Specialized : Riders Club

Drew Engelmann's Journal

The FUSE 4

posted by Shimanodog at 11:00 AM on January 03, 2008

I decided first to write about the FUSE 4 BMX bike because it is the farthest from what I have been accustomed to. Sure, everyone remembers riding a BMX bike as a kid (mine was a Huffy with aluminum star-mag wheels), but how do today’s bikes differ from those of yesteryear. Also, how/why would anyone in my 30-35 year old age demographic decide to buy one of these animals?

I ended up buying this bike on a whim, and surprisingly, I am very happy that I did. I had been riding my new P.1 Cro-Mo (the article is coming soon) and wanted to have some friends join me at Calabaza’s track. Our group was one bike short, so I had my friend Amy Fogerson (also a rider’s club member), bring the FUSE 4 from Concept Cyclery in Morgan Hill. When she arrived, I handed the P.1 over to my buddy Brian, and jumped on the FUSE 4. I bought the Alan Cooke edition because I really dug the color scheme and graphics that were on the bike. Looking back on the day, I remember chuckling as I stepped over the seat to pedal into the park. The bike felt SO small. Remember that I am a 6’2”, 195 lb guy now riding a 20” bike. I felt like one of those bears in the circus riding a tiny bike in the middle of the tent. I then started pedaling the bike to the beginner section of the park where my friends awaited with smirks already on their faces. I looked ridiculous. Or, at least, I felt like I did.

Deacon James’ team designed the FUSE 4 as Specialized’s top model of BMX bike for our Park/Urban Rider Experience. Deacon, and his team, has an extensive background in both racing and urban BMX riding styles and it really shows. Riding this bike was the most fun that I have had since beginning this mission. At the $660 price, it is the least expensive bike that I have owned in about 5 years. Sufficed-to-say, I am stoked! If I were to take a fun:monetary investment ratio, the FUSE 4 would win hands-down over any other bike that I have owned. Nice work, Team!!

Here is how and where the bike was ridden:

I have had the bike for 1 month now and have made a point to ride this bike every other day for no less than 45 minutes. I ride it on the street in front of my house, or at the dirt jumps in Aptos or Campbell. The time that I have invested in the FUSE 4 has definitely taken away time from my other rides and training, but I feel that it has only helped me further my skill level with other bikes. As skill level goes, I learned to bunny-hop only with the advent of clipless pedals. So, riding flat pedals was a task that I have never really mastered. With the FUSE 4, I could bunny-hop about a foot high with no “real” practice and quickly learned the basics of jumping the table-tops. I would later practice my technique and eventually jump over a small kitchen trashcan with little error. My learning curve was shortened by a watch-and-copy process of “how to” videos on www.youtube.com . A definite “must see” if you are looking to increase your skill level as a rider.

As mentioned before, the first ride on the FUSE 4 was at the Calabaza’s BMX track. There are 4 unique sections in the park suited for all riding abilities. On the first day, I started in the beginner area riding 2’ high table-tops and getting used to riding the groomed corners and ended the session going for the big stuff. I was amazed at how easy the bike was to handle. While I cannot state that I have jumped everything in the park, I can state that I have comfortably ridden the park with enthusiasm and without looking like a complete poser.

What I learned while riding the bike and what you should be aware of before purchasing a BMX bike for yourself:

First. If you are open to the suggestions of others, most riders will take time to give you a few technique tips. Mind you, I was about 10-20 years older than everyone else at the park, so they could’ve been attempting a public service by keeping the “old dude” from breaking a hip.

Second. It’s all about the frame. Components are definitely important, but every rider that I met reminded me of how great the FUSE 4 frame was. The Cro-Mo frame is light and durable which allows the rider to focus on the features of the park. Not to mention, the Allan Cooke limited edition, received some positive responses. At a $660 price, the FUSE 4 as a complete bike, is a great deal. I have made a couple of after market changes, but nothing important to mention.

