Clipless pedals are a topic of some controversy in BMX racing.  Although riding ‘clipped in’ allows for a more efficient pedal stroke, which makes a rider faster, there are concerns and debates about the possibility of increased injuries from not being able to unclip in a crash.   I thought about it for a while, and I wanted to try them for some time, but the usual fears prevented me from doing so - until just last week.

:: Shimano PD-M647 clipless pedal - click on image to enlarge ::

I purchased the Shimano PD M-647 DX clipless pedals, and like all Shimano SPD pedals, they are adjustible.  Not that it would matter much to me, since I’ve never ridden clipless pedals before on a BMX, so I was starting fresh, so to say.

How did it go at the track?  Uneventful.  I had last minute jitters about trying them, but as Mike Powers told me, “just man up and do it” - well, that’s exactly what I ended up doing.  I found that I really liked being clipped in, and I haven’t fallen over at the gate — yet (it will happen, I assure you).  Knowing that my feet are in the right place and will not slip off the pedals is something I can get used to, and I suddenly realized that all the mentioned fears of riding clipped in were blown way out of proportion.

So, it looks like riding clipped in is something I’ll stick with (no pun intended).  I’ll post again when I end up making an ass of myself at the track.

Back in December I purchased a new Gibson Les Paul Classic.  I’ve been playing Les Pauls for years, so I was looking forward playing the new Classic, which came equipped with higher-output pickups and a fast, slim taper neck.

The guitar arrived, and it looked beautiful - the finish was smooth and fretwork was  precise and gorgeous.  But when I removed it from the case, something wasn’t right.  This Les Paul felt light… very light.  It had a slightly different sound to it too, even before I plugged it in I could tell from its acoustic tone.  Did Gibson change the Les Paul?  Yes, they did.

Without telling customers, Gibson decided to add weight-relieving chambers to most Les Paul models in 2007, including the Standard, Studio, and Classic.  Alright, that doesn’t sound too bad, right?  Gibson has been adding weight-relieving holes to the Les Paul guitars since the 1980s.  But this is different - the chambered Les Pauls are gutted to the point of being semi-hollow body guitars.  That’s no exaggeration.  Nowhere was this mentioned on their website or through any retailers - only on some obscure Gibson blog was there a short article on it.  Gibson was smart enough to realize that advertising this new process would surely turn off Les Paul purists - and it is the purists that generally buy a Les Paul.

:: X-ray image showing chambers in 2007 Les Paul - click on image to enlarge ::

Gibson claims that through “scientific analysis” they designed the chambers such that the Les Paul tone would not be affected, and if anything it would increase sustain.  Wait - removing wood from the guitar increases sustain?  That doesn’t make sense to me.  When this process started generating controversy on message boards, Gibson finally admitted to it on their sales website.

Why would Gibson chamber the guitars?  They claim it’s for weight relief, though I suspect it’s so Gibson can use lower-quality cuts of mahogany in their guitars.  Remember that the more expensive mahogany is lighter, so using less expensive grades of wood would produce a Les Paul of extraordinary weight.

Gibson has since introduced a new model, the Les Paul Traditional, which does not include the chambered body.   The Classic is now discontinued, and the Studio and Standard remains chambered.  The good news is the Traditional’s price is right in line with the Classic and Standard, and the new Slash model is not chambered as well.   Nevertheless, I feel that Gibson’s lack of disclosure was dishonest, and sent them an email expression my concern and feelings about my new Classic.  I never received a reply.

:: It looks like a Les Paul, but inside it’s entirely different - click on image to enlarge ::

There are two camps on Gibson’s chambering - those that see it as a good thing, and those that do not.  Some claim that chambered Les Pauls sound better.  My experience tells me that chambered Les Pauls have less sustain and overall body to their sound.  After plugging in my Classic to my Marshall JCM 2555SL, it immediately became clear to me that Gibson’s claims about chambering were all just bullshit - sustain and tone were severely compromised.   Even my Floyd Rose-equipped Jackson easily sustained longer than the new Les Paul.

I purchased a Les Paul because of its traditional design, feel, and tone.  When Gibson altered the design, the Les Paul lost the very appeal that made it legendary.  I sold my Classic, and I’ll likely buy a Traditional or Slash model to take its place.

