Sunday, September 30, 2012
BRANDON MOSIER
Alex Johnson - Riding Compilation
This is a great best of Alex Johnson Video. There are some great moments in this one.
Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2012/09/alex-johnson-riding-compilation.html
DMR STS Tension Seeker - REVIEW
DMR STS Tension Seeker |
I've done quite a few single speed conversions in the last few years, and I've tried a handful of tensioners for vertical dropout bikes: The On-One Doofer, The On-One Other-Doofer and a Surly Singulator. All did the job, but none really did it well.
Tensioner in "push down" mode |
Tensioner in "push up" mode |
Ideally, one would want a frame with horizontal (or "track") dropouts for a single speed set-up. Sliding dropout frames work very well, too. But when you're converting a vertical dropout frame, you must tension the chain one way or another*. And, for efficiency, the less chain wrap, the better.
Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/07/dmr-sts-tension-seeker-review.html
BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX BMX bike BMX game alans BMX
Updownsideness
World's First BMX Triple Backflip - Watch more Funny Videos
Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/06/updownsideness.html
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
BMX museum BMX bike games BMX forum winstanelys BMX colony BMX
Kristaps Reimanis and the Streets of Riga
Source: http://www.bmxunion.com/blog/daily/kristaps-reimanis-and-the-streets-of-riga/
BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX BMX bike BMX game alans BMX
Bad news, good news
Harvest today.
As so often happens with trail spots Harvest trails are no more. This was the third and best effort for trails in this location but once again met the same fate as the previous attempts. Always a bummer to see so much time and hard labor go down in just a few hours. On a happier note, the trails we do still have are getting more lines dialed in. Our favorite San Diego transplants were out dialing in the new over/under. Paul takes the over while Garret and his newly healed(?) elbow takes the under. Thanks to Tex Diesel for the photos.
Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/06/bad-news-good-news.html
Viki Gomez wins Red Bull Circle of Balance 2012
Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2012/09/viki-gomez-wins-red-bull-circle-of.html
BMX museum BMX bike games BMX forum winstanelys BMX colony BMX
Jeff K's Midwest BMX Night 2 Edit
Midwest Night 2 - Midwestbmx.net from @jklugiewicz on Vimeo.
Stay tuned for edit from each and every BMX night and if you're in the Milwaukee area check out the dates and join the fun!
Source: http://actionvillagebmx.blogspot.com/2010/12/jeff-ks-midwest-bmx-night-2-edit.html
OSG 13 Offline Sports Games
I just caught this on Adam Kun's wall this morning. I love action sport!
Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2012/09/osg-13-offline-sports-games.html
BMX videos BMX parts BMX games online BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX
Saturday, September 29, 2012
In case you had any doubts...
Source: http://eugenebmx.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-case-you-had-any-doubts.html
BMX master BMX videos BMX parts BMX games online BMX bikes for sale
Mountain Dew And Lil Wayne Unveil DEWeezy Skatepark Project In New Orleans
BMX museum BMX bike games BMX forum winstanelys BMX colony BMX
A Wonderful Life
I just got this great new edit from Sogol Satrio! Enjoy!
Source: http://www.bmxfreestyler.com/2012/09/a-wonderful-life.html
BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX BMX bike BMX game alans BMX
Lights in the woods
Click for LITW
Related posts:Woods So now you can upload a gallery as with�this update,...Testing 123 Afternoon interweb! Just testing out this whole updating malarky, as...Woods are the best Skate park sessions are getting more and more scarce...
Related posts:
- Woods So now you can upload a gallery as with�this update,...
- Testing 123 Afternoon interweb! Just testing out this whole updating malarky, as...
- Woods are the best Skate park sessions are getting more and more scarce...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blewbmx-news/~3/xHS35itfm_4/
Sea Otter Recon Mission Ride Report and more on the On-One 456...
This was my first time riding Laguna Seca, and I have to say that it was actually pretty awesome. TONS of land to be ridden and a few really fun single track sections. But the land is so vast and so intertwined, you can really get lost out there.
The Sea Otter course for the Cat3 (Fat3 is what I call it for myself) is actually not as punishing as I thought it would be. Yes, there is some cranked-out climbing, but there are also a lot of recovery sections and fast, pinned flat areas. I am especially excited about the single track sections, because if it dries out more, it will be rail'able, which is definitely my riding strengths.
