The Wethepeople Chaos Machine frame is a one-of-a-kind offering from the BMX brand, designed in collaboration with Aussie trail boss and BMX lifer Tyson Jones-Peni. This frame boasts long and stable geometry, making it perfect for trail and bowl roasting. It’s also equipped with mounts for a disc brake, making it the first factory frame of its kind and ideal for riders who want upgraded stopping power.
According to Wethepeople, the Chaos Machine frame is one of the meanest and toughest rigs in the game, thanks to the company’s legendary frame building technology. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the frame’s specs, discuss the debate around the usefulness of disc brakes on a BMX bike, and give our final recommendation on this unique offering from Wethepeople.
Chaos Machine Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tubing | Butted, Japanese seamless 4130 CRMO |
| Bottom Bracket | 74mm mid-size |
| Head Tube | 127mm CNC machined and heat-treated, integ. headset, braze-on badge |
| Dropouts | Minimal size, not suitable for pegs, 6mm CNC machined heat-treated CRMO, integ. chain tensioners |
| Brakes | Disc mount for 120-160mm rotors, U-brake mounts, repl. brake hardware |
| Special Features | Long and stable trail geometry, disc mount for 120-160mm rotors, U-brake mounts, disc brake mount works in multiple chain stay positions, 127mm tall head tube, larger radius stay tubing, CNC machined seat stay bridge, disc brace on stays, larger 1.8mm welding at head tube, investment cast seat clamp, wider rear triangle, WTP top tube and down tube gusset |
| Color | Black/glossy raw |
| Weight | 2.40kg (5.3lbs) |
The Wethepeople Chaos Machine frame is made with butted, Japanese seamless 4130 CRMO tubing and features a 74mm mid-size bottom bracket. Its head tube is 127mm, CNC machined and heat-treated, with an integrated headset and a braze-on badge. (the badge is one of the coolest features of this frame) The dropouts are minimal size and not suitable for pegs, with 6mm CNC machined heat-treated CRMO and integrated chain tensioners.
Chromoly steel, specifically Sanko Chromoly, is a popular choice for the construction of BMX frames due to its strength, durability, and toughness. It is also relatively lightweight, making it a good choice for riders looking to reduce the weight of their bike.
As mentioned in the introduction, one of the standout features of this frame is its brake mounts. It comes equipped with a disc mount for 120-160mm rotors, as well as U-brake mounts and replacement brake hardware. The frame’s disc brake mount is unique in that it works in multiple chain stay positions, and the stays also feature a disc brace for extra braking stiffness.
Other unique features of the Chaos Machine frame include its 127mm tall head tube for less spacers with an uncut fork, larger radius stay tubing for a stiffer and stronger back end, and a CNC machined seat stay bridge. The frame also has a wider rear triangle to allow for clearance for a 2.4″ tire, as well as a WTP top tube and down tube gusset and an investment cast seat clamp.
The Chaos Machine frame is available in the color black/glossy raw and weighs in at 2.40kg (5.3lbs) with a 21.35″ top tube.
Expert Thoughts on the Utility of Disc Brakes on a BMX Bike
As mentioned in the introduction, the Wethepeople Chaos Machine frame is the first factory frame to come with mounts for disc brakes on a BMX bike. However, the utility of hydraulic brakes on a BMX bike is a topic of debate. In the video below, the speaker expresses doubts about the usefulness of hydraulic brakes on a BMX bike. They mention that they have never heard of someone wanting better-stopping power on their bike, and suggest that the extra stopping power provided by disc brakes may be more of a novelty than a practical solution to a problem.
There is also the argument for using hydraulic brakes to save weight. While it is true that a disc brake system can be significantly lighter than a traditional brake system, it is important to consider whether the added cost and complexity are worth it. Additionally, as the speaker mentions in the video, the extra hardware on the frame may not make the bike significantly lighter, especially if the frame itself is not particularly lightweight.
Overall, while the use of hydraulic brakes on a BMX bike may provide extra stopping power and potentially save weight, it is important to consider whether these benefits are worth the added cost and complexity. Some riders may find that hydraulic brakes are a useful addition to their bike, while others may feel that traditional brakes are sufficient. Ultimately, the decision to use hydraulic brakes on a BMX bike will depend on the individual rider’s needs and preferences.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
In conclusion, the Wethepeople Chaos Machine frame is a unique offering from the BMX brand, designed in collaboration with Aussie trail boss and BMX lifer Tyson Jones-Peni. It boasts long and stable geometry, making it perfect for trail and bowl roasting, and it is also equipped with mounts for a disc brake, making it the first factory frame of its kind.
While the utility of hydraulic brakes on a BMX bike is a topic of debate, the Chaos Machine frame does offer some unique features that may be attractive to riders. These include its long and stable trail geometry, larger radius stay tubing for a stiffer and stronger back end, and wider rear triangle to allow for clearance for a 2.4″ tire.
Overall, we recommend the Wethepeople Chaos Machine frame to riders who are interested in a unique, sturdy, and versatile frame that is suitable for trail and bowl riding. However, we also suggest considering the debate around the usefulness of hydraulic brakes on a BMX bike and whether the added cost and complexity are worth it.
