I received a question from a rider who wants to start riding more Flatland. I am more then happy to help someone get into Flatland BMX. It is a fun sport and for many a way of life. Although, there will always be something to learn, you start to develop your own style right from the get go so the journey can go where you want to take it.
Here is the question:
"Hey, I'm a new person out in the Flatlandin world and I have a question about the KHE Equillibrium 2009:
http://www.khebikes.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&tas
k=view&id=160&Itemid=75
Is this a good bike? I know I am a starter in the flatland part but I don't want cheap because I have an expensive taste for bikes. I also have some more questions...
How long have you been Flatlandin? and, do you have any tricks or tips to help me keep the front wheel from whippin to the left or right?
It's like I'll fork spin on my Mirraco and I 180, then I scuff the tire twice and tip over... Does the "0" offset help that because my Mirraco doesn't have a "0" offset fork."
Daniel
39
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
Answer: What's up Danial and thanks for your question. I am always too hyped to educate and get someone into riding or skateboarding especially Flatland BMX. I am being biased but in my opinion, it is the best sport in the world. Anyway, as for the first part of your question. Well, I would say that you definitely cannot go wrong with the Equillibrium by KHE. It's designed by Jesse Puente a long time pro, and in my opinion, the frame is sick with the cross top and down tube. To me it looks better the the KGB Psychopower although I dig the crossed tubes on the KGB too... I personally wouldn't mind rockin either frame. The Equillibrium for 09 comes minus the KHE "F-Set" which was their own patented and engineered integrated detangler device(their version of the gyro). Most riders weren't really feeling the head set. I wasn't either but again, new modifications and parts are part of the BMX Freestyle world. Some work, some don't...
GT FRAME STANDERS WHERE BIG IN THE 80'SThe 09 comes with a standard integrated headset and is interchangeable with most bikes out there today. As far as pulling off Flatland moves it is definitely designed to do so with the 18.8 top tube and the head tube is most likely 74 degrees which is standard for Flatland bikes where other street and racing frames might have more of a rake. The key is in the top tube length because if it's too long for your leg span/length, flatland tricks will be more difficult. I have short legs so an 18.5 top tube is perfect for me although I could jump to a 19" TT. 20" TT is standard. Always remember that most freestyle tricks where invented and done with longer top tubes so technically, you can ride flat on any bike. However, for the intricacies, links, and repetitive movements that are done by advanced riders today, a Flatland frame will make you way happier. No joke... That is what they are designed for.
PHOTO CREDIT: www.khebikes.com
As far as the second part of your question, well, I have personally been riding urban BMX freestyle on and off since I was about 16 years old (I am 35 now). However, I was into BMX since I was 12 and riding bicycles since I was 3 years old. That was the age when I took off my training wheels because I hated them. They didn't make me feel free. After that, I knew I would always need to have a bike to ride. I would often quit because I would sometimes "buy" into what society expects of me as a man and human being but I soon learned that it was a hustle to control my thoughts and actions. Now, at my older age, I will always follow the motto, "Do what you feel as long as you don't trump the human rights of another". Also, I used to work allot. I had my first factory job at 16 and riding was time consuming plus I lacked any encouragement from family and friends to ride. Last, but not least, it was too expensive but for some reason, I always came up with the money and came back to BMX Freestyle while figuring out a way to ride again. With a little ingenuity and research, you can hook up a good ridable bike for cheap. I also thank friends who supplied hand me down parts here and there. I only ride Flat now but I might start riding a little park soon. As far as street riding, I am always up for jumping curbs and hitting the city streets at high speeds. Flatland for me is a way to concentrate and focus. For me it builds discipline and helps me embrace solitude.
For your third question about learning tricks. It's hard for me to know without personally seeing you ride and the mistakes, if any that you are doing. It's takes allot of repetitive practice even when you have the trick dialed, you can still get thrown off of balance. Although I am NOT a pro, I have many Flatland tricks dialed where I can pull them about 76% of the time but yes, I still practice them. It sounds to me that you are naturally falling over which is going to happen. The key is to keep the bars steady and centerered and your foot steady on the peg while having the other hang for balance. Once you feel the balance point, then you can hit the tire again for another pump of the tire. For scuffing tricks, you control the motion and tire roll with your scuffing foot while holding steady the bars, seat, pegs, etc. I will admit that it is very hard to keep steady and you really have to muscle the bike at first. Once you keep doing it, it gets easier and when you achieve perfect balance, it will feel like effortless gliding and flowing. A zero off set fork and/or bars will help but is not mandatory for Flatland BMX.
FLATLANDIN
VIDEO FROM: http://www.youtube.com/user/iflatland
Jesse Puente On A Green 06 KHE Equillibrium
For your third question about learning tricks. It's hard for me to know without personally seeing you ride and the mistakes, if any that you are doing. It's takes allot of repetitive practice even when you have the trick dialed, you can still get thrown off of balance. Although I am NOT a pro, I have many Flatland tricks dialed where I can pull them about 76% of the time but yes, I still practice them. It sounds to me that you are naturally falling over which is going to happen. The key is to keep the bars steady and centerered and your foot steady on the peg while having the other hang for balance. Once you feel the balance point, then you can hit the tire again for another pump of the tire. For scuffing tricks, you control the motion and tire roll with your scuffing foot while holding steady the bars, seat, pegs, etc. I will admit that it is very hard to keep steady and you really have to muscle the bike at first. Once you keep doing it, it gets easier and when you achieve perfect balance, it will feel like effortless gliding and flowing. A zero off set fork and/or bars will help but is not mandatory for Flatland BMX.
FLATLANDIN
VIDEO FROM: http://www.youtube.com/user/iflatland
Jesse Puente On A Green 06 KHE Equillibrium