Related Links:

• Gibson USA website

When Haro discontinued the Group 1 SX Pro in 2007 for the Group 1 SR Pro race bike, I was disappointed.  The move from the exotic, hydroformed SX Pro frame built up with good components to the more simple SR bike with lower end hardware had me thinking that Haro had given up on BMX racing.  Well, I was wrong - and I’m relieved.

:: Haro’s new Pro Am Team Issue is one mean machine - click on image to enlarge ::

Haro just introduced the new 2009 Pro Am Team Issue, and they scored big with this new race bike.  It has top-flight components such as the new AC Hammer cranks, AC Race Day sealed hubs,  and Sinz Stealth aluminum forks.  The flat black finish and anodized components look sexy and mean, and the updated graphics on the frame are killer.   Haro’s MSRP for this bike is $545, which should translate into a street price of around $500 - and that’s a steal.  Well done, Haro - now correct your blunder with the new Freestyler and we’ll buy that one too.

Related Links:

• Haro Bikes website

You may remember my previous post about the reissue of the Haro Freestyler - a legendary bike that played a large role in the start of the BMX freestyle movement in the mid 1980s.  Early reports were promising - 100% 4130 chromoly twin-top tube frame based on the original Haro Freestyler, but with updated geometry.  It sounded like a retro-BMX dream come true.

:: 2009 Haro Freestyler - click on image to enlarge ::

Well, the bike is finally in production, and the full details have surfaced.  You better sit down for this one:  The frame is not full-chromoly.  I won’t mince words - I think this is a disappointing way to reintroduce and honor Bob Haro’s freestyle machine.  I understand that in business, costs of production are a huge factor, so I’ll try to reserve final judgment until we have one of these bikes to test.  Until them, read below.

Tony Degollado from Haro as made a post on BMX Museum explaining the story behind the decision to use high-tensile steel in place of 4130 chromoly.  Below is a copy of his post:

“Man.  Harsh.  I’ll try to defend MY decision of making the Freestyler the way we did.  This may take a minute.

First of all- the delay.  We’ve undergone some major changes in the past few years.  The major focus was getting the brand back to where it needed to be.  We lost touch a bit with spec, fashion, function, image…well…alot of things.  So what we needed to do was to  get back on track there.  What I wanted to do along with that was to do the Freestyler as a project to have fun with.  To be totally honest, my thoughts were to do a Yellow Blammo first, then do the Freestyler a year or two later.  A great friend of mine from the UK told me we should skip the Blammo (at the time it would have been a 10 yr anniversary model) and jump straight into the Freestyler project.  Based off of photos and a small drawing, we did this. The first were terrible.  Yes they were chromoly, but had a some funky bends and holes in the wrong places.  With the other projects we had going on, the Freestyler project kept getting pushed back, and back, and back.  But the good news is that we’ve picked back up some image, managed to get back quite a few more dealers (and a great team) and are making some pretty kick ass product.

The Freestyler breakdown:  My friend in the UK (DJ) and I solicited feedback.  Original geometry or new school.  Frame or complete bike, etc…  Although it was a mixed bag, the popular decision was to do it with updated geometry so “we could all ride them”.  We did this, and added a Mid Bottom bracket and an Internal Headtube.  I got blasted for the Internal headtube, but not the Mid Bottom bracket.  So I deleted the Internal HT to make it look a little more original.  At about this same time, the bicycle industry got hit with a 50%, then 60% then 77% price increase on Steel.  It didn’t stop there, but thankfully we locked into a price that allowed us to move forward and not worry about another increase.  77% increase. That’s just plain crazy.  Alot of it had to do with The Olympics, most had to do with the rising cost of oil (believe it or not).  Imagine now much steel is in a bicycle, then add 77% to that cost. Bearings, cages, pedals, bolts, nuts, brake cables seat rails, axles…you get my point.  Not to mention the Bars, forks and Frame.  We went from a $550.00 priced bike (that I advertised to all of our retailers and international distributors) to over $700.00…for the same bike.  You can only imagine what the response to that was.  Not many people these days have an extra $700.00 to spend on a (toy/bike/collectors item) a form of transportation.  So either I make the choice to come out with a bike that is $700+ with nothing more than what we originally spec’d, or we make some changed to stay around the same price.  It was my call to make those changes as the look and feel of the bike would remain the same…and the fact that we only committed to 500 of them…and not 500 until they are gone, then another 200 until THEY are gone, then another 150, etc…  500 only.  That’s it for the USA.

