Bike Test: We The People Crysis
Words and Photo’s: Dunk
Rider: Wookey
Rider Notes: Good size for taller riders, pedals not grippy enough for me though
Brand Notes: The first WTP complete with a freecoaster
Website: wethepeoplebmx.de
Distro: cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk
Thanks: Crucial BMX Shop
Another tidy complete from WTP – here we have the Crysis. Coming in with a 21” top tube the Crysis is full cromo and decked out with all the good stuff from We The People’s in house parts brand Salt and Eclat. The matte black frame is plain and simple with clean lines and a nice high stand over. The decals are non fussy and just let the bike do the talking. The unique thing about this bike – and I’m sure we’ll be seeing it on many more completes as of now – is the inclusion of a freecoaster rear hub. Called the Trapez, this hub is duel purpose – allowing you to change it to a regular cassette should you wish to. Freecoasters have had a bit of a resurgence over recent years – once upon-a-time they were objects purely owned by flatlanders, who don’t typically hammer their parts as much as a street rider for instance. Some street riders took to using them, opening the doors of creativity, but back then they were delicate and somewhat unreliable and the delicate internals would often fall apart. Eventually machining techniques improved and the reliability issues were seen to, but the hideous cost of the freecoaster meant that a high percentage of the population just would’t have a chance to ride one for any length of time. It’s only in recent years that the technology advanced to a point where these hubs are not only reliable, but affordable too – and now so affordable that they are appearing on £500 completes. They may not be to everyone’s taste, but now the doors are wide open for anyone to have a go and move BMX ever forward and this can only be seen as a good thing.
So back to the bike; the bars are pretty high, so with the 21” top tube it will suit a taller rider and it feels good. The front end is light and the grips are comfortable. The bike comes with brakes but removable hardware to keep things clean, if that’s your style and the only gripe was that the pedals are not the grippiest. Personally, I don’t like super grippy pedals, but our test rider does and they didn’t suit him. Plastics will never be as grippy as metals anyway, but it’ a minor point. All in all this is a lovely bike to ride and I’ll bet my bottom dollar that all your mates will want to have a go at rolling backwards on your bike!
Bike Spec:
Frame: 4130 full crmo frame 21”tt
Fork: SALTPLUS “HQ” fork, full 4130 crmo
Bars: full 4130 crmo bar 8.5”h 28.5”w
Grips: WETHEPEOPLE “Hilt” grip
Stem: SALTPLUS “Center” top load
Headset: SALT “Pro” int. headset, sealed
Brakes: SALTPLUS “Geo-V2” u-brake with SALT “Moto-v2” alloy brake lever. Removable lugs
Cranks: SALTPLUS “Groove” tubular 3pc
Pedals: SALTPLUS “Stealth” loose ball, nylon/fibreglass
Chain: SALT “AM” chain
Sprocket: SALTPLUS “Center” 6061 T6 alloy, 25t
Driver: 9t 1pc cassette driver, sealed
Front Hub: SALT “Expert” hub
Rear Hub: SALTPLUS “Trapez” free-coaster hub
Front Rim: SALTPLUS “Summit” aero double wall rim, 36h
Rear Rim: SALTPLUS “Summit” straight double wall rim, 36h
Tires: SALT tires “Pitch Slick” 2.35″ front / 2.2″ rear
Seat: WETHEPEOPLE “Crysis” thick padded pivotal
RRP: £499.99
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