Saturday, February 27, 2010
New Poll
There's a new poll on the right. I want to try to get an indoor skatepark going on around downtown Dallas. Vote to let me know you support it or not. Thanks.
Ryan's Back!
I hope everyone likes reading what Ryan has to say as much as I do. Let him know what you think in the comments.
"Today while taking a drive I was reflecting on how glad I am to have had BMX a part of my life. It seems like I’ve ran into a lot of people here lately who have gotten pretty far off a sustainable path in life. Most of the time, these individuals never had anything positive in their life. One way BMX has influenced me (and probably thousands others) is that it forced me to think individually – to think for myself. I grew up in a town with two options: 1) play baseball, and 2) play football. Of course, not everyone choose those activities, so they ran in the opposite direction of ball-sports and started a culture for another option in my town, 3) party your brains out. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve consumed a fair share of Anheuser Busch in my day. But the point is, BMX forced me to be independent in a way. A way of doing something that wasn’t the three typical options in my town of 20,000. I loved riding, and so I rode, despite what anybody said. Nobody thought it was “cool” or some fad, back then, except for my friends that rode. Later on in high school, it seemed like I had reached a level that genuinely impressed some people, and so they begin to think it was pretty neat (Close friends that didn’t ride anyways). I’ve always kept that think for myself attitude with me, ever since then. I think that’s a pretty good trait since studies show nearly 75% of people are conformist to some extent. And anyone who has seen my 44tooth sprocket could tell you that, or just laugh at my bike. Besides all that, there are probably 20 other lessons I’ve learned because I rode a bike with 20-inch wheels. I don’t have the time to type them all, and I’m sure your attention span wouldn’t be interested, anyways. I seriously have no freaking idea what I would be like now, had I not started riding bikes. I probably would have kept playing ball sports, became a jock, and contracted multiple sexually transmitted diseases… who knows...
The point is... BMX can teach you so many more things in life than just how to do tricks if you just take time to think about them."
-Ryan
"Today while taking a drive I was reflecting on how glad I am to have had BMX a part of my life. It seems like I’ve ran into a lot of people here lately who have gotten pretty far off a sustainable path in life. Most of the time, these individuals never had anything positive in their life. One way BMX has influenced me (and probably thousands others) is that it forced me to think individually – to think for myself. I grew up in a town with two options: 1) play baseball, and 2) play football. Of course, not everyone choose those activities, so they ran in the opposite direction of ball-sports and started a culture for another option in my town, 3) party your brains out. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve consumed a fair share of Anheuser Busch in my day. But the point is, BMX forced me to be independent in a way. A way of doing something that wasn’t the three typical options in my town of 20,000. I loved riding, and so I rode, despite what anybody said. Nobody thought it was “cool” or some fad, back then, except for my friends that rode. Later on in high school, it seemed like I had reached a level that genuinely impressed some people, and so they begin to think it was pretty neat (Close friends that didn’t ride anyways). I’ve always kept that think for myself attitude with me, ever since then. I think that’s a pretty good trait since studies show nearly 75% of people are conformist to some extent. And anyone who has seen my 44tooth sprocket could tell you that, or just laugh at my bike. Besides all that, there are probably 20 other lessons I’ve learned because I rode a bike with 20-inch wheels. I don’t have the time to type them all, and I’m sure your attention span wouldn’t be interested, anyways. I seriously have no freaking idea what I would be like now, had I not started riding bikes. I probably would have kept playing ball sports, became a jock, and contracted multiple sexually transmitted diseases… who knows...
The point is... BMX can teach you so many more things in life than just how to do tricks if you just take time to think about them."
-Ryan
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Born in the USA, and In God We Rust.
Erik E, talking straight on EYE BMX.
I've been working for VSI for quite some months now. VSI owns Intense Bicycles, THE, and a few other succesful bicycle brands, that are not in the freestyle 20" segment.
VSI's front door, and my EYE BMX bike.
I was hired to concept a bicycle brand, and start producing new parts for VSI. The boss man and I started to work on EYE BMX together, and things have been rolling forward ever since. We are now to a point of opperational status, meaning we have a team, a website, and parts to sell. Namely, we are selling EYE Q frames, made in the USA. Made in Los Angeles, actually.
My boss, Toby Henderson is a Bmx Legend. In every last Bmx hall of fame around. He still rides Bmx to this day. I am proud to work for this guy.
The immediate future of EYE BMX,
Things are in the works for more new parts now, and a components brand, to be released soon.
