Jeff K and friends

 Jeff K and friends got third place in the midwest BMX video contest for this submission:

Team Industry - MidwestBMX Video Contest from @jklugiewicz on Vimeo.

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/jeff-k-and-friends.html

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Nice Weather + Good Session = Great Photos

Dan hit me up Saturday about wanting to shoot some photos at the park in the morning. I met up with him at 10 the next morning, he was the only one at the park. I had to laugh at him and remind him most BMXer's don't get up that early on a weekday let alone the weekend. The weather was awesome for a January day and quit a few locals rolled in for a good session. Dan clicked away capturing the action and yelled his critiques when the tricks didn't match his expectations for his photos. Couple pics to sample below but be sure to check out his site to see the rest here.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/01/nice-weather-good-session-great-photos.html

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Rad Dad's Return to riding!

This is the first time I have filmed in 2014. Prior to this video I have rode maybe 3 times this year for a few minutes. Many people have messaged me wondering if I was still riding. Riding has been a time issue for awhile. I am trying to bring a balance to family life and riding time. I feel great about my riding session. Its been so very long since I have rode my bike and it felt great to make my return to riding. All my basic trick are still there. I need to have a few more sessions just like this and start working on my longer combinations. Keep on Riding!

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2014/09/rad-dads-return-to-riding.html

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Portland Trip

Some of the locals headed up north for some riding while we have a break in the weather. I didn't get to make it but Dan headed up and documented the shenanegans behind the lens. Beevo for as long as he has lived around here had never ridden Burnside before. Popped that cherry. Burnside and Tigard both were sessioned and Dan got some good pics check them out at Diesel's World here. Sounds like he will post more in the Albums section later after he geeks out, tweaking them in Photoshop.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/01/portland-trip.html

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London in Austin Jam

London Bikes has been making some new products and picked up some new riders. They made a visit to Austin. Big props to Jim Mckay for taking the time to film and edit some highlights.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/04/london-in-austin-jam.html

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Nice Weather + Good Session = Great Photos

Dan hit me up Saturday about wanting to shoot some photos at the park in the morning. I met up with him at 10 the next morning, he was the only one at the park. I had to laugh at him and remind him most BMXer's don't get up that early on a weekday let alone the weekend. The weather was awesome for a January day and quit a few locals rolled in for a good session. Dan clicked away capturing the action and yelled his critiques when the tricks didn't match his expectations for his photos. Couple pics to sample below but be sure to check out his site to see the rest here.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/01/nice-weather-good-session-great-photos.html

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NoMoPro 2013 Jam

NoMoPro 2013 Jam from brandon woldridge on Vimeo.

With Jomopro coming not going to happen this year. Brandon Woldridge threw together NoMoPro 2013. Could this be the next BIG thing? Stay tuned!!

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/05/nomopro-2013-jam.html

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Is Passion a Learned Behavior?

I've been chipping away at "Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (2012)" for a few nights after I get home from client appointments and my wife goes to bed. I reflect on how these "children" (Tony Hawk, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, etc.) excelled to become the highest level skateboarders of the time, all under the age of 18. My mind is blown that these youngsters pioneered every trick you see today, including the vert ollie, the flatland ollie and the McTwist.

I feel a close bond to this time in that 1) during those years, it was a toss-up between me going BMX or Skater (obviously I chose BMX) and 2) I grew up in a hotbed of skateboarding (Santa Cruz, Ca.). I relate to all the things in that video, but I mostly relate to The Stoke.

The Stoke - or what many call "Passion" - is something that seems to tie these young skaters together. 

Stories of them crashing, getting up, doing the trick over and over for hours until they nailed it. Tales of Rodney Mullen getting up at 2am in the morning, telling the rest of the boys that he's "going skating" and coming back with dozens of new tricks at dawn.

The drive that these youngsters had was fuel for the fire. Stacey Peralta guided and mentored them, making sure that the fame and money didn't go to their head. He kept them humble and drove the desire to progress.

This leaves me with a question: Is Passion a Learned Behavior?

