Friday, June 13, 2008

Thrashguard


(I fully plan on writing something about the Kevin Robinson high air event—which I attended—but I want to spend some more time on it. For now, here's a photo.)



Once again, no quiz. Although I suppose this could qualify as a one-question quiz, albeit one with no good answer: Why would Ruben Alcantara design a bashguard "to complement his unique riding style" and have it fit only one frame—one that, in fact, he doesn't even ride? (Ruben's still on T1, is he not?) A real headscratcher, that.


Ah, bashguards. Somehow I can't see them making much of a comeback. Who's going to intentionally bolt eight whole ounces to the bottom of their four-pound frame? Besides this guy, of course.

In other news, Sean Burns is my homeboy.

And one more thing: Jimmy LeVan.

(OK, maybe I am a retro grouch. Just a little.)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Better question is, why, when he is the person solely responsible for designing it over the last 2 years, have we never seen any footage of him using it, especially considering his recent release of a full video part filmed during that time? It's nostalgic for me, but at the same time, really kind of stupid.

Russ said...

Probably because he only realized after the fact that it only fit on a Fly Luna.

Anonymous said...

Down with Mordor!

Anonymous said...

Give me a GT Aggressor anyday.

Anonymous said...

26.5' off a 24' (or whatever) > 27' off a 30

ryan said...

Why isn't it plastic?

Anonymous said...

awesome picture of Dave Clymer! from what i heard that cover was what put GO out of business...and a little bonus info: look close enough and you'll see Albe's stickers on his number plate (he was on our team at the time)

Anonymous said...

yeah that whole bash-guard thing confused me when I first saw it... can't imagine this "bunny-hop tailwhip generation" would ever want to use something like that. I for one realize it was a part used by many BITD, but these kids now a days would just look at it and say to themselves, "what a stupid idea, why would Rubin invent the bash-guard?" blah.

Why did that shot put GO out of business?

Anonymous said...

story i heard was that the NBL thought that cover (and images like it) were giving BMX a negative image and hurting the "family sport" image they wanted to portray. they sent letters to all the advertisers in that issue (including us) and asked everyone to boycot the next issue. GT pulled all their ads (for GT, Dyno, Powerlite, Robinson, Auburn) and the magazine couldn't afford to print the next issue...again, that's the story got so who knows how legit it is but having gotten that NBL letter it seems pretty believable.

Anonymous said...

The next version of Ruben's T-1 will have it. Supposedly... Plastic pedals make it easier to do Skateboard style tricks, or just plain Knee high curbs/ledge nibbles. Pedal to Metal if you go big or fast.

Anonymous said...

russ, i know he isnt old school to the max, but where are some pictures of rooftop on that white ass hoffman with the bash guard on it? im not gonna lie, i rode one around the same time. it made me bunny hop negitive 1'.

Anonymous said...

BMX needs a lot more Dave Clymer.

Anonymous said...

russ, you're still complete dushebag

Anonymous said...

There is nothing better in the world than someone trying to insult someone else and failing miserably because of spelling.

Anonymous said...

I wanted a bashguard Haro so bad when they came out.