Remembering Randy

18 12 2017

The news was a shocker when it came down earlier this month.

Randy Franklin had passed away.

I met Randy at the 4130 Sin Series in Vegas back in 2011.

I’m not sure how we got to talking but it seemed like we were like old friends right from the get-go.

I would run into Randy at subsequent Vegas rides and it would be the same thing…we would pick up like old friends….ribbing each other, laughing, just having a good time.

It seems like every picture I have of those rides, Randy has his arm slung around my shoulder.

He was definitely one of the guys I would hope to run into when I was in Vegas for those rides.

The news of his passing hit me hard.

I keep telling myself that I’m not going to be sad that he’s gone…but to celebrate the times I got to ride and hang out with him.

Even still, I’m still pretty bummed about it.

I guess all I can say is:

It was good to know you brother.

Rest in peace.


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Number 9 coming in hot

30 11 2017

Another year older, another year wiser?

Probably not…but the stoke is still high.

This month marks year #9 on the calendar for those at home keeping track.

Thanks for all your support over the years and your indulgence as I ramble on about all things cruiser.

I truly appreciate it.

If we were in the same room I would suggest a toast…but since I’m here and you’re there…I invite you grab an appropriate beverage at the appropriate time today to celebrate.

Thanks for tuning in.

Cheers everyone!


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Categories : goofiness, shenanigans, Tomfoolery

The greatest race on earth

26 11 2017

As many of you know, the USA BMX Grands are happening this weekend.

It’s a race often billed as the “greatest race on earth”.

So, like many race-y types, I tuned in to try to catch some of the “Pro show” Saturday night via the live feed.

Well, the feed was buggy and ultimately froze…so I bailed.

It got me thinking about the “greatest race on earth” catchphrase though.

For me, this Euro cruiser final would definitely be a top contender for “greatest race on earth”.

https://vimeo.com/41730924

It’s got it all…thrills, spills, you name it…a wild ride from beginning to end.

I just can’t get tired of watching this.


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Categories : Racing, shenanigans

You’ll see red: the 2018 Colony Eclipse 24

24 10 2017

Colony BMX updated their Eclipse 24 with a sweet looking colorway for 2018: metal red.

Spec/geo-wise, it’s pretty much the same setup as previous iterations.

With a steeper-than-most head angle, high bottom bracket and short rear stays…this is a great 24 if you’re more street-oriented in your riding (or just prefer a quicker steering bike).

Did I mention I’m digging the metal rad colorway?

So nice.

 

 

 


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Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School

Subrosa & Nuclear Blast team up

22 10 2017

Subrosa is no stranger to the collab game…last year’s Subrosa/Slayer collaboration cruiser being case in point.

More recently, Subrosa has dived back into the collab scene with two new collab models with Nuclear Blast: the “Blast Beast 26” complete bike and the “Blast Beast DTT” double top tube frame.

However, this is going to be an extremely limited run for both collab options.

Just 30 of the Blast Beast 26″ complete bikes and 30 of the Blast Beast DTT frames will be made available.

And not only that, the Blast Beast 26 complete will also come with:

  • a custom limited edition Subrosa/Nuclear Blast/Flite/Vans Number Plate
  • a limited edition Subrosa/Nuclear Blast/Flite/Vans Pad Set
  • an exclusive Nuclear Blast Enamle Pin

That’s a pretty sweet package.

But I think I’m more excited about the “Blast Beast 24” double top tube frame.

I’ve always dug the short-lived Subrosa DTT TTWOFOUR frame.

This looks like it may share some of the same attributes of that frame (unfortunately, no confirmation on specs/geo from Subrosa ).

If it is an updated version of that frame…whoa, would this really be a rare gem.

Anybody got an in at Subrosa to confirm the geo?

Update:

Turns out the specs are pretty much spot on to the short-lived Subrosa DTT TTWOFOUR frame! Yowza! Check out the comments for the spec list.

All pics: Subrosa


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Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School

FBM now offering 26 & 29″ frame sets

4 10 2017

Back in 2014, it was hard to imagine that FBM might build a 29″ cruiser…but they did — it was a custom build for a customer — and it looked great.

Turns out, FBM has been getting a lot of requests for 26 and 29 frame sets as of late. So they have up and decided to offer them by pre-order!

Hot damn!

Dubbed “The 26er” and “The 29er”, these high end frames & fork sets are “designed for blasting curb cuts, cruising the neighborhood, and getting rad.”

Sounds about right to me.

Click on the respective links for the full low down on specs/geometry and ordering info:

 

 


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

Freakishly big freestyler really flies

29 09 2017

When we learned that GT was upsizing the Pro Performer to a 29″ version for 2018…we wondered (or should I say doubted) if people were ready for a such a big freestyle bike.

