Alternatives to Brooklyn Machine Works Ganagsta Track frame?
 

Know there is a lot of mixed (cough) feelings about the BMW Gangsta Track but I'm looking for that sort of frame and it seems like BMW is in some sort of netherworld of existence and used ones come up very seldom and for top dollar. Any other alternatives to this type of frame around- compact, upward sloping top tube, do anything, street/tracky. Lighter would be good but not necessary. Don't need to hear how ugly they are or how much you hate them. Noted that many people think they are terrible aesthetic monstrosities.

why do you want the upward sloping top tube? (no hate, just trying to see why that is a requirement in your bike search)

I know the old Specialized Langsters kind of look like them, can't think of anything else right now.

Upward slope not necessary just don't want downward sloping with big saddle to stem drop.

I would look at Fgfs frames, you mich be able to find something with most of the qualities of the gangsta track.

i love the gangsta track, have you looked at the on one pompino? They were almost giving them away a while back

ive never heard a complaint about them outside of the unicrown fork

the things bulletproof and anyone i know that has one loves it

You might be able to find a old volume cutter, those are the same type of bike as the gangsta track. Volume isn't making fixed gear stuff anymore but i'm sure some places still have them. They're really bullet proof frames.

What about the FBM Sword

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=361221

Pompino works great for me. Put on an alloy Redline fork about the same weight as CF.
High BB and Cantis for fat urban tires.

Their new version will have traditional rear stays, not sure if it'll still be a compact frame.

Nope. The Sword has track geo a level top tube.

http://www.lastcalldistro.com/xcart/...ims-detail.jpg

My kona paddywagon is sloped and built like a tank considering kona makes MTB's a good 80% of the time.
Decent clearance. You can run 32 randos with ease and I believe those run on the bigger side of things.
Not to mention they're not really hyped and should be had for relatively cheap 2nd hand or on clearance (yeah the newer models arent really appealing as far as visuals go).

+1 on the Kona Paddy Wagon
It was the donor for my Pompino build.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zru70lE-h...224_111114.jpg

Thanks for the suggestions. The Cutter and the Sword (even though it's a level top tube) seem the most appealing. Kona seems pretty similar to my Redline 925. Wanted something a little less off the rack with more track like geometry. The BMW is unique in that it's compact but with track geometry.

If you really want the Gangsta Track, have you checked Chari & Co?

I love my Sword. Id be buried with it should I die anytime soon.

I saw one in Chari & Co. awhile back but wasn't ready to pull the trigger. Would love to find a used v1 with the original fork. Will have to drop by there again and see what they have.

Yea Swords are expensive for just a chromo frame and fork, I got it because i love bmx and FBM and the headbadge is a gat dang unicorn. I kept my eyes on the last Call Distribution website and picked up just the frame in a "scratch and dent" sale for $200 off MSRP. Frame was sold for sme very minor overspray, you can barely see it unless youre really looking. With the 2014 batches coming out there will probably be some more that didnt make the cut. Might be something to keep in mind.

thanks for that idea I will be looking at that

I know a guy who owns a shop that sells FBM Sword framesets. :innocent:

That guy doesn't seem to have them on his website or are we talking about a different guy?

I'm pretty sure he's putting them online soon.

gee now I can oggle them and dream about a lottery bike