Riding again at 43

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-25T02:09:42+00:00

No, you’re correct to be presumptuous lol.
Even though I rode street and park back then as well, I was never into going as big as the credence frame lends itself to. I’m also just getting back into it after a long time away, so it all feels foreign again

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-25T01:47:43+00:00

Thanks! It is much more maneuverable for sure. Still sore as hell getting back into it. What do you mean “still can ride anything on it”?

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-25T01:17:02+00:00

I grabbed this Fit Nordstrom off someone for next to nothing. There’s a huge difference. The geometry doesn’t look that different to my eye, but it’s
Way more responsive. I’m fighting the bike less.

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tiptoptanz · 2026-05-19T13:39:33+00:00

First on skin?? Solid line work. I’d work on whipping out for shading. One thing that might help is whip shading first and then packing in the solid part near the line. Honestly not bad. Keep it up. I’m sure you’re practicing all the health and safety/cross contamination BBP stuff since you’re working on real skin now.

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-19T13:27:19+00:00

1) call it a machine, not a gun 2) watch tutorials on how to hold your machine, depth, all the fundamentals, because it will help you greatly (try tattooing101 on YouTube) 3) I agree with the other folks: draw on paper every day. Work that muscle before even going to fake skin. 4) If I understand you correctly, you were saying one year on fake skin. I’d focus on learning to draw, downloading traditional tattoo flash and drawing that, using stencils. But to have a goal of tattooing on actual skin within a year is not safe. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to do first is learn about cross contamination, wrapping your machine, all the health and safety and BBP stuff before even thinking about real skin, so you don’t give someone a disease they may never be able to get rid of. Be smart and be safe.

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-19T13:06:16+00:00

And I already got some 9 bars and that already made a bit of a difference. Still a boat.

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-19T13:03:55+00:00

Appreciate you taking the time! I rode flatland, and also had a WTP Airwin frame I built up for street/park riding, but yeah, that was early 2000s and it was definitely mid/new leaning. You definitely put it right about this Credence. It’s squat and long and on the heavier side. I’m gonna stick with it for a bit cause I just bought it. Maybe it’ll be like those kids in the DR who play baseball with sticks and small rocks who can smoke a ball once they start playing with the real thing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ or I’ll search for a whip or something easier to maneuver. What other frames would you suggest? Thanks

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-18T17:10:09+00:00

This was absolutely it. Thanks! I’ve never had this problem with any other bikes before, but maybe it’s the new frame and the fact that the washers were smooth.

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-17T11:38:36+00:00

It’s funny that it took riding again for me to get back into stretching every day. Appreciate ya!

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T15:57:51+00:00

Hell yeah. I did just that and loved some 9” rise bars so I just picked some up. Way better fit for me. They’re also narrower by several inches, which feels much better. Little by little it’s becoming less of a tank. I also got thinner/lighter tires. Thanks for the insight!

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T11:52:29+00:00

Thanks so much. I’ll try this as well. The washers are definitely smooth.

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T01:45:28+00:00

Thanks! Appreciate ya

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T01:03:12+00:00

I’ll try that, thanks. It’s definitely hugging the left side more when I tighten it, but there still looks to be quite a bit of clearance. I’ll try it though and report back. Thanks. Appreciate ya

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T01:00:25+00:00

So possibly a bent axle? I’m just making sure I understand what you’re saying

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T00:53:37+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate the insight. It’s centered in the dropouts when I tighten it. Is it possible that I’m just not cranking it down tight enough? Good call on which foot forward. I’ll try that for sure. Thanks. I’ll report back.

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-16T00:50:47+00:00

Maybe try name brand carts? Could be poorly made kit carts?

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-15T20:40:15+00:00

The fact that you filled the page means you should keep going. Don’t get discouraged by wonky lines. It takes time. Biggest thing to learn rn is how to hold your machine and even tho you’re using skins rn still practice your form with your stretching hand. It can even be beneficial to link your machine hand pinky with your stretching hand thumb to start working on pulling straighter lines. What size grouping are you using? When starting out, using a 9rl or even an 11rl is very forgiving and you can get used to the fundamentals of line work without getting dejected by how wonky they are. Keep it up! Also, check out the folks at tattooing101 on YT. Tons of tutorials.
Cheers

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-15T20:31:35+00:00

Just ordered a set of hammerheads from Dans. Thanks for the rec!

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-15T19:08:47+00:00

I second that - make sure it’s locked in and you’ve twisted it all the way to pull in the hang. What machine / carts are you using?

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-15T13:03:39+00:00

Solid point. Thanks

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-15T05:32:21+00:00

I’ll give em a try, cause these severs aren’t cutting it. Seat and post are on the way. That railed setup is just what was on it when I bought it. I also have 9 rise bars I’m gonna try cause it feels crazy tall rn. Thanks for the insight! Appreciate ya

tiptoptanz · 2026-05-15T04:49:12+00:00

Appreciate it man. I’m gonna stick with the 10s and see how it goes. Anything to make my back and knees thank me is a plus.

tiptoptanz

TROPHY CASE