How to beat the ERP gantries

There was an announcement in the news yesterday about new ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) gantries that are going to be installed in many roads around Singapore. Transport Minister Raymond Lim said:

"First, not everybody can drive to and from work, it's just not possible. Two, the trade-offs that we face will become sharper. The more cars that we put on the road, the higher your ERP charges will be and the more extensive the ERP coverage will have to be."

There is a way out of it. Cycle to work. Have more bike facilities downtown where you can store your bike or talk to your workplace about storing your bike. Take public transport. Carpool. The lists are endless as to what you can do about this conundrum

I would prefer to cycle to work and I do so sometimes. I do not own a car. I do not see the need for one. The choice is ultimately yours and yours alone. But for a greener environment, I have made my choice

DK BMX stem

There are lots of quality BMX stems on the market. Some are good, some are even better and some in my opinion, are simply the best. DK fits in there with the best. The reason? they have been making quality stems for over 30 years. Now if that is not a track record, I do not know what is. Many professional BMX racers and freestylers back in the day used DK stems because they were , as describe in an advertisement once, "Strong, light, EXCELLENT!" I know this because I use one as well. I do not work for DK if anyone is wondering. I just happen to be a fan of their offerings. DK stems are a worthwhile investment

Another company besides Shadow Conspiracy makes half-link chains

Looks like there is another company besides the Shadow Conspiracy that makes half-link chains. The name of the company is called FORMCO and from the picture, it seems that they make chains in a few sizes too. According to the website:

FormCo, always trying to come up with innovative products for the BMX market, has just released a new chain for the race market. FormCo’s “Half Link Chain” gives riders more options when trying to dial in their chainstay length. Instead of removing what amounts to two links when shortening your chain, you can remove one at a time to further increase the amount of options available in chainstay length, especially when making a gear change.

The ultra light chain features punched side plates and hollow pins to get the optimal strength to weight ratio. Fully tested by FormCo riders like Warwick Stevenson, so you know they’re super strong and built to last.

Check it out here at ActionSportDepot.net

Maybe it is time I retire

I was asked this question today. At first I thought to myself...me? Retire? Can I really afford to do that? I do not mean retiring from work...heavens no. I mean retiring altogether from the active BMX scene and embrace the notion of being an old-school BMX rider. I am no longer the fast BMXer I used to be. I now look forward to hanging out with my old-school friends and re-live the past.

It has been said that the past is like another country - they do things differently there. Maybe it is time I hand it over to the younger generation to take over but I ask myself...can they handle it? It takes a lot of self-sacrifice and determination to fight for what you believe in. BMX neds to come to another level. When I look around, all I see are mountain-bikes and road bikes...very few BMX bikes. It makes me sad sometimes when most riders do not know the roots.

Well, I will mull it over and see how it goes. Right now, I just do not give a toss

Some still do not know what is expected of BMX racing

First of all, someone from the Singapore Sports Council wanted to hold a BMX event in a hotel room to showcase what was expected if Singapore wins the bid to host the Youth Olympics. When told of what was expected, even after we were willing to be flexible if space did not permit, her reply was classic. Very typically expected.

I have replied to Mr XXX that maybe this event is not a good platform to showcase BMX racing
due to the space given. As BMX is one of the selected sports for YOG, there will be other
opportunities to showcase the sport if Singapore wins the bid.

See what I mean? We were willing to be flexible with videos and a talk, even with BMXers dressing up to show what was needed. But the guys from the SSC? To them, all they wanted were stunt bikers which is NOT what the Youth Olympic games was about. So with this kind of mindset, how are we going to make it happen?

Clips are for kids?

Saw this posted on Rich Hetzel's site years ago. Some guy does not think very highly of clipless pedals and posted this up to make a statement. On a sprocket no less! I say, you go man!

The veterans showing how its done

Way back in the day, they had sidehacks in BMX races. this is how it is done, with some old-school veterans like Stu Thomsen participating. Clip is courtesy of BMXActionOnline.com

A good frame for BMX racing?

I get a few questions sometimes in blogs and emails asking what is a good frame for BMX racing. there are many out there but the one that I personally have my eye on would be the FBM Bitchin Camaro. At a weight of 4.2 pounds and a top tube length of up to 21.25 inches, it fits me very well, hence my choice on this frame. You can read up on this wonderful frame, as well as other bikes on FBM's website

Joe kid On A Stingray - The History Of BMX

I think that anyone that wants to know about the history of BMX should get this DVD. I bought it and I love it! To all those who want to know where to get it from, you can check it out at Amazon.com. Buy it and learn about BMX and its history!

New rims from Animal Bikes

Seems that Animal Bikes is making a new rim. Check it out. According to DigBMX where I first learnt about it, "The lower section of the sidewall is angled and drilled (the holes on the final rims will be cleaner looking) and it features spoke cross-lacing." Looks pretty good to us and I must say that I hope these rims come out soon as I am looking for some rims. Will they come out in 24" cruiser size? I do not know but I can only hope