Tuning the gears on your SE Bikes Fast Ripper

I take my new 2021 Midnight Sparkle Fast Ripper down to Phoenix Bike Co for a tune up after I built it up real sloppy. Shaun explains how to set the screws on the derailleur and more.

[@184876ela]

I"M 64 JUST GOT MY FAST RIPPER THIS IS A GREAT CHANNEL

[@brandonburkhardt1513]

Me too, high polish :D

[@jeffreyruggles2780]

Okay. So this is, like, the best KZbin channel I’ve found. I’m 42, used to ride BMX bikes as a youngster, got a car, STOPPED riding bikes, turned 30 and started getting fat so I got into road bikes, fucked up my back, had surgery, couldn’t ride road bikes anymore and discovered the world of Big Wheel BMX! I am not lying when I say that this channel has been a huge help in my recovery from surgery! I’ve learned so much and I just went on my first 26 mile ride out over the weekend! Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to the Big Bike BMX crew for all the inspiration. Now a question. I want to dial in the gears on my single speed. Because of the video you did about Big Ripper upgrades I started running a 17t freewheel on my Purple Rain Big Ripper. Made a huge difference on hills and in pedaling ease in general. But sometimes it feels a little “loose” on the downhill. Can I upgrade my sprocket to balance that a bit more. I’ve heard a 42t sprocket is a good gear ratio for climbing and hills, but also to give you a bit more meat when you pedal on the flats. What would you recommend? Anything special you like? Thanks again for all that you do and any help with my sprocket issue would be awesome! Can’t wait for future videos!

[@BigBikeBMX]

Wow, thanks man! So stoked you're part of the family here. I'm nothing special, just a dude that likes bikes as much as you do - only I make home videos on my iPhone and throw them up here on KZbin. Here's my suggestion on the gearing: I honestly think the best all around gearing is 33/16. That's what I run on my Purple Rain and I love it. It's chill enough for wheelies and climbing (coming from road bikes I'm not worried about your stamina or leg strength). Since you have a 17 tooth now, I'd check a bike gear calculator and see what ratio the 33/16 pumps out and see if there's a cheap way to get close with a 17 tooth freewheel. Good luck and keep riding brother! Stoked you're here.

[@robertbonner7469]

The paint on that frame is really nice! Congratulations on the new Ripper!

[@BigBikeBMX]

The sparkle is nice. I don't love the rootbeer vibe personally. I'm considering getting it powder coated. Still deciding.

[@littleman916]

Love it, thanks for having us

[@TheDRUMSMYWIFE]

Too bad I miss you in San Diego the other week. Glad you enjoyed the ride

[@BigBikeBMX]

I plan on coming back real soon bro! Planning on SD and O-Side trip.

[@GreenBoxGrown]

For a second I thought you were wearing the Jakob Santos Glove but then I realized it was just your tattoos lol. That is a sick handlebar grab you pulled I'm gonna have to try that!

[@BigBikeBMX]

Hahahaha bro, that’s funny! Slaying that wheelie game bro🤘🔥

[@RLOsbornBMXFreestyle]

Great video and that hat is badass man. Lookin forward to seeing you in Santa Cruz!

[@BigBikeBMX]

So stoked! That’s going to be a fun one

[@flyinlow6692]

My last BMX was a Patterson. Wanted to get back into riding again.Couldn't get a hold of a Fast Rip so I bought a OM Duro XL. I love it! Congrats on your purchase....

[@BigBikeBMX]

The Duro is a great bike too. My son rides the XL too and loves it! Are you still riding the knobby tires?

[@flyinlow6692]

@@BigBikeBMX I'm really liking the Schwalbe Super Moto X. It's more street oriented, better for wheelies/longer rides, but you can still drop I into some mild trails no problem. I'll throw on the knobs if I'm gonna have a more off road oriented adventure. Keep up the dope vids, your channel rejuvenated the kid in me. Peace be the journey my friend....

[@yeakid4029]

Love the channel. Just subed. Please do the video with the pk bars. I'm an old man with basically the same BMX story as you my friend. I was completely unaware of this bike until I found your video. I found one at a local shop that I'm picking up tomorrow. I can't Friggin wait. I'm like a 5-year-old the night before Christmas it's 1 a.m. and I can't sleep I'm so freaking excited to pick it up. I went to college in AZ back in the late '90s, Tempe, me and my roommates would drive up to Phoenix with the bikes in the back of his done up 70's dodge van an rip this place I believe was called the wedge... Anyway, Love the content, and thank you.

[@BigBikeBMX]

Thanks for the comment! I did the video with the PK bars recently. Check it out. Stoked to hear you're back on a bike and you've got the Fast Ripper. I hope you're enjoying it as much as I do. You're absolutely correct, The Wedge skatepark is alive and well - You should come visit on the new bike!

[@Younghead]

Nice Bike Issac, those gears are so simple to tune up. You’ll hardly need to service them. Hope you and your family enjoy your bikes.

[@BigBikeBMX]

I went in early for no reason lol.

