Okay, I'm going to be honest with you. I saw this board, and it was love at first sight. I was in one of those places in a mall that mostly sells bathing suits and just happens to have skateboards. As soon as I stepped on I knew, my mind immediately went back to my old G&S Fibreflex slalom board. Better still, it was a reasonble length and had a kicktail to boot. Having ridden a 38" board for over a decade, I can't even imagine riding a short board.
So I talked to the kid working there, and asked how much they wanted for the deck. He said they couldn't sell the board by itself. I then asked if they'd trade the wheels for some Kryptonics I saw on another board. No dice. Teach me to try to get a skateboard in a place that sells bathing suits.
A few phone calls, three weeks, and a pay period that wasn't all going to bills later, I was the proud owner of a new Cosmic Rider II. Within about a hundred yards of starting the first time I rode it, I was pumping it back and forth and gaining good speed on level ground just by turning. It was then that I realized that my legs are not what they used to be when I had my old Fibreflex. If you're looking to get a board for the exercise, I highly recommend the Cosmic Rider II. Pumping it slalom style can be a hell of a good workout.
With angled riser pads, this board responds incredibly quick, better even that most short boards I've ridden (and I go back to the days when 30" was considered long). Even though, I haven't taken it down any real bomber hills, it seems real stable at speed, and it carves nicely.
I was somewhat worried that it would not hold my weight. I currently tip the scales at about 185, but I don't see any signs of it not being able to hold me. I can jump on it with all of my weight, and have it flex to to the ground and spring back like a trampoline. If anything, this board was made for heavier riders. I've heard that lighter riders have trouble getting it to flex the way it should.
The kicktail's a good addition. If you're out and you see a nice bank, you'd have no trouble giving it a go. My only complaint is that the front trucks are mounted too far forward for my tastes. I know that this is so you can ride farther forward down hills. I think this is just my own preference. I feel like that if I can do 360s off the tail, I should be able to do tricks off the nose. It makes forget me that this is, first and foremost, a slalom/carving board.
All in all, it's a great ride. Whether you're looking for something to carve with or to cruise the boardwalk, or you just want to step up into something a little bit longer, I'm sure you'll be happy with a Cosmic Rider II.
For more info on the Cosmic Rider II and other fine products from Sector 9, check out their web site at Sector 9.
Nose Wheelie, except where noted otherwise, was written and created by Chris Sturhann.
Copyright © 1997 Chris Sturhann