Could just be that your feet aren't as steady as you think. I would definitely suggest max slack, to give you a little breathing room so as you can get comfortable.

The starting force is higher but once you're actually moving it's not all that different; just, you're covering more ground with every pedalstroke. I've always found spinning out hurts my knees more than the little extra force to get to the same speed. ... more »

Spread the clamp apart. Start saving for a new stem; that one's approaching the end of its usable life.

Just coasting can leave the clutch close enough that it catches and then engages. A back pedal is always a good idea. I prefer to give a quarter crank more than I need and then back pedal until my feet are level.

Odyssey is all I've used for the past 5 years or so. No complaints at all. I would also suggest checking the size of your spoke wrench; if it's too large, you'll round any nipples off quite easily, regardless of the brand.

That would be because: geometry is much more refined than back then, weight is a much bigger design consideration these days, parts are stronger, due to better design/build, so they don't need shitloads of gussets and bracing

That would be an issue. File the top-hat washer(adapter, as you called it) until it's a little less than flush with the sprocket.

Agreed. Pretty normal looking. OP: Try tightening the pinch bolt. If it gets wider, it's a crack; if not, it's probably fine.

To add to what Sunday said^: if all else fails, remove the pedal body and use a blowtorch to heat the spindle. Clamp the spindle in a table vise(using whatever's left of the wrench flats) and twist it out. If it's still too difficult, try using a deadblow ... more »

Try the "General BMX Talk" section. I would say you need new pedals as the thread looks to be quite damaged.

If there's concrete underneath and no fasteners, they were most likely anchored into the concrete when it was cast, meaning you won't get them out. I've seen stoppers that are installed that way and they usually have at least a 4" anchor, although I ... more »

First time on the bike in like 3 months today. I had a big goofy smile on my face from the moment I left the house

Best rims I've had. I've done a hell of a lot of stupid shit and under-rotated spins/whips with no damage. With the exception of a bad crash or two, I only need to true/tension them once a year, if that and even at that, they usually need very little ... more »

Ribcages

Is the tube spacer between the BB bearings and is it the correct length? Looks to me like it's sticking before moving/tensioning the chain at all meaning it is a BB issue.

14mm female is strongest and it's much less hassle to replace a bolt than a whole axle if you ever break it.

He'd probably be riding his bike on a rail sooner if he built it himself and what better to ride his bike on than something he built himself... It was just offered as another option; I really don't understand why you're making such a big deal of it. ... more »

I don't think it's funny or unrealistic. Perhaps the OP already has a welding machine or experience with one. Either way, it's a pretty good first project and they develop a skill which may come in handy again some time in the future. That "it's too ... more »