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Black Market Bada Boom 31.8mm Handlebar
The Good

-Slightly off of the popular geometry -The 38mm rise version comes stock at 760mm... spot on. -Combo of upsweep/backsweep creates a magic sweetspot -Most natural balance with my 160mm fork up front.

The Bad

- logo cracked and peeled off. Can't have everything. - never knew they were custom butted.

Overall Review
Oh My Gold. These bars are slightly off of the popular geometry, and somehow that makes them feel great. While I've bought newer bars from other brands in the past few years, I keep coming back to these. The 38mm rise version comes stock at 760mm... perfect and pretty standard. But the combo of upsweep/backsweep is just in the sweetspot for my kind of riding; big jumps drops and corners (Pacifica, CA). I can pull up off the lip nicely, as well as dump into deep berms and it just feels the most natural balance with my 150/160mm bike. The gold is still shiny and new! But their logo cracked and...
Posted by filmdrew on 7/25/2018 2:57pm
Black Market MOB Frame
The Good

Amazing craftsmanship and welds Good use of True Temper steel vs chromoly steel Tapered seat and chainstays Solid stance / poise The best, the one that started a lot of dirt jump riders interest

The Bad

Head tube ended up ovaling over time Downtube wall thickness too thin (dented easily)

Overall Review
Even though this frame is no longer available, it still lives on as the Edit1. But this original is truly original... progressive geometry and smart materials. It was and still could be the best DJ bike ever!
Posted by SCgShoeCo on 7/22/2017 2:50pm
Black Market Contraband Frame
The Good

Super Strong, Perfect geometry. Sexy as hell.

The Bad

A tad heavy, but well worth it for the durability.

Overall Review
I designed my own frame, and had a buddy build it for me. After I broke it (tubing was too light) I found the contraband had almost EXACTLY the same specs as my custom bike! I've been riding it for many many years, and it's performed flawlessly.
Posted by sittingduck on 6/5/2016 1:14pm
2011 Black Market Contraband
The Good

Serious geometry, strong build, beautiful

The Bad

not sure yet. Has held up great for me and I put my bike through hell

Overall Review
I swear by Black market! I've been on these bikes for about 6 years now. Love them. The geometry is incredible. Has held up strong. I've beaten mine up pretty good and it's still in great condition. Wish I could afford to get new ones as he produces and updates his frames, but budget hold me back. Excited for the latest edit. Hoping to build one up soon!
Posted by DHJUNKIE90 on 2/19/2014 9:20am
Black Market Killswitch Frame
The Good

Efficient, snappy, easy to jump, versatile, playful, stunning looks, beefy frame, Threaded BB, ISCG tabs, dropout options

The Bad

Standard sliding rear drops

Overall Review
Amazing frame! This is a perfect slope/park/jump frame that's truly versatile. If you live near local tight playful trails the option to run gears and a guide open a world possibilities. I don't have local trails like this but do have some great slope, slalom, and jump lines. If you want to stay planed to the ground this isn't your rig. If you want to fly the Killswitch is incredible. The rear shock does it's job without getting in the way. It's a nearly perfect frame. The only thing I could imagine changing would be to design a tensioner into the sliding dropouts. These are standard and work...
Posted by corvus1 on 1/27/2014 11:27am
2011 Black Market Contraband
The Good

This bike is way more versatile than the 24 inch, steel build would let on. It is light stiff and provides a completely bombproof build right out of the box. The Contraband has a short wheelbase but somehow achieves the balance needed to supply a stable feel. The bike is unbelievably playful in...

The Bad

The stock tires are pretty heavy and truthfully, the entire stock build leaves some to be desired. The frame alone might be the better purchase if you are a rider who knows what they want. If you are not a rider who knows what they want, then you will notice fairly quickly what you like and dislike...