I'm thinking of my parents, who encouraged and supported me to put my 100% into everything I got into. When I started riding freestyle BMX, they did everything they could to get me what I needed to get better. Same goes with karate, music, etc.

I also think of those who may not have such a supporting family, but have friends and spouses that do the same. It's like they are just as stoked for you (if not more) than you are for yourself... cheering and loving you every step of the way. I still get a gigantic grin whenever I see top-level athletes do the unimaginable, and stand their while fans and friends envelope them in cheers, hugs, arms raised in victory - as if they completed the feat themselves.

Conversely, I think of those who have no passion - for anything. What makes those people so un-passionate? Whether it's riding a bike, surfing, yo-yo or scrapbooking... I have a hard time imagining a life without passion.

They seem to make excuses like "I'm busy" or "no money", etc. but I feel that those are just excuses. I'm as busy and tight on finances as the next person... but nothing gets me more stoked than thinking about my next ride.

What do you guys think? Can you look back and find the source of your passion that keeps you going? Where did you get you get your passionate drive from?

Please leave a comment and lend my your thoughts!

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/01/is-passion-learned-behavior.html

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Trails 2011

This Photo is from April 2008. This is right before the major transformation of the main line top to bottom. The newly thrown landing you see on the right was the eventual inspiration to shift the line right and make the left hip bigger to line you up for the long jumps down the hill after. Crazy thinking about the amount of dirt that has been moved since this photo and just how shitty everything looks in comparison to today. As you can see by the photos below things are already popping on the old lines. All the new stuff is getting there but still needs some work. Hit me up and get your dig and ride on.

Dan Wrightington flings some limbs.


David Lawrence turndown.


Paul A. gets his grab on.


Mean mugging an x-up.

Hit up texdiesel.com to check more pics.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/06/trails-2011.html

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Happy Odin's Day!

Source: http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-odins-day.html

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Sean Sexton “SXTN” Frame Insight

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/sean-sexton-sxtn-frame-insight/

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Terry Adams - History in the Making Diversion

Bobby Carter sat down with Terry Adams 10 years after he first appeared in Diversion Video Magazine series in 2003. Since that time, there has been a long list of events and videos that were out of the ordinary "riding edit." We discuss some highlights over the years including a previously unreleased performance at a red carpet fashion show in Los Angeles for Jennifer Lopez.

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/10/terry-adams-history-in-making-diversion.html

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DionRidesBikes is now RiderInBlack

I posted about the move in September 2013, but this site will become a generic domain in March 2014. Thanks for all the banter and comments, but I have moved on to a new, improved site that offers more ways of sharing my riding experience.

Please go to: RIDERINBLACK for the newest version of DionRidesBikes.com.

See ya' there! - Dion

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2014/02/dionridesbikes-is-now-riderinblack.html

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The Carter's

I caught this in my email this week. Todd Carter is a super cool friend and this video needs to be shared. This is what its all about the next generation of riders. Thanks to John and Conor Yull.

Words By John Yull

Watching Todd, Camden and Colin ride and compete in Anderson was such a great experience! Taking turns in the practice area with the boys put a smile on my face. Then watching Todd get more nervous that the boys during their runs was priceless! Here's to the next generation of flatlanders...Filmed and edited by Conor Yull

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/07/the-carters.html

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Nice Weather + Good Session = Great Photos

Dan hit me up Saturday about wanting to shoot some photos at the park in the morning. I met up with him at 10 the next morning, he was the only one at the park. I had to laugh at him and remind him most BMXer's don't get up that early on a weekday let alone the weekend. The weather was awesome for a January day and quit a few locals rolled in for a good session. Dan clicked away capturing the action and yelled his critiques when the tricks didn't match his expectations for his photos. Couple pics to sample below but be sure to check out his site to see the rest here.

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/01/nice-weather-good-session-great-photos.html

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Orginal Bike Tricks from Tim Knoll

WOW to my great surprise Tim Knoll has released another web edit of his tricks. The world is his playground and he is having fun. Click the Tag Tim Knoll and catch some of his older videos too. Thanks Tim!

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/05/orginal-bike-tricks-from-tim-knoll.html

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Brian and Gary at Woodward West's Winter Camp!

