My last bike before getting into FG was fully rebuilt POWERLITE 26" bmx cruiser. Sold it for $650 and copped this FrankenLeader for $400 from a sketched out dude on clist. I was crazy green and didnt do any research. Only thing I knew Leader was the it brand. Didn't even know about bikefit.
Worst 400 I ever spent. Only thing that kept me in the game was flipping the front wheel for 350 so I could cop the PK Ripper FG. I'm a an OG bmx head I had to. Just my luck… Another uninformed purchase. Most jarring ride ever.
Sold that one for 500 minus the front wheel which I sold for 400. Mind you this was mid 2000s pinnacle of FG popularity. So I sat my ass down did some research finally.Ended up copping a 1980s civilian issue Panasonic road bike and spent the summer converting it. One of the most awesome rides I ever had. Hated to sell it. But 300 was a come up at the time. More money for a new bike.
Sorry about the rambling….got a lil emotional after finding these pics. Good times indeed.
by doctorfugazi
3 Comments
I’m sorry your PK Ripper was an unpleasant experience for you – I liked mine a lot & seeing your pic unlocked pleasant memories for me. I thought it was pretty versatile & since tracklocross is big now in this sub – back in the day I even took it fixed mountain biking on beginner trails a few times. Anyway – enjoy whatever it is you are riding now.
https://preview.redd.it/475lizui05ge1.jpeg?width=3280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=554c1a60c2d1471be8ae2e6f34ab79c7e1c4577b
I get why the Leader might not have worked out because that’s a crazy small frame but what happened with the PK Ripper? it looks sick. Also how did you sell what looks like the most bog standard qr front wheel for $400?
That Panasonic is what all fixed should look like.
I approve.