[@Younghead]

@@BigBikeBMX That shows your passion for bikes, maybe 🤔

[@jeromelafond4644]

Bmx + gears = end of the world ! 😈😈😈😈

[@BigBikeBMX]

I get it. It’s not traditional but it’s a fun bike to ride. It won’t replace the PK Ripper 26.5 but it’s a top three favorite

[@kyle9254]

Just bought my fast ripper yesterday

[@briancatena4152]

Like the channel, good to see 40+ guys doing these videos instead of the youngsters. I’m looking to buy a new bike and I can’t decide between a Monster Ripper, Fast Ripper, or Big Ripper? From what I see looks like you have each one of those bikes. I’m 45yrs old 6’-4” 210lbs. What is your personal option on each? I like the idea of having gears but not sure and disk brakes hence getting the Monster Ripper but then that has a cassette but then I think maybe just get a Big Ripper then upgrade to disc back brake and have freewheel? Im just all confused lol hope to hear back soon keep up the videos!

[@BigBikeBMX]

If I could pick only one of those bikes, it would be the fast ripper. Gears open up so many options for riding. Monster Rippers are great as well. It looks like SE has a prototype Big Ripper with disc brakes coming soon. Fast ripper gives the best of everything though. Feels like a BMX bike but with gearing options

[@waferzworld]

Would you recommend the monster quad, fast ripper; or big ripper for first and possible only bike?

[@claudedevault6068]

Hey man love the channel was wondering if it's possible to purchase just the forks for the fast ripper or the big ripper HD can't seem to find them with the tab for the caliper.

[@BigBikeBMX]

I know Supercross sells a 29” fork with disc. I haven’t seen SE do that yet. You might want to ask your local se dealer if they can special order one.

[@CraigAndres]

Great channel! 👍 is the fast ripper the only SE Bike with gears? Any advice for wheeling like a pro? Thank you Craig 😊

[@BigBikeBMX]

Hey Craig. SE has the fast ripper, OM Duro, and some new geared bikes dropping this year.

[@treyhorn5645]

Very cool.

[@ThePeteGray]

Hey man! Just found your channel and it's great! I'm looking at the PK Ripper 27.5 and the Fast Ripper. I know you have both so please could you tell me the pros/cons? Particularly the differences in daily use with having a 10 speed cassette over the fixed gear. Cheers! 👍🏻

[@BigBikeBMX]

That’s hard to pick. The PK 27.5 is agile and peppy like a BMX bike. Feels just like the bike you rode as a kid. The Fast Ripper is bigger but gears give you lots of options for climbing hills and going faster. I use the Fast Ripper for commuting to work. It’s a balanced bike and wheelies great. They’re both fun. If you’re coming back I’d say the PK Ripper 27.5 edges out the top spot

[@ThePeteGray]

@@BigBikeBMX - thanks so much for the reply! No stock of the PK Ripper here in the U.K. at the moment but can get hold of the Fast Ripper..... I think I'll hang on for the PK 👍🏻

[@markpaley8421]

​@@ThePeteGray Hi Pete, did you purchase a 27.5 ok ripper?if so what you think

[@ThePeteGray]

@@markpaley8421 I did mate, but sold it shortly after. Great bike but I needed more of a MTB for riding with my kids. 👍🏻

[@denys2776]

What gear ratio should I use for easy wheelies, I'm building a bike for wheelies, I ride fixed gear but also want to build a bike

[@edwinhilaire8629]

Hello, I just purchased 2021 Fast Ripper. I would like to install rear pegs. Out the box this model doesn’t come with rear pegs like the other models. Is it an easy to install or there would be some modification needed? Thanks

[@BigBikeBMX]

The fast ripper has different rear dropouts. I wouldn’t suggest it, honestly. If you do, you might need to invest in a stronger axle. Enjoy the new bike🤘

[@1RadDad556]

Yessirsky!

[@BigBikeBMX]

It's a fun bike

[@peteristevski]

Hey Issac, put your PK27.5 bars on to your fast ripper, feels so much better. 1 inch taller and narrower. Black bars on the FR looks way better too

[@BigBikeBMX]

Great idea Peter! I took it to heart and swapped them out today. Look for a new video this weekend👍 - great suggestion!

[@peteristevski]

Haha sweet! Take it an extra step and also swap the seat poles for the full black look😉

[@BMWN54N55]

What is the Se Fast Ripper chainrings BCD size is it 104mm? Does anyone know?

[@BMXBikerDude3]

❤️🧡💛💚💙 DAAANNGGG… SE Bikes, ROCK… 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾 PEACE… ✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

[@gabrielzazueta2218]

I’m having some issues with my chain not staying in gear on some of my gears it works well about 70 percent for the time but there’s certain gears where it wants to keep going back and fourth between gears

[@BigBikeBMX]

It’s common with the stock derailleurs. Mine stays good for about 20 miles and needs some tuning. It’s a cheap upgrade too.