(It does seem freakishly big for a freestyle bike)

Yet, if my Instagram feed over the last few days is any indication, it looks like they are.

Case in point, Mark Flip of Albes BMX busting out a decade aboard the 29er earlier this week.

Then later in the week, the artist/rider Chris Piascik shows up with some 29″ radness of his own.

This Greg Hill style tuck is all sorts of good!

I guess it just goes to show that no wheel size has a monopoly on radness.

Big wheels keep on turning!


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

Leaving Las Vegas

19 09 2017

For the first time in I don’t know how many years (five? six?) I’m not heading to the bright lights of Las Vegas for Interbike.

It’s for a few reasons…the main ho-hum reason is some competing obligations at my day job.

The others?

I’m a little burned out on the aforementioned bright lights and incessant sounds of go-go Vegas that accompany the show. I think it has a little to do with my Vegas trip last year that was preceded by a few chill days in Austin…hitting Las Vegas immediately after was a bit of a shock to the system.

And, It just feels like a good time to take a break from the show.

The good news is that the majority of companies have already shared their 2018 offerings ahead of the show. So chances are, I (and by extension, y’all reading this) won’t be missing too much.

I’ll be keeping my eyes on the Interwebs though over the next few days to see if there’s any big reveals…and sharing what I come across (probably on the Facebook page first).

Frankly, what I would like to see is Tracer Finn recreate this iconic Bob Osborn shot of him jumping his dad, Mickey Finn, back in the day. That’s the kind of radness Interbike needs!

Word on the street is that Interbike is moving to Reno next year.

Perhaps, this change of venue will see me back, cruising the aisles of Interbike. If only so I could use the headline, “I did some shots from a bottle in Reno, just to watch it die.”

P.S. I am going to miss rolling with the Sin City Crew …

 


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WTP Atlas gets race ready for 2018

12 09 2017

This is something I didn’t see coming.

At first glance, I thought the 2018 We The People Atlas would be a slightly refined version of their 2017 model.

Boy, was I wrong.

While they may be similar in color, this WTP Atlas has taken “race-inspired” to a whole other level…especially for a company that is, by and large, a freestyle company.

For 2018, the u-brake has been replaced by a more “race-y” v-brake. The wide, knobby trail tires ditched for 1.95 Kenda Konversions.

Even the sprocket has been upsized to 33 teeth!

But that’s not all, the geometry has also been changed to reflect its new race inspiration.

We’re talking longer chain stays and a lowered bottom bracket.

Check out the full breakdown below:

  • Head Tube Angle: 74°
  • Seat Tube Angle: 72.25°
  • Top Tube Length:  21.75”
  • Chain Stay Length: 15”
  • Bottom Bracket Height: 12.25”
  • Stand Over Height: 9.5”

All that, and it clocks in at just a smidge over 26 pounds. Pretty respectable for a full cro-mo race bike.

Heck, even the graphics seem race-oriented!

I’m kinda interested in how many of these we’re gonna end up seeing out in the gate  next year.

I know I’m kinda tempted by it.


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Categories : New products, New School, Racing, Trails

Flying econo class in style with DK

9 09 2017

If you’re low on dough, new to riding or making a comeback to the sport, you might not be able to pick up the latest high-end cruiser with all the bells and whistles.

But even with that being the case, you still want a cool looking bike that’s fun to ride…you just have to do it on a budget.

If that sounds like you, DK has got you covered.

On the freestyle side of things, the 2018 DK Cygnus 24″ clocks in at around $360 US (complete!).

Built around a “chromoly main frame”, the Cygnus sports tall bars, 170 mm cranks and the choice of teal or beige colorways.

The geo looks pretty good too:

  • Head tube angle: 73.5º
  • Seat tube angle: 73º
  • Top tube: 21.5″
  • Chain stay: 14.75″
  • BB height: 12.6″

On the race side of things, the 2018 DK Sprinter Cruiser 24″ is also an excellent value for what you spend ($419.99 US).

Built around a 6061 alloy frame, 100% chromoly forks and double-wall rims, there’s a lot to like here.

The royal blue colorway with red ano accents looks pretty dialed too…more befitting of a bike with a much higher price tag, but extra cool to see on a bike at this price level!

The geo checks out on this one too:

  • Head tube angle: 73º
  • Seat tube angle: 72º
  • Top tube: 21.75″
  • Chain stay: 15.25″
  • BB height: not specified

All in all, some pretty cool rides for not a lot of dough.

Either one would be a perfect entry point to riding and both can be upgraded as the need arises and your skills progress. Definitely some solid choices if you find yourself wanting to fly in the economy class.


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Categories : Freestyle, New products, New School, Racing

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