I finally got one…
Hey guys! In this video I’ll unbox, build and review something, I wanted to have (so bad), since the last couple of years. That’s the hell of a BMX cruiser, I finally bought. While going through the actual unboxing building process, I decided to also share with you the following things.
·My short history with bikes;
·What I’ve learned about bikes (in particular BMX’S and BMX cruisers);
·What made me pick that exact one over all other options I had;
Disclaimer: I’m by no means a BMX rider, nor bike specialist and I’m interested in becoming one. I decided to share those things with you, because of two reasons:
·(1) To make the whole video/post more complete and entertaining.
·And (2) because I think my experience and what I’ve learned could help someone else to make the right choice when picking a bike. So with all of that being said let’s begin.
My History With Bikes
Growing up as a kid I adored riding bikes… Although I really wanted to have BMX, my family couldn’t afford buying me decent one. And all the bikes I had back then massively sucked. That however wasn’t stopping me from abusing the crap of them. And sometimes I was cruising around my neighborhood and the local park for hours…
As teenager however, things changed and my interest in bikes somehow faded away. During the late part of that period, I was mostly using my savings to either buy me studio gear or stuff like clothes and sneakers. Bikes were not even coming to my head and for close to decade and a half, I stopped riding them entirely…
Not remembering how it exactly happened, but at the mid 2015 something made me want to start messing with bikes again. I think, I saw a music producer (I look up to), riding a BMX as a regular one, in between his beat making sessions.
That not only reminded me how tight and different of all others the BMX bikes look. But as well reignited my desire to start doing the same. I thought it would be pretty awesome to be able of cruising around, the way I used to as a kid. Now with a sick ass bike.
Although I became truly determined to (soon or later) buy me one, that wasn’t really a priority, but more of an idea that stayed at the back of my head (for quite a while). Plus that, I really didn’t know anything about BMX, nor bikes in general. And due to that, I had to firstly do some massive research before buying.
What I’ve Learned About BMX Bikes
In the mean time… I bought and returned one 20 inch complete and then the real research began.
It included watching tons of BMX videos, bike builds and vlogs of pro riders on YouTube. I also went on forums, had little discussions with local riders and sent emails to the companies and stores, I was interested in. Based on all that, I’ve learned the following things.
There are many different kinds of BMX bikes out there. If a person wants to buy one, he or she has to firstly consider for what purposes the bike is recommended. Or in other words: What the bike is made for. Regardless of the bike’s purpose, buying one made by well known and respected BMX company is always best.
If you’re new to bikes, then it would be the much better to either firstly test the exact same bike you want or at least another with same or similar size and geometry.
Therefore visiting a local BMX store, (if there’s such in your area) is really not a bad idea. Plus that, the people inside might offer you something that’s even better for your needs.
The buyer has to also pay very close attention to the materials of which the bike is made. And carefully look for chromoly parts and sealed bearings and bottom brackets. The materials of which the parts are made is what ultimately determines the bike’s overall quality.
Side note: Having parts made of high tensile steel and unsealed bearings and bottom brackets is something you want to say away from.
If you are like me and mostly want to cruise around, have fun and besides some very simple stuff not necessarily do tricks, then a BMX cruiser is what you’re looking for. Just incase you’re not familiar with the concept, those bikes are simply big BMX’s bikes.
They have the same geometry of regular/freestyle BMX, but their wheel size could vary from 24 to 26 to in some rare cases however 29 inches.
The purpose of those bikes is to take one from point A to point B, while giving them a feel of a real BMX and ability to do some light tricks such as: wheelies, bunny hops, crank flips and some others.
Since we’re talking about kind of all purpose bikes, many call some of them monster truck BMX’s. And that’s due to the fact you can ride them where ever you want and on all sorts of terrain.
Little Tip: A high end BMX cruiser is one made of the same materials such as very high end BMX complete or high end BMX after market parts…
What happened
After seeing them for the first time, I originally wanted to get me on one of the SE bikes. Amazed by their design, I thought of either buying the 2018 Fat Ripperor Beast Mode Ripper. Their specs however made me change my plans.
Please don’t get me wrong. I still believe both bikes look amazing. Due to the fact, they combine BMX geometry, fat tires and disk brakes, their concept truly is one of a kind. Yet, spending as near as 800EURO on a bike not entirely made of chromoly really doesn’t sound appealing to me.
Meanwhile I checked the biggest bike stores in the local area. Even that some of them are actually selling BMX’s, the people inside were pretty surprised to find that 26inch BMX cruisers actually exist.
Because he told me about a real (owned by riders) BMX store, not too far from where I live. A random rider I found in my neighborhood, helped more than all of them together.
Despite I usually do the vast majority of my orders from Germany and Amazon, I decided to give it a shot and called the store.
Very kind and informative, the person on the other side was not only completely aware of the exact kind of a bike I was looking for. But as well suggested me to come to their store and test one.
Light and really comfortable, the bike I tested was the 26 inch 2018’s Subrosa Salvador. Although I really liked the look and the feel when riding it, I still did not want the high tensile steel rear end and handle bars. I got back home and continued my research.
