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Name: Max Vu

Age: 13

Height: 5 feet

Max’s instagram: @maxvutang

I still wasn’t ready for a 20″ and the 18″ was getting a bit tight so we felt it would make sense to make an 18″ xl frame. We chose the Chase Hawk frame because he is one of my inspirations! Also because his frame is very identifiable with the unique seatstay curve. I love how cool the old school bmx frames look. So much style and character. I like the craziness!

This new frame features a shorter rear. All of my previous frames had a super short rear, but at 11.25″, this is the shortest so far. With the shortened backend, the extended 19″ front didn’t feel longer, but gave more space for barspins and leg movements. We feel that this is the most advanced 18″ out right now. It’s about time the little guys get good parts!

The forks are also new. It’s the first high quality 18″ fork. The investment cast dropouts are so cool looking and strong. Because of the longer front-end, we set up this bike with a taller handlebar (.5″ taller than the older bar) and .5″ taller stacked headset. This will give the bike more leverage with manualing and hops.

The wheels are pretty much the same as all my previous bikes, but now with fat Dehart tires. These wider tires will help with tire riding rails and gives more cushion if I land hard.

The cranks are from the old bike. Primo Powerbites have never failed! I have never stripped a single set. That’s only 4 sets we have used since my 12″, 14″ and 16″.

Overall, the new setup feels very responsive and light! At 21 lbs it’s 1.5 lbs lighter than my previous red watermelon Cult OS 18″ bike. Robo and Neal are working on 135mm Cult cranks and 8″ Cult bars. On the wish list is a fork with a steeper offset to help with nose wheelies. Thank you Robo and Neal at Cult for always being supportive and listening to my needs! The future is bright for the groms!

Frame: Cult Chase Hawk 18″. 19″TT, 11.25″CS, 75 degree headtube angle, 14mm investment cast dropouts at 4 lbs.

Fork: 28mm investment cast sect

Stem: Cult salvation 40mm

Bar: 8″ rise

Headset: Primo Stevie Churchill

Seat: Cult micro fiber tripod

Seatpost: Cult tripod

Crank: Primo powerbite 135mm with titanium 22mm spindle

Pedals: Primo JJ

BB: Primo

Sprocket: Primo JJ 25t

Chain: Cult halflink

Wheels: Primo N4FL front and Primo Freemix 8t LHD laced with Primo chrome spokes to 18″ prototype rims

Tires: 18″ gum Dehart 2.3

Pegs: Primo plastics 4″ cut down to 3.5″

Weight: 21lbs.

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Check out Cult’s latest creation, the Chase Hawk Signature 18″. And then watch Max Vu shred it at the Van’s Bowl.

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Check out Kaden Stone’s 2016 Limited color Total BMX bike as he builds it at Epic Bike store with Max Vu.
Filmed by Ryan Guettler

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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 : ]

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