New Grime Information

Grime just re-did their website and its looking really butter. I was browsing around the new site to find that Taylor Dwight and Chris Fonseca are now a part of the Grime's team. They're gonna up Grime's game a ton. Their is also a street store that is supposed to open up on an unknown date and Wonka's Woodward classic is gonna be major so keep checking their site for updates on that. Also be sure to check out their new blog, they posted some information about new Sadio parts. I really like the look of that fork. Look forward to big things with Sadio and Grime in the new year.

Charge Components In Stock

Citygrounds just got their shipment of Charge parts so swoop them up while you can. The Scissor fork is super sold and you can't really beat $120 for that solid of a fork. Personally I've been riding the Bucket saddle and I really suggest it. I'll be doing a review on it soon.

Boothby Bail

Matt Lingo has got to be my favorite photographer of this year and this is the perfect explanation why. He really knows how to catch the essence of this sport and has been a real big influence on the growth of it this year. I just love how raw this photo is.

Photo Cred: Matt Lingo

Tyler Johnson Spare Clips

Another edit before my night ends. I love the nose manny to barspin off the stairs I thought that was super clean. Tyler is one of the best riders out there and he shows that tricks aren't crippled with a 700c rim. 700c army stay strong!

Shmob x Driveway

I like the simplicity of this video. These are the tricks I am working on and its good to see more examples, it makes me want to go out and practice.

SHMOB x Driveway from Shane Hunt on Vimeo.

700c vs. 26"

The debate between wheel size has been going on ever since Mike Schmitt ran his leader with 26" wheels (or at least thats the first that I remember). In my opinion, there will always be this rivalry in the FGFS sport between these two rim sizes. I personally ride 700c but I'm no 700c nazi. There is actually a set of 26" rims in my garage but I haven't had the funds to build them up yet. But after getting my Bruiser and being able to fit bigger tires, I don't know if I'm going to end up switching. How I see it, 700c is a lot more comfortable to ride on and there are plenty of frames that accomodate the same size tires as 26". The only reason I wanted to change to 26" in the first place was because I have short legs and the bike would fit me better. People also say that 26" is stronger but a 700c wheel could be just as strong with the right builder. Next, I also think that people do way too many stupid things to get full barspin clearance. I don't think getting smaller wheels is worth the sacrifice of comfort while commuting. In the end, I guess its all preferance but I think I'll stick to my 700c's for now. You can see the debate over on Volume but here is what I see about the pros of each:

700c:

Looks Cleaner

More Techy Tricks

Better to Commute

Faster

26":

Stronger (maybe)

More Choices for Tires and Rims

Lower Standover

Increased Barspin Clearance

Price Drop: Forte Tubes

"Price drop" is another series I am about to start doing where I post up good deals that I find online or at shops. I was in need of new tubes so I stopped by my local Performance Bikes to pick some up. I've been riding these tubes since I started riding and I haven't found anything wrong with them. Despite this, there isn't anything special about them either. They're just a good standard tube and for $3.99 you can't go wrong. I picked up three for myself and you can buy online here.

Bangin' Bikes: Dan Fix's Leader Moredecai

Dan has been super supportive of my blog since the beginning and when he contacted me about doing a bike check, I was more than happy to post. I'm interested in how the Lurker Fork holds up because I haven't seen to many people riding them. Him and his friends are also working on an edit so lets see if Dan can really put the fork to the test. On another note, if you look at the second picture, you'll see a yellow leader sticker that Dan made himself. If you need any stickers hit him up over on Trick Track. Also, if you want your bike to be featured on Bangin' Bikes, just contact me through a comment or email.

