Stoked On Fixed Bikes Issue 20

M AG A Z INE

NO. 20

/

2015

www.stokedonfixedbikes.com

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W E L C O M E

Rider: Sebastian Radka Photo: Szymon Nieborak

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Photo: Jules Langeard

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SOFB TEAM

FEBRUARY 2015

I

hope you all had a good start of 2015 - what an exciting new year it already has been! As many of you know, I am not only a photographer, publisher of SOFB magazine and passionate about the fixed gear scene, but also have a background in XC, DH, 4X, BMX racing and with this year I am a professional E-MTB racer, sponsored by Haibike. I am very thankful my hard work and persistence finally paid off and I believe it is a good example of always follwing your dreams and passion, even if times can be tough in going your own way. I could not be happier!

Back to fixed gear and issue 20 of SOFB magazine - when I am looking at my calendar, I can see a lot of awesome events happening in 2015. I am super stoked about the Rad Race Series, Fixed Days and of course the RHC. In this issue I wanted to promote and support the women in the fixed gear and cycling scene and business, so be sure to read about some amazing girls. I am very happy to finally have Ines Brunn on the cover - I think it is fair to say, she is the best out there. I met Ines a couple of times and she really is a strong, charismatic cyclist and business woman running her own shop in Beijing.

We also cover some nice interviews in this magazine and as always have the most amazing contributors from all over the world. Enjoy!

Ride on!

Greg Falski ...like my new athletes page at facebook.com/GregFalski and follow my Instagram @gregfalski

FOUNDER & CHIEF EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Greg Falski EDITORIAL TEAM

Marina Fenz Saskia Haex Anto But WEB SITE

Alvaro R. Fernandez CONTRIBUTORS

Ines Brunn Szymon Nieborak Jules Langeard Mate Horvath UGIS

Dave Noakes Gareth Williams Jones Gernort Frank Stefan Haehnel Matt Reyes Gediminas Maslauskas Stefan “Fish” Vis RAD RACE KONFOUR BOMBTRACK HJUL Outerwear 8BarBikes Zane Meyer Katie’s Bike Howard Budzynski Giovanni Occhipinti Little Wheels Online - ISSUU.com For contributions, advertising and other enquiries, please contact gregfalski@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

www.stokedonfixedbikes.com

THANK YOU Family and friends, all crews and riders, organisers and advertisers.. would not be possible without all of you!

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CONTENTS SOFB ONLINE MAG 20

4 GALLERY 6 IN STRAPS 8 CONTENTS 12 INTERVIEW Ines Brunn 22 RAD RACE 28 KONFOUR Alley Cat 34 BIKE SHOP Natooke 40 OTHER SIDE OF THE LENS Dave Noakes 46 SLOVAKIA EXPERIMENT 50 New products 56 Matt Reyes column 58 KP Cykler 61 Little Wheels 62 The London Bike Show 68 HJUL Outerwear 70 Bombtrack Divide 74 Interview Zane Meyer 78 Katies Bike 82 Velo Domestique 86 Products review 90 Piratislava 94 Lacremò - frame builder 98 Inspirational - Fish

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Joel on the way to Bratislava from Vienna, photo by Greg Falski

COVER

Ines Brunn

the most interesting woman in the fixed gear scene- Interview page 12

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Ines Brunn

SICK RIDER INTERVIEW 12

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Ines in Beijing at Fixed Gear Revolution II

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INTERVIEW

with Ines Brunn

SOFB- HI INES, WHERE ARE YOU AT THE MOMENT AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO? It is hard to answer where I am at the moment, as I travel quite a lot. But for the past 10 years I have been based in Beijing, China.

I travel all over the world, mainly for bike performances, but also just for cycling. It is very rare that I board a flight without my bike. And if I do so, I have caught myself waiting at the oversize baggage claim area until I realized that I had not traveled with bike. ;-P It is much easier to answer what I am up to, that just needs one sentence: I am enjoying life!

SOFB- WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND, WHEN DID YOU START AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO RIDING FIXED GEAR AND ARTISTIC CYCLING? I was an active kid. My parents quickly put me into a pre-school sports club in New Jersey, USA and the coach quickly recommended artistic gymnastics and diving.

I started to participate in competitions at the age of 6 in both. When we moved to Germany we could only find a good artistic gymnastics club close by, so I continued only that. I competed for the state team.

At the age of 13 I did not get along with the state coach and quit competitive gymnastics. I then started all kinds of sports because I needed to keep being active and I had anyway always been cycling to school.

At a unicycling club there was a lady visiting who did tricks on a bike: When I saw that, I fell in love with the sport!

This is a German sport with a very long history and tradition. It started just when the first bikes got invented. People started doing tricks first on the penny farthing bikes and then on the so called safety bicycles.

My club was founded just after 1900. The sport is called artistic cycling and the bikes we use until today are still fixed gear bikes.

So I started riding fixed gear bikes 26 years ago. My gymnastics background gave me a different approach to this sport. I was able to learn tricks like headstand and handstand extremely fast.

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I did many competitions and was quickly on the German National team and was able to keep that position until I moved to China. In a try to modernize the sport I made a show that breaks all the rules of the sport and I first showed it at the South-German championships. The people in the sport did not like it, as my show was breaking all the rules they were used to, but someone in the audience came up to me and asked if I could perform at the year end gala of Siemens company. This is how I accidentally got into performing. After the first gala, I got called up for another two. And soon after people organizing bike related events started inviting me around the world. The only thing I managed to change in the sport is that you can now wear a sports top or gym suit and do not need to wear a t-shirt (which used to be the rule).

In 1998 I did a holiday in the USA. I took my trick bike and a hat and drove along the west coast of the USA. I stopped at nice squares and did some spontaneous shows with my fixed gear bike and the money the people put in the hat covered for more than my daily expenses. 10 years later in 2008 I was invited to perform at the San Francisco Bicycle Film Festival and the cool fixed gear guys took me to the spot at the clock tower where they hang out to do cool fixed gear tricks. And guess what: It was the same spot I had performed on 10 years before! I love coincidences! And in case you were more interested in another style of riding: I started riding fixed gear for commuting in 2007. Before that I used to commute on my 36 inch unicycle which is also fixed gear.

But that was more dangerous in Beijing, as people would just stare at me and drive their cars into each other (thank god never into me or other cyclists).

(The German Cycling Association just recently awarded me with the Silver Pin of Recognition for 25 years membership in the German Cycling Association) SOFB- HOW DO YOU SEE THE POSITION OF WOMEN´S CYCLING IN GENERAL AND THE FIXED GEAR SCENE? In my recent trip to London I of course had

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a look at London’s nicest bike shops. It was great to see the amount of women specific cycling clothing. In general I am happy to see that more women are getting into cycling, even though I think still not enough.

This is slightly different in different countries. I think in Northern Europe much more women use the bike in daily like, especially in Holland and Denmark. they even haul their kids around on cargo bikes. This is less the case in Southern Europe. And in China there are multiple factors, why there are still not so many women cycling. The single children generation was raised without learning how to bike, especially the girls, as that was considered “too dangerous”. I get many girls saying they cannot cycle this week because they are having their period and when you have your period you cannot ride a bike. And then many girls have been told especially by men that you cannot ride a bike in high heels. I always wonder how the men came to that conclusion, like did they try it? But of course that is all bullocks. You should have the front part of your foot pushing on the pedals, so there is absolutely no difference if the shoe has no heel or a low or a high heel. Also the urban legend that it is not possible to ride a bike in a skirt is another lame excuse. i love cycling with any kind of skirt or dress, no matter if it is short or long, tight or wavy and with matching high heels. I think there is still some grass root education and confidence building required to get more girls on bikes.

Fixed gear is included in the above. In instagram there are often pictures of long skinny legged hot girls standing over a fixed gear bike. They hashtag it as #girlsonfixed - but that seems to mean just “standing over a fixed gear bike”. Most of them do not ride bikes, they are just models. Come on girls try it out, actually ride! Yes, you will get some leg muscles, but I assure you that will attract the cooler guys! Girls with some muscles are sexy!

SOFB- WHAT MAKES YOU SO GOOD AT RIDING FIXED? DO YOU RIDE OTHER BIKES ASWELL? I just love riding fixed! But I would not consider myself particularly good. In my daily commute and running errands I always cycle.

It is just the best way to get around a city like Beijing.

