ONE LOVE BMX JAM

Photo posted on Global Flat by Mr. News Bot: http://www.global-flat.com/smf/index.php?topic=62632.0.  Photo Credit:  VisonOneFilms.
If you would like to view different styles of Flatland riding, you might want to check out a jam I ran into.  It is called the One Love jam and it was done out in California.  I am really impressed the level of skill and appreciation of different styles from old to new. Here is a link to their blog and a video below: 8ee41b9376c97dcd6a88d8312db3e9ed42a751562c0a94ad1d

BMX FLATLAND FREESTYLE, 20 INCH 1999 HOFFMAN EP FRAME AND FORK + 3 PEICE CRANKS + FREE STEM (CHROME!) $149.00 OR BEST OFFER!

This is a 1999 chrome, "HOFFMAN EP", frame and fork in fair to good condition.  It has an 18.75 inch top tube.  The chrome is shiny on the major tubes, front/rear triangle, head tube, and platform.  There are spots underneath the platform where it is dull and prone to surface rust.  That flaw in the finish is a factory flaw and not due to neglect.  From what I understand, those areas are hard to chrome.  

I took some rubbing compound and went over any small rust spots but there are some tiny spots that are hard to get to so that is why I am saying that it is in fair to good condition.  I included a picture of the dull area.  If you want more detailed pictures, I have those to send.  I would say that the chrome is fair to very good condition for it's age and has no major scratches, no dents, no cracks, and no area has been re-welded.  

I rode mostly flatland hard on this frame for about 5 years (see photo from 2003) including some street or park bowls and although it is much heavier then today's frames, the 4130 cro-moly steel construction and strong welds will last you a long time.  Overall it is good build for getting into flatland and street.  For show, it will need some more polishing with high quality chrome fixing/finnishing product meant for motorcycles or cars.

I am adding a stem and free A-Head headset, 1 1/8" (bottom loose bearing needs replacing but works).  The stem has a very noticeable scar at the bottom but if you don't run the stem upside down, you will not see it as much.  The stem still clamps strong and holds the handlebars and fork well.

Also included free is a 175 mm 3 piece chrome crank with an American bottom bracket in good to very good condition.

The bike can be seen in person near Oswego IL. and I can deliver it to Aurora and/or Chicago if someone is serious about purchasing it.

I prefer to sell it to a collector of beginner flatlander/rider.  If you are SERIOUS about learning flatland or getting into riding, I can give you some FREE advice and tips on how to build it for that purpose or answer any other BMX questions you may have.

I previously posted this frame and fork package on Ebay but it seems that both Ebay and experienced buyers like to take advantage of the fact that I was new to selling on the Ebay site.  Ebay Corp. are experts at the "bait and switch" and offered me a free listing, only to charge me because I didn't want to sell the item at the price Ebay recommended.  By the way Ebay described it and by the way they walked me through the steps, I thought bidders had to reach the price I set or make a higher offer then the "Buy It Now" price.  This was not the case and Ebay using this "free listing" offer to trick new sellers.

I feel the item is worth well over 100 dollars and I feel Ebay has it set up where sellers get less then they ask for because of their dirty listing tricks.  Seller have to sell valuable items at a low cost.  This makes Ebay look good and they make money off of OUR items.  I think folks should boycott Ebay.  It is a scam.

Because of this, I am selling the item on my own through this blog.  If you are interested in the item, please leave me a message on the form below.

READ MORE ON THE FRAME FROM www.bikepedia.com

Due to time constraints, please allow time for me to answer any questions on the frame.  Only serious questions will be answered and easy on the scams.  I can recognize "game" when I see it.  I don't have the luxury of wasting any time these days. 

Here are some more photos of the item and if you want to know the specifications, here is a link to the bike as a whole.  Thank you for looking. 

In reality,

FLATLANDIN

foxyform

5 FAMOUS BMX FREESTYLE STARS

When I try to think of BMX Freestyle and Flatland tricks in general, I have to think of showmanship and style.  I present 5 BMX Freestyle riders who I feel were most influential in that regard.  They are presented in no particular order and most, if not all, still ride.  This was a hard list to make because there are so many riders whose style provided a foundation for today's riding, especially in Flatland.  In time, I might post more of these riders.  For now, you can read a little about these riders and look them up on your own.  Like most older foundation riders, they rode a little of everything, including ramps and street.  The sport of BMX Freestyle grows stronger everyday and provides a good outlet for learning patience and camaraderie.  While some riders that I have met were shady, most were cool and having met some these older professional riders on this list, I can tell you that they seemed like solid dudes who  stayed cool.  Anyway, here is the list and keep riding and learning.  Peace, JB.