Specs:

Frame: 55cm Leader Mordecai
Headset: FSA
Fork: Custom Painted Purple Lurker Fork (by Josh P. Harris)
Rims: 36h Chukkers, Iro hubs
Tires: 40c Vittoria Rando's
Stem: Eastern Deceptikon
Bars: Shadow Vultus
Grips: Eastern Fuquay Flyer
Seatpost and Clamp: Haro 27.2 post, Summit Clamp
Seat: Macniel Fat Capital
Cranks: 160mm 48spline Resist
Sprocket: Icon Resist Sprocket 36t
Cog: 15t
Chain: KMC Z
Pedals: Animal Pedals
Foot Retention: Hold fast

Bangin' Bikes: Volume Cutter (Unknown Owner)

This is just a series of posts that I'm going to start doing when I find bike setups that I really like. To start things off, here is a glow in the dark Volume Cutter. I love the sticker bombed fork and the toothpaste color, black, and white really go well together. On another note though, I have never seen 38c tires on a Cutter especially when this isn't even the newest generation. On a more personal note, before I had my Bruiser I had a Volume Cutter and I really loved that geometry. Cutters will always have a special place in my heart and I wouldn't mind building up another Cutter as a commuter/long distance bike once I got some money.

Specs:

Frame: Volume Cutter glow-in-the-dark
Fork: Volume Fu Manchu
Bars: Animal Bob cut
Stem: Animal Jump Off Remix
Headset: Stolen
Grips: Animal Edwin
Seat: Animal
Seatpost: Animal
Sprocket: Tree Lite 37t
Cranks: Profile No-Boss 165mm
Chain: HKK Vertex gold
Cog: Soma 14t
Pedals: Animal Hamilton
Straps: Burro Chronic
Wheels: Velocity Chukkers
Tires: Continental City Ride 700x38c
Cat: Domino
Rabbit: Peter

Riding Music: Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz is one of the most talented artists out there right now. I love listening to his music when I cruise around on the beach, his music gives off a chill laid back feeling and I love it. I've been hooked on this song recently:

Morning Edits: Andrew Voegeli and Tanner Monmaney

I love waking up to find killer edits. This morning I found one of Andrew Voegeli, and Tanner Monmaney. In the first video, Andrew kills it with that feeble. In the second, Tanner kills it everywhere else. Hawaii has some killer riders and its a shame that they haven't put out as many edits as they used to. Tanner is still one of my favorite riders an someone stole his bike so if you know who or if you wanna hook it up and sponsor him, you can contact Aloha Fixed.

Charge Scissor V2

The Charge Scissor V2 Frame is now available via Wiggle. The first generation Scissor had a lot of problems with a weak rear triangle so hopefully this one can hold up. I can't see a chain stay bridge but hopefully that is just due to the angle. Other than that, it looks real beefy and I love the S bend chain stays and blue accents. It also comes in Extra Small now which is good because the small V1 had a standover similar to a standard medium frame. I'm excited to see builds of this and from what I hear, this won't be directly available in the US but I would wait for real confirmation from Charge before ordering internationally.

Fyxation Mesa Pedal

These are just sick. I've loved thin profile bmx pedals ever since I rode Premium Slim Pedals. In my opinion, it looks a lot classier. These Mesa Pedals look really promising except the slots don't look like they could hold all straps, maybe just Hold Fast or other straps with a thin bottom. Check out the specs on Fixation's Blog.

My Daily: Huntington Beach High #2

Today I went on a 10 mile ride on the beach and then went for a little trick sesh at Huntington beach High School. this was the first time I hit any stairs with my new bike and I really wanted to test out its strength. I must say, the bruiser does not disappoint. Its not too heavy but feels super strong. Well, back to my riding, I rode a few different stairs ranging from 3 to 5 and I worked on not just riding off the stairs. I'm starting to get it down except I kind of hurt my wrist after all those landings. One thing I don't understand yet is how to do tricks off the stairs, when I jump off, their doesn't seem like theres enough hang time to switch into another trick. I guess I'll figure it out eventually but this is all for now.

Matt Spencer 2010 Crashes

I just love this! The last rail with Congo looks brutal.

2010 Crashes from Matthew Spencer on Vimeo.

Matt Spencer

Morning Ride

Brad just posted a sick video with him doing a few grinds. I love the playback of all the failed attempts, it makes it seem a lot more realistic. Brad rides for LDG and they have some game changing stuff in the work so keep an eye open for them.

~@MORNING RIDE!!! from Fixed LovE on Vimeo.