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And a fixed gear bike (I always ride with brakes!) gives the feeling of complete control while dashing through heavy city traffic. I can adjust my speed precisely, not slowing down too much, as that would then just require extra energy to accelerate again. I love the direct drive of a fixed gear bike. it feels like the bike is part of me.

I love the meditative feeling of riding fixed gear on long rides, especially when the gear ratio gives me my perfect cadence (I love big gears, like 50-13 for city riding (hence a hand brake is required)). I love the round efficient pedal stroke that you can only learn from riding fixed.

Beijing city has 3 beautiful velodromes (same as in the whole state of California).

I have been trying to work from different angles and people of finding ways that we could train in one of the velodromes. But the one is for the Beijing state track team, the other is used for international track competitions, and the other belongs to the Chinese national paralympic track team.

In the past 7 years I have not found any way to get on any track. I have been on a track a couple of times in Germany and I love it, but that is not going to be the sport that I can do here.

We organized China’s first alleycat race in June 2009 with 75 participants - only fixed gear bikes allowed. As I cycle everyday, I know how to ride in traffic and I know Beijing well and know the best short cuts. I liked to race and often won. We organized quite a few alleycat races, in the end with over 200 people cycling fixed gear through Beijing’s messy traffic with cardboard boxes strapped to their back and some of them without brakes. But nowadays police really do not like it, so we stopped organizing big alleycats. Once in a while someone still organizes an underground alleycat. I actually got into bike racing through a cyclo cross race in Beijing in 2008. Trek organized 6 races throughout the winter and provided bikes. It was my style of sport: short but really intense and it required good bike handling skills as well as fast dismounts and mounts as well as running sprints up a hill or over other barriers. I won the women’s category and met really nice road cycling guys. So I bought an entry level cyclo cross/ road bike and started riding with the road

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ies. When spring brought warmer weather and they started going into the mountains near Beijing I quickly bought a carbon road bike. That summer there were criterium bike races on a F3 car track. For the fun of it I participated on my track bike. The first time the organizer laughed saying I was stupid, to come with just 1 gear. But after I won all the races that summer they set a rule, that to participate you have to ride a road bike. I then also started participating in team road races: a team of 4, with at least 1 person over 50 and at least 1 female. The time when the last team member crosses the finish line counts; So the team with the fastest 50 year old and fastest female wins.

And then I soon also participated in single road races. 2010 I was on a local small team a little bit sponsored by Swift carbon bikes and I participated in many road races. But then my bike shop started getting too busy and I was working 7 days a week and I did not want to turn down customers by being closed on weekends. I kept working a lot until just in the end of 2013 I decided to take 2 days off per week and get back into cycling. I did a few road races but noticed that I am lacking the practice. My hardest race was a 300km race in summer at about 38 degrees - it was grueling but i finished in 9h30min. November 2014 was the most amazing race: The Tour of Yunnan: a 5 stage road bike race, some stages were 180km. The last stage started at an altitude of 2700m and ended over 3100m with quite thin air. There were many people participating and I am happy that I came in on 9th place in General Classification with 4 girls aged 14-16 from the cycling sports academy, as well as a Mongolian ex-pro cyclist in front of me. I also play bike polo. There is not much going on in China outside of Beijing and Chengdu, but every year we go to Taiwan for a big match where teams from Japan and HK come. The Taiwanese are really good at polo, even though the Japanese come with teams that also play at the world championships. I am not amazing at polo, but it is fun. Of the better teams most people play on freewheel, but I stick to my fixed gear, as I love the control (but of course I play polo with 2 brakes). And then I love long distance cycling. I currently use my converted cyclo cross bike this winter

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again, nobody is organizing cyclo cross races in Northern China... :-( when I go on tours. It is a little bit adventurous in China, as there are not so many good maps as things get built and destroyed so fast. There are more and more Chinese people that cycle to far away places, like Tibet, but they often just ride on the side of a highway. I prefer going off the beaten track and here you never know how the road condition will be.

Last year we did a 5 day cycling trip to Inner Mongolia. This year I would like to cycle either in Sichuan or Yunnan, both provinces have amazing mountains.

I get super stoked on fixed gear every time I ride fixed gear. But I think there is a bike for each purpose. I regularly use 5 bikes: 1. My daily commuting aggressive big gear fixed gear bike, that I also ride for tours on the weekend if we do not go into the mountains.

2. My tiny gear fixed gear polo bike (36 - 24) for polo every Sunday 3. My fixed gear artistic bike that I use for performances about 3-4 times per month 4. My super light carbon road bike that I use for rides in the mountains or for road bike races 5. My cyclo cross / touring bike that I use for cycling tours or rides in the mountains with some off pavement or gravel sections (I do not own a mountain bike and I never got into that) SOFB- COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT THE LAST TWO COMPETITIONS/ JAMS/SHOWS OR ROAD TRIPS YOU WENT TO? So much cool an fun things, here are 3 of my favorite recent ones: I went to the annual Takao Cup bike polo match in Taichung, Taiwan and decided this year to cycle from the Taipei airport to Taichung and also back. Of course I had to ride my polo bike with mallet and luggage. My hub is a fixed/fixed hub, and I had a smaller cog for the cycling and used the 24T for the polo. It was a fun trip. I also already rode the Taichung to Kaohsiung route 2 years back. I want to go back to Taiwan for more cycle

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touring on the East side of the island.

Me and 2 friends started China’s biggest fixed gear event 6 years ago. We wanted to change society here in China so we called it the “Fixed Gear Revolution”.

We recently were forced to rebrand the event as “Fixed Gear Open”. Last year was the 6th year of this event and again we had to limit the number of participants to 1000 for safety reasons. It was super fun, with minidrome, bunny hop, and other events. I participated in the trick competition, bike polo and the speed race. I came second in the speed race and Natooke teams took place 1 and 3 for bike polo.

Last July I was invited with my trick bike performance to the Tour de France!!! I was so happy when I got that invitation and I was so nervous during the performance. I also followed the Tour for more than 2 days. If you love cycling you will love this! I want to go back this year!

SOFB- WE LOVE YOUR STYLE, HOW MUCH DO YOU TRAIN, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU? I train way too little. Unfortunately I live in a country that has been rejecting bikes since 2000. You cannot take bikes into nicer buildings. You definitely cannot take a bike inside a sports gymnasium. But that is where I would need to train. Artistic cycling has been an indoor sport for about 100 years and the bikes are made for indoor use on nice wooden floors or PVC, but in China, I cannot get my bike in. I know many people of the Chinese cycling association, but none could help. So unfortunately no training here in China. Usually I can do a rehearsal before each bike performance. So that can be considered as my "training" nowadays. Every time I go back to Germany I go to my club and do artistic cycling.

As I ride bike a lot and also do rock climbing and skiing, and I teach partner acrobatics and gymnastics, I kind of get an okay workout. But if I really want to do better at road races this year I will really need to train.

SOFB- YOU ARE A BIG INSPIRATION FOR MANY GIRLS, ANY

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WORDS OF ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE JUST STARTING? People start riding fixed for many reasons and there are even more reasons why people love them. Explore the different kinds of fixed gear bikes and find the one that fits for you. Try out different things. Do you want to just ride fast at night through the empty city streets, do you want to commute on it, do you want to leisurely do your grocery shopping on the weekend, do you want to be a bad-ass and ride without brakes, do you want to do street style tricks, play polo, ride the track, be a messenger, or just have a bike that matches the clothes you wear and the nail polish you prefer? Do not think you have to follow what your friend does. And please: Safety first! I always ride with a helmet and brakes. I love my brain and I love my life. I want to continue to enjoy life for a long time. And so should you!

Bikes rock!!!

SOFB- WHAT IS THE NEXT OF YOUR PROJECTS? Some things are mentioned above. I want to continue performing in China and around the world, participating in interesting bike events around the world, doing some cool bike tours in China and other countries. But I also want to start systematically documenting the status of bike culture especially here in Beijing through photography.

SOFB- LAST QUESTION; ANY SHOUT OUTS!?

Shout out to my parents for putting up with me and my lifestyle, to my favorite cycling buddy Chang, my cycling friends Xi, David, Jotte, Bernhard, Simona, Vis, Jake, Larry, Sara, Fast Freddie, Charly, Michael, Shannon, Gloria that cannot do right turns, and all the other great and amazing people I got to cycle with so far, my bike polo and life coach Tom, to all my bike polo friends, to the Natooke team and Natooke friends around the world, to my good friends Fritz, Lao Zhou, Xiaobin, Hartmut, Udo, Alex, Achim, Gerd, Simon, Maf, Jida, Bijan, Sarah and all the other wonderful people that I am happy to be friends with! Love you all!

