Start by buying a bike frame

Can buy a starter frame from FB marketplace for ~$100

A great deal is to buy an Enforcer frame

  • Runs at $300 for new aluminum frame from Portland
  • Built out in China & Peru
  • Made 4 polo

General bike specs

  1. Gear Ratio
    • Single speeds with gear ratios of 1.5 to 1.8
      • So the gear on back wheel would have around 15 teeth
        • multiply that by 1.5 to 1.8 to get front chainring size
        • so then the front chain ring will be around 22-27 teeth
      • Smaller gears will make bike a little lighter too
  2. Frame
    • Strong frame (steel or aluminum)
      • I personally prefer aluminum cause it b lighter
    • Single speed/track frame
      • No derailler, because its heavy and might break
      • So these frames have the back wheel slide horizontally into frame
      • Allows tensioning chain by pulling wheel backwards
    • Effective top tube length being roughly 1 size smaller than recommended
    • Backwheel close to bottom bracket
      • closer wheels makes bike feel less sluggish
      • smaller bottom bracket gap, so better for blocking
    • Short bike trail
      • quicker handling, aka can turn more quickly
  3. Wheels
    • Strong wheels (>=32 spokes, double walled rims)
    • Cover for front wheel (and optional back wheel)
      • Prevents ball from going between spokes when playin as goalie
      • Also can prevent spokes from breaking
    • Any size diameter of wheel (does not matter much)
      • bigger wheel makes it slightly better as a goalie
    • Any rim and tire width
  4. Brakes and Handlebars
    • Brake on nondominant hand for front wheel (no need for back brakes)
    • Flat bar
    • Disc brakes
    • Rim brakes are good to start
      • but does not provide enough stopping power
      • more brake power for wet weather
      • and for certain tricks
  5. Pedals
    • Flat pedals to start
      • Plastic pedals because metal might cause injury to yourself
    • Clipless once better
      • Some people who are used to straps, run straps
      • BUT straps are rare/dangerous due to hard to remove feet
  6. Safety Equipment
      7. Common:
      • Gloves
        • something with knuckle protection
        • generally ppl use lacross gloves (rather than hockey gloves)
        • they have more thumb mobility
      • Helmet (required in tournaments)
      • Knee pads
      • Eye protection
      Less Common:
      • Elbow pads
      • Wrist guards
      • Mouth guard
      • Face shield