D4zzle's Nem-Pro SteveLand Cleaner (UPDATED)

Derek just posted new pics of his Steveland Cleaner on his blog. This is the first of these frames that I know of and the first one I've seen complete. The clearance is bomb and I still love that unique pepto bismol color. the black everything else make it look really clean. It's built up with great parts so props to Derek for that. Now all we need to see is him trying to break it!

(thats also a 1.95 tire with 165mm cranks)

Photo Cred: Derek

Riding Music: The Time Mysto and Pizzi Remix

When I trick, I look for upbeat songs that make me push me to ride fast and this definitely fits the bill. I've been a big fan of Mysto and Pizzi as long as I have been using youtube and this is exactly why. These guys are so talented whether it be fresh new beats or upbeat remixes. Everyone should subscribe to their youtube channel because their remixes will make you the life of the party.

D4zzle's Nem-Pro SteveLand Cleaner

Derek just posted some more teaser pics of his new Pepto Bismol Nem-Pro Steveland Cleaner and I must say, it's coming out super clean. I've always been a big fan of Nem-Pro, Brad's workmanship is amazing and the quality of the frames he puts out is just unbeatable. I'm excited to see this beast built up and one thing is for sure, this bike is going to be one of a kind.

Photo Cred: Derek

Sadio Spark 14mm Hubs

Sadio Spark 14mm Hubs are now in stock through Grime and I am super excited to see these put to the test. The price isn't too bad but you have to buy the conversion kit which isn't in stock at Grime yet. I'm looking forward to seeing what Sadio and Grime have in the near future, specifically the Sadio Booster frame that I saw a while back.

Red Your Dead Conflict

Yet another RYD post. RYD just posted pics of their new Conflict Trick frame which looks to have big tire clearance, and maybe negative bb? I like how its not drilled for brakes, which IMO, makes it look cleaner but I know theres still plenty of people who want to run brakes. The welds look clean and the frame and fork really compliment each other. There are several things that I dislike though. For one, they are still using euro bb which allows people to still use track cranks, but mid bb is stronger and track cranks are useless. Through all the track cranks I've rounded out, I understand that bmx cranks are a necessity. Next, I think the stickers look cheap. This may just be looks but I wouldn't want a frame with a logo that made it look like I bought it at Wal-Mart. Other than that, it looks like a solid frame and I can't wait to see it built up.

Taylor Dwight, New Ride?

I haven't seen much of Taylor recently and a picture of him was posted over on Trick Track. What popped out at me was the frame he was riding because it is definitely not an All-City Dropout. I then went and checked the All-City website and saw that Taylor is not listed under the riders section anymore. Did I miss Taylor switching to a new sponsor or was this all under wraps? I'm also really interested in figuring out what new frame he is riding so if anyone has any insight into this question, feel free to post a comment to educate us all.

Photo Cred: Luke Fuller

Red Your Dead V2 Forks

Red Your Dead just posted their v2 Havoc Forks and I must say, these are definitely a step up from the original. The 28 rake will give you mad clearance and it can fit a 50c which is amazing for people who are still a part of the 700c army. The peg cutout also seems like a neccesity nowadays with all of these 14mm hubs and negative bb drop frames in the works. Lastly, the original fork was known for being extremely heavy so lets hope that this one lost some weight.

My Daily: End of the Rain #1

This is the first of many "A Glimpse" (may change name) posts in which I will post about my day whether it be riding or random shenanigans. Today was the end of what seemed to be a month long rainstorm in Orange County. Since the rain had stopped, I went out to ride my local spots for a little while. Everything was flooded though so I didn't work on anything new and only stayed out for about an hour. Even though it wasn't the greatest sesh, it was good to get back on my bike after the week of rain.

Rick Anderson

John over at prollyisnotprobably just posted his opinion of the top 10 fixed gear edits of 2010 but one that didn't make the list, was one of my favorite riders, Rick Anderson. This edit was actually the first time I saw Rick in action and I was captivated by his speed and style. His moves were killer and they really flowed together. He was also just recently picked up by the new up and coming FGFS Brand Unknown Bikes. They have some killer parts in the works so look out for them.

Rick Anderson // Fix[ed] from Kinema Group on Vimeo.