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RAD RACE Photos: Rad Race Text: Rad Race and Greg Falski

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In the beginning of this year a lot of you guys probably wondered who the hell is behind RAD RACE. Which kind of people actually fill the two letter word ‘we’ with their personalities? What even is RAD RACE exactly…?

We? That’s 10 friends from Münster, Hamburg, Wiesbaden & Frankfurt that tossed together their savings to start something from scrap! Thrilling bike racing events that we ourselves would like to participate in, Cycling gear that we ourselves wouldn’t be ashamed to wear.

That was the idea. No investor! No bank loans! Just a simple reach out to your friends to ask: Are we doing this? And everybody (!) all 10 guys were in and the wheel was spinning. Every single one of us believing that it is more rewarding to work for a small self owned back alley company than for some random company that you don’t know much about. Without much hesitation the 10 of us chipped in their complete savings to start off RAD RACE.

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Our initial plan was to start with 3-4 cool races and all of a sudden it was 7. Seven!!! Seven races organized by 10 buddies with the help of their friends and local bike crews. And all that without earning a single dime. Most of us have “normal” jobs to pay the bills. The first year was all about pumping cash into the project. It was like pursuing a real expensive hobby. Some folks go Yachting, others start RAD RACE ;-) We had to invest our free weekends for the events and our time after work for the everyday stuff that had to be done.

Every single one contributed like crazy!

Here’s an example to help a person comprehend what all goes into a single event. Imagine you organize a bike race in Karlsruhe. You and your 12 friends have to get there from 5 different cities from all over Germany to present a race for only 60 participating riders. The race was awesome and all riders thought it was killer!! Also we really found new friends there!! But in the end there is just not enough riders, fixed and roadbike, that dare to compete in a race like ours, YET! It needed to be something like 300 participants to really make the event pay for itself. So in the end the starting fee was barely enough to pay our travelling costs let alone the fences we had to rent.

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What we do is to pre-finance a great idea. The idea and the believe that cool and rad races away from official institutions can successfully be organized. The romantic idea that it is possible to simply start ones own business. The idea that it is a lot more desirable to organize races and produce cycling gear from the back alley office than to sell ones soul to some corporate enterprise.

Anyway…by now the Karlsruhe race is over. The adrenalin has left the system. The riders are happy and so are we…for 5 minutes. Now the track has to be dismantled, all the gear has to be stowed away and the fences have to be recollected. From the 10 promised helping hands only 2 showed up and before you know it you’re hauling heavy stuff around in the rain. You’re freezing and simply worn out knowing that this shit will last for at least 3 more hours. You see everybody’s mood dampen by the second and it hurts to see friends fussing out of frustration thinking why the hell did I even come here?

Believe me, it breaks your heart!

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Now why is it worth it to do all this? Because we love to look in those bedazzled faces of not cycling friends, family or colleagues that ponder about the question why one would want to carry fences through the rain in the middle of the night.

We do it because at the end of the day we want to be able to look in the mirror knowing we tried everything in our power to get this thing rolling. We just started it uncertain about what the future has in mind for us.

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Our first race in Berlin was a blast. It was in the context of Fixed Days 2014 and Fahrradschau Berlin, supported by 8bar bikes. You can probably imagine how we were troubled by sleepless nights leading up to the event knowing the complete European bike scene was gonna be there. We kind of liked the idea of having a do or die situation, we would either offer a great race or fuck it up having to shut down the company afterwards as a consequence. But it worked out

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in the end! For me personally it was one of the best things I ever did in my life! And I’m pretty confident that 128 participating riders were diggin’ it too.

August 15th 2015 will be the second LAST MAN STANDING at that location.

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rad-race.com

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Photos: Greg Falski Text: Ugis

Ever since Konfours first alleycat pretty much exactly 5 years ago (which is also the day when I started riding fixed gear bikes) I take part in Alleycats, whenever I get a chance. Hereabouts you never know what to expect – there have been 2,5 hour long races with 15 checkpoints chasing up and down the hills of Vienna with everyone dressed up as zombies, but sometimes its the checkpoints and missions which make it an unforgettable experience and the fun stands in the foreground.

Konfour, being one of Viennas finest fixed gear knights, always attracts a big crowd of eager riders, fabulous spectators and a party not to miss at the end. Also the main prize – a custom made fixed bike stands out among all the other races Ive been to.

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On this particular night I had eaten way too much and almost overslept the race.

I set my goals low (not to throw up) to not be disappointed at the end of it all.

The race started at the picturesque Otto Wagner Pavilion in the city center and at midnight and a crowd of 30 dashed to the first checkpoint to get the manifest. I managed to grab the little bit of paper and read it on the way – as I expected the first checkpoint would be the Citybiker (a well known boutique for the needs of the urban rider).

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It was not far and I arrived first and got the little sticker which was to be glued on the manifesto. I put it in my pocket and rode to the next checkpoint which was quite an uphill challenge. I had to give up a piece of clean clothing (I had my after-alleycat tshirt in the bag :) which was to be used as a donation for homeless people after the race.

Some riders took their socks off while most of them offered their gloves. Now I took some time to read the manifest: Devi portare una penna di un albergo o di un taxisocietà al traguardo! ??? Penna – thats bread in Spanish! so I looked for the next hotdog booth and got 2 sorts of bread and a bottle of Wieselburger beer which was also on the grocery list and continued my mission. The bonus question was: “What is the average velocity of a carrier pidgeon (Monthy Python and the Holy Grail)”. As I still trust on my indestructible 8 year old phone I did not have the possibility to look it up (some guys even streamed the film on youtube) and called my girlfriend who fortunately was still awake and is a big Monthy Python fan and could deliver the answer - “a European or African carrier pidgeon?” and being Italian she corrected me that it was not bread but a pen from a cab company or a hotel being asked in the former question. Done and done and I dashed towards the last checkpoint or so I thought as suddenly the bad sort of disco lights (the blue ones) illuminated from my back. Yeees - I had passed a red light just before, and missed out to notice the guardians of civil peace in the car behind me.

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No point to argue whatsoever, so I put on my “hurtpuppy-look”, apologized and could speed on after a short morale how dangerous and irresponsible my behavior was. Finding the last checkpoint was not easy but when I got there, an old friend offered me a sportsmen-cigarette and put a stamp on my manifest. I was ready to go, when I noticed that the little sticker had fallen out of my pocket during the race and was obliged to return to the second checkpoint which was already empty by that time. But hey – whats that on the floor – yes it was another lonely sticker lying on the ground waiting for me! I grabbed it and arrived at the finish line seeing a couple of other riders just opening their beers. Well – at least I did not throw up and what a race it was I thought and handed in my already wrinkled and sweaty manifest to Konfour.

The biggest surprise of the evening came, as I got the main prize – apparently I was the only one to complete all the checkpoints, get the grocery items and answer the bonus questions. I could not believe it and still cannot what a lucky lucky bastard I am but I will, when I will take on my Cinelli Mash for the rides it deserves! I spent the rest of the night on the dance floor listening to the funky tunes of Os & The Sexual Chocolates and pushed my new baby home, not wanting to push my chance too far that night.

Many thanks to Konfour and the sponsors – I hope that in 10 years this still will be a tradition to count on.

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CONGRATS! 1. Ugis 2. Flo 3. Xaver 4. Fox 5. Mathias Scavenger 6. Igl / Yoschi 7. Kater 8. Stefan Binder / Callos? Kallbauer?

9. Zoltan 10. Matthias B. / Phil G. (Team Bazz)

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NATOOKE. Photos by Natooke Text: Ines Brunn

Natooke is a bicycle shop in Beijing and was founded by Ines Brunn whom we interviewed on page 12. Here she tells us what made her open a bike shop and much more! Great inspirational story - enjoy!

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I think a bike is a great way to get around. I studied in Erlangen, (Germany) a city with a mayor who was a cyclist so he made bicycle paths everywhere, changed some traffic rules in favour of the cyclists and promoted cycling. I did not own a car and did everything by bike. Through my performances I got invited to events around the world where I met bicycle activists, people that fight for more and safer space for cyclists in the cities.

