg Hill, More choice more parts, Racing, S&M, Stu Thomsen, Sunday Model-C, Sunday Up up and away
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Old School, Racing, street, Trails/Jumping

For those that rock the sticker

30 12 2009

For those that rocked the cruiser revolution sticker in 2009, I salute you!

Thanks for supporting the cause and keep shreddin’ in the new year.

Trent in Hayward, California

Bam in Denver, North Carolina

Gary in Brampton, Ontario

Jon in San Marcos, California

Angus Young, Australia*

*Angus doesn’t really rock a cruiser revolution sticker…not yet anyway…

Comments : 2 Comments »
Tags: AC/DC, cruiser revolution sticker, For those about to rock, For those about to rock (we salute you), Gary Quill, Jon Faure
Categories : Freestyle, goofiness, Racing, Trails/Jumping

Orangeville indoor series final weekend

11 12 2009

I’ve been hitting the Orangeville indoor race series the past few weekends and I have to say, if you’re in the Orangeville, Ontario area this weekend you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Both BMX and MTB riders can race and the mood is laidback with a big emphasis on having a good time. Hardly anyone runs clips and there’s a lot of good-natured ribbing and shit-talking.

I think what makes this race series so much fun is the variety of riders that come out for it…trail riders, serious racers, MTBers, old school and new school. It’s just people who like riding their bikes.

Hats of to Brent “Smitty” Smith (the guy in the picture with the red hoodie) who, with the help of a lot of volunteers, put this race series together and gave Southern Ontario riders somewhere to get their riding fix during the cold weather.*

*We’re all rocking the hoodies in this picture because the facility isn’t heated…dressing in layers is the rule of the day in O’ville.

Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: bmx racing, Brent "Smitty" Smith, Indoor BMX racing, Orangeville indoor race series, People who like riding bikes
Categories : Racing, Trails/Jumping

Barry Nobles backflips in Pro Cruiser main

1 12 2009

The ABA grand nationals went down this past weekend. Billed as the “greatest race on earth”, it has a lot of hype to live up to. Titles are on the line and the pressure to perform is at an all-time high. In these situations, you never know what might happen.

You expect upsets, people channeling their inner psych and taking their skills to the next level. But if you’re like Barry Nobles…you channel your inner Cru Jones and backflip the pro section in the Pro Cruiser main!

Unfortunately for Barry, this wasn’t Helltrack so instead of the win he would have to settle for a broken collarbone and the infamy that comes with throwing caution to the wind during a big race. Nice work Barry! As they say, pain is temporary, but glory is forever. Thanks for mixing things up and keeping the event interesting.

Does this look like a guy that would go for a backflip in a big race?

GO211 didn’t get the flip on video (so I don’t have it to show you). Hopefully we’ll see it somewhere in the next few days. Someone, somewhere must have had a camera rolling during that main!

Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: ABA Grand Nationals, Barry Nobles, Barry Nobles backflip, Barry Nobles backflip Pro Cruiser main, Cru Jones, Go211, Helltrack
Categories : goofiness, Racing, Rad, shenanigans, Tomfoolery, Trails/Jumping

Maybe you’re just a renegade…

26 11 2009

I came across this article on BMX cruisers in Oregon Cycling awhile back and I think it really captures why cruisers are so fun and why more and more people are getting into 24″ bikes.

The writer, Tom Baldinger, talking about his “secret agenda”:

My agenda is naturally, more cruiser riders on the streets, the race tracks, the skate parks, etc! I love to see other people on them, because I know what fun they are!

Why to get a 24″ instead of another type of bike:

If your budget is limited, and you are looking for a bike that is easy to maintain, can be ridden hard, and will provide more entertainment than should be legal, I would highly suggest a 24-inch wheel BMX cruiser.

How a bicycle is more than just “transportation”:

…if a bike ride is more to you than a utilitarian passage from point A to point B, if you are prone to explore alleys, jump off curbs or look for embankments, cruisers are a great option.