Gary Young and I just wrapped up 2010 in a big way... at Woodward West's winter camp. This years camp was 3 action packed days with over 130 BMX campers getting free reign on this bike riding paradise. We rode a ton, filmed some clips, played dodgeball, footdown, and tons of other fun stuff. Almost everyone got something free and everyone left with a smile on their face. Ten lucky campers ended up with a $20 gift card to ActionVillage. Some won them because of their BMX skills and some won because of their "paper-rock-scissors" skills. Either way we were glad to play Santa Claus one more time before the end of the year. One camper, Alistair, really needed a new pair of forks, luckily Gary noticed and hooked up with with $20 off his new pair courtesy of Action Village. Stoked! 

Thanks again to Woodward West for an amazing week and can't wait to visit again! - Brian Kachinsky

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/01/brian-and-gary-at-woodward-wests-winter.html

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The Josh Cox Interview (2nd time around)

This is Josh Cox interview from 2009… Unfortunately the site crashed a while ago, so I’ve only just had the chance to re-issue it. Cheers again Josh! - VS
Yo…�JOSH COX: Hey man VS: We could get this interview started now if you like? JOSH COX: ok man VS: Ok… Name, age, location? JOSH COX: Josh [...]

Source: http://www.valleysidedistro.com/wordpress/?p=913

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Happy 43rd Birthday James McGraw

James McGraw // 43 Years Young from Global Flat on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday to James McGraw! 43 and still rolling!

Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2013/04/happy-43rd-birthday-james-mcgraw.html

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OGBMXn Summer Show & Swap 2014 | Re-cap

Sorry for the late post, but we have been all over the place this past week. Two Saturdays ago, our boys from OGBMXn had their 2nd annual Summer Show & Swap in Lemon Grove, Ca. […]

Source: http://www.bmxoutsiders.com/blog/ogbmxn-summer-show-swap-2014-re-cap/

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Sean Sexton “SXTN” Frame Insight

Source: http://www.kinkbmx.com/sean-sexton-sxtn-frame-insight/

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BMX Society Reunion & Show 2014 | Re-cap

Another excellent BMX event hosted by Steve Brothers and his crew from BMX Society. With all of their hard work and dedication, especially in the little time they had to switch locations and get everything […]

Source: http://www.bmxoutsiders.com/blog/bmx-society-reunion-show-2014-re-cap/

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Ramblings: Disconnecting from the forums | BMX State of Mind | New Dropper Post

Disconnecting

I recently did myself a favor and logged off MTBR and other forums completely. While these forums provide great info, insight, advice, etc. they also provide a big distraction from work and responsibilities. Admittedly, I had a problem with them (MTBR in particular) - I'd get sucked into conversations, get into internet "flame wars" (I know - it's very stupid), I'd get "trolled"... and the very reason why I joined these forums was fading away into obscurity.

Also, I'd get real upset over stuff in these forums, and feel real stupid for letting this stuff bother me. I'd ask myself "Why?" - most of these people are strangers, anonymous people behind screen names... so why was I getting sucked into these types of conversations?

I have lurked in to get some info on my new Jek, but that's about it. I still did not log-in.

While I enjoyed the local banter, I am over the trolling and flaming. I feel better - like I eliminated negative people in my life. Fuckin' first world problems...

I know, it's very silly. A grown man shouldn't be pondering this BS, but a grown man shouldn't be doing tricks on a BMX bike by most peoples standards. 

BMX State of Mind

More silliness.

I've turned this thing into my mantra. I believe it was The Come Up that originally came up with this, and I've owned it since. 

I love this saying. For the past 22-some-odd years after quitting BMX, I feel like I've been searching for "me". Meaning, I've looked into motorcycles, fixed gear bikes, MTB'ing, trials riding, road riding, etc. but I've never felt "me" doing these things. Like, "...yeah, that's fun... but not quite."

It was real bad in my mid-20's: I remember feeling "bored" and out-of-sorts... like something was missing. I was super depressed, in fact, I've battled with depression for many years - always yearning to feel "right".

