Name: Max Vu
Age: 12
Height: 57″
Weight: 85lbs
Riding style (park/street/trails etc.): BMX, pretty much everything even some flatland!! I think it is dumb to label yourself as one type of style & miss out on the other riding options. It’s fun to mix it up! Dennis McCoy is a good example, he can ride everything. I was told Dennis has won every category in bmx!
How old were you when you started riding? 4
Which size BMX did you start on? 12″ DK General Lee (aluminum) Jesse Klein from DK hooked it up and started it all. Then Quamen made me a 12″ chromoly frame with a longer top tube. A year later, Robbo made me a 12″ Cult Juvenile complete.
Do you have any advice for kids choosing a bike to start BMX? Having the right size bike is what helped me most to get where I am at today. Helping my dad at Epic, I hear so many parents say, “I want to get a bike my kid can grow into and make it last.” That’s crazy! Imagine a kid playing baseball with an adult bats & gloves? I guess they will grow into them…
If you were back starting out again at the same age would you do anything differently? No. Everything is good!
Frame / Top Tube Length: Cult Juvenile 18″ aluminum
Why did you choose that frame? It is light weight because it’s made of aluminum. People tell me to ride a chromoly frame because it’s stronger & won’t break as often. I don’t understand why these people feel aluminum is bad or weak? Have you seen what Dylan Stark does on his mountain bike? It’s nuts!!! His mountain bike frame & 1pc handlebar is aluminum. My bmx race bike is aluminum & so are most racers bikes. I see adults bend & break chromloy frames all the time. I guess they should ride an adamantium frame. haha. I’m 12 years old & 85lbs, let me enjoy what I got!
Fork: 18″ Primo Strand with a 15mm offset. Makes the bike feel shorter and nose wheelie easier.
Bars / Size: S&M TV 7.75 rise
Stem: Cult Salvation 45mm (prototype)
Grips: Cult Vans
Bar ends: Odyssey Par End
Seatpost: Cult Tripod
Seat: Cult Butter Tripod
Cranks (and crank arm length): Primo Powerbite 135mm
Sprocket (and number of teeth): Primo JJ 25t
Chain: Shadow halflink
Front Tire: Fit FAF 18×2.1
Front Wheel: Primo N4FL laced to no name rim. (I think the rims came off of a stock complete bike that the customer wanted custom built wheels.)
Rear Tire: Fit FAF 18×2.1
Rear Wheel: Primo Free Mix 8 tooth driver, laced to no name rim.
Pedals: Merrit P1
Hub Guard: Primo
Pegs: Primo plastic
Brakes: none
Any special mods? Frame rear tri has been shorten 2″ from stock for better bunny hop snap, Forks were shorten from 20″ to 18″. Cranks cut down and tapped to 135mm. Modifications were done by @lukeshutts at Shutts Fabrications in Long Beach, Ca.
Shoutouts or thanks? My sponsors @Cultcrew @Pr1mobmx @vansbmx66 @ethika @_epicbmx
Mom, Dad & my 2 sis, Robbo @fano562 @RichHirsch @calebquanbeck @vansjerry @v_salazar @ryanguettler @drewbezanson @krisfoxbmx @alfredomancuso @mikehucker @whoisdylan @treanor71 @ethancorriere @kaiquemachado @thedenimcox @devonsmillie @larry_edgar @lukeshutts @travisohrazda @barspinnerr @andy_garrcia @veeshermang @rickyshoots @philbrahh @adamtwentytwo @thecomeupbmx @ilovenaterichter @jeffzphoto @fyanrudger @ridebmx @vitalbmx . All these great people have helped taught me how to ride & gave me coverage!!
And of course, @bmxgroms for this opportunity for me & other groms the chance to shine!! Also all my Fans, thank you for your support!! Follow me on Instagram @maxvutang to see my progress : ]
Hi Max (or your parent)
Awesome bike and good job on your riding. I am a dad and I have a 10 year old son that will be starting BMX this spring. I have a question; how much does your bike weigh? I am not a ‘weight weenie’ by any means but my son weighs 70 pounds and most 18” bikes are in the 22-26 pounds range and I find that heavy for him. I want to start him light on an 18” and at the moment the only non-custom option that I see is your bike model (not customized). I do not know of other options. I will build him a custom bmx when he is able to ride a 20” (will last longer). Thanks !!
Bike as pictured weights 21 lbs. The stock Cult 18″ is the lightest stock complete available weighting in at 18 lbs . Choosing a bike should base on the riders size and not age. Max’s little sister is riding his old 16″. She is measured at 54″ tall.