BMX questions

[OutToWinPAHC]

Yeah so I have a question. Its been 11 years since I rode a BMX bike and I used to race cruiser. So a lot has changed over the years. Half of my old sponsors are out of business, and all the parts co's are different.

So I picked up a new frame and fork set (SE PK ripper 20inch) I also picked up a Redline 180mm 3 piece. And I am looking to build some wheels.

Whos rims are good anymore. I used to be Araya only, but they are "vintage" now. I was cruising dans and have been seeing some of the names on there, nothing I really recognize thought. And whats up with all the dirtbike companies doing BMX? (FMF, Answer)

"Alex" wheels, I see the price is reasonable for a set of 48 spokes, model elite. How are these? They don't say much about what hubs they are using either. I used to always ride Araya on DK's so its all different.

And what up with the sprocket sizing now? Always remember 10 to 15's on the rear and 39-48 on the front. What are these little guys used for?

[playbass311]

My favorite rim company is still Sun Ringle. I use Sun Big City Lights for my bike and they are great. Odyssey also makes very good rims that are strong and light. Alex makes good rims in their upper level rims, most of their cheaper rims are sort of on the weak side though, at least through my personal experience they were. As far as sproket sizing and what not the sizes are smaller but the ratio is the same. By reducing the drive train front and back, you get the same ratio while drastically reducing weight and since the sprocket is smaller they have a lot less flex and as a result, are stronger; a 25t sprocket will almost never bend compared to a 44 which could bend from one bad hang up. Also, the larger rear freewheels have pretty much been deemed obsolete and the new standard are cassette hubs, which typically come in smaller sizes. Cassette hubs use like, a ratcheting system and are lighter, smoother, and stronger than the traditional threaded system. Cassettes can be purchased with interchangeable cogs (come with 10t, 11t, 12t typically) or a stronger/lighter 1-piece driver (8t 9t 10t 11t depending on the company).

Here is a break down of gear ratios:

22 - 823 - 825 - 928 - 1030 - 1133 - 1236 - 1339 - 1441 - 1544 - 16

Hope that helps!

[OutToWinPAHC]

Well I picked the frame and fork up today....

$100 bucks from SE (local here in Philly) I picked up the Ripper Team frame.I got a nice discount on the frame because I used to ride for SE, and I still know a guy there. The frame is brand new, the forks were scratched. And the decals weren't on yet. I got to choose the decal set and went with solid black. But for 100 bucks, Ill just paint sand and paint the landing gear.



The bad is the frame uses a Euro bottom bracket. So now I need to order new bearings from redline.

I'm looking at the Dans Comp Expert parts pack..... Anyone need a Poverty POW 3 piece? 175MM, Dans brand forks, or headset?