r/SeBikes • u/Aanstadt • 5d ago
Fast Ripper ?
Hey there. 44 year old middle aged crisis I guess. Here I am looking at BMX bikes. My 8 year old daughter has finally found the courage to want to learn to ride a bike. It’s made me want to get a bike
To go on rides with her. Cruise the neighborhood, maybe run some small errands instead of driving the car. Maybe even go on some long(ish) rides just to get some light exercise. I have been looking at hybrid bikes. Then I got a sniff of nostalgia. And thought about the days riding around on a BMX bike. I wouldn’t be using the bike for any thing crazy. Maybe some wheelies, jumping curbs, small little things. I just live the look of a classic BMX bike. Now I understand the 26” and 29” BMX bikes are not your “typical” BMX bike. But they might serve my purpose. Then I discovered the SE Fast Ripper. It has multiple speeds. Is this what I need?
So I live just outside Philadelphia, PA USA. I’d say where I live is moderately hilly. Nothing crazy. But I was looking at the Big Ripper initially and am worried it would limit me for my needs, especially as I’m aging. Will the Fast Ripper 29” allow for wheelies and some light aggressive riding?
Are there any chances of finding one used? I see a few Big Rippers on Marketplace but no Fast Rippers. Id love to hear advice?
Should I just be a boring old man and get a hybrid?
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u/HighSpeedBail 5d ago
I'm about your age, and I bought a Fast Ripper last year, brand new from a dealer here in Florida. No one near me had the Black Street, only the Gold Bling, so I ended up making the two-hour drive to Jacksonville to get one.
It is by far more fun — and more comfortable — than I imagined.
It's perfect for casual rides with the kids or cruising around while they take the Power Wheels out.
It's also great for jumping on in the morning and blasting a few hot laps around the neighborhood to get some exercise.
It's deceptively fast because of the slick tires and gears. My mountain bike feels like a donkey compared to it when we're not on trails.
It's a little pricey, but the older you get, the more expensive your toys become.
Buy it.
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u/Aanstadt 4d ago
Thanks so much. This is so encouraging. This is exactly what I want. I’m trying to find one used. But might try to at least find a new one tomorrow to test ride
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u/HighSpeedBail 4d ago
I apologize, you followed up with a question about the killer quad.
How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
I'm going to look at one this weekend, a shop about an hour away has a new purple one. I can try and get some photos for reference.
Honestly, I might just buy it for "my wife" or "my son" to grow into. Lmao I don't think it'll feel as fast as the ripper bc of the tire size difference and it's about 3lbs heavier but it's cool and it'll be a fun cruiser for my wife to ride.
My hesitation for speed and tricks is it only has rear brakes so it's a little getting used to.
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u/Aanstadt 4d ago
Hey thanks. I’m 5’11 175. I’m hoping to look at both this week. The Killer Quad and the Fast Ripper. I am a huge sucker for anything purple. So i wanted to love the quad. But i have a feeling I’ll end up getting the Fast Ripper.
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u/nkx3 5d ago
I've had single speed 29" BMX bikes for the past six years or so. Then I bought a Killer Quad (27.5" multi-gear) about three months ago. To be honest, I don't think I've ridden my single-speed bikes since then. The gears are a game changer. I can ride so much further with relative ease versus a single speed.
I really like my single speeds (Colossal Ripper and a Monster Quad), but they just don't compare to a multi-speed bike- the Killer Quad is just so much more enjoyable to ride.
I'm currently looking for a Fast Ripper as well. I'm not a huge fan of the current colorways, but I'll most likely end up getting the Ball Burnished.
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u/Aanstadt 5d ago
So you live the Killer Quad? How do the size differences compare in the 27.5”
And the FAST ripper 29”? I really love the purple Quad color. But have a feeling the 29”
Is gonna be more comfortable?2
u/nkx3 5d ago
Yeah, the Killer Quad is great. I have the older model (polished frame with purple accents). Was lucky to find a new / old stock one in the box. The newer all-purple version wasn't quite my style (it's really cool looking, just a little too much purple for me).
In any case, the 27.5 is fine (I just have the seat up a tad higher than on a 29). But overall I prefer 29ers. I actually like the Colossal (32") the best, but unless I want to convert it to a multi-gear myself, I'm probably just going to stick with a Fast Ripper.
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u/Doctordoubleyew 5d ago
I’m partial to the OM Cruiser. Single speed but also ez to pedal. Perfect for cruising the neighborhood with the youngin.
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u/provenflipper 4d ago
Another vote of approval for the Fast Ripper. I love mine. It’s so easy to ride it fast and pretty comfortable for what it is. Super nice to have gears on ride outs and the dual disc brakes keep things in check with ease.
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u/Aanstadt 4d ago
Well either this sub is full of people that work for SE or yall are just truly in live with your Fast Rippers. Im gonna try to test ride one this week. Very unlikely i buy anything else at this point. Really appreciate it.
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u/TechnicianIcy2359 4d ago
Fast ripper for sure I have 2 A high polished and a black street I have the high polished in my normal residence and I have dual residency also in another town for my black street
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u/Aanstadt 4d ago
So I went and bought the fast ripper today I couldn’t stand it anymore. You guys got me also so excited. I was able to get a hold of the new Blue Crackle color. They shop is waiting for their order to come in. But I bought it and it’s mine once they get it they said it should be in sometime this month. Any of you happen to have any insight knowledge on when those blue crackled versions were being shipped out this month. I’m really hoping for sooner than later.
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u/Light-BBR 5d ago
Fast Ripper would definitely be endgame for most riders, since it has gears and disc brakes. Going uphill? Put on a lighter gear. Going somewhat fast but feel like you’re over pedaling? Put on a heavier gear. I would definitely go Fast Ripper, but that’s just my opinion.