Overall Review
Overall this bike is perfect for BMx riders making the transition into MTB or for slopestyle riders looking to mob around the streets and skateparks with a more interactive bike than a normal 26inch DJ bike. This will serve as a workhorse on any level and certainly makes a good addition to any riders collection or bikes, or a beginner's garage. The price makes this bike indisputably one of the best freestyle mountain bikes out there, despite being rather specialized to certain riding.
Posted by Billy3197 on 12/23/2013 6:18pm
Black Market Bada Boom 31.8mm Handlebar
The Good

They have the perfect rise you need to keep the bike in control, while the length keeps stability on shore!

The Bad

They are a bit heavy.

Overall Review
These are good handlebars for the price, the rise and length provide comfort and control on many situations, if they would be a bit lighter, they would be great!
Posted by Paking on 6/21/2013 6:54am
Black Market Underboss Stem
The Good

Rise and Length are spot on! Graphics are legit!

The Bad

The bolts are weak, damaged 2 of them in a nasty crash!

Overall Review
The Blk Mrkt Underboss Stem is a good stem for it's price, maybe not the lightest nor the best, but it's good looking and cheap! Will do the job if your not a weight weenie and if you're on a budget!
Posted by Paking on 5/29/2013 6:55pm
Black Market Killswitch Frame
The Good

Love the hammer link design. Easily accessible shock mounts & linkage area. Stylish. Easy to throw around & extremely functional.

The Bad

Could use a little more travel or another area to mount a slightly bigger shock. Was told I need a medium, but would like to have checked out a large to see how it feels. Needs adjustable drop outs w/a tensioner.

Overall Review
Handles everything you throw at it like a champ. Responsive & stylish. I can't complain. I've put it to the test & couldn't be happier. Great looking & great riding. Highly suggested.
Posted by ParabellumShane on 4/5/2013 8:16pm
Black Market Tech 9 Rigid Fork
The Good

very light, has proven quite strong, looks great, a fraction the cost of suspension, doesn't need to be rebuilt

The Bad

definitely not as plush as your average suspension fork

Overall Review
I got this fork to replace a Marzocchi DJ3 (which was essentially rigid once it got cold enough), and I love it. At only 150 USD and no service costs, it's high quality for a very reasonable price. The difference between rigid and suspension on pump tracks and dirt jumps is amazing. Not only can I now pump harder, but I feel a much greater incentive to not case or overshoot jumps. Some things to take into account upon purchasing one of these beauties: your wrists will hate you if you case jumps, and you might want to get some higher bars, as the transition from suspension to rigid will drop...
Posted by dat_sexy_jellyfish on 11/12/2012 8:03pm
Black Market Killswitch Frame
The Good

its Handling is top notch, the bottomless yet stiff and popy feel

The Bad

What its not designed for

Overall Review
This Is a 100mm Slope Style Bike designed for Slope Style, 4X, dirt jump, pump track style riding and it absolutely slays ALL of the above. It can also be a pretty fun (Small) freeride bike. with the69° Head Angle makes for a really short and tight wheel base and the 16"/406MM Chainstays, 13" BB Height all add up to a super popy, Manualable, Flickable Bike. with the right amount of air in the XFusion RCX 02 On the stiff setting the suspension will only move with large impacts (Landings) And than there is 3 softer setting, the softest still retaining the bottomless feel just alot better at...
Posted by warganic on 10/23/2012 11:27pm
Black Market Underboss Stem
The Good

Looks pretty amazing in polished colour, kind of light.

The Bad

Tiny hardware, slips like crazy, bolts strip instantly, friend of mine had the threads just rip out of the stem body.

Overall Review
I'd be hard pressed to recommend this stem by any metric, there are lighter, cheaper, better-looking, better-performing stems out there.
Posted by CR- on 1/19/2011 3:59pm
Black Market C4 Plastic Flat Pedal
The Good

Nice light unobtrusive pedal for any bike. Ride it how it was designed, or put it on a cruiser...large non slip platform is easy on your feet, and easier on your shin.

The Bad

I could use one in pink? Clear will do :)

Overall Review
Great pedal if you're not clipping in!
Posted by Rida29r on 10/22/2010 11:08am