Speaking of FBM, the pre-order for the 2013 Sword SQ track frames is now open. Colors include: clear, trans blue, trans gold, galaxy grey and flat black. Head over to FBM Bike Co now for more information and see my Sword build photos here.
#FBM
tag
Radar
FBM: Bowl Jam Weekend Stoke Booster
It’s Wednesday and I know everyone’s craving some stoke time. Here’s the latest from FBM!
Radar
FBM: Vagabond Ritual
It’s so nice to be able to check out vimeo now and what a video to lead into the week.
“Vagabond Ritual is an FBM feature film, with some of the most colorful characters in BMX traveling to and riding some of the best spots; Kona, Philly, NYC, Little Rock, Austin, Tucson, Sasquatch Canyon and Beyond! Get in the van and see what happens when Ruel Smith, Kenny Horton, the Ginch Bros, Jackson Allen, Eric Hennessey and the FBM crew and friends let loose on America’s freeways…”
Radar
Steady Rollin: Jordan Dwan
Radar
Recent Roll: Steve Crandall at House Park
Over the years, I’ve established what many would consider a “relationship” with Steve Crandall from FBM. Sure, some of it has to do with his latest videos, or products but most of it boils down to our mutual, vested, stokedness on bikes. FBM is one of those brands that never will, nor have ever had it easy. They’re not all driving sports cars, or hanging with SoCal bikini babes in hot tubs in their condos but they’re still living the life that many of us would consider meaningful and honest. And I don’t know that they would even want that lifestyle.
While I’m not as into BMX as the next guy, I can appreciate good company and that’s what I always get from Steve. Well, that and a bunch of crushed beer cans and leather jackets. I shot these two photos at House Park one day, before we rode to get cupcakes and I like to think that both of us are happy with how they turned out.
You look great ripping that bowl, brother!
Leica M7
Zeiss 28mm f2.8 T* ZM
Neopan 400
Radar
FBM: Shit Show 4
The fourth installment of Kenny Horton’s (I hate that guy) web series for FBM is live and in your face. Don’t miss this one!
“Produced by Kenny Horton, featuring FBM Riders, and friends including Space Needle,Tom Blyth, Latane Coghill, Eric Holladay, Neil Hise, Jason Anderson, Ruel Smith, Chris Neighbors, Jackson Allen, Bob Quirk, John Held, Costa, Ginch, Chunk. Evan Venditti, Eric Hennessey, Darryl Nau, Kenny Horton and more…”
Radar
Amen
It was great seeing you in Austin, Steve. Amen, brother.
Reportage
My FBM Sword SQ Track
This bike has been in the works for a while now and I’m not talking about the weeks the frame sat in the box while I accumulated the parts. I’m talking about since I first saw one in person, at Post Bikes in Brooklyn. The original Sword wasn’t what I would consider a true track geometry. It was more of a fixed cruiser, marketed not only at the kids wanting a street bike to thrash, but also to the older BMXrs who wanted a quicker way around town.
Steve and John Paul began working on the Sword SQ. They talked to various people in the “industry”, including Josh “Big Red” Hayes and Kyle Kelley, who worked on the Sword’s geometry, making it what it is today. This Sword SQ represents a lot of things to me. Mostly, a company, who in the wake of Taiwanese fabrication, still make their bikes in America, for an affordable price and have never taken a penny from an outside investor.
While I’ve already got a kick-ass track bike, this Sword will go through many variations. I’m already planning on putting a Cetma on it to carry my photo bag in the summer and will probably throw risers on it at some point to encourage some throwback FGFS. It’s a little small, compared to what I’m used to riding, so the saddle to bar drop is much more race-fit than my Icarus. I’ve dialed in the fit now and it looks a lot more reasonable than the first Instagram photo I posted.
I tried to use as many American companies as possible. Profile Fix / Fix hubs laced to H+Son Archetype rims (fucking love these rims!) and a 18t Phil Wood SLR cog. Thomson stem, post, 1960’s Unicanitor Saddle, Ritchey Classic Curve bars and Newbaum’s tape. I was tempted to buy a set of the Phil Wood cranks, but went with the tried and true SRAM Omniums with an extremely rare, purple 44RN 144#47 ring. My White Industries pedals got a new life and the Toshi single straps are just right. Finally, a black KMC Cool Chain and 28c Continental Gatorskins finish off the build, with a 3/4″ mini Viking decal on the stem.