There is something about freestyle BMX riding that has made me feel whole again. Like, a complete person, and I can't pinpoint what it is about riding that 20" bike that makes me feel this way. It could be the care-free creativity that comes with it; or possibly the freedom to be able to do anything your mind can come up with. The level of riding we see today shows there are no boundaries. It could be that it is completely void of mano-a-mano competition - those alpha-male pissing contests that runs rampant in XC MTB'ing and even worse in road bike riding. Maybe BMX satisfies my self-diagnosed AAHDD.

Whatever BMX does to stimulate that little grey organ rattling around in my skull - it does it. I don't quite find that in MTB'ing. While I love MTB'ing, it does not do what BMX does for me on a cognitive level.

So, I've adopted "BMX State of Mind" as a silly saying and have applied it in all facets of my life, from my marriage to my profession. To me, it says to live life without boundaries. To - in a figurative way - "grab your bike and walk out the front door". To live life creatively. To appreciate even the smallest positive effort, because in that effort, if built upon, will turn into huge things later. Doing positive things repetitively becomes internalized and becomes a habit that you can teach others. To congratulate people on things that would normally go unnoticed. To learn from young and old. To squash the bullshit and negativity by ignoring it. To push boundaries and make your own rules about life. To not think outside the box, but to not even have a "box". This, to me, is living life in the "BMX State of Mind".

BMX'ers turn simple, everyday things, into all-day sessions. Empty parking lots, a curb, a set of stairs... even a garage floor. You don't need anything but the earth, gravity and your bike to make magic happen. Making use of the environment and evolving with it. Rolling with what has been provided and building upon it. I have chosen this attitude to permeate everything I do. 

A note to my fellow Old-Schoolers: I know we like to bask in our former glory. I am equally as guilty. I know we like to hang on to tricks we did 25-30 years ago and still do them - there is nothing wrong with that. However, we should grow; evolve. We should watch and learn from the younger riders and ask questions. Get pointers. Try stuff we never did "back in the good ol' days" because either we were too scared to do it or it hadn't been invented yet. My riding is rapidly progressing simply because I'm looking at BMX with fresh eyes. I want to update my efforts, and not be stuck in 1991 for the rest of my riding life.

Here are some pics from the weekend. Learning from the younger riders and being inspired is helping me evolve as a rider.

New Dropper Post

Hey, 100mm X-Fusion HiLo for $140 off FeeBay, brand new? I couldn't pass it up. Now, just waiting for that damn firm fork spring to arrive. 

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/05/ramblings-disconnecting-from-forums-bmx.html

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Gary Young at Vans BMX Camp

Gary Young will one of the Pro Riders at the Vans BMX Camp. The camp session is on Aprill 22, 2011 from 10am - 4pm at the Vans Skatepark in Orange, CA. He'll also be guess judging the 2011 Vans BMX AM Contest at the same location on April 23nd.

for more info click here. http://www.vans.com/microsites/bmx/

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/03/gary-young-at-vans-bmx-camp.html

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Four Years of the DRB Blog - Thanks for reading!

Hello lurkers...

For the past four years, I've attempted to chronicle my bike ramblings on this blog. I appreciate all of you who have come to visit (except for the negative trolls) and those who left comments. I love the back-and-forth with you folks, and I hope I've been able to help you out in some weird way with whatever you got building up in your bicycle cave.

Reading my old posts, I've realized I've gone through a dozen (or more) bikes - some I still have and some are long gone. I've experimented with different riding styles, but I think I've pretty much landed on MTB'ing, cyclocross and the occasional BMX adventure. When I ride road, it's to get to dirt for the most part, and it's done on my cyclocross bike.

Through my interactions with people on and off the internet, I've realized that there is no true "answer" for cycling when it comes to set-up and choices. People are so adamant about brands, frame materials, wheel size, tire selection, pedal choice, gearing, clothing, etc. Some stuff works better than other stuff when it comes to all this, but what somebody chooses to ride is completely personal. And, if they do well with that set-up... then that's the "correct" set-up for that particular person.