WOODY ITSON
Woody Itson was always in the old BMX magazines and was know for "power tricks" like rolling handstands and gut levers.  However, he knew old and new school tricks and I like how he would do a trick and cleanly ride out of it which takes a lot of skill and practice.  There is video of him in a contest doing a very low 540 on a quarter pipe after his flatland run.  He rode for companies like Hutch and Diamondback.  Word on the internet is that he still rides and has contributed greatly to the growth of the sport.
Photo From:  http://www.hutchbmx.be/intertest/HutchWindstyler86b.jpg

DIZZ HICKS
Dizz hicks was a dope rider to watch on the streets or on a kick turn ramp.  His flip/seat pivot tricks on Flatland have been making a comeback.  His style was unique and he brought that L.A. headbanger attitude to riding.
Photo From:  http://bmxmuseum.com/reference/982?expanded=1#images

KEVIN JONES
Kevin Jones is pretty much known as the "King of Flatland" because of his ability to invent and dial tricks in addition to his detication to the sport or "way of life" as some hardcore riders have made it.  Along with his crew the "Plywood Hoods", they went from a B-Boy breakdancing crew to a BMX one.  They created, "must see" BMX videos that chart the evolution of all types of BMX riding.  Everything from dirt, to street, to ramps is covered showing the diversity of riding styles and types.  Mr. Jones has had a couple of signiture frames made by Hoffman Bikes and his riding speaks for itself.
Photo From:  http://hoffmanbikes.com/team-riders/kevin-jones/

R.L. OSBORN
R.L. Osborn has been involved in BMX Freestyle from the beginning.  He would be regularly featured in magazines and ads.  His signature Redline and General bicycles are considered collectors items.  He made up classic variation tricks like the cyborg(shown in the picture) and produced one of the first "bash-guard" street bikes known as Bully bikes.
Photo From:  Credit: windyosborn.com via http://www.vitalbmx.com/photos/member/OS,44179/RL-Osborn-Hanging-5-1988,114935/Windy-O,102790

MARTIN APARIJO
Last but not least, if there is anyone that comes to mind when you think of BMX freestyle, it is Martin Aparijo.  A long time rider and stunt man he rode with GT bicycles alongside team mate Eddie Fiola who should also be on the list but I am saving that for a post on ramp/vert riders.  Mr. Aparijo invented tricks and also maintained a high level of riding from the old school tricks to the new ones.  Like Woody Itson, his tricks were very professional.  He would ride alongside R.L. in the BMX classic movie known as RAD offering a handshake to R.L. Osborn while both doing Cherry pickers.  The only thing that can be said is that there wouldn't be a sport of BMX without this rider.  After looking up his name on the internet, it is evident that he still rides which is one of the sickest things I have heard in while.
Photo From:  http://bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=1370018


In a time where having your own style is replaced by conformity and what seems to be a BMX mono-culture, with older riders getting back in the game, there is no telling how the sport will evolve.  I think it will get better and help the sport grow while staying true to the name "FREE STYLE".  Get yours and keep it fun while lasts.

PRO FLATLAND RIDER LEIF VALIN

Photo From "intrikat_2008": http://s386.photobucket.com/profile/intrikat_2008

Leif Valin is a long time professional flatland BMX rider.  A unique feature of Flatland BMX riding is that Flatland riders develop their own styles.  His riding style seems to be more smooth and relaxed while other riders might spin more, move faster, scuff more, wheelie, hop, jump, and/or incorporate long rolling trick styles in different combinations.  Basically, it's all up to the rider.  Read more about this rider and view another photo and video at ESPN Action Sports.  

http://espn.go.com/action/bmx/blog/_/post/4997597

Video Name clip from: http://www.youtube.com/user/leifiel?feature=watch

NIKE 6.0 LIGHTNING BOLTS ART EXHIBIT

Bob Haro.  Image from: FAT BMX http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4614

Nike threw an event for BMX culture with old and new professionals such as Bob Haro and Nigel Sylvester.  It featured custom number plate art and was held in Beijing, China.  You can read more at Fat BMX, http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4614

Here is a video of the event:
Video from: MPORA http://video.mpora.com/watch/TPDaG6axN/
 
MPORA Action Sports

WHEN OLD SCHOOL IS NEW

Image From:http://www.cycoshop.com/photo-shoots-bikes-and-babes/93-silver-belle.html

As the saying goes, "The more things change, the more things stay same." Well, although I think we all do change, hopefully for the better, I think that if you ride BMX or Skateboard, and you are really true to the reasons why you started the sport/activity in the first place, you would be happy to know that the energy and spirit of the sports are still here. Yes, it is true that there is more corporate involvement and many people will always "do it for the money". However, it is also true that many don't and if it was possible for "the hard-cores" to ride more and engage more in BMX or Skateboarding they would. Sadly, trying to make a living just making money takes most of our time but the good news is that you can always have a bike or skateboard to ride and there are no limits to the fun you can have and the benefits you will receive. That is possible if it's really in your heart to do so.

I have good memories of seeing the Haro Team out in Chicago and I am happy to see them still riding and doing an old school show? Yes, all the old tricks, all the hype from the announcers who actually know about the sport, and most importantly, all the fun is still here. So whether you ride BMX or skate, it doesn't matter how many tricks you know, whether you can land them, or whether you never will. The point is to get out there and try hard. This means actually use the bike or skateboard and don't front or pose. Most importantly, and I cannot stress this enough, HAVE FUN! Be REAL to the world and the world will be REAL to you.

The following video is from WOOZYBMX.COM

BMX WORLDS 2009 COLOGNE

Red Bull B-Boy Competition

B-Boying has come a long since way since I was on the block doing my little tic-tockin and backspins. Out here in Chicago, we have some crews. One of them is The BrickHeadz but there are many all over the globe. Here is a clip from a Red Bull competition in Germany. Cats are doing some sick techniques and better yet they seem to be staying true to the origins of Hip-Hop and the culture.