BMX - Flatland Noobie up in this hizouse! Lookin for some advice.

I just went ahead and bought a bike.
All I'm looking to learn is Flatland, last year I landed my first flatland tail whip (not sure if thats what she was called, but i'm sure you know what i mean) Ever since then I've been itchin to get on a bike. I went ahead and purchased a 2002 SCHWINN Pro Matic. I'm not sure if its good to flatland or not? The guy at the store told me she has a life time warranty on pressure damage, so I guess I should be all good.
Now, can someone tell me if I'm going to wrong way with this, should I be looking at something else? And in general, how would this SCHWINN Pro Matic differ from say a bike specific for flatland? What would the differences be?

I've been watching loads of flatland video's too, always searching the internet for downloads. So I have stuff to watch to learn, and I don't know anyone who flatlands or has the drive to want to learn flatland, I'm in need of some video's that are made just for those getting into it. Something along the line of step by step to land a trick. Maybe you guys have access to such things, or maybe they don't even exist. I know this isn't a really mainstream sport, so I come to you guys that do this for the love.... Maybe you could give me some asnwers?

Cheers :beer:
Zigg's

Thats cool that you want to get into flatland most people dont want to put the time and deication in to learning the complex tricks flatland offers. The main differences between a flatland specific bike and a normal freestyle bike are 1: Flatland bikes are usually shorter and lighter than normal frames, about 19" or less. 2: They usually have a Freecoaster, instead of a Freewheel. The freecoaster allows the same features as a normal freewheel, except it lets the wheel roll backwards without the cranks spinning backwards with it. So they are always where you left them. 3: And the last real difference is having a smaller chain wheel in the front. Between about 23T and 32T usually. This makes coming out of tricks easier because you have more torgue when you pedal.

I couldnt really find any info on the Pro Matic, but as long as you've got 4 pegs, U-brakes front and rear, and tires made for tar/street, you should be fine for now. Having a bike made specifically for flat does help a little though. it makes tricks much easier.

If you are looking for an instructional video, have a look at Matt Wilhelm's "Wanna Ride Flatland?" Instructional Video Check it out Here (http://flatlandfuel.com/item.jhtml?UCIDs=868346%7C889311&PRID=978658)

Hope I helped a little

Absolutely man, thanks for the help :D

Here's a pic of the bike (exact same as mine)

http://www.emerys.com/bmx/1PowermaticPro.jpg

Let me look around for specifics on the bike, specs, I will post them here, and you let me know what you think.
I want to get into this, so I am willing to start at the top rather then from the bottom. Meaning, I would rather buy a bike that is meant for what I want to do right from the start..

Thanks for the help.

Hahahaa! Sweetness, I actually found complete stats about the bike. So here is where I stand, this bike I want to use stickly for flatland as you already know. Any insight would be appreciated:

Model: PowerMatic Pro
Color Matte Black
Frame Schwinn Freestyle Design, TIG Welded 100% Cro-Moly w/ 2" Down Tube, 1 3/4" Taper/Ovalized Top Tube, 1/4" Dropouts w/ Integrated Freewheel Guard, TIG Welded Under Seat Stay 990 Brake Mounts, 1 1/8" Oversized Head Tube, and Pierced Top Tube,Welded on Rotor Tabs
Fork Schwinn 4130 Cro-Moly Threadless Freestyle, Over Sized 1 1/8" 1/4" Dropouts, 1/8" Wall Steerer,1 1/4" Diameter Legs
Headset Dia-Compe SB-1 Aheadset, Steel W/Alloy Cap and Alloy Spacers
Crankset XS OS Tubular Cro-Moly 3 Piece Cranks, 175mm w/ 44T Disc Sprocket
F. Derailleur None
R. Derailleur None
Shifters None
Freewheel 16T
Pedals/Clips XS Comp Alloy Platform, Cro-Moly Axles
Brakes/Levers TektroU-Brakes Front/Rear,Tektro Alloy Levers
Handlebar Oversized/Tapered 4 Piece Type
Stem Alloy A-Head Clamp-On
Hubs 48 H Alloy ,3/8" Front Axle/ Rear Axle
Rims 48H Alloy
Spokes 14G
Tires XS Hucker Freestyle, F & R 20 x 1.95"
Saddle Schwinn Two-Piece Padded, 8mm Rails
Seatpost Oversized Steel Micro-Adjust 26.6mm x 300mm
Extras SST Rotor,XS Chain Grips, Oversized Pegs,Alloy Seat Clamp