Probably in the next week I stumbled upon the Fit Bike Co’s 26 inc Mike Aitkin BMX cruiser. Sucker for chrome, I really like the way it looks for the most part. What I don’t like are the stickers, grips and the yellow on the tires.
Made of the desired materials, the bike has everything I was looking for, so I felt it was the one. I mean back then, I wasn’t really aware of any other BMX cruiser to come even close to the quality of that one.
Despite I decided to wait few more days before making my final choice, at that point I was pretty sure I was going to get it. After all its 100% chromoly and all chromed out…
Yet, I got a call from the store… The person on the other side asked: If I’ve ever heard of CULT-CREWand their 26 inch Devotion Cruiser? He highly encouraged me to check the company, the particular model he was speaking of, and then maybe return the call.
Super stoked, I immediately stumbled on Anthony Panza’s vlog and review of the bike. I learned about the legendary Robbie Morales and the great reputation of his company.
Due to the fact I firstly saw the black version with the rack, I was really not excited about buying it. Then however I went on the company’s instagram page and found the post with new 2018 RAW edition of the bike.
Impressed by the specs and ultimately falling in love with it, the following things came to my head, almost in a blink of an eye. This bike is sick AF. It simply looks stunning. I must have it!
Then I visited the CULT’s actual website, saw the chrome version and that put my search to an end.
It was one of those moments when I simply feel, what I’m starring at is something I truly need in my life. I guessed it was meant to be and I did not hesitate those few extra days for no reason. So I called the store and ordered the bike…
Cool Fact
Until I finally got it, I was checking photos of the bike at least once a day and concluded something. I thought it would be even more awesome if there was a third color way. A combination between the chrome frame and the black fork and handle bars.
Surprisingly (or maybe not that much) that was exactly how the bike came.
Because it arrived a bit later then it should and I didn’t know the option actually exist and I was a bit scared at first. The idea that someone replaced some of the parts came across my head. And for a moment, I even considered returning it.
In the next minute however, I felt like the universe simply heard my wish and send me the color way I truly wanted… I also get 50EURO discount on the price and 1 year support from the local BMX store.
Then I saw a video where they’re talking about it, by showing that exact color way. I learned that it is in fact, but I guess it’s just a bit rare. Honestly I really don’t know…
Bike Specs
·Frame: 100% 4130 CrMo with Vintage style loop tail rear end and 22 inch top tube;
·Fork: 100% 4130 CrMo;
·Integrated Headset;
·CULT Forged Salvation V3 Top Load Stem;
·Handle Bars: 100% 4130 CrMo, 2-pc (Height: 6.75″ /Width: 28″);
·Grips: Sean Ricany Cult x ODI grips, with plastic bare ends;
·Stem: top load, 52 mm Offset;
·Tires: Cult x VANS “Waffle” BMX tires;
·Sealed Mid Bottom Bracket, front Female Hub, and 9T Cassette Hub;
·Single Wall Front Rim / Double Wall Rear Rim;
·CULT 410 Chain;
·25T Alloy Member Sprocket;
·CULT Pivotal Seat;
·CULT x Vans 26 x 2.30 Tires;
·Aluminum V Brake;
Accessories
As more than happy with his new bike satisfied customer, in the next 2 weeks I also bought some accessories, from the same store. I highly recommend both of them to anyone who cares about his BMX.
One is the Subrosa’s War On Theft Shield Lock. I want to make sure the bike is nicely locked every time when I decide to leave it for a moment. Although is remarkably cost then many others I believe that’s is one of the most reliable locks for bikes money can buy.
And the other is Shadow Conspiracy’s Multi Tool. Based on the research I’ve done, I learned this is the best all in BMX tool money can buy. It includes everything you need to build and maintain BMX bike and even has a hammer.
Available in two options: black and chrome, I went with the second in order match it with my bike’s color way.
Final Words And Review
Hands down, I think this is the best BMX cruiser on the market. If I have to pick one to take second place however, I would personally choose the Fit Bike Co’s 26 inc Mike Aitkin BMX cruiser. After all, if it wasn’t about this one, I would certainly buy it.
Riding the Devotion Cruiser feels amazing. At first the seat was a bit stiff, but now is extremely comfortable and actually it gets even better with every time I ride it. Since I’ve got it I almost did not skip a day of doing so.
I highly recommend the bike to anyone who wants a very high end, really fun to ride and amazing looking all purpose bike. Really light and the grips feel so nice.
The bike comes in a huge CULT box. Although it is partly assembled, some assembling is required.Which means you have to put the bars on the stem, the seat and the front wheel on the fork. Once you do those things, you’re already set.
I love all of the stickers and logos of the brand, the beautiful chrome paint job. The vintage rear not only gives a lot of character, but as well makes the bike unique.
Finally, the tires remind vans classic shoe’s waffle outsole and make the bike perfect not only for the streets, but also for dirt. The red and white lines on look awesome. And to me personally bike’s whole colour combination is simply second to none..
So yeah… I hope this little post help you make the right choice when picking a bike. In particular BMX cruiser. Without knowing all those things I wouldn’t be able to the same. And because of that, I decided to share them with you. I hope that makes sense and helps.
Until the next time, yours truly:
Peteonthebeat
