After I sold my Felt Chronic, I wanted another street/freestyle bike for riding around here and for learning some riding techniques.  I didn’t want my race bike to take this abuse, and I didn’t want a bike that would be a target for thieves since I planned on taking it with me to boating events and on trips.

After looking through several companies’ offerings, I chose the 2008 Eastern Element.  The frame size is right for me (20.75″ top tube) and it’s 100% 4130 chromoly.  Components are relatively high end, and the bike’s weight of 26 pounds is right in line with what a good street bike should weigh.

:: 2008 Eastern Element features a 100% 4130 frame - click on image to enlarge ::

I ended up paying only $382 for the bike, thanks to a 20%-off Dans Comp coupon.   Assembly was quick and easy, and there was no damage to the bike at all.  The frame features Eastern’s trademark weight-relieved seat tube, as well as removable gyro tabs.  The welds are excellant, as is the finish. The Easten nitrous bars had no paint in the neck clamping area, so no they’ll be worries about the bars slipping.  The Eastern Stealth cranks look alright, though I’ll probably replace them with the new set of Snafu cranks I have here.  This bike includes Eastern’s reverable cassette hub with a 9-tooth driver - even better, the cranks themselves can be run on either side of the bike.  The cassette is very loud, which seems to be a popular trend these days.

So far, I think the bike rides very well.  It’s smooth, feels light, and looks great.  I’ll report back when I put more time on this bike, but my first impressions of it are very positive.

Related Links:

• Eastern Bikes