Raw frames- Might be a trend, but not really. some people just like the clean look & don't like any 1 specific color for their frame.
Integrated headsets- How is this even a trend? Integrated headsets are the standard for today & much more simple than standard headsets are, not to mention they are all sealed bearings & the cups are built into the frame to make things even easier
Tallest bars you can get your hands on- Preference, not a trend. A lot of people find it easier on their backs, and the width to help give them better leverage. I personally hate too tall of bars, my 8.66" bars are enough for me & that's really pushing it. I like lower bars, which is why I have my stem slammed so compensate. and they're cut down to be more narrow, I just like the upsweep.
Flangless grips- again, preference. A LOT of people I know ride with their hand along the flange & it rubs their hands & hurts after awhile, so they cut it off. I don't run my hands there, but I have my flanges cut cause I hate the look & sometimes I land on the flange area when doing barspins & I don't like how that feels.
Pivotal seats slammed as low as they go- this WAS a trend, I'll give you that. But I know a lot of people never did it just for it being a trend, like myself. I had mine raised up some, but sometimes when I'd bunnyhop really high I'd end up nutting myself with the seat somehow haha. so I lowered it. Not completely slammed, but really close.
25/9 micro drive gearing- again this is a bit of the norm nowadays like integrated headsets are. 25/9 is the standard nowadays. Plus most frames cannot even accommodate larger sprockets due to the chainstay being in the way now. 25/9 is also lighter, more out of the way, weighs less, and is essentially stronger since it's less likely to be hit & if it does get hit, it won't bend as easy since it's smaller. Also 44/16 =25/9 pretty much, so it's the same feel too.
Half link chains- This could be a trend, I know tons of people getting them just because they want a half link. no argument as to why. So This I will give you, although I will state they are stronger when it comes to being slammed against a ledge/rail when messing a grind up, over a full link.
iPhone 5s and 5c's- How is this a trend? I only know 1 person with a 5c so far, maybe they like the phone? I have an iPhone 5 not because it's trendy or the in thing, but I like the interface & camera.
The fattest whitewalls you can find- This is a trend, fat tires are pretty trendy. I have one in the front though just because I like the feel and it feels easier to do footjam tricks.
Plastic pegs- Somewhat of a trend, but also for people too lazy to wax a ledge or go faster. More of a laziness thing, or to be allowed in a skate park that doesn't allow metal pegs. Only way I'd ever ride pc pegs is for late night sessions when I wanna grind stuff but it's too loud, other than that, it's 100% steel for me.
Plastic pedals- Not really a trend, a lot of people like myself like the not locked in feeling it gives you. I hate feeling too locked in to my pedals, I like being able to move around slightly when needed.
No brakes- Trend maybe years ago, I used to ride brakes but never took them off because of it being a trend, even though people around me were. So you do have this correct. I'd probably run brakes now if the lever wasn't in the way, always knicked my knuckles on it. plus I hate barspins with a lever.
Hub guards(even if you don't have pegs!)- Not a trend at all. They protect your hub/spokes. people who don't have pegs and have guards, I'm guessing you never heard of pegless grinds.
Chrome parts- Somewhat of a trend to be honest in my opinion
Loud cassette hubs- this was a big trend years ago, seems to be dying down some slightly. I'm guilty of this, but I just liked the sound it made. That deep, clicking noise just seemed cool years ago haha. If anything, taking the grease out of your hub to make it louder was a bigger trend.
Freecoaster hubs- now THIS is a trend, and every company making a freecoaster that's just a re-branded KHE, minus a few. There's people who legit want the coaster for tricks they can do, then there's people who just don't want to back pedal, or just want to try it out because everyone else is (like the pros)
