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Post by dlightmen on Jan 9, 2009 23:53:13 GMT -5
OK, I've got some motivation, a three car garage that can be cleared out and money burning a hole in my pocket for a new bike. ;D I was looking at this: ypsilanticycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=880. What do you guys think of the Felt Mystic? From my knowledge it looks like a good bike, 48s, CroMoly ... etc. I was also considering a Redline Recon or a KHE. The KHE bikes just seem too pricey though. EDIT: I want this for flatland only.
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Post by jim on Jan 10, 2009 10:37:56 GMT -5
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retod
Novice Freestyler
Posts: 62
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Post by retod on Jan 10, 2009 12:19:13 GMT -5
Hey Jim, do you know if the KHE frame and fork are chromoly? It looks really nice, but the description doesn't say anything about what the frame and fork is made of. I got the DK Opsis, and the fork and front of the frame is chromoly. If the KHE has a chromo frame and fork, that would be the best bet for a beginner flat bike. If not, the DK would probably be the best...
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Post by jim on Jan 10, 2009 13:12:17 GMT -5
I don't know for sure Tod, but as far as I know, all their frames and forks are Chromoly, they used to make aluminum forks, but I can tell those are not aluminum. that KHE uses the same F-set headtube as the Equilibrium, which IS Chromoly I agree, it looks like a very good choice for the money.
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Post by dlightmen on Jan 10, 2009 15:15:16 GMT -5
Jim: thanks for the reply. Looking around I came to that conclusion. My choices are: The KGB looks a bit weathered, but I may be able to get a good deal on it. Some opinions on it would be welcome. Or something new: flatlandfuel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1308flatlandfuel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1358Those bikes look so fun to ride; short TT, light, and low profile frame design. I've got to have those quamen bars too. Nice. EDIT: Looking at these newer bikes, I'm trying to get a frame of reference on the size and weight. Can anyone give me an idea of the specs , TT length and total weight, of a late 80's Redline RL20? I'm guessing 20" and weight in the low to mid 30's. Another thing I've noticed is that a lot flatland bikes now come with 36 spoke wheels. It has been a long time since I've rode, though as I remember using wheels with only 36 spokes was almost unheard of in both flatland and ramps. Are these modern 36 spoke wheels any better than older 48s? Is this just to cut costs? Thanks again...
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retod
Novice Freestyler
Posts: 62
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Post by retod on Jan 10, 2009 23:36:10 GMT -5
dlightmen...
One of my first bikes was a RL20...and the top tube length was 20 inch, the head tube angle was I believe 74 degrees...which was steep back then. New flat bikes have shorter top tubes, and the head tube angle is at least 74 degrees...most are 75 now. The DK Opsis I have now is about 30lbs...but most flat bikes are lighter, about 25 pounds or less. 36 spoke wheels are the norm now...not because it saves costs...it's just that they are built better and are ultimately lighter. Even ramp and street riders use mostly 36 spoke rims...so if flatland is your gig...they will definately suffice. So to answer your question, yes the 36 spoke rims of today are better than those old 48's.
Just remember, that frame and forks are not the same as they were back then. If you plan on riding any street or ramps...don't get a flatland bike. They are not like the old RL 20 where we rode everything on. You could always get a short "street" bike and ride flat on that. A few companies make frames that are short like a flat frame, and todays street and ramp bikes basically have the same geometry. Well, except the rear ends which tend to be longer than a flat frame.
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retod
Novice Freestyler
Posts: 62
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Post by retod on Jan 10, 2009 23:43:09 GMT -5
Okay, I missed the part in your first post about wanting it for flat only. Go with that KHE that you had a link too. That thing looks rad! Actually, I have money in my pocket, just burning a hole. I really want that KHE.
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Post by dlightmen on Jan 11, 2009 0:35:31 GMT -5
thanks for that explanation retod. It is simply amazing how far this sport had came in the past few decades. Gone are the days of bending your forks doing Miami hop hops, and using nothing but bruteforce and a brick wall to realign them.
Some of those custom parts at flatlandfuel.com are sweet. So far as flatland goes some of that stuff looks as though it leaves the big players of the 80s filling the huffy/team murray type companies.
Anyway, thanks for all the help guys! Will post some photos once spring has arrived and all the UT snow has melted.
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