The quality of the bike- As stupid as is sounds, we tested the frame.  So unless you plan on half-landing flairs or under rotating 360’s…this frame is legit.  I completely understand the integrity of of having a full chromoly bike.  I promise you this.  But I had to make a decision, and it may be wrong in some eyes, but it was right in others.  Sorry if I offended anyone.

The fact is, no-one will ever be 100% happy with a retro product.  Theirs was different, or the serial number started with a 1 not a 7, or the hole on the rear drop-out was .331mm larger than what the original one was.  We couldn’t make everyone happy, and for that I am very sorry.  Yes it has a large padded seat, yes it’s not 100% the same as the original, but it does look pretty damn decent and given all the lemons we were thrown on this project, I am super stoked we actually got to release it.

I understand if we lost some potential buyers because of the changes.  I would love the opportunity to make it up to you guys.  Throw you a party and have Bob there to talk doo doo and drink beer all night?  Anything.  Just please understand that Haro has not lost it’s integrity, it’s focus or it’s love for what Bob created.  I’m a good friend of Bob’s and to be totally honest, we are going to be working on some really cool projects together here in the upcoming months.  The working name is The Bob Haro Original Collection.

Thank you for your eyes and ears and again, sorry for the let down to some of you.  If you don’t buy one, then just think, you’re giving the new generation a chance to have this bike and I thank you for that.

tonyd.”

Specifications:

Frame: Throwback Haro freestyle design- cr-mo downtube - chrome
Fork: Cr-mo Steer 1-1/8″ threadless - chrome plated
Grips:  Haro Octagon grips
Handlebar: 8″ rise. Chrome plated
Crankset: Haro 3-piece 8-spline cr-mo 175mm, chrome plated
Gearing: 44/16
Tires: Haro MS4 20×2.1 front and rear
Hubset: N/A
Rims: Skyway Tuff wheels
Seat/post: Haro H-Crest saddle w/steel post - chrome plated
Pedals: Haro DX alloy
Rotor: WinZip rotor- black
Pegs: N/A

Related Links:

• Haro Bikes website

Yeah, I’m a computer geek - I always have been.  Growing up in New York in the 1980s, I had to spend much of the winter months indoors, and my Atari computers kept me good company during that time.  Although the Atari 400 was a bit before my time, I always thought of this machine as representative of the home computer as it was back then - fun, simple, and very campy.

:: The recognizable Atari 400 computer cartridge door - click on image to enlarge ::

Back then, there were many computers, but the two big camps were the Atari users and the Commodore users.  I was always on the Atari side of things, and the two machines were very similar in capability - the Atari edging the Commodore in graphics, while the Commodore had the audio advantage with its onboard synthesizer chip.  Putting those issues aside, the Atari computers were easier to program, and the disk drives (a luxury back then) were much, much faster.

I remember countless winter days and nights, hanging out with one of my friends in his den using his Atari 800, and later on, his Atari 130XE.  Back then typing in game programs was actually a fun thing to do, always waiting for our next issue of COMPUTE! or Antic.  There was no internet, though I remember playing a really crude “computer porn” game for the Atari computer called Strip Poker.  Win a hand, and you undress the girls - all in 8-bit, 4-color glory.  Even as prepubescent teenagers we thought it was lame.

:: Atari serial peripheral port (left) - click on image to enlarge ::

The main CPU of the Atari was the now legendary MOS Technologies’ 6502 (which was also used in the Nintendo Entertainment System).  The Atari 400 originally came equipped with 8KB of RAM, and later models (such as this one pictured) included 16KB as standard.  Funny to think that this minuscule amount of memory was considered adequate at the time, but it was for many tasks.  Atari later released a 48KB upgrade, which required some modification to the machine to install.  48K-equipped Atari machines could run Atari DOS (Disk Operating System), which was an absolute necessity to realize the full potential of disk-based software.

:: The membrane keyboard was typical of entry-level computers - click on image to enlarge ::

Most people didn’t perform any serious tasks with these machines - unless you consider playing Defender and Dig-Dug ’serious’.  Even today, these little 8-bit computers make excellent gaming machines, and there are many dedicated gamers that still use their Atari and Commodore computers to this day.  So what’s the story with this particular Atari 400?  It’s a new, never used machine that’s part of my collection.  Yeah, I know it’s geeky to have a collection of computers and video games, but it’s big part of my childhood.  Besides, I’ll be posting many more pieces from my collection in this blog, so maybe you can relive some of your childhood days as well.