We are also working on Complete bikes.
I wish I could show you today, but I'm not supposed to do that yet. We have a collective interest in putting out the right information at the right time. What I can tell you is, I have seen complete EYE Bikes, and they look great. We want them to be perfect first. We want to show riders and shops, a bike that is in every way freestyle ready, and also at a price that will not kill your pocketbook.
There is also a new components company in the works. We are going to be making parts in LA and world wide, to make sure we have the right parts, at the right prices.
Also, The Team is alive. Actual living dudes, on bmx bikes, having fun, and breathing air, currently.
Chris B, on EYE.
The team is compiled of my friends. People I can trust to represent the brand whole heartedly. People who are not hung up on the popularity contest side of bmx, but just see bmx as cool, period. People who make me want to be a better bike rider. People who have fun, progressing in bmx.
I'd like you guys reading this to stop by the website. It would mean a great deal to me.
And also, hit the contacts button on the page, to shoot me an email, telling me what you think. It would be appreciated, regardless of your commets, thoughts, concerns, or whatever. Just email me. Do it.
www.eyebmx.com
Thank you, dudes.
Erik E
I've been working for VSI for quite some months now. VSI owns Intense Bicycles, THE, and a few other succesful bicycle brands, that are not in the freestyle 20" segment.
VSI's front door, and my EYE BMX bike.
I was hired to concept a bicycle brand, and start producing new parts for VSI. The boss man and I started to work on EYE BMX together, and things have been rolling forward ever since. We are now to a point of opperational status, meaning we have a team, a website, and parts to sell. Namely, we are selling EYE Q frames, made in the USA. Made in Los Angeles, actually.
My boss, Toby Henderson is a Bmx Legend. In every last Bmx hall of fame around. He still rides Bmx to this day. I am proud to work for this guy.
The immediate future of EYE BMX,
Things are in the works for more new parts now, and a components brand, to be released soon.
We are also working on Complete bikes.
I wish I could show you today, but I'm not supposed to do that yet. We have a collective interest in putting out the right information at the right time. What I can tell you is, I have seen complete EYE Bikes, and they look great. We want them to be perfect first. We want to show riders and shops, a bike that is in every way freestyle ready, and also at a price that will not kill your pocketbook.
There is also a new components company in the works. We are going to be making parts in LA and world wide, to make sure we have the right parts, at the right prices.
Also, The Team is alive. Actual living dudes, on bmx bikes, having fun, and breathing air, currently.
Chris B, on EYE.
The team is compiled of my friends. People I can trust to represent the brand whole heartedly. People who are not hung up on the popularity contest side of bmx, but just see bmx as cool, period. People who make me want to be a better bike rider. People who have fun, progressing in bmx.
I'd like you guys reading this to stop by the website. It would mean a great deal to me.
And also, hit the contacts button on the page, to shoot me an email, telling me what you think. It would be appreciated, regardless of your commets, thoughts, concerns, or whatever. Just email me. Do it.
www.eyebmx.com
Thank you, dudes.
Erik E
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Seen: Hustle & Grind Trixtape 2010.
COMING OUT NEXT WEEK.
Next up... Seen: Shit's Tight Trixtape.
The weather has been really nice. Make sure you ride as much as possible. Make sure you're always having fun.
Next up... Seen: Shit's Tight Trixtape.
The weather has been really nice. Make sure you ride as much as possible. Make sure you're always having fun.
Friday, February 19, 2010
F**K YOU!!!
