FLATLANDIN PLUS

Friday, March 20, 2009

New Shirt - Baphomet Diss

I am not particularly too much of a protectionist when it comes to religion and "spiritual" concepts but I got tired of all the satanic imagery out there so I designed a Flatlandin shirt flippin it... I think it came out pretty cool with the sprockets and all... Peace...

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

10 FLATLANDERS

Here are 10 random professional Flatlanders in no particular order. There are many pros out there who don't get enough exposure but these just came to mind. All are getting seriously ill but of particular note for me was the Chase Gouin, Phil Dolan, and Day Smith vids just because they throw in some stuff that I couldn't imagine was technically possible. I thought it was brutally tough $hit... Peep the techniques and I am sure you have enough inspiration now to last you until you retire your 20 inch bike for a tricked out wheelchair...with trick handles of course...
Peace, FL

KEVIN JONES
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/shisharrom

PETE BRANDT
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/OlskoolGeorge

MATT WILHELM
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/mattwilhelm43

DAY SMITH
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/dejouner

PHIL DOLAN
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/burifej

TEVOR MEYER
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/fatboy972

VIKI GOMEZ
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/bulbers257

JESSE PUENTE
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/iflatland

TERRY ADAMS
From: http://www.youtube.com/user/kevinenels

CHASE GOUIN
From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OmPbAuRtRk

Monday, January 26, 2009

GOT THOSE PEGS!!!

PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.agoride.com/docs/img_contenu/000037/hang_five_Bmx_Tricks_003629_g.jpg

Whether giving your homie a ride to his house, having your girlfriend ride with you, or hopping/rolling on them, everyone loves a set of pegs on their bike. Pegs have gone through an evolution from really small to large and then back down to a medium length and circumference. In the past you would screw them on like a nut and bolt but more modern pegs slide on the axle and get tightened with the nut of the rim hub's axle using a socket wrench.

According to the Joe Kid On A stingray documentary, which by the way, if you haven't seen it, I recommend that you do. Anyway, according to the video Pat Romano who ironically has an "Artistic Cycling" background and has been in many movies riding BMX was the first to put these on a bike. Soon after, it spread like wild fire and cats where doing all types of stunts on them. I remember my friend who just came from Mexico, called them "diablos" which means "devils". I guess it comes from the terms "Dare-Devil". In any event he had some really skinny pegs on his bike and I gave him an old set of "GT tube rides". I mean those pegs he had where so skinny, if we where doing tricks with those today, I could imagine how many times we would get stabbed with the bike. Still, it was hardcore knowing that he was riding with those things.

Anyway, after he got the bigger GT pegs he started grinding on benches and trying some flatland. He went back to Mexico and I think he still rides to this day. So, I guess a good set of pegs can literally get you where you want to go. They currently come in steal or aluminum. Steal are more for street and riding ramps and Aluminum is highly recommended for flatland only, unless your feeling suicidally brave which might not be a good thing. There are also some "park" pegs which seem like a good idea considering steal pegs can do some damage to the coping on ramps. Anyway, I listed sort of a chronological evolution of the peg. If you don't have any, get some and learn the many different ways you can wheelie, grind, or hop around with them. Of course, feel free to give your homie a ride to the store....if he is cool that is...

Peace and ride it out no matter what...
JB

Some of those skinny "pencil pegs"

Skyway Freestyle type pegs, many tricks where invented and done with these...

I think ACS, Raleigh , and Legal Action made pegs like these. You can still find them for sale as many "Old School" pegs are still being made.

These where hot for a while because of the look and feel... Smooth pegs from Tioga known as "roll-ons" for obvious reasons... It's hard to find a pair nowadays that aren't used...

These where the standard for a while. GT Steel tube rides where strong and large enough for sure footing. These where pretty much the last of the screw on pegs that where used.

Standard made pegs like these and they where really popular during the later 90's. They literally set a standard for thread less pegs.

Some newer, more modern, steel and aluminum pegs from Odyssey and Primo.

Some super light park pegs with an aluminum core.

Suelo/Fly Flatland Pegs with grip-tape. I personally have a couple of pairs of these and I love them... Perfect for flat, good size and light as F?ck...