Related Links:

• Classic Computer Magazine Archive - a huge archive of many 1980s-era computer magazines.

I’ve always been fascinated by outboard motors - especially small ones.  I remember when I was younger, all I would do is draw them in my notebooks when I should have been paying attention in school.  I’m not sure why I always had such an interest in these little motors - maybe it’s because they are a gateway to all of the fun I’ve had boating, which is a big part of my life.

:: 1973 Evinrude Fisherman, preserved in new condition - click on image to enlarge ::

A few months back, I found this 1973 Evinrude 6 horsepower “Fisherman” outboard, still new in the box.  You read correctly - a new, never used outboard that’s over 35 years old.  It’s a collector’s dream, and in absolutely perfect, ageless condition. The engine shows no signs of age - no staining, fading, or scuffing whatsoever.  Even all the hang tags are present, as is the paper inspection decal.

:: Cowl removed - click on image to enlarge ::

I carefully removed the little engine from its box, which also included the “Cruise-A-Day” fuel tank and fuel line.  I bet you might be wondering if I’ll ever start the engine.  At this point, I would say it’s not likely - there’s just no reason to, and once started, I would have to drain the carburetor and make other preparations to store it indoors.

My plans are to build a nice stand for it and keep it on display in my office.  Who knows though, I may get the urge to run it one day - and I believe it would start right up as if it were manufactured yesterday.

I’m not a hardcore gamer, but I do like video games.  Anyone that plays video games and is over 20 years old will remember Unreal.  Developed by Epic Games and Digital Extremes and launched in 1998, Unreal was a mega-hyped game that was intended to clobber the then-amazing Quake, by ID Software.

:: Scene from Unreal running in widescreen Direct3D - click on image to enlarge ::

I remember reading about Unreal in the gamer magazines at the time - the screenshots, teasers, and expected launch dates.  Originally, the game was supposed to launch in 1996, but that two-year delay only served to build momentum for what would be the most atmospheric, graphically intense, and involved adventure game of its time.

:: Na Pali Haven - the 21st map you encounter in Unreal - click on image to enlarge ::

Back in 1998, I had a Dell Pentium II 400MHz machine with an STB Velocity 128 graphics card.  I installed Unreal, but could not get it to run with my computer’s weak graphics card, so I gave up.   It was not until I installed a 3dfx Voodoo 3 3000 did the Unreal’s graphics-accelerated visuals hit me like a sledgehammer.  After all, Unreal’s graphics engine was designed to run on Glide, 3dfx’s proprietary API.  Direct3D and OpenGL support was added with later patches, though Unreal always ran best on 3dfx-based graphics cards.

Though Unreal’s Direct3D drivers were very slow in the late 1990s, the game will run as smooth as butter on today’s systems simply because modern CPUs and GPUs are so fast they can run Unreal’s inefficient code with ease.  Yes, it will run on an Nvidia SLI-enabled system with no issues, though SLI is not supported (obviously), nor is it needed.

:: Ny Leve’s Falls; the scene that helped define Unreal - click on image to enlarge ::

I recently bought a new Dell 24-inch display and for fun, I loaded up Unreal to see if I can get it to run on a Vista machine at 1920×1200.  Turns out this game still had some tricks up its sleeve - not only does it run well on Vista, but the game also supports widescreen displays even at really high resolutions.  Yeah, the overuse of lens flares and lighting effects is tacky by today’s game standards, but I think Unreal still looks fantastic.  Unreal still has its unbelievable atmosphere, with a soundtrack and casual-combat adventure style that plays very well, even ten years later.

:: Unreal is a very colorful game, almost to the point of excess - click on image to enlarge ::

Some years after its release, Unreal was repackaged as Unreal Gold, which included the latest patched version of Unreal as well as the mission pack, Unreal: Return To Na Pali.  It’s now available through Steam for about $10.00 or even cheaper on Ebay.  You don’t have to be a hardcore gamer to enjoy Unreal and even the most casual gamers will find its simple storyline, long adventure, and relatively easy combat inviting.

Related Links:

• Beyond Unreal - online community and portal devoted to old Unreal games.

Those of us that were into BMX racing in the 1980s will remember the Skyway TA.  The teardrop-tubed “Totally Aerodynamic”  Skyway frame was legendary, and many top riders of the era raced on them.  The TA was an American-made frame that was exotic, extremely well made, and very lightweight - even by today’s standards.  Today, it’s considered one of the finest representations of the climax of BMX development during the 1980s.

