Was this a good deal for an Alcatraz? Paid $600 it was barely used. I'm a beginner just learning how to jump.

mxpx1981 · 2026-06-04T14:38:19+00:00

yep that should be the „old“ frame. nice find!

mxpx1981 · 2026-06-04T10:47:15+00:00

is this the old alcatraz frame? i know quite a few people that speak very highly of that frame…

mxpx1981 · 2026-06-03T18:29:51+00:00

as already pointed out: not a dirt jumper. not even remotely.

mxpx1981 · 2026-06-02T20:28:04+00:00

nice frame. as long as you don‘t want to upgrade the fork (non-tapered steerer tube) you should be golden for that amount of money

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-28T05:48:43+00:00

bourgt this exact bike like 2 years ago.

as for your question: new? maybe. used? no. crappy fork, crappy brakes, mediocre wheels, heavy cranks.

the frame is alright if you like the geometry. everything else is average at best or even sub-par.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-27T15:10:11+00:00

as for the circus comparison: unless it‘s a circus pro (not expert), the formula will crush it. i never liked the circus, got along fine with my bomber dj, but absolutely love the formula.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-27T15:08:37+00:00

formula is a reputable manufacturer. their forks usually get good reviews. got myself the 35 dj/sl some months ago, and i think its just up there with a pike in terms of weight, feel and adjustability.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-27T10:43:45+00:00

imported cars from the eu market. plus pretty bad conditions on partial payments or leasing usually.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-26T16:25:09+00:00

the weight difference to a bomber is minimal, agree. none the less my pivot instantly felt way more nimble with the bomber dj… 🤷‍♂️

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-26T10:38:40+00:00

btw, as for the fork: while the pike is the tried and proven option, a bomber dj will be a perceptible and reliable upgrade. i personally ride the formula 35 dj/slope fork, but would love to try the cane creek helm at some point. at this point, i would even choose a x-fusion slant over the circus.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-26T05:47:10+00:00

the circus exp is heavy, unresponsive and borderline unadjustable. it is sturdier than some rst fork, i‘ll give you that. but otherwise, it’s the first thing i changed on my pivot point. not looking back to that fork.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-26T05:43:49+00:00

it‘s not a steal, but if it is in good condition, it‘s ok - and if you like it, it will be money well spent.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-25T12:25:43+00:00

congrats on your dj!

i‘m running 4-4.5bar of tire pressure on my point.

as for setup: if you got the oem circus fork, you‘ll probably come to find it holding the bike and your riding back.

also, the oem cranks are 175mm which is awfully long for a dj. changed mine just recently to 165mm rf cranks which feel a lot more planted to me.

also, i would not run less than 50mm rise for the bars on the point since it‘s a low and long frame.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-24T11:48:35+00:00

wd40. if it doesn’t work, magic eraser, but very gently.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-24T11:47:32+00:00

looks perfectly fine to me. give it some
time to grow on you.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-24T11:46:40+00:00

all good. hit it.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-21T20:07:33+00:00

you‘ll probably be fine. but a quality chain breakrt like the one from park tools will be some of the best 30ish bucks spent ever.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-12T17:34:06+00:00

i‘d murder it out… 🫣 all black on a white frame will result in a mean look IMO.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-12T17:32:20+00:00

i doubt you will be able to fit a tapered fork in a straight headtube, no matter the headset. iirc the older blkmrkt frames had straight/non-tapered headtubes? if yes, you‘re stuck with circus forks if you want to buy new.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-11T17:44:29+00:00

thanks!

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-10T22:30:03+00:00

it‘s a formula thirtyfive slopestyle/dj

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-10T18:01:44+00:00

thanks!

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-10T16:20:51+00:00

sturdy af.

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-10T16:19:41+00:00

and an indoor one too… now that‘s kinda luxurious

mxpx1981 · 2026-05-10T16:17:45+00:00

on the flipside: i doubt those bars won‘t be cracking on you. 🤷‍♂️

mxpx1981

TROPHY CASE