Case in point, there is an old dead horse people continue to beat: flat pedals vs. clipless pedals. I personally ride clipless for CX and MTB, and I used to be on the "clipless is best" bandwagon. I probably even posted about it on this blog. But, I've realized that - if somebody rides better with flat pedals - aren't flat pedals for that person the best choice? This example can be used for anything bicycle related i.e. wide handlebars vs. narrow handlebars.

I guess what this all boils down to is the online MTB community can reduce the troll, flaming, baiting and douchebag'y behavior if people just minded their own business about other's set-ups. It becomes tiresome when people dedicate entire blogs and forum threads about why their set-up is "right" and everybody needs to switch. I've even seen those use "scientific evidence" to support their argument. But, who am I (or anybody else) to argue with people about what works best for them?

For those of you who have disregarded the hype of a lot of unproven MTB "upgrades" - good for you. As we say, "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it". Ride what you ride and take it all in with a grain of salt.

---

Also, in the last four years, I've been able to make some really, really, great friends. We loosely formed "Team Social Pace" in the past year or so, and we all get together and ride, chat, and just have a good time. Although I mostly ride alone, riding with these guys have bumped my riding game considerably, but also has brought some really good people into my life.

That's it for this blog post! Here are some videos I've recently done. I forgot to post my last San Jose Bike Party video; I hope you enjoy that. I also experimented with my GoProHD2, and I hope you enjoy a quick lap at Santa Teresa County Park. 

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/11/four-years-of-drb-blog-thanks-for.html

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Luis Re-Breaks His Leg at Demo Forest

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/11/luis-re-breaks-his-leg-at-demo-forest.html

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The Saga Continues... (day 3 part 1)

This is where the Flashback goes in our story.

Back to that Hoffman Bikes ad with Mat blasting 20 Ft on that huge quarter. Back to watching the Big Air event debut in the X games, with the current MegaRamp, and half jokingly saying "I wanna jump that!". I never expected to ever even have a remote opportunity to try it. I was taking my full face helmet to Woodward West just in case. Planning out this trip I told Shad I really wanted to at least give it a go. Shad thought there was no way they were even going to let us on it. I hoped he was wrong. I told Riley thinking maybe he would be down to try it.
"You're calling out the MEGARAMP?"
"No, just saying I really want to check it out. It's a box jump."
"But it's the Fucking MEGARAMP dude!"
Wednesday, before his transformation into Boozedawg, Andy called me to let me know they were opening up the MegaRamp on Saturday between 1 and 4 p.m. He of all people was down to try. Thursday when the crew rolled in Shad was excited about it too, but made it clear he wanted to take runs at the quarter but at least wanted to try since it was a box jump. Riley just laughed at us and said we would see when we got there.
"It's the fucking MEGARAMP!"

Friday night after checking in Captain Cradle was beat and called it a night. Fresno wore him out enough to quit thinking about riding Woodward for the first time in the morning. Boozedawg, unchecked, spreads his brand of havoc upon the lodge.

Ran into this guy on the way to our room.


I was in the lodge bar with Eric and Jeremy trying to catch up with Ben Ward when Shad waved me over. He was talking to Woodward resident pro, Coco Zurita, about the MegaRamp. Coco told us in his Chilean accent that the biggest thing to overcome was the long ride down the roll in to the lip. So much time to get in your head and blow your confidence. You're going so fast downhill on skatelite that there is no way to really back out once you get going and the long approach allows for plenty of time for doubt. Stay confident, stay relaxed, no quick or panicked movements. No problem. Sounds good for something I have still yet to see in person.

In the morning Riley made sure Mac's bike was unpacked and reassembled and woke us up so Mac could get down to the park early. Most of the crew was up and pumped up Captain Cradle to give Boozedawg yet another run for his money. We had about a 50/50 split on those who had been before and those who had not. I got to see what I must have looked like rolling into Woodward for the first time. Screw Disneyland, for my money Woodward is the happiest place on earth.