When I worked in a multinational telecommunication company taking care of the Asia-Pacific markets, it took me on my first trip to Beijing in 2001. I had expected more bikes on the streets, but still the ratio of cyclists versus cars was way higher that the ratios that I saw in Germany, Europe or North America in that year. After 3 years the company offered to relocate me to Beijing.

I accepted and the first thing I did after arriving was buy a random bike at the next bike shop I could find. But then I realized that there were way less cyclists than 3 years earlier, it felt like I was the only one cycling. But in 2006, looking back to 2004, there was again a huge decrease of cyclists in Beijing. And Beijing started to get congested with already back then too many cars.

The city government then just decided to convert the mainly empty bike lanes into car lanes.

And some of these streets already had 4 lanes (in one direction!) so adding a 5th lane (in each direction) just made a marginal difference. Every day there were an additional 2000 cars on the Beijing streets, and that even increased to 2500 per day until the government introduced a license plate lottery where only the lucky 20000 people can register a car that month.

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From the bicycle advocates around the world I know how time consuming and costly it is to try to convince a city government to add a bike lane on a street.

It took a long time until that bike lane in downtown Manhattan finally got done. It was so sad to see that in Beijing, where we have had amazing bicycle infrastructure, the bike lanes were being taken away. It was about 1 bike lane disappearing per day. So, I decided to get involved. I started working with some environmental NGOs, trying to let the people understand that we need to think of environmental friendly transportation methods. But 2006 was too early for such thoughts, Chinese society wanted to see how they could make enough money to buy their first car and they did not care about the environment.

In the 1980s everybody had to cycle, so by 2006, the bike stood for the older generation, for the old days, when everybody was poor.

Cycling became the statement of poverty.

Through my performances abroad I had seen that fixed gear was becoming popular in the big cities around the world, with cool hipsters getting on bikes. I thought that might be a way to motivate the Chinese to reconsider the bike and change their perception of bicycles. So in 2007 I started the “Beijing Fixed Gear Group�. In the beginning it was just me and a foreigner. I went to the only 3 bike shops that actually sold sport bikes and told them if they see anyone with a fixed gear bike they should get his contact details and give them to me.

Within 8 months I actually found 5 Chinese guys that all had fixed gear bikes. One guy had studied in the UK and brought a bike back to Beijing, another had a friend in Japan, the other in the US. At that time, you could not get fixed gear bikes in China. All these guys were rich kids, e.g. one of them driving a 7 series BMW, with his fixed gear bike in the trunk. He would drive to a meet up and then just take the bike out, maybe try a few track stands and then put the bike back into the car.

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They bought the bikes because they were cool. The first rides i took them on they did not want to go more than 5km. But after a while a night ride to some random urban space in Beijing and back was easily 50km. It was great to see them have fun on these bikes. I saw that this was a better way to get Chinese people back on bikes - by making bikes cool instead of talking about the environment.

In the summer of 2008 during a dinner a friend had the suggestion that if I really wanted to make a change in Beijing, just having a bike group where we slowly find a few more people would not be enough. As you could not get fixed gear bikes in China, he suggested that I should open a bike shop. It was one of those crazy ideas that you just laugh out loud at. But actually after sleeping over it I already thought that could be a cool idea.

And within a month I wrote my resignation letter and already knew what I would need to do to open a company in China as a foreigner.

Actually the company did not accept my resignation, because they just thought I was having some kind of insane breakdown, so they offered me a sabbatical until August 2009 after which I could come back to the same position with the same salary and benefits. But I had told them: “My mind is set, I do not need to come back.” And I did not. My idea of “the shop” was to create a “bike culture center”, a space where people could hang out, chat about bikes, learn about cycling culture, join rides and bike events.

Plus there would be a workshop for bike building and repairs as well as courses on both. And also a retail area with all kinds of good quality bike parts at reasonable prices so that more people could get a really good long lasting light weight cool fixed gear bike and learn to enjoy it. I found a cool spot in a traditional old building in the center of Beijing in a calm little alley that was renting out a space just the right size (60 sqm) and opened the shop

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under the name NATOOKE there on March 7th 2009 (6 year anniversary is coming up!). This was the first fixed gear bike shop in China. I had no ready built bikes, I focused on custom building.

That was hard at the beginning, because those trendsetting Chinese people that were already interested in fixed gear had no idea what color or style they wanted.

In the beginning it would have been easier if I had pre-built bikes and the customer could just point and chose. But the customers slowly got used to the “chose your own style” concept, which after some time became additionally cool. Of course all kinds of media was interested in what this German girl was doing in this traditional building. Once the fashion magazines got intrigued by fixed gear and took pictures of models with bikes it all went fast. Now there are at least multiple of tenthousands of people riding fixed gear bikes in Beijing alone - not all from my shop, because of course the Chinese are quick and soon copied my shop, but especially to serve the market with very cheap factory built bikes. Now even online you can buy “fake” fixed gear bikes - The seller marks them as fixed gear, but actually they are coaster break freewheelers.

Chinese never miss out any opportunities: In the little calm alley where I opened my shop there was already one other business: A British guy had opened a restaurant/cafe with pizza and burgers.

After I handed in my application for business license, someone put 1 and 1 together: 2 businesses in the same alley, both opened by foreigners - so this is a “special street”. The city government agreed to promote this street and invested money into developing the alley further to attract other retail shops and cafes and restaurants. Now there are over 60 businesses registered in Wudaoying Hutong alley, of which maybe maximum 5 belong to foreigners, but still the street it marketed as the “street where the foreigners start businesses”. To be fair, of course the cafe and bar scene is a foreign concept and all restau-

rants on this alley have foreign food. So now my Natooke shop is located in this hip cool bar/ cafe street with some interesting shops like vintage clothing or design items. Since 2007 we have been organizing regular rides and events. Currently we have a night ride every Friday night and bike polo every Sunday afternoon. We sometimes organize day rides on the weekend or roller racing in a bar in the winter. We organize special big riding events, like Halloween ride - where in 2014 we had over 1000 riders show up to, which the police was not too happy about. Therefore we were not allowed to do such a big ride on New Years Eve and only had about 200 people shop up. But again the police complained. Beijing is the capital of China and things are taken more strictly here. So we might not organize anther big ride in the next few months. In August we will have again the Fixed Gear Open event, but that is on some sports ground that we rent, so there we can have 1000 people without issues. With all the media attention and my performances I was able to get my word out to many people, that cycling is a good thing and not only for the poor people. It is cool and it is fun and to have a good bike you need to have money. Chinese TV first invited me to perform in 2006, and the past 4 years I have been doing many TV shows. the past 2 years the Chinese government realizes they need to reduce carbon emission, especially in big cities and they stared to promote cycling big scale. E.g. I was asked to be in a public service announcement that has been aired on Beijing TV continuously for almost 2 years - I say that Beijing had become so air polluted and noise polluted with traffic jams all day long. I ask people to think of using the bike for a more liveable Beijing and blue skies. As for my shop, I have 10 full time employees, 2 part time helpers and changing short term interns. So therefore I can actually finally be out cycling, promoting bike culture, holding speeches about cycling and bike culture while they keep the business going!

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OTHER SIDE OF THE LENS Issue 20 with

Dave Noakes Online photography portfolio at https://ride-everything.com

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INTERVIEW

SOFB - YOU LIVE IN DEVON HOW DOES THIS INFLUENCE YOU AND YOUR WORK?

OTHER SIDE

with Dave Noakes

I recently moved back to Devon in the SW of England. I’m originally from Essex, moved to London, then Devon, then Italy, now Devon again. Whilst some may think Italy is the best place for cycling, Devon has a special place in my heart and I think it’s what I consider home. I love nature and whilst shooting in the city is awesome I really like the tranquillity of the countryside.

SOFB - FIXED GEAR IS GROWING ALL OVER THE WORLD, WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THIS SPORT? My first experience of it was 1999 when I met some of the London messengers, I’d only just moved to London. It wasn’t a really sport; there were only a couple of people riding fixed in London back then. I spent years working as a messenger in London, and obviously a track bike was my bike of choice; I think I got my first track bike in 2000. I love how much it’s progressed!

SOFB - LATEST SHOOTING? PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT IT. The last thing I shot was for Grit.cx and before that is was the RHC Milano. I really like how the RHC article came out. I was writing a piece for an English magazine on Dodici Cicli Squadra Corse and their experience of the event.

