FATBMX Your Online BMX News Resource Since 1998

We want lighter frames, we want stronger parts and we want cheaper bikes. This doesn't always go hand in hand. We checked in with Mirraco's "Product guy" Jean-Luc Ferre who gives us an insight on triple butting, tubing thickness, heat treating and that sort of stuff.

Weight is a big factor for BMX bikes these days. What can be done to a frame to save weight?
Jean Luc: Obviously, reducing the thickness and diameter of the tubing plays a big role. There is a limit, though, in how far we can go for both. Using single, double or triple-butted tubing is another mean of reducing weight by optimizing tube thickness where needed. Other ways of reducing weight:
- Designing smaller and thinner dropouts (5 or 4mm thick), heat-treatment is required in that case,
- Using smaller BB shells and bearings (Euro is most likely the lightest type),
- Reducing the thickness of the head tube (same, heat-treatment is required in that case). 

Yo homies what Up? I just signed 4 another year @ ESPN Radio, tha show has changed It's name 2 "EXPN ACTION SPORTS RADIO", I do a daily show on 82 FM stations around tha US0fA consistin' of 1 minute interviews PLUS an hour long show on tha ESPN Podcast Center with all types of athletes & N this show I'm doin' a lot on tha lifestyle outside of contests, from musicians/riders/skaters/actors/tattoos/ punx rock/hip hip/rock-n-roll, etc..........with X-Games riders & industry heads..........there Is no rules or limits so I want 2 make It dope-ass. I would like 2 interview my Team Managers as well If Ur down.......PLUS I wanted 2 C If any Of U would HELP ME with their athletes/artists/musicians/etc...thay would like 2 have on tha show. 

12-14th January 2007, Estonia The 7th Simpel Session has once more dodged the blizzards and polar bear traps and invites you to join us midst the snowy fields of Tallinn in the Saku Arena on January 12-14, 2007. Apart from the vigorous ... we have something to get your heart bumping - you and another 12,000 spectators who will be checking out the event. That makes the Simpel Session one of the largest event of its kind in Europe accompanied by more than 130 riders from 25 different countries. The regulars - BMX Street and Skateboard Street - contests set aside, we'll be down with best trick and high air contests and the riders - they're gonna love this - will be able to take away a 12,000 Euro prize purse! If you're reading so far just think about all the funky music, friendly atmosphere, retail booths, bmx/skate film festival, the ever-so-notoriuos afterparties and you got yourself an event you don't want to miss.

Come out of your igloo and join us for the Session! Welcome to the Bash! All you computer freaks can log on to the website  for fresh info. 

Skatepark Zutphen is one of those new all-concrete skateparks that are popping up everywhere. The opening was scheduled Saturday, September 23. The park opened at 10.00h, but knowing the dutch bmx scene the first bmxer would probably show up around 14.00h. Arriving at that time the skatepark was completely (over)filled with skaters, kids, and yes, two bmx kids.

The park is built amazingly smooth. It's got a lot of obstacles, like steers, rails, and huge banks. Even the steel sidewalls looked as if they were ready for some serious wallriding. Next to that the park has a pool with very fast lines and to top it off, the pool was finished with a cradle, the first and only in the Netherlands.

Time to shoot some skate-pics and about one hour later Ricardo and Rick showed up: "the others are on their way". Whatever that means... About 15 minutes later Franky Elshof, Vincent de Vogel and Tim Stijnz dropped into the park and started ripping it instantly...

The Padded Cell road trip went down last week. We worked our way from London to Glasgow and a nine-day tour. Stopping at as many spots as we could along the way.
Highlights included: - Riding a drained 120 year old reservoir. - What could well be the strangest skatepark in the world in the ghettos of Manchester? - Sleeping in hedge when we couldn’t find a hotel. - A mini ramp in a pub beer garden. - The whole crew taking to the track for some BMX racing action.   

Here is a list of the cast and crew:

The Nora Cup award show this year was amazing. The Joint at the HardRock cafe turned into a BMX frenzy with everyone waiting to see what rider deserved that big Number One Rider Award (NORA) cup. Of course the cup went to Canadian Jason Enns. Jason has been ripping it up in his local park and even hops on a plane these days if he really has to. He loves his dogs and his lady and takes them out every day over there in Vancouver.  Jason never misses a party so all party animals were behind the Volume rider who is finishing up his filming for the next Volume video. In the photo you see that Jason gets the full approval from Corey Bohan (left) and Biz Jordan (right).

From everyone at FATBMX we say congrats!!

Man, we've got Pin-Up material for the next few months since we just spent a few days over in Sin City.  Pro riders (even the Failure riders) just have to say they're pro and the ladies line up for a pose. This rider just moved back to Vegas from Portland and here's a reason why...........

As of the end of November I will no longer be riding for Macneil bikes. Due to financial issues Macneil had to make a few cutbacks and I happen to be one of them, Tony Mortenson was another.

Everything with Jay Miron and I is as cool as the day he first asked me to ride for Macneil nearly 6 years ago. I wish Jay, Macneil, and all the boys at Ten Pack the best and had a great time working with them all. Even Alistair!

I'm already working out details with a possible new bike sponsor so hopefully I'll have some more news for you very soon.

Dave Freimuth

Pro street:
1 Björn Mager 30
2 Sergej Geier 29
3 Derrick Girard 28
4 Thorsten Kurth 27
5 Mark König 26
6 Björn Heyer 25
7 Barry Kohne 24
8 Timm Wiegmann 23
9 Max Herbolzheimer 22
10 Daniel Wedemeier 21
11 Sprosse 20
12 Rene Kade 19
13 Mark Vos 18
14 Bas Brouwer 17
15 Marcus Wallborn 16
16 Lucky Wolter 15 

17 & Older Park Finals
1. Mat Olsen 95.25
2. Kyle Braswell 92.50
3. Joe Nelson 91.25
4. Garrett Reeves 90.50
5. Doug Coffey 90.00
6. Steven Mueller 88.75
7. Keith Schmidt 86.25
8. Cory Berglar 85.75
9. Nikko Gatarz 84.50
10. Pedro Hurtado 83.0

17 & Older Dirt Finals
1. Mat Olson - 94.75
2. Garrett Reeves - 91.00
3. Doug Coffey - 89.75
4. James Hawkins - 89.25