The morning session most of us took it fairly easy, nibbling around loosening up, trying to make sure our old tired bones would make it through the day. Anthony and Joe headed for the Art Park in the Hanger to ride Flatland with the rest of the old scuffers. Shad, Pizza, and ODB sessioned the new Backyard mini. Last year it was still under construction. I was surprised to find myself sessioning the Enterprise with the Captain and having fun. Last year it had confused and frustrated me and I borderline hated it. The difference a year makes. From there I also finally got a glimpse on the hillside of the other major addition since last year.

to be continued...

Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/04/saga-continues-day-2-part-1.html

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Yakuza BMX ? Stvanice Skatepark Session

Yakuza BMX hit us with a link to a video from a session that Jirka Blabol and Jakub Juza got in at Svanice skatepark in Prague, Czech Republic! Both of these guys cooked up a bunch of grinds and a … Continue reading →

Source: http://bmxunion.com/daily/yakuza-bmx-stvanice-skatepark-session/

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Devon Smillie on Felt Bikes

Our flow team rider, Devon Smillie, is now riding pro for Felt Bikes. Congratulations Devon! Click the link below for the official announcement on Felt's web site.

http://feltbmx.com/USA/News/WELCOME-TO-THE-TEAM-ZAK-EARLEY-AND-DEVON-SMILLIE-.aspx

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2011/03/devon-smile-on-felt-bikes.html

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Brian Kachinsky's Russian Adventure on ESPN.com

Check out AV team rider Brian Kachinsky and his blog on ESPN.... "If these people were fierce enemies in our textbooks, why are they giving me a high five after pulling a trick? If these people didn't like us, why are they so happy to buy me a drink? If these people weren't welcoming, why were they asking me to visit their country?"

Read the rest HERE and be sure to check out the photo gallery!

Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/11/brian-kachinskys-russian-adventure-on.html

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Some new VEEEEEDEOS

Over the past few weeks I've been doing some video edits: a couple of MTBR Skill/Trick of the Month and some just playing around. Enjoy!

How-to for Pedal-Ups

 

Demonstrating Pedal-ups on a Curb

Track Stand How-To

My First 24" Cruiser Hang-5

Short edit featuring OldSkoolGeorge a.k.a. OSG

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2013/02/some-new-veeeeedeos.html

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Team Social Pace @ STCP

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/10/team-social-pace-stcp.html

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DionRidesBikes is now RiderInBlack

I posted about the move in September 2013, but this site will become a generic domain in March 2014. Thanks for all the banter and comments, but I have moved on to a new, improved site that offers more ways of sharing my riding experience.

Please go to: RIDERINBLACK for the newest version of DionRidesBikes.com.

See ya' there! - Dion

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2014/02/dionridesbikes-is-now-riderinblack.html

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Bringing 1986 into 2013 - REVIEW of My "Modernized" 1986 Specialized Rockhopper Comp

In early-September, I was itching to build a rigid, steel 26" MTB, and began perusing Craigslist for something in the likes of a Redline MonoCog. I was on a pretty tight budget, so I narrowed my search to a max price of $100.

I already had my On-One Inbred 29'er, but not yet entirely convinced that the 29'er was the ultimate for rigid riding; I thought that a 26" version would be fun. After all, 26" bikes whip around very well and the wheels spin up pretty quickly. And, back in 2007, I had a Redline Monocog (and now regret selling it!). Through the years, I've built up 26" rigid singlespeeds, so this project wouldn't be anything new in terms of approach.

By using the search function on Craigslist, I stumbled upon this ad:

Two 1980's Specialized Bicycle Frames - $60 (Hollister)

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Date: 2012-09-04, 1:18PM PDT

Reply to: see below

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Two rare Specialized bicycle frames from the 1980's. Both are straight with no dents. All cable and brake holders and are in great condition too. 

The yellow frame is 19.5 inches and the blue frame is 18.0 inches. Each frame comes with a Specialized head set.

Taking the haul down to Hollister from my home in South San Jose, I purchased the yellow frame for $30.

Over the last few months, I've been able to gather parts through what I had in the parts bin, trading with friends and cheap stuff on eBay. What has come together has been one of the most fun, most efficient, most reliable and care-free, go-to bike I've had in awhile. 

