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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Sneak Peek: 2016 DK Cygnus cruiser

21 01 2016

Ever since we got the first look at DK’s 2016 race cruisers, we’ve been waiting anxiously to get a peek at the more “freestyle-y” Cygnus cruiser.

Well, the wait is over.

The 24″ Cygnus comes in two color ways: Red/Black and Black/Gold.

What’s new this year?

The Cygnus gets an upgrade in the handlebars department.

Translation: bigger bars!

Sporting a healthy 8.25″ rise and 28″ width….these bars reflect how most folks are setting up their new school 24s these days.

Other spec is pretty much the same as previous years with the exception of the new parts brand, Wise, getting the nod for things like rims, brakes, stem, cranks, etc.

Back to the colorways

The Black/Red color way is very cool…a black fade to a dark red (You might call it “burgundy-ish“.)

Copyright DK Bicycles 2015

Copyright DK Bicycles 2015

The Black/Gold colorway is also very cool. If you appreciate that old school vibe you’re really going to dig the gold rims (and bars) on this version.

Copyright DK Bicycles 2015

Copyright DK Bicycles 2015

If these pictures have piqued your interest, go start bugging your DK dealer now. These should be dropping at the tail end of February.





The deets on DK’s 2015 lineup

26 09 2014

DK Bicycles decided to mix things up this year and forgo the annual trip to Vegas/Interbike  and instead have a dealer open house at DK HQ to display their wares.

It was a pretty cool setup, as you can see from this shot of the event space .  A  fun little indoor park with a booth that had all the 2015 bikes right across from it.

DK parkIn terms of their new bikes, DK has a solid cruiser lineup for 2015.

First up, their top-of-the line race bike, the Elite Cruiser.

DK Elite Cruiser 2015For 2015, they’ve changed the grips to their own DK Tsuka lock-ons, updated the chain stays to be bigger and stiffer, and added a 20mm rear hub.

DK Elite Cruiser 2015 back endThe mid-level Sprinter Cruiser gets an update in the looks department with an eye-catching colorway.  No major changes component and handling-wise.

DK Sprinter 24 2015

The “ready-to-shred” Cygnus gets bigger tires with pin stripe sidewalls, a padded mid style seat/post combo, and chrome bars. It also gets a new look: colors include Polished Red (essentially a transparent red over silver) and a Electric Neon Blue.

DK Cygnus 24 2015Some pretty good-looking rides there. Check ’em out at your local DK dealer.

 

 





Meanwhile over at the DK booth

26 09 2013

The guys at DK Bicycles have also been busy updating their cruiser offerings for 2014 and that hard work was on display in their Interbike booth.

The Cygnus got a bit of an update in the geo department…with a slightly higher bottom bracket and longer top tube (I think) to bring it more in line with today’s modern freestyle cruisers.

DK Cygnus

A new 24″ model, called The Sprinter, has also been added to the lineup as their more affordable race-ready option. (This replaces the Sentry 24.)

DK Sprinter

Finally, for 2014 the Elite Series cruiser has been made better than ever (if you recall,the 2013 DK Elite Series Cruiser did not disappoint).  The Elite Series now comes fully loaded with Box and Promax components, including special edition X2 Carbon forks with 20mm hubs.  I’m not usually a fan of carbon forks but the Elite Series they had on display (albeit the 20″ version) looked super mean.

And because only the 20″ version was on display, I’ve dug around and found a picture of said 24 for your viewing pleasure through the magic of television…I mean, the internet.

14_ELITE_CRUISER2Update: Jesse Klein (from DK) came through with the high-res image above to replace the blurry one I had here originally.

Check out their new catalog for the rest of the  details, specs, etc. on the 2014 DK lineup.





Cruising the booths at interbike

20 09 2011

You’ve probably already checked out the interbike coverage from Ride and Vital BMX already but you and I both know they’ve left out what you’re really looking for…what’s new in 24″ BMX news.