Bike Check: My Own Milwaukee Bruiser

This is my current bike that I use for everything from commuting to tricking.

Review for different parts to come, if you have anything in particular you want me to review, email me at gnarniabikes@gmail.com

I also barely have full barspin clearance with this setup.

Specs:

Frame- Small Milwaukee Bruiser

Fork- Leader Shadow Fork

Headset- Tange

Stem- Random 25.4 50mm Ebay Stem

Bars- Blk Mrkt Bada Bing Bars 28 inches wide

Grips- Odyssey Arron Ross

Seatpost and Clamp- Random

Seat- Charge Bucket

Cranks- 160mm Demolition Medials

Sprocket- 36t Mosh

Cog- 14t

Wheels- Dual 700c Velocity Chukkers Laced to Profile Hubs

Tires- Front 32c Panracer Urban Max, Rear 35c Bontrager Hardcase

Chain- KMC Z

Pedals- Primo Pc

Straps- Homemade (have lasted almost a year)

The Start Of It All

My name is Kevin Nguyen, I am 16 years young, and I have been riding fixed gears for about 3 years. During my freshman year of high school, the fixed gear scene really began to blow up which was how I got my first encounter. My friend bought a conversion off of craigslist and soon after, I followed, buying a (way too big) Schwinn Traveler Conversion off of my friend's dad. I was a part of the first wave of "Hipsters" but I didn't mind the hate, I had found something that I really loved to do. With this bike, I did small rides here and there but my parents were skeptical about me riding long distances. I rode this bike for quite some time though and eventually decided that it was time to upgrade to a real track bike. My first true Track Bike was a Mercier Kilo TT off of bikesdirect. When I got it built up, I accidently stripped out my cranks which led me into the mechanical aspect bikes. Over time, I sold things I didn't need such as my Ipod and PSP in order to get money for bike parts and tools. With this bike, my parents were getting used to longer distance riding and even let me go on some community rides like TKO and Organ Donors. I was agitated by the toe overlap and short top tube so I ended up selling the Kilo tt and buying another bikesdirect bike, the Motobecane Track. This bike lasted me the longest out of all the others simply because it was what I wanted in a bike at that moment, it had no toe overlap, a relaxed geometry (which i didn't completely understand why yet), longer top tube, it was properly sized, and I had upgraded it evenly, unlike my Kilo which had mismatched wheels. During the time I had this bike, I was opened up to the FGFS world, I started learning wheelies and riding fakie and I was hooked. I tried to 180 on it and I bent the fork so that was my chance to upgrade to a Fu Man Chu fork that I bought from Epic. I also beefed up the tires to 28c which I thought was huge. Next, I had found mini bmx bars at the swap meet for $10. The bike was fun but I rounded out the cranks really quick because I weigh 180. This stopped me from tricking and I tried to sell the bike to get a Trick Bike but no one was buying so I ended up trading for a S&M LTF Bmx Bike which I later traded for a Volume Cutter Complete. This was hands down the best commuter bike I have ever ridden but it still had some problems. The cranks were still track so I didn't trick other than wheelies, fakie, sliders, and barspins. At this point in my Fixed Gear Life I was understanding geometry, tools, and most aspects of Bikes so I didn't hate the cutter for having such bad barspin clearance. I understood that it was made to be a commuter that could take abuse, not a trick bike. I used this bike to get everywhere I went and lasted longer than the others but I once again thought it was time to upgrade. I traded the frameset for a Dk Kvant (which I am selling ATM). I had enough money to buy a frameset but needed a little more cash for some other miscellaneous parts. I ended up buying a Milwaukee Bruiser Frameset off of a guy in SD and he was nice enough to throw in bmx cranks and a bunch extra for no extra charge. This allowed me to complete my bike without having to rush selling the BMX Bike. I just transfered the majority of the parts off of my Cutter. This leads me to where I am right now, with a complete FGFS bike, getting into tricking, understanding how to fix and assemble bikes, and just my bike IQ in general is a lot higher. I wanted to start this blog to document my life and the rise of this new fantastic sport. Thats whats on my mind but we'll see how this blog turns out through the up and coming new year.

My First Love