It seems there's isnt anything here regarding its length though, I'm assuming thats a very important aspect to look at before buying a bike for flatland. So I'm still doing some searching.

Cheers,
Zigg's

Well, im assuming its probably around 20" or more. Which is "o.k.", it will just be harder to learn some things on it, and if you are gonna get into some technical tricks that require rolling backwards, your definatly gonna want a freecoaster hub rather than the freewheel that comes with the Schwinn. Try checking out Flatland Fuel (http://www.flatlandfuel.com) They sell everything that is specifically for Flatland BMX and they have some very nice and very affordable complete bikes, and you wont have to worry about whether it will work good for flat, cause they are all specifically designed for it.

If your really set on the Schwinn, then thats fine too, I learned all I know pretty much on a street frame that was 21" long and weighed a ton, but when I got my first real flat bike, I pretty much had to relearn everything because I was so used to having to compensate for the length that I kept over acting on the balance end of things. Whatever you decide on, youll be able to learn on, so its not the end of the world, it'll just be a little more dificult one way.

Let me know what you decide :)

I'm kinda worried about the freewheel deal now, as I think I would be better off with a freecoaster hub. I guess I should hold off on the bike. I'm halfway done my payments on it, I'm sure I could arrange for him to order something for me.

That, and a shorter frame would likely be smart to get as well...


Cheers,
Zigg's

Well, Good Luck with whatever you choose to do. If you want any more advise or just to chat about riding, catch me at AIM (SlipVayne1234567) or Yahoo Instant Msnger (drowninginmyownsickness)

I hate to download any of those programs, but what the hell !
LOL :D


Cheers,
Zigg's

i have a few wise words for you flatland noobie ... ahem : " ride street"

I have a few wise words for you as well: Ride whatever you have fun with.

The first rule of flatland is check www.flatlandfuel.com Then go to www.pedalbmx.com and www.bmxtrix.com and check out their buletin boards as you can get some really good info from a lot of riders at those locations.

The Schwinn not only is a street bike, it likely is something they have as OLD stock. Schwinn hasn't really produced a good new freestyle bike in a while and dumped their entire team. So, the bike shop guy is clueless and doesn't know how to help you pick a bike at all.

The DK Signal is the singular best flatland entry level bike that I have seen - EVER. Chrome rims, small gearings, stock freecoaster. You get a so-so frame build-wise, but the design and geometry seems top notch.

The Schwinn would be a great entry level street bike, but if that isn't what you are looking to do, then you are likely going to be very diappointed when you have to dish out hundreds of dollars in replacement parts to get what you are really after.

Thats cool that you want to get into flatland most people dont want to put the time and deication in to learning the complex tricks flatland offers. The main differences between a flatland specific bike and a normal freestyle bike are 1: Flatland bikes are usually shorter and lighter than normal frames, about 19" or less. 2: They usually have a Freecoaster, instead of a Freewheel. The freecoaster allows the same features as a normal freewheel, except it lets the wheel roll backwards without the cranks spinning backwards with it. So they are always where you left them. 3: And the last real difference is having a smaller chain wheel in the front. Between about 23T and 32T usually. This makes coming out of tricks easier because you have more torgue when you pedal.


Dont forget the Bent down-tube for scuffing and some have the platform for frame stands.

Some good bmx flatland how-to's are on www.bmxstunts.com I use that its really cool. I have the M6.