Ok so I'll admit I've been slacking I was supposed to continue this thing last week but as you all know sometimes life interrupts the things we mean to do, but anyway back to business. As of late there have been huge innovations in the construction of forks with companies like Odyssey pushing things in the new light weight direction with a slew of other companies following suite. With all new forks coming in close to the same weight it can be very hard to choose what fork will work best for your application. First and foremost lets get the basics of fork construction out of the way. The first part to look at would be the steerer tube. The steerer tube can be the difference between a fork that can withstand hard impacts due to casing, landing flat, or even the occasional toss due to frustration. Steeter tubes usually are butted or fluted now and neither one has proven itself stronger then the other one. Fluted tubes remove material from the tube in sections to help retain the strength of the fork while reducing the weight considerably. A butted tube takes the material out of the fork in areas that do not take a lot of stress i.e. thick where it needs to be, and thin where it doesn't. Most companies have an understanding where most forks will fail so they have beeen beefed up in the right places. Fork legs are very similar the difference is mostly in taper which is how the tube reduces in size which in my opinion makes forks look kinda weak, but to each his own. The reduction of fork leg size can aide in reducing the likelihood of denting or even hanging up on rails and ledges. However before you go out and buy the newest tapered fork remember there is a limit in how much this can help you, because if you happen to dent the fork leg it is now weaker cause a quarter size dent in a fork leg with a smaller diameter is more of a worry then one in a normal diameter fork. So pick your forks based on you riding style for example heavy street riders need a fork with a little more girth while park/pegless street riders can benefit from a fork with less material. Now the current popular measurement in forks is offset. The standard offset is 32mm to 35mm, which will make your bike handle more natural and predictable in certain situations which is a favorite among trail riders and "mid" school riders who want their headtube angle to feel like it is supposed to. The new steeper offsets are more for tech street riders and park riders searching for a more responsive feel from there front end to make it easier to transition to the front wheel as well as give their bike quicker steering. If you aren't sure which measurement sounds bestthis might help if your frame has a 75 degree headtube angle and you have a traditional offset fork your frame will ride like it has a 75 degree headtube. Now place a steeper offset fork on the same frame and it will feel more like 75.5 or 76 degree headtube. Dropouts and heat treating can be saved for another time so stay tuned...
Quentin
Quentin
Thursday, February 18, 2010
George Boyd: Boom! No Teeth.
I just talked to George and this is what happened...
"Ahhh man... I was doin an over grind and slipped up. Something caught an upright and I got sent head first to the asphalt. My hands slipped out from beneath me and BOOM... face teeth smash. Suckkkkkked."
George is definitely becoming a legend in BMX. So you know we're going to interview this mug. Just not today... I don't think... GO RIDE. Don't be scared to fall down.
"Ahhh man... I was doin an over grind and slipped up. Something caught an upright and I got sent head first to the asphalt. My hands slipped out from beneath me and BOOM... face teeth smash. Suckkkkkked."
George is definitely becoming a legend in BMX. So you know we're going to interview this mug. Just not today... I don't think... GO RIDE. Don't be scared to fall down.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Brian Dodson: Broken Collarbone... Again.
"I broke my collarbone again Monday night at bergs.
Gonna have my third surgery on it monday, gonna be out eight weekish....
I was trying over lucky down a rail and as soon as I was over the rail
I hesitated, missed my pedal and went otb straight to my shoulder.
Thanks to Poodle for helping me get outta there." -Brian
As soon as the weather got good...
Gonna have my third surgery on it monday, gonna be out eight weekish....
I was trying over lucky down a rail and as soon as I was over the rail
I hesitated, missed my pedal and went otb straight to my shoulder.
Thanks to Poodle for helping me get outta there." -Brian
As soon as the weather got good...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Chillin: A Ramble
I'm currently being a little bitch about this chilly weather. I want to ride so bad. I need people to ride new places with me. To explore in the cold looking for a new place to ride our bikes. Things used to be like that around here. We rode at all times. Is that still okay to do when you get a little older? Can I really just ride my bike all the time? I can't. I've got some shit to do before i can ride all the time again. As long as i still have the want, right? I don't think the want i have for bikes will ever go away, no matter how cold it gets.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Quick Stephen Bruner Interview
what's your full name and age?
Stephen James Bruner II 24 years old.
where were you born?
Dallas, Texas Baylor Medical Center
where do you live?
Richardson, Texas
how long have you been in the bmx game?
Who really knows. Earliest memories are at O.B. trails back in 6th or 7th grade maybe. So... 11 years?
got any gaps you know you're going to do, but haven't?
I have a long list of gaps I have seen but never been able to ride. Slowly but surely they're getting checked off, not to see the light of day until 2012.
what's your bike setup right now? will you ever change it?
4 pegs and brakes. The only way to ride a bike for me. I can do any trick I want without having to fake it. If I want to ride brakeless I just don't touch my brake lever. After being brakeless for 2 years I dont want to get rid of brakes ever. It just limits me. Besides, I got tired of not being able to do gaps because I was brakeless.
who influences your riding?
My negativity influences my riding. I always watch videos and critique things. When I ride I try and do stuff I'm happy with. G-Crew influences me too. They turned a ramp kid into a street guy. A lot of the contest guys from the late 90's also. Just the no worries attitude of crashing to learn something. Voelker, Miron, Homan, McCoy, Hoffman, Escamilla, Nastazio. The 90's trail scene. Base Brooklyn Neighborhood Superheroes taught me how to ride street.
how is it living with quentin?
t's not bad. It's kind of like living with another me in a way. We both just work chill and play video games. Laid back and just do shit when the time comes.
will you ever leave texas?
