Using color for that custom look

7 06 2013

By Ed Vandermolen

Even though there seems to be an almost endless supply of color options these days (for both bikes and components) sometimes you run into a situation where, for whatever reason, your preferred color  is not offered as an option by the manufacturer.

What’s a rider to do?

For the enterprising sort, this is their opportunity to customize their ride and get the work done to make their bike something that really stands out from the crowd. Whether it’s rawing out a frame or getting a custom color, this is where a rider’s individuality can really shine.

I’ve come across a couple examples of this lately that really caught my eye.

The first one is Nic Galvan’s custom candy-apple red Sunday Model-C.  I spotted this from a distance at Austin’s 9th street trails and thought at first it might be a Trans-Red S&M Dirt Bike.  Upon closer inspection, and chatting with Nic, I learned that he had it custom painted. The picture doesn’t do it justice but this bike looked so cool!  A headturner for sure!

Nick's red Sunday

The second is Jesse Klein’s DK Professional V2 24. (Jesse actually works at DK so it’s kinda cool that he’s still looking for ways to add some “extra cool” to his rides.)

In addition to going for a custom yellow color, Jesse cut some vinyl to make some one-off DK logos, gave it a quick hit with a sandblaster, then some powder coat to essentially “brand” his bicycle (vs. the traditional frame stickers). You can read a bit more about the process in this thread on BMXMuseum. It looks so trick!

Jesse's custom yellow DK Professional V2

Here’s a shot of the complete bike.

Jesse Klein's custom DK Professional V2

Pretty stoked on these rides.

Hope to see more of this kind of customization in the future!

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Mid-school flashback: Homeless Fatty 24

5 01 2012

Just spotted this rare frame in a thread on BMXmuseum: the Homeless Fatty 24.

That’s right….Homeless Bikes made a 24.

Word has it that this frame, featured in a Ride BMX ad in August 1995,  is one of the (only) three manufactured. (That’s it leaning against the car.)

Talk about a once in a lifetime find.

For more on this frame, check out the thread on BMXmuseum.





Twin top tube frame debuts in 8 colors

21 10 2010

Back in April, you heard about how the twin top tube was making a comeback.

Well, don’t call it a a comeback any longer, cause it’s now here!

Tribute bikes has put this 24″ frame, a great combination of old school style with modern geometry, into production.

I’m pretty stoked on it.

What I didn’t expect was amount of color choices!   It’s available in: pink, yellow, orange, black, blue, green, white and clear  powder coat options.

If you’re looking for something different from what’s out there…or you’re just missing your old Haro Master or Torker this could be the frame for you.

The specs

  • 21.50″ top tube
  • 74 degree ht
  • 71 degree st
  • 14.25-15.25″ rear
  • 12.25″ bb height
  • 25.4 mm seat tube
  • integrated head tube
  • 14mm drop laser cut dropouts
  • laser cut seat tube/ top tube plate
  • 4130 USA True Temper chromoly tubing
2 brake options
  • 990 mounts with headtube drilled for a gyro
  • V-brakes mounts (not set up for a gyro)

Limited 2010 production run

There are only 20 frames available this year (some are already spoken for) so if this tickles your fancy you may want to get in touch with Josh at Tribute Bikes right away at info@tributebikes.com.

For more on Tribute Bikes check out their web page or their feature on bmxmuseum.com.

 





Custom S&M 38 Special cruisers available

4 04 2009

Turns out that you can have a custom-made S&M frame,  built to your specifications…without having to sweet talk Chris Moeller or be a member of the S&M factory team. All you have to do is ask.  You may have to sweet talk Jason Ball (at S&M) though…which is fine since he’s a rider himself, scoring a part in the BMX  Inferno video years back. ESPN recently sat down with Jason to get the scoop on what S&M offers in the way of custom frames:

Top tube lengths, bottom bracket height, head tube angles, rear end lengths, axle slot size, brake positioning or style. We have made custom forks and handlebars. The pricing depends  on how many different options you chose and the time it takes to build the frame.

That’s pretty awesome. If you’re pretty particular about bikes or need an extra long top tube or shorter rear end length this could be the ticket. Check out this custom S&M beauty that I found on BMXmuseum:

sm-custom-38-special-241

This 38 Special has a custom 22.5″ top tube! You’ve certainly got some leg room on this puppy.

Makes you wonder if one day you could order a frame, or a complete bike, the same way you order a Dell computer…picking and choosing each element till you get exactly what you want.