Monday, January 5, 2009

BMX STREET RIDING IN RUSSIA

I bumped into this interesting video of street riders in Russia and I thought I would post/share it...
Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/user/InfinityStunter

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

NEVER TOO OLD

Photo Credit: cr. Jennifer Huskey | © Lat34.com

Sometimes I come across people who say, aren't you too old to be riding bmx? I respond, "aren't you too old to play baseball or basketball?" The older people who tell me this are usually out of shape, don't take the best care of themselves, and in the worse case scenario are sitting in front of a television nursing a good sized beer belly. I mean, WTF, Kids play league ball(little league) and although they might not be able to hit as hard or run as fast as an adult, as it it makes any difference in the little league world, no one tells them that it's a sport only for kids. If that was the case their wouldn't be any semi-pro baseball leagues or pro players in general. The same goes for bmx and skateboarding.

I think that since they are newer sports and where based on the rejection of the more "jock" type of sports while also having a culture that rejects the conformity of a "team" environment, the sports unfortunately get hated on and looked upon as rebellious. I guess that fact that many of us listened to rap, hip-hop, punk-rock, and metal didn't help our image much but who cares. I mean, our goal was to have our own style and for the most part I think many are still pushing the envelope and developing their own twist in styles. At least I hope so...

In addition, the advertising of BMX and skateboarding has always been aimed youth even though it was adults who molded the sports.

Now, I know what you all are saying, "those bikes are so damn tiny, they have to be for kids..." Well, people who say that are ignoring the fact that it is going to be damn hard to move around freely on a 26 inch or a 58 cm road bike frame, unless you have an unchecked growth spurt not known in nature.

Tallest Man On A Custom Bike

Yes, I am aware of artistic cycling where it looks more like ballet on a bike, however, BMX came from the dirt to the pavement and the rough and rugged style was more in common with B-Boying then ballet... However, I am not hating, just making a clear distinction.

World Famous Rock Steady Crew
Photo Credit: http://www.break.pl/images/artykuly/bboying_lessons/bboying_lessons_3_rock_steady_crew.jpg

You can NEVER link up the combos on a big frame that you can on a 20 inch and for those that do, you better believe that they had a BMX background or at least mountain biking. Even the tallest of riders need a manageable bike to whip around and although they might max out the length and height, it's still BMX.

Photo Credit: http://www.interbmx.com/img/0704/InterBMX.com.2966.23.001233.jpg

It's also interesting how mountain bikes have changed so much for the "extreme" sector. In other words they got sleeker and smaller the those huge aluminum frames that are built today for cruising around suburban bike paths...

Anyway, the point of this post is not to force people to ride, skate, or do anything that they don't want to do. I mean, I admit that these sports are very hard, expensive, dangerous, competitive, and take a hell of a long time to perfect. The average person out there doesn't understand our internal need for dedication, camaraderie, and the freedom we feel when we do what we like to do. People will always want to try and control your thoughts, actions, and ideas or give you false information. Even family members can try and force you to conform to more "traditional" ways of existing. However, although I feel that you should try to respect people as much as possible especially your family, you should also never feel that you have to do something in order to please those who may not have your best interest at hand. You and I know that controlling people can live negative lives and spit negative vibes. Also, those that follow the flock can't cover new ground. They frown on creativity and differences because it clashes and challenges their corrupt ego and manufactured feelings of superiority.

Always Think Out Of The Box

So will I ever quit riding? Well, I already have. I quit many times for a variety of reasons but I kept coming back to it because it was fun, creative, and I could trim down the gut without hours of boring workouts on cybex machines or joining a health club where people try to show off gear and/or how antisocial they are. So I guess in my case, that old 2-Hip shirt was right... Riders Never Die...

So don't be afraid to do your thing ya'll, and let the rest keep running around in circles. I would much rather bust a wheelie in circles. These are words from an elder... Be free everyone or die trying...

Dennis Mccoy is pushing 40 and still going strong. Check out this Inrerview from VitalBMX.
http://www.youtube.com/user/VitalBMX

Other Photo Credits:

http://www.contestformoms.com/uploaded_images/biketrickphoto2-791914.jpg

http://www.creativepro.com/

http://www.boingboing.net/images/_crblog_wp-content_uploads_2008_08_basszilla_02.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/Tallest-man-rides-bike.jpg

http://neatorama.cachefly.net/images/2007-09/downhill-mountain-bike-snow.jpg

http://www.break.pl/images/artykuly/bboying_lessons/bboying_lessons_3_rock_steady_crew.jpg

Monday, December 15, 2008

KGB BIKES

I own a KGB frame and I have to honestly say that the thing is custom made for Flatland... No exceptions. I rode a Hoffman EP for a long time and although I loved the frame, it was definitely a freakin tank! So when I ordered the KGB frame, I was excited to see and "feel" the transition. It took me about a year to build just the way I wanted and get enough funds for the job. Thank you credit cards... Now I am forever owned but that's another story. Anyway, for all of you out there, I recommend slowly saving your funds and slowing build up your custom ride. KGB has allot of nice parts aside from their frames but I personally like their frames the best. They have recently came out with a Palmero frame which is definitely dope in my book.