SOFB - WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE RIDER TO SHOOT WITH? DO YOU HAVE ONE - OR WHO MADE YOU "STOKED ON FIXED BIKES" My favourite rider to shoot has to be my wife (Juliet Elliott) I enjoy shooting with her because it’s just easy. She understands what I need as we have worked together so many times and she is also a photographer, which really helps.

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E OF THE LENS

A messenger called Wingnut got me stoked on fixed bikes initially, he sorted me out with my first proper track bike; a KHS aero...the one with the bendy seat tube. After about 10 years of riding track bikes for work, I met Juliet and she reinvigorated my fixed gear passion.

SOFB - DO YOU RIDE BIKES YOURSELF? IF SO, HOW MUCH DOES THIS AFFECT THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THE SPORT THROUGH YOUR LENS? Riding bikes is my life! I ride everything, track, road, CX, MTB, bmx. I have recently signed with State Bicycle Co, which I’m dead stoked about, thanks Mehdi!

I find being a rider and a photographer can be frustrating at times. Sometimes I just want to go for a ride but I always spot things and have a camera so want to stop to take photos. Though I can’t really complain because riding around taking photos isn’t the worst job in the world.

Being a rider definitely helps when shooting, I want things to look as realistic as possible. When you see someone doing something rad and hard, you want the photo to portray just that.

Sometimes I’m on the other side of the lens and some of the requests made by photographers are just silly, I think to photograph any action sport well you need to have a really good understanding of it.

SOFB - FILM OR DIGITAL?

Digital

Photo: Dave Noakes

SOFB - WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF DAYLIGHT TO SHOOT IN?

Middle of a sunny day, or ‘that time’ sundown.

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SOFB - WHAT IS IN YOUR BAG, ALL THE GEAR YOU USE FOR PHOTOSHOOTS, HOW HEAVY IS YOUR BAG? DSLR, Sony RX100ii, gopro, batteries, lenses. To be honest my bag isn’t that heavy, I like to be able to ride as well as shoot.

SOFB - MINIMAL SETUP? GoPro or Sony RX100 ii SOFB - DREAM LOCATION TO SHOOT THIS YEAR? That’s a hard one, somewhere random...

Alaska…or maybe somewhere hot like Arizona SOFB - IF YOU COULD GIVE A YOUNGER YOU ANY ADVICE ON HIS WAY TO THE FIRST FREELANCE ASSIGNMENT, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM? Have fun, don’t stress and don’t over process photos!

SOFB - ANY FINAL THOUGHTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Thanks to my wife as it is her camera’s that I have commandeered, she initially bought them for herself but started playing with them and fast forward a few years and I am now getting paid for it. Thanks to everyone I have met, all the racers, riders, company owners and generally rad people. Thanks to Greg at SOFB for keeping people stoked on fixed bikes!

Photo: Dave Noakes

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SLOVAKIA EXPERIMEN Photos and Text : Gernot Frank

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For the seventh time 75 riders from Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary found together to join The Slovakia Experiment.

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Actually it is a race from Vienna to Bratislava, just 75km long with no hills in between all along the danube and the river March. What sounds pretty boring can be a huge adventure at this time of the year.

Loose gravel, ice, snow, headwinds and checkpoints to be found, turn this ride into a challenge every year.

The race ended at one of many great cafes in Bratislava, supported by Jameson Whiskey it was obvious that the party was as demanding as the ride. Thanks to Slowatch.sk, Citybiker.at.

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New products Photos: SOFB Text: Greg Falski

The RAZOR-TK track bike A heads-up from Greece. After 2 years of blood, sweat and a lot of tears they have finally managed to get a workshop production running. VCA will be Launching some really rad bikes..

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http://issuu.com/viciouscyclesathens/docs/razor-tk

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SOFB loves Muc-Off!!

It is the easiest way to clean those dirty bikes... regardless of the weather or riding conditions.

This classic pink Bike Cleaner has incredible cleaning power because it contains revolutionary Nano Technology that breaks down dirt and grime on microscopic levels, while also caring for your bike’s delicate finish.

It’s the most effective cleaner without dangerous acids or chemicals. Muc-Off is safe on all surfaces, and it’s even disc brake rotor and pad friendly.

We have been riding off and on road over the winter in the worst weather conditions and this cleaner is absolutely killing it when it comes to making your bike look brand new!

TWO PRONG BRUSH Two Prong Brush is ideal for reaching hardto-shift dirt on spokes, discs, shocks, cranks, linkages and pedals. In combination with the Muc-Off fast action bike cleaner, this brush is outstanding and makes cleaning your bike fun actually!

More at http://muc-off.com

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BOMBTRACK– Thrust crankset Love it - super nice upgrade on any bike!

Coming as a complete setup ready to install.

Material: 7075 Aluminium Spindle: Hollow, compatible to 68mm BB shell BCD: 144mm Chainring: 7075 Aluminium, Chainring Bolts: Crmo Specials: comes with integrated BB Available Teeth: 46t, 48t, 50t Length: 165mm Colours: black, silver polished http://bombtrack.com

TRESHOMBRES CLASSIC LOGO TEE B&W concept - “the devil is in the detail” Treshombres logo screen print on the front 3 faces logo screen print on the back Embroidered tag “Made in Bavaria” 100% high quality cotton Made and printed in Europe Nice one! http://www.treshombresbikes.com/

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BOOKMAN - Curve Front Light

C3 Ceramic Chain Lube Formulated to be a thinner construction, with special additives that mean dust and dry grime are not able to adhere to the chain as easily. Thanks to the ceramic coating it lasts longer. Good stuff!

More at http://muc-off.com

This lights are incredible powerful and super easy to install to any handlebar. A front light in a seamless curve design with the brightness of 80 lumens and a run-time of up to 35 hours. It takes only two hours to charge from flat to full via a convenient USB charger, which is included. One of our favourite lights so far!

Stoked on those Clip-on Reflectors with magnet, simple and good! http://www.bookman.se

CLUG A tiny minimal bike clip that’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to mount your bike on a wall. Love the design and colours! Different sizes depending on the bikes you use!

DRY SHOWER - Muc-off killin it!

This is pretty amazing, especially when you are on the road and need a quick shower... find out more at their website! Love this and it smells great!

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https://www.facebook.com/getCLUG http://www.getclug.com/sweetdeal STOKED ON FIXED BIKES

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KP Cykler.

A new bike brand. Launching on Kickstarter in March 2015!

KP Cykler is founded by a lifelong bicycle lover – Kaspar Peek.

Kaspar grew up in the countryside where bicycle was the way to get around. Throughout his engineering studies he competed on a BMX. Ever since starting a professional career, he has continued to use bicycle as the main mode of transport, which lead to the creation of KP Cykler.

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„Like so many of us, I was working on a good paying job and fooling myself that life’s about money, house, car etc. But it’s not, it’s about the purpose.“ So he decided to hang up the suit and chase his dream of being his own boss and doing the thing he loves.

Kaspar started the design process in July 2014. „It was such a thrill to stay up all night and drawing 3D models and figuring out the perfect geometry for the frames. Like a kid in a candyshop“ he recalls.

After just 4 months from the beginning of design process the first bikes were ready. Kaspar remembers the first glance at a full bike: „The parts arrived the night before we were supposed to start filming our Kickstarter video with track cycling World Champion Alex Rasmussen. I spent the whole night and morning putting the bike together. I had gone the whole day working and filming, the evening was the first time to soak it all in and it hit - WOW! I have created something on the computer screen and now it’s actually in my hands.

Pure joy!“

It’s easy to see the uniqueness of KP Cykler bicycles. Every detail has been paid attention to. The geometry of the frame is inpired by the best classic track frames, and the future rider can play around with the design. In addition there are some real innovations. The problem of bulky brake cable clamps has been solved with BMX style removable cable guides and there’s a unique NFC safety feature. If your bike goes missing, anyone with NFC enabled smartphone can scan the headbadge and identify if the bike has been stolen, along with the steps to take to return it to the rightful owner.

Many of us have been working for years as professionals. We’ve arrived in a place that is safe and comfortable, yet seldom rewarding and fulfilling.

We hope Kaspar’s story will inspire you to chase your dream. KP Cykler is launching on Kickstarter in March – find them on Facebook and Instagram and show your support on Kickstarter.

