With these new tricks came subtle equipment changes, as the re-appropriated track bike’s relatively delicate componentry was simply not created with anything other than banked turns and straight ahead power in mind. Equipment choice has been a mix of style, durability and necessity. Necessity speaks to the need on most frames to run a dimunitive 650c front wheel for barpsin downtube clearance if such tricks are desired. Just as in freestyle bmx, a certain repertoire of tricks can require certain component choices. Riser, bullhorn and traditional track drops all have their pros and cons for skidding and hill bombing. Durability is something all together different, and expected given the bicycle heritage. Tony Fast, “At one point last summer I had gone through about five forks in two months and knocked out two teeth as a result. The stock forks available are available are…very poor at dealing with the abuse.” Tire size has steadily increased as well, with 28c tires now common to hamper pinch flats. Mountain stems and posts are common, reinforced saddles are making an appearance.

The common thread throughout has been speed. Time and time again I’ve been reminded that the bikes are used as transportation first, tricks second. Gear ratios are consistently reported in the street realm of ~70 gear inches. This may be the dividing line between fixed freestyle and formal artistic cycling on bicycles so crippled for the sake of tricks to be useless for blasting across town. For now at least, getting across town is still key.