Trying hard to find a short chain stay 24" Cruiser race frame. Getting back into BMX after 20+ years. I am 5'6" and seems cruisers are all built a bit long. Sub 15" CS I think would be good but looking for some help on this.
Been lurking here for sure but I did not think the Liquid was a race frame. My last BMX was in 1986 and things have change a bit. Still wrapping my head around geometry and fit. I can eat sleep and dream MTB but BMX is a new breed now.
Right now I am looking at an S&M 38 Special cruiser frame. I know from riding a Formula cruiser I prefer the shorter chain stays Versus the Intense Factory I raced last year.
Im riding one of these right now. its pretty fun and feels good. the chainstay is at 15 so not sure if thats too long for you but...... Most cruiser frames are at the 15 inch mark not sure how many are under that except the new liquid.
What part of the liquid disqualifies it for racing?
Racing bikes have long chainstays, that's pretty much the way it is.... I've never seen any race cruisers with short stays. You'll have to look to something besides a "race" bike, or have something built.
The Liquid frame was definitely designed for trails/park/street, but it would probably be a very capable race frame if you like short stays. The only thing that may be a turnoff as a race frame is the weight. It weighs 5 lbs 3 oz where a lot of the race frames are around 4 lbs these days. I actually plan to start racing mine soon... in the old man cruiser class... haha.
Also, if you really wanted to go all out, you might check into getting a custom frame made by Greg Melms (GMDesigns here on RM). His frame has super short stays at 13.75 inches. Plus it's a work of art...
Thanks Cru. Really like your frame and the Melm's and have been watching the progression over time on each. Going to keep rolling around in my head what to do and keep a look out there for a bit. Light weight for me is helpful as I am not quite a giant at 5'6".
The Liquid frame was definitely designed for trails/park/street, but it would probably be a very capable race frame if you like short stays. The only thing that may be a turnoff as a race frame is the weight. It weighs 5 lbs 3 oz where a lot of the race frames are around 4 lbs these days. I actually plan to start racing mine soon... in the old man cruiser class... haha.
I've discovered that for BMX racing the shorter stays work really well for shorter, and / or younger riders and tight tracks.
But if the rider is very powerful the short stays can result in carrying the front wheel too easily out of the gate. A higher bottom bracket can have the same effect.
I just finished another custom race cruiser similar to the black one above that has longer rear stays at 14.25" (hey, that's long for me!) for that very reason. The customer is 5'6" as well.
Supa8, you may try riding some different frames at the track if you haven't already.
*Just read that you've tried different frames. I feel the .38 Special is a good choice.
Supa8, since you're coming from MTB background, it's at least worth noting that a lot more guys are starting to ride mtbmx/Dirt Jumper 26"s on bmx race tracks. Either rigid or with a stiff spring/high air psi suspension fork.
That way if you're not 100% committed to a bmx track-only bike and you want something you can take to mtb trails as well, you'll have it.
Liquid looks damn good! I wonder if, for racing, you can get proper gearing if the max front chainring is 30t?? I know it's not intended for racing, but it would make a hell of a nice "all around" 24 frame for jumping, pumping and a bit of racing!!
Liquid looks damn good! I wonder if, for racing, you can get proper gearing if the max front chainring is 30t?? I know it's not intended for racing, but it would make a hell of a nice "all around" 24 frame for jumping, pumping and a bit of racing!!
You mean a proper gear ratio? That's definitely possible. 44/16 (55 gear inches) is usually the standard ratio for a 20 inch. 23/10, 25/11, 26/12, 30/13 would all feel about like 44/16 on a 20. I run 23/10 on mine.
And I think you're right about the Liquid making a great "all around" frame. I plan to start racing mine in the spring.
You mean a proper gear ratio? That's definitely possible. 44/16 (55 gear inches) is usually the standard ratio for a 20 inch. 23/10, 25/11, 26/12, 30/13 would all feel about like 44/16 on a 20. I run 23/10 on mine.
And I think you're right about the Liquid making a great "all around" frame. I plan to start racing mine in the spring.
Supa8, since you're coming from MTB background, it's at least worth noting that a lot more guys are starting to ride mtbmx/Dirt Jumper 26"s on bmx race tracks. Either rigid or with a stiff spring/high air psi suspension fork.
That way if you're not 100% committed to a bmx track-only bike and you want something you can take to mtb trails as well, you'll have it.
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