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Photo by Ash Narod

Little Wheels Little Wheels is a cycling blog created by two northerners who love cycling. We met at women's track training at Herne Hill Velodrome in London and bonded over a love of riding fixed gear, both being creative and from the same area.

Surprisingly we attended the same art college in Middlesbrough but didn't know each other. We ride fixed gear for fun and occasionally race too. We discovered the difficulties in women's cycling first hand with the London Winter Track League. There were not enough females to have separate categories and the women's races are also shorter than the men's. This spurred us on to do our little bit and help to promote women's cycling, this is something we're both passionate about. The aim of Little Wheels is to promote women's cycling in a fun and fresh way, we want to see more females riding and we would love to see more racing too. We regularly post interviews we have done with female cyclists this includes everyone from world champions to our fixie friends. We occasionally organise rides around London and we always document our adventures on two wheels. We don't just ride fixed we love riding any type of bike but we're most comfortable on our track bikes. This year we will be taking part in the Mitie London Revolution, the Dunwich Dynamo and are keen to have a go at road racing too as well as continuing with racing track. http://littlewheels.cc Little people who love bikes.

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LONDON BIKE SHOW Photos and Text Greg Falski

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Sir Chris Hoy’s handbuilt Shand keirin bike, new range of HOY Bikes and his brand new HOY Vulpine clothing range. Nice one!

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Dolan Bikes showed a selection of really nice track bikes - many custom/special edition builds.

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Completely awesome new helmets from TSG - go visit: www.ridetsg.com Interesting idea from Plume mudguards Cycloc showed some amazing storage options

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Regale UP Carbon FX 203 g

Concor UP Racing 192 g

Zoncolan UP Racing 192 g

Discover more on our website.

www.sellesanmarco.it

Follow us : #sellesanmarco facebook.com/sellesanmarco @Selle_San_Marco

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HJUL Outerwear Photos: HJUL Outerwear Interview by Mate Horvath SOFB

SOFB - -PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF I’m croatian living in Shanghai. Love brought me to China and I got stuck here for almost 4 years. Of course, a bicycle gives me freedom and independence, which is very important for my life. I spend the most of my day on a bike and that’s why I founded HJUL Outerwear in 2010. Urban cycling wear. After a few years of work we finally had a first, official collection in winter 2013.

Today we are a team of friends, each of us working in its own field (Graphic design, Fashion design, Photography,..).

This year we are extending to the European market with big help of BLB. SOFB - -WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO CYCLING APPAREL? Professionally I’m an Architect and Civil engineer even though I have been doing clothing design since my high school. I did many overtimes in the architectural studios. With the rhythm of life that a city like Shanghai dictates, there is always a lack of hours in your day. I just wanna go, directly from my office to grab a beer with a friend or to have dinner with my girlfriend. I also want to be dressed appropriate for all of these occasions. That’s how the idea of Hjul (pronunciation: ju:l, Norwegian for a wheel) started.

Practically I started to create clothes that I like to wear myself. I started to design outerwear in which I feel comfortable to go to the office, to have a drink or any other thing. I didn’t want to do any kind of sporty stuff. I really feel much better spending my working day in 100% oxford cotton shirt than wearing some polyester cycling Jersey.

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SOFB - WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN INSPIRATIONS FOR DESIGNING NEW PIECES? Urban cycling is the inspiration itself.

To design functional clothes, useful on and off your bike is very challenging.

You have to find a balance between details on your clothes that are helping you when cycling and clean design. Of course, talking about the style, Scandinavian approach to design is a way to do, by my consideration. Clean, simple and functional.

SOFB - A LOT OF APPAREL COMPANIES ARE FOCUSING ON HIGH TECH MATERIAL FOUND IN OUTDOOR CLOTHING, REPURPOSED IN CLASSIC DESIGN. WHAT IS THE THINKING BEHIND STAYING WITH TRADITIONAL MATERIALS? It is not a kind of movement for revival of old school fabrics. Nothing like this. It’s just my personal feeling. I like craftsmanship and the old approach to production. I like the idea to re-wax my waxed cotton jacket ones in 2 years as the Scottish sailors have been doing for hundreds of years, than using some new high tech fabric. There’s more passion.

It is like the difference between customized bike frame made in some small Italian workshop and new Carbon frame taken from the mass production factory with serial number 15685457851214.....

SOFB - DO YOU HAVE ANY COLLABORATION PROJECTS PLANNED? Not yet. There have been a few proposals, but nothing concrete. Let’s see.

SOFB --YOU LIVE IN CHINA, TELL ME A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU WOULD DESCRIBE THE FIXEDGEAR SCENE. Although it is definitely growing in Shanghai, the Beijing scene seems still bigger. Before, it was just a bunch of expats riding fixies around the city, now there are more locals buying and riding fixies. More shops are popping out and

even the quality of these bikes is getting better. Still, many people prefer single speed. I guess they find it more convenient. Shanghai is a dangerous city for fixed gear, though. Nobody respects the traffic rules. If you think about all the street vendors carrying oversize cargo and a classic traffic jam created by cars, it’s a big chaos and very high adrenaline city ride.

SOFB - -ANY INSIDER INFO ON THE NEW COLLECTION? We have the basic collection for 2015. As we are not a “fashion brand” but Urban cycling brand, we’re not doing conventional spring/summer, winter/fall collections. We have a basic collection for a whole year. This year’s collection was presented at the Eurobike show in August and you’ll be able to see it in shops around Europe in February. Of course we are going to add few more items on seasonal basis. T-shirts, Bags, other accessories.

-ANY SHOUTOUTS? Thanks to my partner Aleksandra Duka, Patrick Wack for photo shooting, David Pandt for copywriting and modeling, Ivo Toplak for graphic design.

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BOMBTRACK DIVI

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IDE

Photo and Text: Greg Falski

Stoked to get back riding 29 after some years of riding 26! My last 29 was ESB from 14BikeCo and to be honest I was missing the feeling a bit...

The bike is perfect, the bottom bracket has a good height and is equipped with a 3 piece crank and this gives you a stable platform for jumping and pushing hard.

Lots of clearance for the tires, you easily could put some offroad tires on if you would like to.

Some mates got this back too and love it - an instant hit.

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I exchanged the original saddle with a Selle Royal we tested in a previous issue as I found the original saddle a bit too heavy for me.

BMX style stem and wide handlebars give perfect control and stability of the bike.

The 14mm rear hub with the hollow axle is light and strong. The 36h Bombtrack rims are fitting perfectly here.

Bombtrack tires provide a good grip and roll fast.

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Fabric Grips I equipped the bike with Fabric Grips that are easily applied and removed thanks to a locking system.

Bookman lights and reflectors I use this bike with Bookman lights and reflectors - feels safe an fits the style.

Nice bike - and definitely worth a recommendation! Head over to the Bombtrack website for more info and other rad bikes! www.bombtrack.com

Photos: Greg Falski

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Chop em down films / Can’t fo Interview with Zane Meyer

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ool the youth SOFB - WHO IS ZANE MEYER? I’m a videographer that captures the “Lifestyle/True reality” when documenting different subcultures from FGFS to artist to clothing companies.

I’ve been riding/filming FGFS for over 5 years. Its been exciting being apart of the evolution.

SOFB - WHAT GOT YOU INTO FILMING? What got me started was wanting to document my friends and I skateboarding. My friends weren’t great at filming so that pushed me to take on more of the filming roll. Growing up I watching 411 skate Magazine, Vice Tv, and documentaries. That is where a lot of my influence came from.

SOFB - YOU AND ELLIOT MILNER WENT TO THAILAND RECENTLY, HOW WAS IT AND WHAT HAPPENED? It was amazing. My friend Petch organized the competition side of the Bike Fest event and was able to help Elliott and myself get out there to show Bangkok Bound https://vimeo. com/110439200 and film for another video.

SOFB - HOW IS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THAILAND REGARDING THE FIXED GEAR SCENE – BOTH THE FGFS SUCH AS THE RACING SCENE? The scene in Thailand has so much passion. These riders have so much love for the sport. Every time I come out here I get even more excited about FGFS.

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SOFB - WHAT WAS ONE MOMENT THAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ON THIS TRIP? I would have to say day 6 when Dew Sippawitt took us around the local spots in Chiang Mai. Elliot did this Nose to ice to 180 out on this rail. So sick, but what impressed me the most was the zen like dedication. I went back and counted how many times he tried that. 194 times!

