pavedwave longboarding

Ian the Groove Worshipper · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 79 Location: Largo, FL

Glad you liked the setup, JP! I was thinking afterwards that really only a few things would need to be changed if it were to be a "money is no object" setup.

I think all that I would change is to add the following items:
Khiro wedge kit (I would still get the angled risers, they are nice to have)
Khiro bushing kit
Biltin bearings (takes place of spacers and bearings)
Add 100 bucks for a Mermaid (or any other boutique LDP deck if you are can wait)

Other optionals:
Dremel $100 to cut kingpins and truck mounting bolts, smooth out truck hangers, and other fun projects
Cordless drill with 3/8 deep well socket - the best way to change trucks
I could go on and on

You are right that I did not add the cost of shipping! I wanted to, to make it truly a legit price, but that was too much work. One thing that surprised me is how hard it was to put together a cheap setup. I know that Stoked is working on selling the Mermaid as a complete. I can't see how they'll be able to pull it off for much less than almost 4 bills. I worry that may be a turn off to getting more people into this movement. That said, we are a spoiled bunch - just check out how much all other hobbies cost! It's only a matter of time, I'm telling you - these are the glory days we'll tell our grandchildren about when we are crusty old men, back when candy bars cost a nickel and you could put together a top of the line LDP for 3 and change! I paid 1400 for a fixed gear bike not too long ago, and that is very cheap for a track bike. As far as I'm concerned, I'll never ride it again now that I've found this superior zen-like form of locomotion, and will be listed on Ebay soon, to support my LDP habit.

Regarding the ride height, I have yet to find a way to run low ride height (such as angled riser only without any flat added) without wheelbite. It's gotten to the point where I'm scared to accelerate hard from low speed, or climb hills from being bitten too many times. Getting pitched sucks, fortunately I've always managed to roll right out of it with no more than abrasions. The other night when I was drifting off to sleep, I did one of those twlight flinches/jumps replete with a shout of alarm that frightened my wife...I realized afterward I was dreaming of a frontside bite and the frantic response to get my foot out from under me! At this point I err high with riser, and would tell any newcomer that if they can't handle the ride height, get out the kitchen! Or go get some Randals, maybe they'll work for you and they seem to ride lower without biting.

flogginmonty · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 11

Hello,

I have been looking for a LDP that sits lower so it can also be used as an efficient pusher. I have narrowed my choices down to the Subsonic Century 38 or the Gbomb Cambiar. I read a few posts about the Gbomb, but then all the information kind of dried up. Please help me make my decision. I am 39 years old, about 5'9" tall, and weigh about 165-175 depending on how many adult beverages i drink.

Thanks for any input

LDPanda · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 418 Location: Seattle, WA

Although i havent spent a whole lot of time on either, i definitely found the Century easier to pump than the Cambiar. I think the cambiar offers great versatility in that it can be used for flatland one minute and garage bombing the next but for pure distance i would prefer the Century. The century cups the front foot well for pumping and is still plenty low for pushing. I think i tried the lower of the two drops on the century and personally would have prefered less drop but it probably depends how much time you expect to be pushing versus pumping.

flogginmonty · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 11

That's the info I was looking for.
Thanks
One more item, I skated for about 20 years (street, ramp, pool) and pushed everywhere. Is it possible to push the Roe Mermaid when needed and pump when needed? I never saw a drop deck until I started researching LDP. I am wanting to replace running with long distance skating so I will need the ability to push and pump. The Mermaid seems to be most everyones top choice for pumping and the Rollsrolls for pushing. But, i can't buy both. Plus, I don't want both. I want one do it all skateboard.

wafflesole · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 82

I cant vouch for the pumping side of things. But for pushing the Rollsrolls isn't the best choice.

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: seattle wa usa

flogginmonty · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 11

Thanks for all the info guys. I got permission from the wife and just ordered the Roe Mermaid complete package from Stokedskateboards. I am thinking that for my first board this was a good decision because i don't know a lot about the different trucks, wheels, and etc. that are available for LDP/ LDPushing. When I skated I just used Independent trucks, abec 3 bearings, and street or ramp wheels. The complete package takes all the guess work out of it for me. I am sure I won't be dissapointed

aschmidt · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 56 Location: Bakersfield CA

You won't be...and I can vouch for both of them...

Ian the Groove Worshipper · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 79 Location: Largo, FL

It's actually a sweet deal, too, especially when you factor in the wedging kit and bushing kit. I think you get a pretty good discount over what you'd pay if you bought the parts from them individually. Just a few months ago if you wanted a Mermaid you had to wait for months, and buy all the individual parts one by one, now you can have the whole enchilada shipped to your house within a week at a much lower price, complete with all the bushings and wedges you need to get your setup dialed. LDP is blowing up! And this is only the beginning.

flogginmonty · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 11

Got the new Mermaid complete in today. Went out and skated 13 miles. I was able to pump at least 1.5 miles at a time. It got my heart rate up pretty high due to effort. Ran out of speed if i hit any type of incline. I used all stock bushings and stock wedging (15/5). Gonna switch out bushings tonight. Also gonna play with angled riser combos. when i get longer hardware. Overall, i was super stoked about how my first day went. Can't wait until tomorrow.