New To Racing Options

[Guest_artiefartie2_*]

Hey Guys- Going to train till next season. I bought a Redline Flight XXL because I'm 6'3" and it is light. I seem to have trouble getting the front up. Bike only weighs 19 lbs. I feel that I need to have the stem higher to accomodate my size. Is this what I need to do? I can get a custom fork with a longer stem to give me the height, but do you think this would remedy my problem? any other suggestions?
(IMG:http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee277/PRIMENUMBERS_photos/DSC00933.jpg)

[lumpy]

Bringing the bars up will help a lot... I am 6-1, running a XXL frame and XXL stem with 3 pretty thick spacers under the stem.

If the stock fork doesn't allow some spacers, look into a different fork. I have plenty of steertube on my Supercross fork.

Finally, just keep working on technique. Perhaps there is a local expert that can help you out there...

Most of all, have fun!!

Brian

[Just JeffB now]

A super long stem will make the issue worse.

Try fitting a 4mm spacer under the stem, running taller bars, and shortening the chain to run a shorter rear triangle.

I believe S&M just re-released the 8.25" slam bars, so that`s an option.

Putting an XXL stem on a frame that`s too short is a BAD move (yeah, I know from experience). YOu`ll fee like you`re going to endo all the time, and it will make the front tire want to wash out in the turns.

Raising the bars (or getting taller ones) will make a HUGE difference. Try that first, then let us know how it rides.

[lumpy]

Gotta agree, an XXL stem on a too short frame is bad... But in this case, much like mine, he is already on a XXL frame.

I resisted the idea of going to a XXL stem forever..Seemed wrong to me. But one day, Harry Leary tells me to put on a longer stem. I protest.. He says try it... If it does't work, take it off. 3 laps later, it felt great, haven't changed since. Even when I stepped up to a XXL frame, I left the stem alone. Makes my 20 feel more like my cruiser. I love having the room to move around.

Same with the spacers under the stem... I set both bikes so the bars were at the same height... Didn't account fo the difference in BB height... Take a couple of measurements, change some spacers, total change in my riding...

Brian

[Secret Spin]

Don't forget to put a bigger tire on your front wheel. What is that a 1.75? Poke a 2 1/8th on there. Or at least a 1.95/2.00.
Looks like you need a top loader stem and real 8x28 race bars too.
My son is 6'2" and races a 21.5 TT(XXL) frame with a 60mm(XXL) toploader stem and uncut 8x28" bars.
Also run your seat down a lot more. It only needs too be high enough to use on your legs in corners effectively. If your racing you should be a crouching tiger to navigate the obstacles fast. Get that seat out of the way and get back a little. That will also help your feel on the bars.
And your front wont pick up right if your bars are too far forward either. Run them inline with your forks if your bike fits you right. It also makes the steering response smoother and gets you over the middle of the bike.

This post has been edited by Secret Spin: Oct 14 2007, 08:04 PM

[Flip]

I'm 6'3" and started out with raising the bars! Much better feel and didn't have to use a longer stem. JeffB is also on the right track about bringing your rear tire a little forward as well. That helped me to get the front end up. Good luck.

[sanjosebmx]

I have an '06 Flight, and I switched out the bars for some of the Fly JB bars, I love the bike but the bars seemed to 'sweep back' too much for me..

I don't really manual or jump, but I really like the way I can muscle my 20" around as opposed to my cruiser.

[Guest_artiefartie2_*]

Thanx guys- I think I'll start w/ the new bars and see how they feel

[Elvis]

Most people don't roll their wrists forward enough when they're getting started. Getting your body position right will save you money on parts. I'm 6'4" and am pretty sure I'd fit on your bike.

[Bikemonkeys]

Just to agree with the Taller guys here and because I got back into BMX on that same bike. I changed the bars to S&M slam bars and a DK XXL stem and it fit and rode great. I run my bars 90degrees to the ground or as close as I can get them.

Don't forget to add brakes, they'll come in handy (IMG:http://oldschoolbmx.com/community/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)