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Short CS Cruiser race frames

Supa8

Monkey
May 3, 2002
493
0
Middle of MA
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.
 

Supa8

Monkey
May 3, 2002
493
0
Middle of MA
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.
 

sittingduck

Turbo Monkey
Jun 22, 2007
1,958
2
Oregon
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.
 

Cru Jones

Turbo Monkey
Sep 2, 2006
3,025
2
Hell Track
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.

Just drop me a PM if you're interested.
 

Supa8

Monkey
May 3, 2002
493
0
Middle of MA
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".
 

sealclubber

Monkey
Nov 21, 2007
543
10
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.

Just drop me a PM if you're interested.
my race plate is better than yours will ever be!
 

GMDesigns

Chimp
Sep 27, 2006
94
0
OH
Thanks Cru!

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.

Thanks again for the props.

Greg
 
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cmc

Turbo Monkey
Nov 17, 2006
2,052
6
austin
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.


http://bmxmuseum.com/image/black_market_riot._polished_parts_lg.jpg

check this thread:

http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/index.php?showtopic=27027897&hl=blackmarket

and this one:

http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/index.php?showtopic=27041230&hl=blackmarket

 

ZoRo

Turbo Monkey
Sep 28, 2004
1,224
11
MTL
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!!
 

Cru Jones

Turbo Monkey
Sep 2, 2006
3,025
2
Hell Track
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. :D I plan to start racing mine in the spring. :thumb:
 

ZoRo

Turbo Monkey
Sep 28, 2004
1,224
11
MTL
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. :D I plan to start racing mine in the spring. :thumb:
Yes, that's what I meant! Thanks for the answer
 

cornfed

Monkey
Jul 30, 2007
199
0
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.


http://bmxmuseum.com/image/black_market_riot._polished_parts_lg.jpg

check this thread:

http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/index.php?showtopic=27027897&hl=blackmarket

and this one:

http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/index.php?showtopic=27041230&hl=blackmarket

Hey! :)I've seen that bike before!