This is a pretty nasty, very sandy downhill section where I simply unclipped, hung my right foot out and slid down it - somehow managing to keep it upright. You can see, Ken decided to run down it. I foresee some epic crashes on this section.
I am racing with a CamelBak, which I never wear when I ride. I don't want to fiddle with trying to grab the water bottle while I'm tapped out, and I know I may blast through one water bottle - so I'm choosing to race with 35-40 ounces in the bladder. The CamelBak worked well and I think it should be great for the 16 mile course.
Back to the On-One 456...
This bike is totally different with the new 400mm seat post installed. With proper leg extension on my downstroke when pedaling, it is now an efficient climber (to a certain extent). It is not, by any means, near the efficiency of a true XC bike, but for all mountain riding, I have to say that I am enjoying it quite a bit. The technical climbs are simply a blast and railing on double tracks with jumps and other fun things is what this bike does really, really well.
I still think that maybe an 18" would be more to my liking, but the 16" with the long flagpole sticking out of the seat post tube seems to be just fine.
If you are in that strange "average" height category (5'9" - 5'10") I would advise to try riding a friend's 456 before ordering a frame. I really think I would've went with an 18" if I had the opportunity to try one for fit. For your reference, I am 5'9" with a 30" inseam.
Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/04/sea-otter-recon-mission-ride-report-and.html
Ride Reports and Ramblings Pt.1
Ride Report: Team Social Pace up Kennedy
The usual suspects got together on the weekend of Jan 21st. to do a neat climb up Kennedy Trail in Los Gatos, Ca. Kennedy isn't anything special in terms of technical fun, but for cardio and climbing endurance it's a good place to put in work. I usually don't go out that far since I have Almaden Quicksilver trail for a wide fire road exercise, but since a handful of my buddies were doing it, I decided to go out.
Cleared the whole thing without a problem on the CX bike - even stuff I had to walk before. Traction was very sweet due to the light sprinkling we had in previous days and it even started to come down a bit while we were riding. As always, the 'cross bike was sketchy on the loose rocks and wash-board bumps - and everybody on MTB's dropped me on the descend down.
I had the opportunity to ride Leopold Porkstacker's fat bike for a bit and it was incredibly smooth and comfy. The fat tires didn't feel like too much of a hindrance and I'd love to try that bike up a technical climb. I've always been intrigued by fat bikes and it was pretty cool to give one a try.
New Build and Ride Report: Giant Cypress DX
When I stumbled upon Bryan from CL's listing (he's a guy who is always listing something for sale or trade) of a Giant Cypress DX frame for $45, I had to wonder what was wrong with it. I've dealt with him before, did some trades and such, so I knew he was a traveling parts bin (in a van). But I also knew that aluminum frames have a short lifespan, and from my experience, discovering hair-line micro cracks on a used frame is not fun.
After e-mailing him and discovering he needed a 9 speed derailleur and cassette, I knew we had a trade win. I met Bryan at a parking lot, looked over the frame and did the trade.
Now, here was the dilemma: How could I get away with building this trade score on a SUPER low budget? I didn't want to go "cheap", but I also didn't want to spend more than $100 building this thing up. Most of the parts, I already had, but I did need wheels, brakes, a stem, headset, seat and grips.
I scoured the pages of Craigslist looking for these things, when I found somebody selling his wheels and brakes for $60 in Hayward, Ca. I jumped on that right away, and felt good about my budget-friendly find. However, upon arriving home and taking a very close look at the rear wheel, I discovered that it was completely oval - which did not read when I spun it and looked to see if it was out-of-true. Somebody cased it bad, and there was no saving it. I also noticed that the front brake disc bridge was missing, so I had to order that, as well.
The interesting thing about this whole experience was that I got to lace my first wheel. Although it was simply replacing a rim, it was a good experience and gave me the confidence to do another if I had to. The rim was an eBay find for $22.
