i got some questions on polo, and i’m tempting to build a bike, because i feel my fg isn’t really set up for it…
whats a good ratio?
it seems like most people in the pics are fixed but is it better to be geared or free wheeling?
I use 33/17.
I roll geared. I use an old mtb.
[quote=“snails”]i got some questions on polo, and i’m tempting to build a bike, because i feel my fg isn’t really set up for it…
whats a good ratio?
it seems like most people in the pics are fixed but is it better to be geared or free wheeling?[/quote]
To answer your question a little bit more. There is a wide range of polo set ups that work. I personally like the fixed gear set up that I rock because I can get up and go quickly and stop suddenly. I also have a lot of control over the bike to move back and forth in the goal and am getting pretty good at riding backwards in a straight line(think hockey defense). The ability to coast however will be beneficial in tight cornering situations where toe overlap or pedal strike may become an issue. You are also less likely to hit your own feet when passing or shooting the ball between your own wheels. I have seen geared mtb’s and coaster brakes also used with varying success. The key is to build a bike that you are comfortable on and that you can control.
i decided i’m not really going to build a bike, but use my old mountain bike… but i did build my mallet today. it’s pretty sweet. its got a pad, and bmx grip, and cool colors, and a theme!
sweet jesus. thats quite the mallet you got there. have fun with that.
I wouldn’t let you use that mallet. Those can ends are gonna freaking cut someone’s leg or worse. Go get some ABS plumbing pipe.
[quote=“snails”]i decided i’m not really going to build a bike, but use my old mountain bike… but i did build my mallet today. it’s pretty sweet. its got a pad, and bmx grip, and cool colors, and a theme!
I can’t think of anyone who’d let you play with such a weapon. Also, to answer your previous question, freewheel are almost always better. The only exception is when you have one player on a team who plays defensively (goal tends) but even that is accomplished quite easily with a freewheel.
bike polo looks liek a lot of fun but my bike definitely isnt set up to play
I suggest getting a bike for it specifically. We beat the hell out of our bikes.
I recently switched from fixed to freewheel on my polo bike and so far I’m not a fan. I’m probably just not used to it though. I’m only running a rear brake so I can still skid for maneuverability but I don’t like having to think about braking with the freewheel. The fixed wheel was just pure reaction.
yeah im actually thinking about converting this shitty old sears free spirit 10 spd to a fixed gear
so i might use that for it, once i get it back to my house and when i get my new wheels built
+1 on dedicated bike.
and im currently running freewheel for lack of a freewheel remover that fits. been riding that way for about a month and a half, not all that bad, but i would like to get it fixed.
also is it easy to make a mallet?
Yes. linkey for making malletshttp://www.hardcourtbikepolo.com/?page_id=6
I run freewheel and like it for one main reason - I can gear it up for my ride back home. I would not want to run the same gear I do for polo to get back and forth to the park. I also play more defensive (because being a Lefty I can snake up on people.)
Mallets are easy enough to make without using a coke can. Cut a ski pole down. Get some black ABS plumbing pipe. Don’t use PVC it will shatter. and just drill a hole in the pipe for the pole then ram 2 drywall screws, one from each side in through the pipe and pole. Then grind down the excess screw coming out. Make sure you put the pole all the way through the pipe or you will break your head after a bit, too much strain on the screws.
Here are my 3. Gonna make a 4th in a bit.
what is the best thing for the actual mallet part? and where do you find it without paying moneys?
also danger_scott maybe when/if i move to sf we could play
I just got some of that yellow gas pipe. looking forward to making a new mallet! Lots of people use hdpe (high density polyethylene) ordered from mcmaster.com something like part number 8705K231 HDPE is really similar if not the same stuff plastic cutting boards are made from. Rigid yet incredibly shatter/impact resistant. Yellow gas pipe is mdpe (medium density polyethylene) and it comes in big spools. You might be able to find some at a construction site, utility company, or new housing development.
Both with a brake:
Fixed pros
-better trackstands
-backwards
Free pros
-more stable shooting platform, ability to lunge ect.
-ability to position feet to avoid obstacles
-quicker startups (not getting caught at 12 and 6)
-sharper turning radius
Free wins imo.
[quote=“upthepunx”]what is the best thing for the actual mallet part? and where do you find it without paying moneys?
also danger_scott maybe when/if i move to sf we could play[/quote]
I use ABS plumbing pipe from my local hardware store. It was like 1.60 for a foot which is perfect bc I make 6in heads. Thats a perfect for a pair of poles, I also use 1.5" instead of 2" I know some of the Seattle and Portland ppl use 2.
Let me know when you are here and I will give you a time and a place. We currently have a weekly game at Delores Park Monday at 7pm which rocks bc we have a single tennis court that is fenced in and it is really fun. Show up and look for the guy with the aerobrok front wheel (thats me). I got a mallet with your name on it.
There is are some folks that play in GG park on sunday but thats a grass game. There is also a game at a trainstation in Oakland that is hardcourt but is way huge.