I’m very happy with this bike and it’s been nice to ride a track bike around, since my Icarus’ fork has been at the painter’s for a few weeks.
Many thanks to FBM for this beast and I can assure you, this won’t be the last time you see it here on the site!
Radar
Perspective
Perspective has many applications, especially with reference to this site. PiNP made its impact through covering track bikes and FGFS in NYC and beyond. Still, cycling commentary, of all sorts filled the pages. Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time riding road bikes, been out bicycle camping, touring and the content all shifts depending on what’s going on.
Sometimes, looking at things a little differently can change your perspective and even a new track bike can bring back the nostalgic past. Shooting the Sword today made me really miss the days of bombing NYC traffic with my friends and wheeling down the avenues.
Even before I pushed hard on domestically-produced bikes and components, the Profile fixed hubs were the best thing money could buy for the street-thrashers and they look so bitching on this bike.
What I’m trying to say is, I fucking love this bike.
More to come…
Radar
FBM: Steady Rollin in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico looks like a rad place to spend some time with your riding buds and who better than FBM to show us why.
Radar
FBM: Thousand Yard Stare Full Video
This was one of my favorite BMX DVDs this year and FBM‘s just uploaded the whole thing online. Check out Thousand Yard Stare above. So brutal!
Radar
FBM: Road Trip to Texas
One of the raddest things that Texas Toast brought about were all the team road trips but I don’t think anyone documented their travels as well as the FBM family. Check out part one of their Road Trip to Texas video above and part two below! For more photos, hit up Crandall’s Least Most Blog.
Radar
FBM: Steady Rollin Trails Redux
It’s been pissing rain here in Philly but don’t let those soggy trails get ya down. Check out this video FBM made for Tioga!
Reportage
What Makes FBM Tick – Photos by Steve Crandall
I’ve long been a fan of Steve Crandall’s photography. His role at FBM doesn’t just stop at company owner and co-founder. The man hustles and is always thinking, usually with a camera in hand. With so many BMX companies going over seas, FBM has kept its resources here in the States. Not for any other reason than it’s an American company and making frames here is the right thing to do! I reached out to Steve and asked if he’d be interested in a Guest Gallery and the photos he submitted tie right in with those ideals.
Radar
FBM: Characters with Bikes
I’m really digging the latest from FBM, which should appeal to all cyclists who appreciate products that are made in the USA. Hell, this should appeal to all cyclists. Period.
“Bikes with Character, Characters with Bikes”, is a new series, featuring FBM riders, staff, friends and Industry types and why they choose FBM. In this First look, Neil Hise joins FBM’s welders Joby Springsteen, and Cowboy Paul in a journey from the FBM machine Shop to the streets…
“…Hey I’m Neil Hise, I’m 28 years old, live in Richmond Virginia, and I work at Bunnyhop Bikeshop.
I’ve been working at bike shops for 10 years, what I have learned working in the shop is, that I honestly have to believe that what I am selling isn’t garbage. You really learn about the quality of bicycles from trial and error, and personal experience.
It was definitely an incredible experience going to the FBM warehouse, and seeing people I know making the bikes that I ride… And making them well!”
Filmed and edited by Steve Crandall
Radar
FBM: Warehouse Ramp Session
So much radness once again from the FBM dudes.
Radar
FBM: Eric Hennessey Cement Mix
Summer’s officially over but you’ve still got time to soak in some solid shirtless hours at your local park. Need inspiration? The newest from FBM outta do just fine! If you’re hankering for more, pick up a DVD of FBM’s new video, Vagabond Ritual here!
Radar
FBM: The BMX Post Apocolympics
Oh man, this looks like it was a riot. The heavy bike bunnyhop contest and all the shredding on the pie slice bank is insane. FBM‘s BMX Post Apocolympics was a huge success last weekend. One thing though Steve: where’s the pizza?!
