Vert: the final frontier for cruisers?

8 01 2010

Cruisers have proven themselves at the trails, track, park and the street. They’ve also shown that they are more than capable flatland machines.

That’s why I find it a bit surprising that we haven’t seen more cruisers on vert.  Pictures and web edits are few and far between.

But I’ve done some digging…and this is what I came up with.

If you’re old school, you probably remember this BMX Action magazine cover, featuring R.L. Osborn and Eddie Fiola busting a couple of flatties on the T.O.L. ramp on some 24″ test bikes.

Then there was this picture of Joe Rich tearing up the Terrible One ramp on a Volume Sledgehammer. (I love this picture…awesome style.)

More recently, Ollie Sandles posted the following web edit of Peter Beer shredding a concrete bowl on his cruiser.

Will we see more photos and footage of cruisers on vert? I think it’s just a matter of time.


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Categories : Freestyle, New School, Old School

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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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


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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…


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Categories : Freestyle, goofiness, Racing, Trails/Jumping

Now this is a Christmas card…

24 12 2009

Freestyle legend, artist, entrepreneur…Bob Haro is known (and respected) for his achievements in so many areas. One thing that I think a lot of people may forget though, are the iconic cartoon drawings he used to do (mostly for BMX Action magazine). They were so distinctive and really captured the vibe and feeling of BMX at the time. I can’t help but smile when I see one.

That’s why I’m so stoked  to see this image that Bob recently posted of a drawing he did for (former sponsor) Oakley back in the ’80s for their Christmas card.

Here’s Bob’s story behind it:

In the spirit of the season – here’s a drawing I found from 1981 that I did for a little company back then called Oakley. Founder and sponsor of mine Jim Jannard asked me to make their company Christmas card and this is what I came up with. Unfortunately this design was rejected since Santa had a pipe in hand – the next iteration he held an Oakley grip.

Who knew that things would be so politically correct even back then?

Anyways, a great picture and a funny story….but also a perfect way to segue into the real point of this post…that is, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hope Santa is good to you!


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Categories : Freestyle, goofiness, Old School

Jon Faure takes on Woodward West

23 12 2009

Jon Faure just sent an email with some great riding pics he took recently at Woodward West. You may remember Jon from a post awhile back called Is this going to be you at 45? or his interview on the Sunday bikes site.

Jon is still tearing it up on his Sunday Model-C and hopes to inspire a few more “older” riders to take the plunge and start riding a modern 24″ bike. Here’s what Jon had to say:

At 45 years old, this bike has me doing things I would never thought possible at my age. Especially since I really only started riding 6 or 7 years ago. More old guys need to take advantage of these new 24″ bikes. It makes riding so much easier and more fun!

Can’t argue with that!

Check out these great pictures

This looks like something from Freestylin’ magazine back in the day

A nice flattie in the dirt

Big wallride



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Categories : Freestyle, New School, Trails/Jumping

I’m talking liquid…

19 12 2009

I’m talking liquid” –  Gordon Gekko, Wall Street

I’ve been chatting  with Jeremy Combs (via email)  over the last little while about his new bike company, Liquid bicycles, and their new 24″ frame.

The prototypes look great and I’ll be taking a more in-depth look at it in the very near future.

For now, check out Jeremy hitting the trails on the prototype.

(This video just makes you want to drop everything and go ride, doesn’t it?)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Koala Trails“, posted with vodpod

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Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Trails/Jumping

Bam’s custom FBM cruiser all built up

15 12 2009

Way back in November we did a feature on long-time cruiser revolution reader Bam’s custom FBM cruiser. FBM dubbed it the Cu Cu cruiser and it featured the following dimensions:

Head Tube: 75 degrees
Seat Tube: 70 degrees
Top Tube: 22″
Chain Stay: 15″
BB Height: 14″
Standover: 6″

Back then, all we had were pictures of the frame and fork but Bam recently sent some photos over of it all built up and I think you’ll agree, the bike looks great.

Eastern Bikes does a lot to support his local scene so Bam decided to “represent” and run as many Eastern parts as he could (Eastern bars, 23t sprocket, pedals, headset, seat, post, and stem.)

Other notables: Profile cranks, Primo grips, brakes, lever; KHE 14mm hubs and chain: Odyssey tires, cable, tensioner and rims.

Check out the photos:

Old-school Bottema style forks:

15″ chain stays:

Representing local scene supporters, Eastern Bikes:

If Bam’s custom cruiser/build has got you inspired, do yourself a favor and check out FBM’s custom BMX frame order form. FBM recently updated their ordering form with new features and colorways.


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Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Old School

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.


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Categories : Racing, Trails/Jumping

Toronto bike park rivals Ray’s MTB

9 12 2009

It looks like riders in the Toronto area will no longer have to dread the upcoming winter season. That’s because Joyride 150 is set to open up any day now.

Inspired by the awesome Ray’s MTB bike park , Joyride 150 is promising to be 90,000 square feet of pure biking fun. It features pump tracks, rollers, a cross-country trail, a skatepark, a foam pit and a resi ramp.

Located in Markham, Ontario; a suburb of Toronto, it’s only 30 minutes from Cruiser Revolution HQ. I’m looking forward to riding the shit out of this place.

Check out the video and prepare to be stoked.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Toronto bike park rivals Ray’s MTB“, posted with vodpod



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Categories : Freestyle, New School, street, Trails/Jumping

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