When I graduate college I have always promised myself that I will relocate to anywhere if it is a job I want for the rest of my life. Other than that... no.
tell us about the new video you're working on...
G-Crew and Texas Underground have a ton of footage. A trip to New York and about 5 years worth of random footage. Some good, some bad, some dated, some current, some before it's time. It's a huge project and with school this semester I really have no timeline for when it will be done. Hopefully in time for George's street contest so we can just have a huge premiere with everyone being able to see it. Filming has already begun on the 10 year G-Crew anniversary set for 2012 also.
favorite band at the moment?
My 11,000 iTunes playlist on shuffle is my favorite band.
one place you want to go ride?
Rays Ramp Ranch. Takes me back to my trails days. I just want to flow something endlessly. For city though, I see stuff in the UK that would make me randy.
other hobbies...
Photography, video games, level design, 3d model texturing, video editing, annoying friends... scoping out the blu ray deals every friday at Fry's.
who do you think is up and coming?
No telling. BMX is so fucked upside down nowadays. It's not really about how good you are, it's about who you know. I mean in a way I guess it's always been that way... but the way kids just jack a dudes swagger nowadays. Tuck no handers on street and luc-e's are ruining BMX right now. I don't give a fuck how many stairs you can tuck. Suicide it or don't do it at all. I don't do bus drivers and half ass it. Why do you tuck and half ass it?
thanks...
You're welcome. I wish the interview was longer. I'm pretty fucking bored right now.
The D4 Tour
So I'm going across the country for the rest of the year to film... So, everything I own is for sale.
tazzhernandez@hotmail.com
tazzhernandez@hotmail.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Zoey's First Birthday
.Cheez's daughter, Zoey, is turning one today. Definitely something to celebrate. Happy birthday Zoey! =)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Follow Crank Faster on Facebook
I'll update the Crank Faster Facebook when we update the blog, that way you know when we update. You know?
[CRANK FASTER FACEBOOK GROUP]
[CRANK FASTER FACEBOOK GROUP]
Travis Kincaid's Photostream
Travis is a damn good Photographer, and a damn good BMX rider. Go check his shit out... let him know what you think.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/traviskincaid
Do your own thing: Erik E interviews Chad Degroot.
Ok, Name first?
Chad Degroot
How is life in 2010' Chad Degroot?
Life is really good. Have a ton of changes only for the better in 2010. My little boy is getting old enough to go on bike rides. My daughter is almost ready to walk. The wife isn't pregnant anymore. Deco is about to drop everything in the next month. And my shop is doing way better than I could have imagined with only being open for a few months. So YES, life is great...
It seems that you are still getting a lot of street and park riding done. I just saw the first Deco edit with Tom, Dave, and yourself, I wonder if you are still riding flat often, or what the deal is there?
I don't ride nearly as much as I would like to. Try juggling the family, two businesses, and the day to day with everything in between. My flat riding has been in spurts. But truthfully I was really worried the first time I took a few weeks off. But then I just started back where I left off. So it mentally doesn't bother me taking breaks. The next edit to come out for Deco is just me, and the ender is a flat link that I wanted to film for over a few years. So the link is really old, but I never got it on tape. So now I can let that one go and claim it as captured. Feels good to get some flat on tape. Thanks for the compliment on the new edit, Dave and Tom are amazing riders and are worthy of the Deco family for sure....
In that Deco edit, I saw some fakie nose-manuals, wall-rides, some log stalls, pole rides, etc... I think that it all looks like just another day for you, even though all of this stuff is pretty unorthodox and really creative. So when you are riding, are you thinking about doing stuff that other riders are not doing, or are you just filming whatever happens?
My trick list-to-do is pretty long. When I find the right set up the tricks just come to mind. Truthfully those tricks in that edit are some filler stuff cause I am saving a lot for the next edit. But I didn't want to NOT be a part of the welcome to the team edit, much less the first one...
I really need to travel more and get on some new obstacles, cause my trick list is in need of getting checked off...hopefully 2010 will do some work.
What riders do you think have had the most direct influences on your bike riding style?
Dave Freimuth, Rick Moliterno, Brian Vowell, Chase Gouin, and few more. All those guys went in their own direction which made me realize what can really happen if you stick with your own style.
Can you name any riders that you think are changing things, or pushing things in a creative sense?