And finally, because (and I think this is a little tongue-in-cheek) riding a cruiser makes you a bit of a renegade:

Perhaps the best reason to ride a cruiser is the renegade factor. Mountain bikers chuckle, 20-inch wheel BMX riders scoff, road bikers are bewildered. Cruisers have a kitsch factor that’s hard to beat, they are super practical. Try one out, you’ll be surprised at the amount of saddle time it sees and I guarantee the ride will put a smile on your face.

Here’s hoping that 2010 will see even more renegades giving cruisers a try….

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Tags: 24" bikes, 24-inch wheel BMX cruiser, Bmx Cruisers, cruiser riders, Oregon Cycling, Renegade factor, Renegade TV show
Categories : Freestyle, goofiness, New School, Old School, Racing, street, Trails, Trails/Jumping

They might be Giants

17 11 2009

The Giant Method 24 doesn’t get a lot of attention but if you’re looking for a well-spec’d, roomy bike for trails this could be the ticket. Featuring a a 22 inch top tube, this is probably one of the longest production 24s out there (not counting pure race bikes).

It features a traditional low bottom bracket and a slightly mellow 73 degree head angle, so it’s going to feel good dirt jumping but less so at the skatepark. It would also make a good race bike if you’re not to obsessed with how much your bike weighs.

This pic was “borrowed” from ridemonkey.com…it’s someone that goes by Cru Jones…no, not that Cru Jones…showing what the Method 24 is capable of in the dirt.

For 2010, Giant has dispensed with the cool tan & bronze look for something that looks a bit reminscent of the new 2010 Redline race bikes. Not sure what the thinking was behind that….while this look might be ok at the track, it looks a little bit too much for the trails…where I have feeling that a bike like this would see more action. No word on if the geometry has changed…Giant seems to have removed the specifications tab from their bike pages and I can’t seem to find the 2010 information anywhere else.

In somewhat related news: you may have seen the news that Giant is dropping some heavy hitters from their team, including Taj, Corey Bohan and Heath Pinter. It’s tough to see such talented riders losing their sponsorships so I’m hoping they find the support they need to keep riding and stay part of the scene. Giant’s Chris Arriga has gone on record that there will be a 2010 BMX program at Giant, complete with a team, in the new year but so far no details have been given.

Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: 2009 Giant Method 24, 2010 Giant Method 24, bmx racing, Chris Arriga, Corey Bohan, Cru Jones, dirt jumping, Giant Method 24, Heath Pinter, Redline race bikes, Taj Mihelich, Trails
Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Racing, Rad, Trails/Jumping

GT might be getting its mojo back

12 11 2009

I have to admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve been excited about a GT product. Their bikes, especially their race bikes of the last few years, have been kind of ugly and seem like like yesterday’s news when compared to other bikes.

Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across this video explaining the new 2010 GT prototype cruiser. The old ultrabox design is gone in favor of a trick, oval-tubed modern look…this bike looks fast.

And while I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable riding a bike with non chro-mo forks, I think this frame might pique more than a few racers interest* in the new year.

*Now they just have to take that level of innovation and come out with a 24 that you can take to the trails.

Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: 2010 GT prototype cruiser, BMX race bikes, bmx racing, GT BMX, GT Ultrabox
Categories : New products, New School, Racing

The story of Stompin’ Stu Thomsen

6 11 2009

“He was like a god.”

–former Pro BMX racer Ronnie Anderson

Finally had a chance to see Stompin’ Stu, The Story of BMX Legend Stu Thomsen DVD last night and I have to say I’m stoked. I got into BMX back in ’80s when the the rivalry between Stu and Greg Hill was at its peak. BMX racing was huge at the time and Stu was larger than life.

But he was more than an awesome racer…he was a great dirt jumper that also rode skatepark sections that intimidated people like Bob Haro.

The DVD lets you relive some of the epic battles he had on the track and also see how he battled and overcame prostate cancer. This is guy that can still turn up at the NBL Grand Nationals and kick ass in the 50-54 cruiser class. And this is not some low-to-the ground racer, Stu still likes to jump!

Stompin Stu NBL Grands