Finally, after my integrated headset arrived from China (ugh...), I finished the build. I went with a 1X8 set-up for the reliability and smooth shifting and opted for a 36t chainring up front; chain jump is eliminated with a Paul Chain Keeper. With 26" wheels and 1.5" commuter tires, the 34t cog and 36t chainring gives me enough granny to get up anything in the urban environment. Fenders, racks, two water bottle cages, lights, and a comfy seat make this bike just a joy to ride. It isn't the lightest thing on the planet, but I don't really mind. This bike is well suited for weekend jaunts with the Mrs. and long, lazy strolls. The Giant Cypress DX has VERY relaxed geometry, so you sit low in the frame with little pressure on wrists and hands. It isn't fast, but peppy: I found myself spinning on the flats at a steady 17mph, 20+ with the help of a downhill. Not a contender to hang in the peleton by any means.
This frame is a disc version and is normally seen with 700c wheels, and if you're wondering why I went with 26" wheels, it was mainly due to what the touring cyclists were saying on multiple forums - the 26" tire/tube is the most common size in the world. So, in an emergency situation, I could pick up a spare tube at, say, any drugstore or hardware store. I enjoy the disc brakes, but are definitely not needed on this bike.
First Ride
I took the Giant on a 30 miler, 1,300 ft. of elevation gain out to Los Gatos, Ca. and back. 5 miles of the ride was on a dirt road, and the low(er) pressure commuter tires worked great, for the inexpensive Forte' brand they are. Of course, this bike didn't get up the hills very quickly, but that was to be expected.
This bike is so comfortable, I found myself in a dreamy, riding state... relaxing, and doing a bit more sightseeing. I could easily see myself taking this bike on a long, long ride at a mid-pace on rolling hills and exploring gravel roads. I am, in fact, considering putting on flat pedals just for convenience.
I really like this build and considering the price I paid to built it up, it was well worth it. I don't intend on flipping this unless I absolutely have to, and it's a great, faster alternative than my beach cruiser. Don't underestimate these "comfort" frames - I quickly fell in love with the chilled out feeling of hybrid/comfort geometry and can understand why somebody would gravitate toward something like this.
I learned a valuable lesson in buying used stuff, though... especially take-off bike parts. Always inspect EVERYTHING very closely when buying used, and don't make a 40 min. trek to save $10.
Build Report: Beach Klunker Gets a Brake
After doing a few grocery store runs for the wife on this thing, I realized how sketchy a coaster brake can be if that's all you have. Plus, if you're like me and you like to dodge cars and old ladies, the coaster brake just doesn't cut it. After digging in the parts bin, I pulled out a v-brake bolt-on adapter and a Shimano XT v-brake (best v-brake I've ever used). I slapped that puppy on the fork and had-at-it.
I don't know what came over me, but I decided to climb Bernal Rd. - a 800ft. ascend, on that bike. I have the gear inches at 67", so it isn't hard, but it also isn't easy. After grunting up that hill with my cargo shorts, flannel and beanie, I got this pic at the top of the hill. Of course, coming home was a trek and the ride ended up being 18 miles in total.
Ride Reports and Ramblings Pt.2 coming soon!
Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/01/ride-reports-and-ramblings-pt1.html
Leigh Ramsdell 2x4 Shirt
Source: http://easternbikes.com/blog/2011/mar/1/leigh-ramsdell-2x4-shirt/
I Fixed My On-One Inbred
A few weeks ago I fell into a riding slump (burn out) and realized I needed to change some things up a bit. While browsing MTBR, I had the wild notion of ordering a TomiCog - a fixed gear cog that allows you to convert your bike by simply replacing your rear disc rotor and flipping the wheel.
Well... fast forward to a few days after Christmas, and I am pedal striking and spinning away to my heart's content at my local trails.
The TomiCog is a nice piece of metal; pulling the disc and slapping this baby on was a snap. The caveat, however, is that you will no longer have a rear brake, so you are forced to use only a front brake and leg resistance to stop. Not wanting to throw myself off too much, I went with the same 32X20 gearing, which allows me to get up-and-over everything on my local trails.
This is my third go at fixed off-road and I've seem to have forgotten how exhausting it is. If you're a bicycle rider and haven't been cryogenically frozen for the past 5 years, you know that fixed gear riding does not allow one to coast on descends - you still have to pedal. Combine that with off-road obstacles, rocks, loose terrain/lack of traction, hard climbs and extreme concentration as to not face plant, the off-road fixed gear truly adds a whole new dimension to your local romp.
Since I ride to the trails, the 3 mile ride out and back is brutally slow; and since you can't coast on descends, the overall ride time takes much longer than with a freewheel bike. So, as I've said in my previous post about riding off-road fixed, you have to go into the ride with a different mindset or else you will scream to the gods when a granny on a 1994 Roadmaster comfort bike cruises past you on the multi-use trail.