Troy Merkle is always blowing my mind, Freimuth will always be doing something tech as hell, and there are a lot more to list. I love the direction BMX is going, people are getting their own style and sticking with it...
Outside of riding and multiple business' ventures in BMX, what would you say are your top priorities in life?
Family first, they set the mood or the way the day will be. Then there is running my business the way I feel necessary. The best thing about how I am living right now is everything I am doing is my way. No partners, no investors, nothing holding me back or telling me what to do. My priority is to stay true to myself and take what I know and have learned and apply it to making everything better for my family and my life.
What pass times, cultures, or activities outside of BMX have inspired you to do what you do?
Being a tourist is my favorite thing to do. When I travel without my bike, I just let the situation control what happens. Enjoy what effort people have made to make a certain destination the way it is. Enjoy food, try new activities, and go with your gut. My most favorite and interesting things I have done is jump out of a plane. To actually make the decision to jump and float is nothing you can describe.
Have you ever given much thought to the fact that you have ridden for, owned, or supported at least three, one word, four letter name companies, with 2 vowels, and 2 consonants in the name? Haro, Baco, Deco... What's next, Lego?
That is pretty good. People have mentioned that Deco is like Baco. I could make the names of the parts or shirts with four letter names...so sit tight and I just might have a few more...
Are you going riding tonight, or what?
I am working the shop till 7. Then off to home cause tomorrow is a big day. Birthday party, work the shop, family dinner with entire family, then to another birthday party at the bar. Gonna ride Sunday night at the cement park in orlando, night sesh.
If you could say anything to the kids coming up in the BMX world, what would that be?
BMXers are not all millionaires. I am doing what i do cause that is what I want to do. Stay true to yourself and don't step on anyone going to where you want to be.
If you could only thank 3 people, who would that be?
Parents, wifey, and Dave Freimuth. (Editors note: Parents is two people, but I will not charge you or anything...)
Thanks Chad,
Thank you
A photo by Mr. Degroot, himself.
Chad Degroot
How is life in 2010' Chad Degroot?
Life is really good. Have a ton of changes only for the better in 2010. My little boy is getting old enough to go on bike rides. My daughter is almost ready to walk. The wife isn't pregnant anymore. Deco is about to drop everything in the next month. And my shop is doing way better than I could have imagined with only being open for a few months. So YES, life is great...
It seems that you are still getting a lot of street and park riding done. I just saw the first Deco edit with Tom, Dave, and yourself, I wonder if you are still riding flat often, or what the deal is there?
I don't ride nearly as much as I would like to. Try juggling the family, two businesses, and the day to day with everything in between. My flat riding has been in spurts. But truthfully I was really worried the first time I took a few weeks off. But then I just started back where I left off. So it mentally doesn't bother me taking breaks. The next edit to come out for Deco is just me, and the ender is a flat link that I wanted to film for over a few years. So the link is really old, but I never got it on tape. So now I can let that one go and claim it as captured. Feels good to get some flat on tape. Thanks for the compliment on the new edit, Dave and Tom are amazing riders and are worthy of the Deco family for sure....
In that Deco edit, I saw some fakie nose-manuals, wall-rides, some log stalls, pole rides, etc... I think that it all looks like just another day for you, even though all of this stuff is pretty unorthodox and really creative. So when you are riding, are you thinking about doing stuff that other riders are not doing, or are you just filming whatever happens?
My trick list-to-do is pretty long. When I find the right set up the tricks just come to mind. Truthfully those tricks in that edit are some filler stuff cause I am saving a lot for the next edit. But I didn't want to NOT be a part of the welcome to the team edit, much less the first one...
I really need to travel more and get on some new obstacles, cause my trick list is in need of getting checked off...hopefully 2010 will do some work.
What riders do you think have had the most direct influences on your bike riding style?
Dave Freimuth, Rick Moliterno, Brian Vowell, Chase Gouin, and few more. All those guys went in their own direction which made me realize what can really happen if you stick with your own style.
Can you name any riders that you think are changing things, or pushing things in a creative sense?
Troy Merkle is always blowing my mind, Freimuth will always be doing something tech as hell, and there are a lot more to list. I love the direction BMX is going, people are getting their own style and sticking with it...
Outside of riding and multiple business' ventures in BMX, what would you say are your top priorities in life?
Family first, they set the mood or the way the day will be. Then there is running my business the way I feel necessary. The best thing about how I am living right now is everything I am doing is my way. No partners, no investors, nothing holding me back or telling me what to do. My priority is to stay true to myself and take what I know and have learned and apply it to making everything better for my family and my life.