Finally. Get pads.

What magazines and websites I read and how they helped me in my endeavor to experience the rider lifestyle

Dig BMX

Ride

Ride, UK Edition

BMX Mag

The UK Edition of Ride Magazine was the best. I read all of them from cover to cover, but found myself looking at the ads more in the US editions and the articles about the riders were just okay. The thing that I remember most is the font size in the mags. You can tell quickly that the intended readers are very young. I feel that my vision is pretty good, but that was crazy! I had to laugh at myself as I squinted at the words. Why was the UK Edition the best? The layout was most comparable to Velo News magazine, and the editorials were kept to a minimum.

What gear I bought to increase my enjoyment of the ride and what I would like to see on the market to help me further.

Shin Guards. These rocked!!!! I found myself appreciating a product like this several times in the past month. Pedal screws are sharp and can easily ruin your desire to return to the park. Be sure to pick up a pair. I bought the 661 Veggie Skins and liked them. A friend of my bought the Lizard Skin brand and had little appreciation for them, but everyone is unique. I’m sure you will have your own preference.

Shoes. I bought the 5-10 Marzocchi shoe from Trail Head Cyclery in San Jose. I could feel the pedal screws through most of my shoes, so I searched for a stiffer stole that had lots of grip. I have really enjoyed the 5-10’s with little exception. The sole is the perfect combination of grip with stability, and the upper is padded perfectly for its intended purposes. I would like a bit more ventilation myself, but I’m used to the Specialized Pro Mountain and S-Works Road Shoe, so I am a little pampered. Those two pairs of shoes are lightweight, cool, comfortable, and efficient. I know that I cannot expect that out of every shoe that I wear, but a guy can dream.

Helmet. Why don’t these people wear helmets? Because the BMX/Skate helmets on the market are HOT! Sure, protection is the number one priority, but a little ventilation wouldn’t kill anyone, would it? I bought a helmet named after a certain hairstyle that Belgian cyclists are trying to re-invent, and it was amazing how hot the thing was. I compared it to the Specialized Skillet and was shocked! Although the vent holes were not as large as the “*ullet” helmet, the placement of the vents on the Skillet were ideal. Again, nice work, Team.

What I thought about the bike and the lifestyle of the Rider Experience

I am very happy that I ventured away from my typical road and mountain biking to experience the FUSE 4. I highly recommend trying one out soon! These bikes are found at every dealer in the greater San Jose area and BMX parks are everywhere so riding options are plentiful.

Additionally, I feel that I have limited my prejudice about BMX riders. Prior to buying the FUSE 4, I looked at BMX as a sport that is reserved for those who like to be seen on video smashing their faces in the concrete. Now, I understand WHY they smash their faces so much. It's that ever-present desire to keep trying until you succeed. I still would like to see more belts and less butt-crack, but I've settled on talking to riders about their decision to eliminate helmets over their selection of mens or womens jeans.

That's one thing that I haven't changed my prejudice about, JEANS! I get the tight T-Shirt, I get the Vans, I get the moppy hair-do, but women's jeans? There has to be a better way.

How do I feel that this may help YOU enjoy biking more?

If you are looking for the next bike to fill up that void in the garage, seriously consider the FUSE family.

Why?

The bikes are easy to transport to work for those lunch breaks when you just “need to get outside.” The FUSE bikes are small enough to fit inside most cars. No rack needed.

Your bike handling skills will increase with every visit to the saddle.

The monetary investment is small compared to the joy that it will bring you.

And, your cool factor will sky-rocket!

Could I see myself pursuing the riding style?

Definitely!

categories: General , Photos

Comments (4)

01:53 PM on January 03, 2008 UTC id* wrote:

pics - dude - pics!!!!

05:56 PM on January 03, 2008 UTC Caboose wrote:

Yay I'm famous!! And I will vouch for the portability of the Fuse...it fit nicely in the back seat of my Corolla (even with all the other junk that is back there!)