I would recommend off-road fixed to anyone who 1) wants a challenge or 2) stopped taking their medication. It is fun, entertaining and will get you the craziest comments and stares on the trail. Viva la FIXED!
Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2012/01/i-fixed-my-on-one-inbred.html
The mighty, MIGHTY Beach Cruiser
...Carbon fiber
...DW-Link Rear Suspension
...Dropper Seat Posts
...Electronic shifting
...29'ers
...and let's not even begin to venture into road bikes (!)
...all destined to be obsolete in a matter of a few years.
Do we really need all this stuff to have a good time? Weren't we just raving about Shimano V-Brakes and 100mm travel suspension less than a decade ago? When browsing the pages of Mountain Bike Action (MBA) and MTBR.com, I feel like I'm a 17 yr. old male watching a parade of hot, Los Angeles 10's in bikini's and high-heels... it just seems all unobtainable without the immense wad of cash. Meanwhile, the nerdy, Battlestar Galactica-loving brunette (who kind of likes you) goes unnoticed.
I'm going to take a little time to put that cute, nerdy brunette on a pedestal in all her glory; I am talking about the simple (yet mighty) beach cruiser. Loyal and low-maintenance, there is no reason why you shouldn't have a $100 beach cruiser among your Los Angeles 10's. Now, before you close this tab and move on to reading MTBR's review of the latest carbon fiber 29'er gadgetry, hear me out.
I've owned a number of beach cruisers in the last few years and I've made the mistake of "fixing them up". It always begins with a basic coaster brake beater, but after a few months, the bike becomes a garage queen - something that I wouldn't think about leaving parked and locked outside of a grocery store. After awhile, I become bored with it and end up selling it. Or, on the other side of the coin, I will buy a "high-end" beach cruiser in the $400-$500 range that looks more like a chopper than a bicycle. Pretty, but not practical.
The purpose of owning a beach cruiser is to keep it simple (believe me, I am correcting those bad habits) and to enjoy a bicycle in its simplest form. In terms of bicycle riding, there are very few options that take away all but the bare essentials of drive train and braking with the fixed gear coming in at a close 2nd place.
Beach cruisers are designed for comfort and single speed simplicity - yet still have the maneuverability and speediness of a large BMX bike. After hitting the trails over and over again with your fancy pants 29'er or destroying your legs and lungs on a century ride with 10,000 ft. of climbing, the beach cruiser will cleanse your riding palette. You will slow down and take it in. You will stop and chase the ducks, take a picture of a flower, or talk to old people. You'll perform the most epic coaster brake skid, ever. You will recall what riding is supposed to feel like when you've just about got burned out on yelling at iPod zombies on the trail.
There are many variations of the beach cruiser, as I mentioned earlier, but I've found the most basic to be the most fun. My brother turned me on to "BMX" inspired beach cruisers some years ago when he told me about the "Beers, not Gears" ride they do in the Santa Cruz mountains on beach cruisers in stormy weather. He had built one up as a big BMX'er, but when Swobo came along with their Folsom bike, I really came to notice that there was a revolution going on in regards to recreational bicycle riding.
The Swobo is big, bad, sturdy and ready for some serious action. However, this is nothing you can't build on your own with a little ingenuity and some extra parts.
This is my new incarnation - a basic cruiser, purchased from Target for $150. After re-building it with some correct torques and added grease, I replaced the tires (needed), the stem, handlebar, seat post and seat - all were laying in my parts-bin. The next upgrade will be some BMX pedals (old-school Bear Traps, perhaps?). Done. Finished. Go ride. More interesting builds can be found HERE.
If you're feeling a little burn-out or need something for fun, active recovery when you're not destroying King of the Mountain records, consider a beach cruiser. It's one of those things that you'll continually be telling yourself, "I love this bike!".
Source: http://www.dionridesbikes.com/2011/12/mighty-mighty-beach-cruiser.html
BMX parts BMX games online BMX bikes for sale we the people BMX BMX bike
Elephant Distribution: Tea & Biscuits Summer Tour
Source: http://www.bmxunion.com/blog/daily/elephant-distribution-tea-biscuits-summer-tour/