The goal was to enjoy the Chromoly frame without dealing with old technology - like a weird quill stem and narrow flat handlebars with noodle'y bar ends. I also wasn't interested in old, crappy cantilever brakes (although I have been riding with Tektro C720's until today), outdated gear ratios with Biopace chainrings, or skinny wheels and gumwall tires.

No... I wanted to modernize it as much as I could. 

The first order of business was to get the steering correct. By using a thread-less stem quill adapter, it gave me a wider variety of stems to choose from. And, since I knew old frames had short top-tubes, I opted for a 110mm 25.4 stem from Performance Bike. 

I have pretty much guzzled the wide handlebar Kool-aid, and with the 30" wide Azonic World Force DH handlebars I had in my parts bin, I concluded they would fit my build nicely. Typically with such a wide handlebar, you'd have to use a short stem (say, 70mm), but the old Rockhopper's top-tube is short enough where the longer stem and wide handlebar work very well together without slowing the steering or making the handling poor.

I had envisioned a single-speed for this frame, and that's what this bike was built up as originally. But - with some afterthought about the convenience of having some gears - I opted for a 1X set-up. At first, a 1X8, and then after digging in the parts bin along with the purchase of an inexpensive Deore 9sp. shifter - I ended up with a 1X9 set-up, naturally.

XT Cassette, XT Rear Derailleur, Deore Shifter, SRAM 9sp chain, and a Truvativ Stylo Crankset with a 32T single chainring make the wheels go round-and-round. The Paul Chain Keeper holds it all together, too. My feet stay planted with traditional Crank Brothers Candy pedals.

For the trails I ride, I typically don't need a granny gear, especially with the 26" wheels. My Inbred is equipped with a granny gear, but that bike is reserved for more challenging climbs. I've found that the 32T X 11-34 gets me up most hills without having to walk.

I really don't know how people used to rail around on skinny, hard, gum wall tires, but that's what this bike probably had in its glory days. I was a little apprehensive about tire selection knowing that this frame was probably designed to be used with skinny tires, but a 2.1 squeezes on the rear and a 2.3 squeezes on the front. The old, steel fork absorbs the bumps surprisingly well, so combined with the 2.3 tire at a lower pressure, I don't feel like I'm chattering down a staircase riding the trails. 

I've reviewed the Fort� tires in previous posts, so I will not reiterate the positive things I can say about them.

If you've ever gone back-and-forth between modern disc brakes and old school cantilever brakes, you will find yourself at a handicap with the canti's. Even with high-end cantilevers, they pale in comparison to discs. Modulation is non-existent and brake chatter is common. I've been riding this bike with Tektro C720 cantilever brakes but scored these Shimano XTR v-brakes through my riding buddy, Ken. The C720's worked fine, but the XTR upgrade will pay huge dividends in the braking department. Some claim that the XTR v-brakes work just as well as mechanical disc brakes when set-up properly. I've only had mid-level v-brakes before, and was impressed. I am sure these XTR's will make stopping issues - well - stop.

Lastly, I will need to mention weight since steel bikes are criticized in this department. I am sure an aluminum bike would come in at a few pounds less than this build. But, with nicer wheels, the old Rockhopper could probably squeak under 26lbs. Currently, with the old, cheap, heavy Vuelta Zerolite wheels, my bike weighs in at a respectable 26.86lbs. 

My next upgrade will be wheels, which I think will help in the speed and climbing department. Rim brake wheels are difficult to come by these days, so my choices are limited.

Ride quality and handling of the Chromoly Double Butted tubing is fantastic. Incredible. This bike is buttery smooth and it makes you forget you are riding a 26 (soon to be 27) year old frameset. I am extremely impressed with how well it handles, and I have no problem riding it with people on modern suspension bikes (especially when climbing). 

I wouldn't take this bike on gnarly downhill or freeride trails, but for my local, everyday lunch rides, this old bike proves to be a sure winner.

If you have that old steel bike rotting away on the side yard, don't let it die. With a little creativity, you can revive it to bask again in trail glory.

Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/12/bringing-1986-into-2013-review-of-my.html

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