BMW Gangsta V1/V4
Picture: Streetkilla
Build 18/30
Material and Manufacturing quality 6/10
Paint and Finish 7/10
Weight 5/10
The Brooklyn Machine Works (BMW) Gangsta! A symbol in its own right and, in my opinion, a bike that opened the door for a lot of new things in fixed gear culture. A track bike with the soul of a BMX—that’s the essence of the Gangsta.
When Joe designed it, his goal was to create a real, durable tool for couriers. The standout feature was the super high bi-plane fork, which allowed the front wheel to be locked to a pole along with the frame using a standard Kryptonite lock. Beyond that, however, the first edition of the Gangsta had its limitations. The lack of brake holes meant most front racks couldn’t be installed, and while the bladed fork and stays were incredibly stiff, they proved weak against lateral forces. The frame, built from True Temper “Supertherm” tubing, was strong but still noticeably heavy.
As for paint, there were many!
Ride 23/30
Geometry and sizing 7/10
Versatility 8/10
Handling and comfort 8/10
Characterized by its sloping geometry, the Gangsta has always been a conundrum for me. Its long top tube provides top-notch stability and ride quality, yet the bike somehow remains snappy in traffic. However, since I prefer riding with long stems, the Gangsta feels overly stretched with anything that isn’t a BMX stem.
The V1 allows for 35c tires, though the rear chainstays sit less than a millimeter from the tire. If you want some peace of mind, 32c is the safer bet.
Value 21/30
Price 6/10
Availability 7/10
Used Market 8/10
I’ll include the V4 in this comparison since it’s essentially the same bike, just with added mounting points for cantilever studs. The V4 currently retails for around $1,100, and yes—you’re definitely paying a “hype premium” over the frame’s actual value. However, with new batches being produced in larger quantities and a steady supply on the used market, the Gangsta V4 remains fairly accessible.
The V1, on the other hand, was limited to just 500 units made in Brooklyn, leading to sky-high prices due to its rarity and demand. Save your money and get a V4.
SSS Factor 8/10
A really good bike, in my opinion, but definitely not for everyone. I’ve seen my friends go through phases, riding their Gangsta nonstop, only to let it sit and rust in a garage for the next two years. And I’m 100% guilty of doing the same.
