Old Schooler needs New Bike?
03-09-03, 12:48 PM
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Old Schooler needs New Bike?
I am a veteran that has been forced to retire and regret it everyday. I can no longer take it since all I do is think about riding everyday. I used to ride (when they were worthy) GT customized WORLD TOURS and PRO FREESTYLE bikes from the 80s (87-89). My favorite was the "s" shaped frame. The top tube was perfect length for my height and the head tube angle was great for rolling around brakeless.
Today I fear that I will spend alot of cash on something that "won't fit". I lean towards the S&M Holmes cause it's longer. I also saw the HARO Mirra Pro and think this is like the old school type and will fit (Is this not cool?, Is HARO considered crap and cheese now?)
I'm aware of all the other hard core companies and totally dig them. So I am open to suggestions.
Here are some guidelines:
- street riding, grinding, flatland, killer brakes, I am 6', need front and back brakes, heavy heavy duty parts, maxed out for street/flatland. Do not care about dirt / ramp (for this bike).
Thanks everyone!!
Rich
Today I fear that I will spend alot of cash on something that "won't fit". I lean towards the S&M Holmes cause it's longer. I also saw the HARO Mirra Pro and think this is like the old school type and will fit (Is this not cool?, Is HARO considered crap and cheese now?)
I'm aware of all the other hard core companies and totally dig them. So I am open to suggestions.
Here are some guidelines:
- street riding, grinding, flatland, killer brakes, I am 6', need front and back brakes, heavy heavy duty parts, maxed out for street/flatland. Do not care about dirt / ramp (for this bike).
Thanks everyone!!
Rich
03-10-03, 12:41 PM
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i too rode in the 80's. i just never stopped......
those GT's you spoke of were shorter than a Holmes. the holmes is a dirt jumper/street riding machine.
back in the 80's most of the bikes were the same size. but now they are alot more specialized. flatland bikes are really short (about the same size as the old GT's) and dirt jumpers tend to be longer.
the old GT Pro Performer frames were around 18 inches, the holmes is a 21 inch frame. this is the top tube measurement.
if you want a bike to do mostly flat on and maybe a bit of street, ramps or whatever else, I would go w/ something around 19 or 20 inches. these are again, top tube measurements.
parts and frames are made 110% better than they were back then. we used to joke that GT stood for Gone Tomorrow because they broke so fast.
If you like the Haro, get it. Yes, they are considered "crap" today but they are still decent bikes for someone getting into riding or a re-tread like yourself.
hope that helps....
those GT's you spoke of were shorter than a Holmes. the holmes is a dirt jumper/street riding machine.
back in the 80's most of the bikes were the same size. but now they are alot more specialized. flatland bikes are really short (about the same size as the old GT's) and dirt jumpers tend to be longer.
the old GT Pro Performer frames were around 18 inches, the holmes is a 21 inch frame. this is the top tube measurement.
if you want a bike to do mostly flat on and maybe a bit of street, ramps or whatever else, I would go w/ something around 19 or 20 inches. these are again, top tube measurements.
parts and frames are made 110% better than they were back then. we used to joke that GT stood for Gone Tomorrow because they broke so fast.
If you like the Haro, get it. Yes, they are considered "crap" today but they are still decent bikes for someone getting into riding or a re-tread like yourself.
hope that helps....
03-10-03, 06:25 PM
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I've kept up with the technologies, riders and styles. I just had to fade in and out do to many crappy reasons with life.
I remember the S Shaped GT being a great size for me and having the perfect head tube angle (earlier GTs 85-86 were too angled and CW's were too steep).
Later I found a really horrible bike (Redline freestyle type and bent this dirt jumping massive triples in NJ) Believe it or not I then pulled my brothers non freestyling bike out from the 80s also - his mach one. I hated this bike. But I still had that smooth style and was able to wall ride 6' vert without busting it)
Then I saw the HOLMES. Another dude had a STANDARD LENGTHY. Between trying this out, watching the heck out of every PROPS video and S&M video, I just figured I would NEED the longer top tube)
I really would love a sabbath though or some flatland/street bike. I will just have to try them out I guess. You gave me hope with the shorter frame and this is what I really want).
Thanks man!!
FA
I remember the S Shaped GT being a great size for me and having the perfect head tube angle (earlier GTs 85-86 were too angled and CW's were too steep).
Later I found a really horrible bike (Redline freestyle type and bent this dirt jumping massive triples in NJ) Believe it or not I then pulled my brothers non freestyling bike out from the 80s also - his mach one. I hated this bike. But I still had that smooth style and was able to wall ride 6' vert without busting it)
Then I saw the HOLMES. Another dude had a STANDARD LENGTHY. Between trying this out, watching the heck out of every PROPS video and S&M video, I just figured I would NEED the longer top tube)
I really would love a sabbath though or some flatland/street bike. I will just have to try them out I guess. You gave me hope with the shorter frame and this is what I really want).
Thanks man!!
FA
03-10-03, 06:31 PM
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i think the mach 1 was shorter as well.
when i say shorter i'm refering to what is long by todays standards.
a long frame is 21.25
a short frame is like 18.
that's alot of difference. that's why i would go w/ something in the middle.
I ride a 20 inch Macniel Heaton. I can ride flat on it and it jumps pretty good to. I'm about 5 foot 8.
a longer frame is more stable in the air but harder to do flat on and vise versa.
I know what your saying about test riding though, it sucks to buy a 300 dollar frame and not know how it will ride.....
when i say shorter i'm refering to what is long by todays standards.
a long frame is 21.25
a short frame is like 18.
that's alot of difference. that's why i would go w/ something in the middle.
I ride a 20 inch Macniel Heaton. I can ride flat on it and it jumps pretty good to. I'm about 5 foot 8.
a longer frame is more stable in the air but harder to do flat on and vise versa.
I know what your saying about test riding though, it sucks to buy a 300 dollar frame and not know how it will ride.....
03-11-03, 02:02 PM
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pnj
What's the word with GT these days? Same as HARO probably, right? They target the younger casual rider more then the hardcore rider that is willing to pay the cash? It would be nice if they were still kicking butt, but I doubt it.
I am willing to spend the cash to get a bike that is totally worthy. This may be the last, so I want to make it count. Also I need something that is as indestructible as possible...at least until I lose some from my cheeseburger reserve.
Thanks for your help!
FA
What's the word with GT these days? Same as HARO probably, right? They target the younger casual rider more then the hardcore rider that is willing to pay the cash? It would be nice if they were still kicking butt, but I doubt it.
I am willing to spend the cash to get a bike that is totally worthy. This may be the last, so I want to make it count. Also I need something that is as indestructible as possible...at least until I lose some from my cheeseburger reserve.
Thanks for your help!
FA
