HOFFMAN BAMA
Bike Test: Hoffman Bama 2015
Website: Hoffmanbikes.com
Distro: Cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk
Who is the brand? Hoffman Bikes
About the bike:The Bama is a complete version of Seth Kimbrough’s own signature frame and his input into the complete shows. The Bama is outstanding value for money and comes with all the quality you’d expect from a Hoffman. A full 4130 cromoly frame with removable brake hardware, Hoffman forks featuring full cromoly tapered legs, full chromoly 8.5” tall bars, 3pc tubular cromoly cranks, sealed mid BB, a 25T alloy Hoffman sprocket and fully sealed wheels with double wall rims to top it all off. In fact, the list goes on but you can see the full spec breakdown below. The silver colour looks great keeping this bike looking clean and classy, complemented by the neat looking graphics. The only thing I’m not such a fan of is that the front axles are a little short, so you might struggle to get a set of pegs on without tearing out the thread, especially as the wheel nut itself is on the small side.
Who rides for them? Seth Kimbrough, Ben Hennon, Zack Warden, Jeremy Harbal, Mikey Babbel, Trent McDaniel, Morgan Wade, Dylan Sparkman, Dan Shepherd, Del Shepherd, Bob Manchester.
What’s their history and where are the brand from?Hoffman Bikes has an incredible history – enough history to fill a book. Actually, there is a book — read Mat Hoffman’s Autobiography, or watch the film Birth Of Big Air to get a feeling for some of the history behind Hoffman and Hoffman Bikes. Mat launched Hoffman Bikes in 1991 when he simply wanted to make stronger, better BMX bikes – he developed US-made frames and parts in his own factory in Oklahoma, then he worked hard to improve Taiwan manufacturing to cope with increasing demand, something that the whole industry and riders can be thankful for. Hoffman Bikes has been there, done it. They have grown alongside BMX, and now focus on new bikes for an upcoming generation of riders.
What is the bike intended for, and who is it aimed at?Seth’s geometry and full team input came together to create a bike for every form of riding; street, parks, dirt, anywhere. Mat’s psyched on this bike.
What do the manufacturers say about it?The Bama is the new signature complete bike from long-time Hoffman Bikes pro street innovator, Seth Kimbrough. Seth worked with Mat Hoffman to make sure his signature bike is stacked with all the good stuff required of modern-day street and park riding – Seth’s signature bike is built to take it, at a price that can’t be beat.
What are the stand our features of the bike?The bike in general just looks really cool as a package.
What is the geometry like and what is the weight of the bike?The sub 21” frame makes the Bama quite a nimble bike to handle and suits the shorter rider.
Is there anything that could be improved on the bike?I don’t think so. It’s super good for the price; in fact I’m surprised it’s as cheap as it is. Looks the part and does the job it’s designed to do!
Specs:Frame: Full Crmo 20.75″TT
Forks: Tapered Crmo
Bars: Crmo 8.75″ rise
Headset: 1 1/8″ Integrated sealed
Brakes: Alloy U Brake with removable hardware
Front Hub: 10mm Male
Rear Hub: 9t sealed cassette hub
Rims: Double wall alloy
Tyres: 20″ x 2.2″
Gearing: 25t-9t
Cranks: Sealed mid 3pc Tubular Cromo 175mm
Pedals: Plastic platform
Seat: Hoffman Conjoined seat/post combo
Stem: Top load 50mm
RRP: £319.99
Name: Will Bennett
Age: 20
Home: Bristol
Favourite thing about this bike: Good size for shorter riders.
It’s fair to say the neighbours did not approve of Will’s bar spin roof gap. One guy sounded like he was going to cry when he was telling us off.
Share