No break. Just kept at it.

SOFB - CANT FOOL THE YOUTH SERIES WAS AMAZING AND REALLY SHOWED A DIFFERENT SIDE OF FIXED FREESTYLE. WHENS THE NEXT CFTY? Thank you. I really enjoyed filming over the years with everyone. I’m going to put more focus on filming road trips.

That was always my favorite to film.

CFTY will stay as a trilogy. Eventually when the time is right do a full documentary on Fixed Freestyle, but that won’t be any time soon.

SOFB - WHATS UP WITH SKYLMT? SEEMS LIKE THEY JUST DISAPPEARED IN THE FGFS WORLD?

SOFB - YOU SEEM TO BE TRAVELING AND FILMING A LOT FOR THE FIXED FREESTYLE SCENE -ANYTHING COMING UP? I’m very thankful for all the opportunities i’ve gotten over the years. I went to Belize recently to film a documentary with my friend Drew Merritt. We were at the only prison in Belize and I showed Can’t Fool The Youth 3 to the inmates. I’m going to Beijing in February to film a Vape company called Mr. Good Vape. I will be spending a week after filming with the local riders. I’m doing the same in Tokyo early March for a Car show. Then in the Summer planning a FGFS trip to Boise to meet up with Jonathan Davis. Im coming out to Germany for Octoberfest. I’m going to meet up with Jason Sellers and Manuel. Really stoked for that. I have never been to Europe. I also have a great opportunity to live in Hong Kong for a few months. It would allow me to film Chinese riders and be closer to all the other Asia countries with FGFS scenes.

Yea… I owned part of SKYLMT and helped manage the team. Out of nowhere Colby decided to not be involved in FGFS anymore and opened up a Skate shop. I still haven’t even heard from the dude since he ditch the scene several months back. We were both very frustrated with the guys over at Destroy bikes. They are impossible to get a hold of and the bikes they made for us were sent to us months behind schedule and were subpar. I was pretty bummed. I had a SKYLMT x Hasbro (Transformers) collaboration in the works but it’s all in the past now. I’m working close with Manuel at Bombtrack on video and traveling. Really stoked on the Bombtrack and their vision on the Sport.

http://chopemdownfilms.com/

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Katie’s Bike Photos: Katie’s Bike Interview by SOFB

SOFB - PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS THAT MIGHT NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT YOUR WORK Katie’s Bike is jewellery made from used bicycle chains I collect around London.

It’s Bike Chain Bling, (Re)Cycled in London.

It all started in 2013 when I made a necklace from the individual links off an old chain. It was a bit of a light bulb moment. Now I have 20 designs for both ladies and gents on my website and I sell online, through bike and gift shops and at local markets. I’m on facebook, twitter and instagram @katiesbike. My website is www.katiesbike.com SOFB - WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

As an independent magazine we know how important it is to support small, independent businesses - especially the most awesome ones like Katie’s Bike. Katie creates lovely handmade jewellery for him & her from used bicycle chains and the results are stunning and unique.

Follow Katie: www.katiesbike.com instagram @katiesbike.

I studied Architecture and Environmental Design and have worked as an Engineer for the past 6 years. I’ve always been focused on the environmental impacts of buildings and more recently on the impact of goods and services. I’m particularly stoked (you know what I mean) on the concept of a circular economy, where the wastes of one process become the raw materials for another.

I’ve also been making jewellery since I was about 7 years old, and have wanted to sell it since I was 19. So, Katie’s Bike is my attempt at creating a whole product line from a useful waste stream, and creating cool jewellery with a purpose.

SOFB - ARE YOU A CYCLIST YOURSELF? Yes definitely I have ridden a bike my whole life. I love riding around London and started riding a fixie last year. It’s my main mode of transportation.

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SOFB - TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE WORKING PROCESS & WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE? I spend a majority of my time collecting and cleaning chains. The cleaning is definitely the most time intensive aspect.

I’ll collect a bag of used chains from a local workshop, then come back to the studio and clean them to see which ones are the best for which products. I am very selective about the quality and brands I use. Once I’ve cleaned a chain once, I delink it using a chain tool and then polish and dry the individual links.

One of the best design evolutions was the cufflinks. I made the first batch using a Campagnolo 10 speed chain and epoxy resin to attach the cufflink back to the chain link. They looked good and everyone liked them but I hated using epoxy which, is very toxic, awkward to work with, and makes an unreliable bond. A mate then told me about Sugru which, is a silicon based adhesive that sets cold and is manufactured in London. I tried it on a few pairs and although my craftsmanship was a imperfect (so they looked kinda like kids playdough on a cufflink) I stuck with it. I’m the only brand who uses the coloured Sugru for my bike chain cufflinks and my craft is now way better.

I’m working to push all my products to be as recycled or recyclable as possible,

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which means using both chains and components that are durable and responsibly sourced. For example, I never ever use brand new chains so in some cases designs like the Gold Pendant and Gold Rings run out when I’m out of gold chain. I also repurpose used inner tubes, bubble envelopes and magazines for my packaging.

SOFB - WHERE DID THE INSPIRATION FOR KATIE´S BIKE COME FROM? It came from my boyfriend Luke, who is a full time bike mechanic and part time Katie’s Bike muse.

SOFB - WHERE DO YOU RECEIVE YOUR PARTS FROM? I collect them from local shops in London, most notably Cycle PS, Edwardes, Balfes, Everyone Bikes, Cloud 9 Cycles, and the London Bicycle Repair Shop.

Getting shops to agree to and understand the point of saving chains wasn’t always easy. It means they have to change their ways of working and create a dedicated space for saved chains in a workspace that’s already overcrowded.

These shops have been amazing this year and I’m thankful for their support and advice.

Everyone Bikes and Cloud 9 also stock a selection of my designs.

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For the shops, they make good niche products because they are perfect gifts for customers shopping for a cycling mate. Both shops can boast that their stock was made from their own rubbish chains.

As the good word of Katie’s Bike is spreading I’m also getting more and more donations which is amazing! If people donate useful chains I always offer to hook them up with some free stock to say thanks and to spread the joy of bike chain bling.

SOFB - DO YOU SEE KATIE´S BIKE PROMOTING CYCLING, PARTICULARLY WOMEN´S CYCLING? HOW DO YOU SEE THE STATE OF WOMEN´S CYCLING AS A WHOLE? I am certainly a keen woman cyclist. I follow a lot of rockin’ women on Instagram like Juliet Elliott, Jools Walker, Sam Dunn, Anna Glowinski and Tahnee Seagrave. What I like about these ladies is that they are all leaders and they inspire me with their creativity and entrepreneurship.

But, alongside women’s cycling I also want to promote more cyclists in general, space for cycling in cities, small

handmade business in the UK, and resource efficiency and the circular economy.

I recently attended the Total Womens Cycling Awards at the London Bike Show which showed the growing momentum in the industry. In their second year running the awards, TWC had almost 3 times as many votes cast.

I keep seeing new female specific retailers, clothing brands and teams popping up. I think women’s cycling will continue to grow and I’m happy to be a part of it. For now, I’ll continue to promote women cyclists by creating jewellery for them that rocks and let them do the rest.

SOFB - WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR PRODUCTS IN THE UK AND OUTSIDE? The best place to find my products, where ever you are, is on my website at www.katiesbike.com At the moment I’m only stocked in the UK, though I am open to wholesaling to shops and through websites further afield. The details of all of my stockists are online at

www.katiesbike.com/where-i-sell SOFB - PLEASE GIVE US A SNEAK PEAK ON WHAT´S NEXT, ANY EXCITING PROJECTS/COLLABORATIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE? I am SO excited about what’s up next...

Luke and I have decided we want to take Katie’s Bike on the road so we’re planning a Katie’s Bike Tour to kick off in May this year. On the tour we’ll be visiting Bristol for Bespoked, Scotland for the Fort William World Cup and various enduro events, Wales, and Cornwall. We’re taking our trusty parts washer with us and will be sourcing chains, making bling and spreading the (re)cycling love along the way. We’re hoping to visit as many shops as possible and to promote Katie’s Bike organically at cycling events by giving out cards and freebies, so tell your mates to keep a look out.

I’m also learning to surf so I’ll be hunting some good little breaks to hone my skills. I’m working on a new page for the Tour and we will be blogging about our experiences as we go. Hopefully we’ll see you out there!?

