RVAfixed

The guys over at Saymayday did a review of the new Malum from Subrosa.

When Subrosa announced in early Spring 2009 its introduction into the complete fixed gear market with The Malum Fixed, we eagerly wanted to get our hands on one to test it out. When we heard our friends at Orange 20 Bikes in Los Angeles got a shipment in, it was on.

Without question, the Malum is truly bmx-inspired. I love the look of its beefy 100% 4103 Chromoly frame and fork (which also comes in a bad-ass looking dull phosphate) and its stealthy all-black parts kit that even includes a few The Shadow Conspiracy goodies (tires, grips, and Shadow’s famous indestructible interlock chain).

Right out of the box, you can tell this thing is tough. We’ve been out on the Malum for a couple of weeks now and it’s holding up beautifully. Our 56cm’s geometry fits nicely and allows enough room to feel comfortable without being too cramped on long rides. The whole line of frame sizes provide enough clearance to spin the bars with a 700c wheel, which is nice for the freestyle crowd. The 48t / 16 ratio coupled with Shadow’s Interlock chain system keeps the drivetrain solid whether you are bombing a hill or locking it up to cruise to a stop.

The only downside for me was having to swap out the stock platform pedals for something that would permit the use of cages. I don’t really understand the reasoning behind constructing a complete fixed gear without them, but it was nothing that a quick pedal swap couldn’t fix.

Not only has The Malum held up with plenty of riding abuse, we took this thing out for a cruise around Echo Park and it certainly was a head-turner. Unassuming and discreet, The Malum instantly attracted attention from several young girls enjoying the last few days of summer. Now, I can’t promise that The Malum will land you any honeys, but believe me, it certainly won’t hurt.

A few of my favorite things:
*100% 4130 Subrosa frame & fork
*No extra cages or brazed-on guides
*The sticker kit removes easily for a clean ride
*Shadow Conspiracy parts kit (tires, grips, clamp, and interlock chain)
*Subrosa Pivotal Seat / Post

Overall, the Malum is a very rad set-up. A perfect introduction bike that is easily customizable to fit your needs. Any self-respecting bmxer would feel comfortable stepping into this thing, and at $650, the price point makes it all the more worth it. It’s a small price to pay for a solid package stands on its own among the rainbow eye candy that is currently consuming the streets.

subrosabrand.com