What pass times, cultures, or activities outside of BMX have inspired you to do what you do?
Being a tourist is my favorite thing to do. When I travel without my bike, I just let the situation control what happens. Enjoy what effort people have made to make a certain destination the way it is. Enjoy food, try new activities, and go with your gut. My most favorite and interesting things I have done is jump out of a plane. To actually make the decision to jump and float is nothing you can describe.
Have you ever given much thought to the fact that you have ridden for, owned, or supported at least three, one word, four letter name companies, with 2 vowels, and 2 consonants in the name? Haro, Baco, Deco... What's next, Lego?
That is pretty good. People have mentioned that Deco is like Baco. I could make the names of the parts or shirts with four letter names...so sit tight and I just might have a few more...
Are you going riding tonight, or what?
I am working the shop till 7. Then off to home cause tomorrow is a big day. Birthday party, work the shop, family dinner with entire family, then to another birthday party at the bar. Gonna ride Sunday night at the cement park in orlando, night sesh.
If you could say anything to the kids coming up in the BMX world, what would that be?
BMXers are not all millionaires. I am doing what i do cause that is what I want to do. Stay true to yourself and don't step on anyone going to where you want to be.
If you could only thank 3 people, who would that be?
Parents, wifey, and Dave Freimuth. (Editors note: Parents is two people, but I will not charge you or anything...)
Thanks Chad,
Thank you
A photo by Mr. Degroot, himself.
Wet and White
Well, the weathers been cold, rainy and snowy here in the south. So I'm sure the only riding that's been going down has been at Eisenbergs, which is the worst skatepark around in my opinion. It's supposed to be a nice weekend though, so make sure you get out and ride your bike.
Send news to: tazzhernandez@hotmail.com
Send news to: tazzhernandez@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Louie Zaragoza Edit on Daily Rotter.
http://thedailyrotter.com/videos/detail/TDR-Exclusive-Edit-Louie-Zargoza/63470966001.html
This little webby edit is worth a mention, but says "Exclusive" all over it, so I'll be kind to the cool ass Daily Rotter crew and send you to their webby to watch this little mexicali kid fire out the bangers and mash. You heard me, make the jump.
Louie is the shit, and as true a friend as there can be.
All I'm gonna say is EYE Bmx is coming, SOON.
It's friday. Do something fun.
-Erik E
This little webby edit is worth a mention, but says "Exclusive" all over it, so I'll be kind to the cool ass Daily Rotter crew and send you to their webby to watch this little mexicali kid fire out the bangers and mash. You heard me, make the jump.
Louie is the shit, and as true a friend as there can be.
All I'm gonna say is EYE Bmx is coming, SOON.
It's friday. Do something fun.
-Erik E
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tech Tip
Since I work a bike shop I always get asked what parts are best to put on your bike, so for the next week I'm going to break down the most crucial parts on your bike and give you an idea of how to think when it comes to making a purchase. Today I'm starting with a place that a lot of riders neglect to pay attention to, your sprocket is probably one of the most vital parts on your bike. Your sprocket can be the difference between a smooth drive train or a chain that sounds terrible and won't shut up. There are a few other factors that weigh in to having a smooth drive train such as: sprocket alignment, chain stretch, and of course bottom bracket. Now with that being said the first thing to look at when buying a new sprocket should be your chain. If your chain is old, dry, and stretched you should buy a new chain before you ever put on a new sprocket. When looking at sprockets we all look for the obvious such as size and color. Size of sprocket is another argument in itself, but to sum things up for you the smaller the sprocket the faster it will wear out its science. To help aide the wear on a sprocket making it a little thicker will help as well as using a wider tooth profile. If you run a 1/8" chain buy a sprocket with the same tooth thickness 3/32" will not only wear out faster but your chain will wear out faster as well. Tooth profile is also how the teeth are shaped a pointed triangular shape is the standard on most sprockets, but companies like Tree and Odyssey have taken a more industrial approach to shaping the the teeth of a sprocket providing the rider with an increase of strength to the sprocket as well as a smoother drive train. Overall the most important thing is the material the sprocket is made of. 7000 series aluminum is harder and stronger then 6000 series however it is also more expensive so if you want to save some money buy a thicker 6061 sprocket. Forged or stamped sprockets are not an option they will warp and bend after just a few weeks of riding. Next time we'll take a look at forks... Send me some questions at QTBMX23@Gmail.com
Quentin
Quentin
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