Photo Credit: http://www.kgbflat.com/v2/?page_id=22&category=1

It has an old school feel with the twin top tube reminiscent of the infamous Haro Master.

Photo Credit: http://www.23mag.com/mags/bxm/bxm85.htm

However looking at the frame, you can tell that allot of thought and consideration went into building a frame that will enable a rider to move around the frame in whatever fashion they can imagine. For example, the down and top tube bends allow for a single or some multiple "Fire Hydrants". Also, a quick "Funky Chicken" will be easier to learn the way the tubes are engineered. KGB is owned by riders Martti Kuoppa and Viki Gomez. They are both hardcore Flatlanders with intense skills.

Here is a video of them blending their moves with the Hip-Hop culture. I really like this clip...

Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/user/kuoppamartti

Also, a true OG of Flatland, Pete Brandt has also cut up some moves on these frames. I mean, what other proof do you you want?

Photo Credit: http://www.global-flat.com/articles/index.php?id=66

So if your shopping around for a frame, peep some KGB products. I am definitely happy with my frame. Peace...

Links:
http://www.kgbflat.com/v2/

http://www.petebrandt.com/

http://www.global-flat.com/

http://www.23mag.com/

Just me and my KGB...

Monday, December 8, 2008

RIDE/SKATE EVERYTHING

I remember when I picked up my first BMX ACTION magazine. I used to go to a Jewel near my house where I often bought comic books and I saw a racer jumping a berm on the cover.

Photo Credit: http://www.iracebmx.com/racers/pro/ericrupe/index.htm
Opening the magazine, ads of brightly colored Freestyle bikes jumped out at me and that was the time when Freestyle BMX was starting to gain popularity.

Photo Credit: http://www.singlespeedshop.com/oldschoolbmx/rl20_8.jpg
Later came FREESTYLIN magazine which was dedicated to Freestyle trick riding but you would still see ads for straight racing BMX bikes and even skateboarding coverage and ads. Riding BMX and having a skateboard wasn't uncommon because if you can afford a BMX bike you definitely can afford a deck with trucks. Not all BMX heads skated but the point is that it was not uncommon and the sports, some would say "ways of life", shared the same streets and ramps. I would say the only obvious difference in getting into BMX was the price of the bicycles and many kids in my neighborhood chose to skate because of it. I would often meet skaters who wanted to ride but getting a bike was next to impossible. Likewise, those that did get bikes didn't last long in the sport for various reasons.

Photo Credit: http://www.bakerpools.net/collection/myhre2ad.jpg
Nowadays, getting a decent bike for cheap is not as impossible as it was years ago and although the bikes are specialized for street, flatland, dirt, and/or racing, one can get a bike and modify it enough to get started in any of the specializations. Back in the day, we would ride anything and everything like some flat, then go street riding downtown(Before the Daley institutional crack-down). We would ride a mini-half pipe in the summer in someone's back yard(Respect to Brian's "Big-Daddy" ramp and Skate Church), then hit Rotation Station(R.I.P.) or 4 Wheels Out. It was all good and it was all fun. We would ride the whole city, all hoods, and even end up in the suburbs.

Although things are different now and cities are changing, there is no reason one can't get a bike and ride anything and everything. That is what Freestyle BMX is all about. I posted some bikes and frames that are cheap and can work for all round riding, even racing. I mean, if you get good on a heavy bike, imagine how good you will be on a lighter one. My first bike was a CW California Flyer... It was heavy as living f^ck, AND I had mags on it! So get a bike, look and study how other bikes are set up either for racing, street, or flat and get on it. Here is a hint, make it as light as possible, compact, and tighten up everything while maintaining high pressure in the tires. If anyone needs advice on how to turn a department store bike into a ridable stunt machine until you get enough money to get a better one, holler at me on myspace... GET YOUR ROLL ON!

Here is a decent bike from JensonUSA that you can start doing street, ramps, and racing right away on but also modify for flatland. For Flatland, just slap a front brake on there and keep them working well with grease and tightening. You will also need another set of pegs and you are ready to ride some Flatland. For racing, get some "nobbies" or racing tires. You will know them by the bumpy tread on them...