:: The classic Skyway TA lives again - click on image to enlarge ::

When the freestyle craze began in the mid-80s, the Skyway shifted focus from racing to freestyle.  The TA was phased out in 1986, while the Streetbeat became Skyway’s top of the line freestyle offering.

Well here we are now, 20 years later and the BMX-retro wave has been rewarding BMX collectors with retro-inspired products from several companies.  Yes, the Skyway TA has been reborn, but not as a new product - no, this is much different.  The TA you see here is original Skyway tubing from 1986, recently welded and powdercoated to be brought back to life again as a complete BMX frame and fork set.  Read on for the complete story…

:: Decals are not reproductions, but 1980s originals - click on image to enlarge ::

Over a year ago, Ed Ferri, owner of ColoredTuffs.com — a Skyway dealer here in Florida — found an old stash of never-welded TA tubing in Skyway’s warehouse that has been in storage since 1986.  Through a lot of legwork and coordination, Ed arraigned to have this tubing brought to Florida, where it would be welded by Greg Esser, formally of MCS bicycles.  Once welded, the frames would be powdercoated and stickered with original, new-old-stock Skyway TA decals.   These are true TA frames in ever sense of the word, down to the threaded forks and original geometry.  I closely inspected my TA frame and found the white powdercoat to be smooth and flawless, and the welds are of the same high quality as the original frames built in the 1980s.

:: Powdercoat and welding are flawless - click on image to enlarge ::

The downside is only 150 of these frame and fork sets will be available - once they’re gone, there will be no more.  I was fortunate enough to secure two sets - one to be built, and the other that will remain an unassembled frame on display in my office.

If you want to take a ride in the Skyway time machine, these frame and fork sets are still available, though you better move quick because the waiting list will fill up very quickly.  For the chance to own a piece of history, email Ed at ColoredTuffs.com.  The price for the frame and fork set is $510, which is a bargain when one considers the prices these frames are going for on Ebay.  If you’re an old-school BMXer, this will probably be your only chance to own a new Skyway from back in the day.

Related Links:

• ColoredTuffs website
  

I just finished my latest BMX build, and this one is the best yet.  I won’t go into a long dissertation on why I love BMX riding so much, and how well respected Greg Hill is to the sport, but I’ll tell you a little about my bike.  Well, let me say this at least - receiving a frame from someone I used to poster my walls with as a kid is exciting enough, and supporting a company like GHP makes perfect sense to me.

:: 2009 GHP Pro XXL - click on image to enlarge ::

Greg Hill sent me this exquisite new Pro XXL GHP frame in pearl black, and it’s even more impressive than my previous model.  The paint is perfect and smooth, the bottom bracket threads were clean, and the head tube didn’t require any extra cleanup for the Chris King headset to install perfectly.  All welds are very even and clean.

:: Chris King high flange BMX hub - click on image to enlarge ::

I’m over six feet tall, and the XXL’s geometry is perfect - not cramped in the slightest.  The frame design is in keeping with Greg’s philosphy of a bike frame that should have just the right amount of flex for rider feedback.  It’s straightfoward and elegant and it was designed by a world champion - that’s what makes a winning bike.

:: Only the best components were used - click on image to enlarge ::

I already have a set of Shimano Saints ordered for my next build, which will be a pearl white GHP Pro XXL.  I just can’t get enough of this BMX stuff.  Vist GHP at www.ghpbmx.com.

Parts breakdown:

• Frame: 2009 GHP Pro XXL
• Forks: Answer Scythe Pro carbon
• Cranks: Shimano DXR, 180mm
• Chainring: Snap, 39T
• Pedals: Shimano DX clips or Funn Soljam Viper sealed
• Rims: Sun Rhynolite XL machined
• Hubs: Chris King BMX High Flange with 14T cog
• Spokes: Marwi titanium
• Handlebars: GHP Pro
• Stem: S&M Race XLT
• Headset: Chris King Nothreadset
• Chain: KMC Drop Buster
• Brakes: Shimano DXR
• Brake Lever: Paul Love V-Lever
• Brake Cable: Odyssey Slic
• Bar Ends: Animal
• Chain Tensioners: Redline
• Seatpost: Thomson Elite
• Seatpost Clamp: Profile Slimjim
• Seat: Crupi with titanium rails