[@UNLIMITED408]

Hey Isaac out of all the bikes you have witch brand do you like the best? I just gave the wife my big flyer so looking to upgrade.

[@BigBikeBMX]

The bikes I grab the most shocks me. It’s the 26” SuperCross SX250. 1. SuperCross SX250 26” 2. PK Ripper 27.5 3. SuperCross SX250 29” The SuperCross bikes all have a steeper head tube angle so they feel more like the freestyle BMX bikes I remember from the late 80s. I’m hoping they make a 27.5 in the future. 26” bikes handle so well and they’re easier to control. I can whip them around easier and wheelies seem to control better. The 29s are more popular, but they’re harder to control jumping and goofing off. They’re fantastic for just pedaling long miles though.

[@UNLIMITED408]

@Big Bike BMX Too bad the supercross are sold out rite now. What do you think about the Redline 27.5 or the Dyno pro comp 29? I grew up on those when I was a youngster in the late 80s.

[@BigBikeBMX]

@@UNLIMITED408 how tall are you and what type of riding do you plan on doing? Those are both quality frames.

[@UNLIMITED408]

@Big Bike BMX I'm 5'10" about 240lbs. At first I got the big flyer to cruise around with the kids. But now I got more into it and started working on the wheelies. I have got them down yet. I also have a Specialized Enduro for off-road. But I was looking at the Fast Ripper. I like the gears part of it. You know us older guys get tired faster lol. Do you know of a new ones coming out for 2023?

[@benjaminfrank_]

What’s the best gear to wheelie a fast ripper at a slower speed ?

[@BigBikeBMX]

Start at the easiest gear and slowly move down through the harder gears until you find the sweet spot for your balance and how fast you want to go👍

[@benjaminfrank_]

Do bozacks 29x2.4 tires fit on the stock thin fast ripper wheels that come with thickslicks ?

[@BigBikeBMX]

I haven’t run them, but it’s the same clearance as the big ripper

[@bryanmiller5692]

What size wheels fo you like the best? 29" 27.5" or 26"? I'm 5'10 " 220 lbs. Trying to get my first SE bike.

[@rnogorilla1304]

27.5 u can learn a little quicker and 26 might b to small and you can lean back easily

[@i_like_to_ruin_jokes1099]

@@rnogorilla1304 bro what are you talking about, 29 will fit him good for cruising and wheelies cause im 5"7 and i fit perfectly on 29, and the 27 is good for combos it may be harder for cruising if it doesnt fit him perfectly

[@RLOsbornBMXFreestyle]

Need a dork disk for my bike haha

[@BigBikeBMX]

I think I still need mine!

[@gregdominguez4413]

I wanna go fast I wanna go fast 💨

[@giantorres4007]

hey what are your top 3 freewheels to get ?

[@BigBikeBMX]

I look at them as tools so my answer might be different than most. The most important thing to me is engagement. I don’t want any slack in cranking before the tire moves forward. Rideout supply has high engagement freewheels at an affordable price. They sell out often but check their store weekly Origin8 also has a high engagement freewheel and it’s got stiff springs that make it loud. That also means more wheel drag so your wheels won’t spin as long and you’ll pedal harder. Profile: it’s expensive but you’ll have a quality freewheel

[@giantorres4007]

@@BigBikeBMX ok thank you

[@fullride5]

I’m trying to find a fast ripper!! Anyone got any leads please let me know!

[@ErickVIDAL23]

What gloves are those

[@BigBikeBMX]

Mike Buff signature gloves from www.CrushedBMX.com

[@Joebro200]

fast ripper or monster quad?

[@BigBikeBMX]

Fast ripper gives you gears so that’s my suggestion. If you’ll never find value in multiple gear options when riding - monster quad has so much style🤘

[@topnotchcrotchhfpv9503]

U just do cactus crusiers?

[@BigBikeBMX]

For rideouts? Naw, we have CactusCruisers, AverageJoes, CopperstateBMX, Unity rideshop, and Saturday Morning Service. I ride with whoever is hosting

[@topnotchcrotchhfpv9503]

@@BigBikeBMX i mean where you just at the ride on saturday? If u were and are on ig i believe i have fottage of you.. i filmed the whole ride

[@BigBikeBMX]

@@topnotchcrotchhfpv9503 ohhh yeah man! @bigbikebmx on Instagram. I’d love to check it out! Thanks for riding with us too! Average Joes or Unity this weekend🤘

[@six0sick]

TOTALLY off subject but check out the "fandelier" on Amazon or eBay.

[@dazlee8862]

The mechanic needs a longer screwdriver! 😂

[@KutthroatZz]

A basically a ci100

[@matthewhahn3832]

You did not shift gears

[@hobofoshitsho8999]

I never understood why people say things like "front fork" and "front windshield ". As if there were a rear counterpart. The same people probably say things like "He's a male nurse" or "He's a male stripper." As if "He" could be any other gender. It's all a bit redundant and unnecessary. This public service announcement is brought to you by boredom and frustration. It's all shits and giggles.... till someone giggles n shits.