Good thing Cruiser Revolution was there this year to bring you the highlights that you were really looking for.

Free Agent

An updated colorway and the addition of Sinz forks are all new for the Free Agent Limo 24 in 2012. I’m seeing more and more Free Agents at the track, so this could be a big seller when these drop in stores.

Redline

It seems that Redline’s reputation for out-of-the-box ready race machines remains intact. While the Project 79 bike got a lot of hype (I got the impression that a 24″ version isn’t on the horizon anytime soon) the old workhorses, the 24″ Flight and 24″ Proline look as good as ever with some updated colorways and component tweaks.

SE Racing

While I was hoping to see the updated Floval Flyer (it wasn’t on display for some reason) SE had a number of cruisers to check out. My particular favorite looks-wise was the OM Flyer. For real, this thing is beautiful. A vision in chrome goodness (it even sports chrome valve caps!).

Sunday

Sunday didn’t have a booth this year but I chatted with Jim C. after the Nora Cup awards and got the lowdown on what’s new at Sunday for 2012. The Model-C complete will be sporting a 22″ top tube with a great parts package. Check out this web edit for all the details.

We the People

According to the rep I spoke to, WTP dropped the 24″ for the lineup because “it wasn’t doing what we wanted it to in the market place”.  Sad really, considering WTP’s legacy of great 24″ bikes. Perhaps if they actually promoted their 24″ bike…say with a web edit or a picture of someone riding it…. they would’ve achieved the sales they were looking for. (See Where’s the promotion?” ) But who am I to say? Perhaps not marketing is the new marketing. What’s replacing it is their new 26″ Champ bike. If you’re a BMX Museum regular you will see the not-so-subtle design nods to the classic Champion frames from back in the day.

Stolen

Stolen is new on the 24″ scene for 2012 with a good first effort called the Saint. It comes complete with 7.25″ bars and double-wall rims.

DK Bicycles

DK seems to have a lot on the go these days 24″ wise. They’ve updated their popular Sentry cruiser with a 22″ top tube, their freestyle-oriented Cygnus is looking sharp and their long-awaited 24″ Professional frame (with the higher than usual bottom bracket) will be dropping in about a month. Their Evolution rims are also looking dope. Check out this clip of Trevor Gay explaining, with Brian Hunt‘s “help”, all the features and colors available in the Evolution rim.

Vodpod videos no longer available.





All in the family: the Shipp stable of bikes

13 01 2011

After checking out Cruiser Revolution for a while, Andy Shipp made the decision a few months ago to get his first cruiser. He went with a 2011 Mirraco 20forty.  Full chromoly construction was a big selling point and it was well spec’d for the price.

His wife ended up liking his new 24 so much, she bought a DK Cygnus cruiser for herself!  (Andy and his wife have two young sons…wonder if they’re going to be able to keep up to Mom and Dad?)

However, after riding the Mirraco for a short while, Andy decided that he needed to make a change.

He realized he would be happier on a frame with new school geometry, one  that was more suited to his style of riding.

The Sunday Model C fit the bill perfectly.

He tracked down a new Model-C frame for a great price and did a frame swap. (Perhaps inspired by the DIY complete post?)

Andy says his new 21.75″ Sunday feels much more like what he remembers from his 20″ days, only smoother and more comfortable.

Andy's bike before the frame swap

And his Sunday turned out really nice!  The red components really pop next to the silver frame.

Here’s what it looks like now.

Andy and his 24

Check out the Shipp’s his and hers stable bikes. Riding in style!

The Shipp stable of bikes

Both Andy and his wife’s rides are sporting Cruiser Revolution stickers, and they have turned on a few other folks to cruisers and Cruiser Revolution (thanks guys!).

Andy seems pretty stoked that he’s taken the plunge into the world of cruisers…and that enthusiasm has clearly spread to the rest of the family. I just heard that they added a new bike to the collection,  A DK Kvant for their oldest son.