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Velo Domestique Photos and Text: HOWARD BUDZYNSKI

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Velo Domestique is the home of Bournemouth’s up and coming alley cat cycling scene. The space has been transformed over the past year into a trendy pop-up café backed by Bournemouth’s wellknown Boscanova, with all of the fixtures and fittings you would ever need to give your bike a well-needed tune-up while you sip on a flat white. Every nook and cranny of this café is unique – from silent auctions filling the walls, to jerseys, bicycles, and accessories for sale.

The menu consists of expertly-made coffees, with toasties and energy balls for if you get hungry.

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The café’s patrons are just as unique and intriguing as the café itself. Shiny new carbon fiber triathlon bikes roll through behind vintage Raleigh road bikes; people and bikes of all shapes and sizes are welcome here. Velo Domestique is the home of Velo Sur Mer, an alley-cat racing group that hosts a new breed of events, from pub-crawls to velodrome track days. Velo Sur Mer takes advantage of the stunning scenery of Dorset and The New Forest to encourage people to take part, with exciting prizes offered for race wi

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Facebook.com/velosurmer Facebook.com/velodomestiquecafe Twitter.com/velosurmer Twitter.com/velodomcafe Instagram.com/velosurmer

Local businesses such as Jimmy’s Iced Coffee and Muc Off have already realized the potential of this venture and often provide prizes for Velo Sur Mer races, as well as products for sale in the café.

Larger sponsors such as State Bicycle Co and Chrome Industries also provide prizes for races, while back at the café Troy’s Kustom Barbers provide haircuts on Saturdays, making it a truly diverse space where anything can happen.

In 2015, Velo Domestique will hopefully be moving to a more permanent location in Bournemouth town center, and with the cycling scene in Bournemouth rapidly growing, there is no doubt that this is not the last we have seen of Velo Domestique.

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Product reviews Photos & Text: SOFB

ION backpack waterproof

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It comes with breathable back and straps, which makes it super comfortable to wear, especially when you are riding and sweating a lot. The Rolltop construction makes it easy to handle and gives quick access. The light waist belt feels secure when you need it. Love this design and backpack!

ION waterproof backpack We are stoked on that backpack ION sent us as it is super light and spacious at the same time. It looks cool and feels awesome while wearing it.

Go to: www.ion-products.com

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WOWOW - reflective wear WOWOW is a company from Belgium specialised in reflective products.

Reinout was kind enough to send us their Commuter Jacket together with a Multilight in orange.

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Multilight in orange We find the Multilight really handy as it can be attached to anything, even to the Commuter Jacket, wherever you need it - the Multilight will stay in place and closes in the back with velcro.

Great stuff!

Commuter Jacket Absolutely love this light, breathable jacket. It is waterproof and windproof, everything you need while out riding. It is super light with 360 gr and, of course it has a reflective surface which provides perfect visibility - we like the finish as it feels super soft and smooth on the skin.

You should definitely go and check their website as they have some awesome products which are not only cool looking but also make your ride safe. www.wowow.be

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PIRATISLAVA

By Greg Falski

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Piratislava 2015 The idea of this race is to dress up like pirates and go together from Vienna to Bratislava.

We covered this event in a previous issue already but this was the first time I actually took part. The checkpoints are pure fun, the route amazing as you ride by the river and once you get to Bratislava the beer is a welcoming refreshment and the party is already on!

This year we had strong back wind and some of the bikes were equipped with sails, which looked awesome and made it effortless to ride. Fun day!

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Lacremò Text: Giovanni Occhipinti

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"Lacremò" is a place name. It is the name in my dialect of the hamlet of Finale Ligure where I was born. It is a word that is dear to me since childhood.

The origin of the word is probably mysterious, perhaps it is referred to a fire, perhaps to an other calamity, it is not clear.

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Lacremò is therefore a point on a map, from here my frames will start a trip. It is a thought that I have while working. I do not care where my frames will go, but the hope I have is that they can have a long way.

I currently work steel tubes, but I do not exclude other materials in advance. Steel is the material that allows me more versatility. My frames are handmade one by one and brazed both ways fillet brazing and lugged.

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The bicycle for me is basically hard work and sweat. It always asks for it, but in return it gives much: new perspectives, wider space, a sense of wellbeing and freedom.

instagram: lacremo_it

www.lacremo.it

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Inspiration.

Stefan “Fish” Vis

The winter is almost done. And I have done a whole bunch of riding.

Not really in the mileage kind of way, but short, sweet and one really long one.

On the Alkmaar velodrome i attended the weekly Madison Popular Race untill Chistmas. This is an open for anyone race. Pro’s, Pro women, Amateurs… Anyone.

As Februari is the time of purification (according to the Romans), we can use some recapping and find some inspiration.

Maximun gear 50x16. We do Omnium style racing, like Scratch, Points, Elimination, Danish elimination, and the finals are always a Madison points race.

After leaving F.A.S.T. Amsterdam i have been working on a good base to move into 2015, and i had to retreat from long distance riding and regain my explosiveness. That means Offroading, Track and on the Wattbike.

And with people like Niki Terpstra (paris-Roubaix 2014) at the start now and then, or young gun Youri Havik, you’ll be into some tough racing, but hella lot of fun.

Except one windjammers adventure and an SSCX race in Belgium, i mostly stayed close to home, as Holland is excellent for all types of riding.

We have the velodromes of Alkmaar and Amsterdam closeby; We have the dunes for riding On and Offroad, or even better Both -on the GravelGrinder-.; we got indoor High Intensity Training with Wattbike And we got the windjammers on Sundays for a good few hours of hammering on the road, but i skipped most of those lately.

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Besides that weekly race you can find me most mornings of the week at the Amsterdam Velodrome.

There we have a club that has no name. And amongst that club we have many former cycling champions. One of those is 85 year old: Piet van Heusden. He was World champion in pursuit for Amateurs (pro’s were pussies back then) in 1952! He is one of my inspirations.

I admire that so much.

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The dunes at Schoorl in Noord Holland are my favourite off road place. Because of a lot of things.

I started riding there in 1991-92, as a young biking nerd on a 20 kilo MTB with nasty colors on your jersey and such. My dad and uncle joined me not much later.

The Course in the dunes was 2.5 kilometres long back then. Nowadays its 14.5 kilometres long and you’ll be fast if you can do it in a bit more than half an hour.

Funny thing is that i have tried almost any kind of bike there during all these years. MTB; CX: Single speed; Fixed gear crosser; Gravelgrinder, a (fixed gear) Bmx and my old regular Trackbike a long time ago. The legendary Dutch cycling champion Gerrie Knetemann rode his last lap there and literary died in the harness.

As that was one of his legendary phrases that still exist in cycling lingo.

Gerrie was my late dad’s old classmate, and it was his wish to spread his ashes close to the course. This made it especially my most favourite and inspiring place in the world, and every time i pass the spot, i can say hi to my dad and Gerrie, and hitthe throttle again…

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The Windjammers are a group of very interesting people. In the most positive sense of the word. I think i can safely say that Writer Tim Krabbé is one of the most notorious people in the pack.

Amongst other heavy weights that mostly operate in front or behind the scenes of many things you might know very well in cycling world.

On Boxing day, about 9 Windjammers departed for a ‘rondje ijsselmeer’.

Officially you have to follow the dikes that were dividing the former ’Zuiderzee’ from the lands, plus the ‘Afsluitdijk’; a 32 kilometre long dike that connects Noord Holland with Friesland.

We did the choco route tho, that still adds up 275 kilometres.

Fred from F.A.S.T. and me rode fixed gear, the rest on their racing bikes. The morning was cold, wet and harsh winds from the side and ahead. After 40 kilometres some turned around and called it a day.

Which was not a very bad idea at the time. But 7 went on. After a grueling echelon ride on the Afsluitdijk we got better weather and the wind was with us from that turning point on.

I was riding my Coarse with Fast Forward Wheels and 51x17.

Which was a tad too heavy for the headwinds., but a bit too light for the backwinds.

The FFWD wheels, being 6 cm high were super stabile at the crosswinds. You might expect something else.

It was at the turning point that Fred had to exchange the saddle for the carseat.

Tim circulated with not even one word of agony. And he seriously hit the gas on the way back with our other Tim, and together they took basically all KOM’s along the dikes of Flevoland. Which is Windjammer territory for the obvious reason that its reclaimed land from the former south sea, and very windy…

Hence the very piraty name for a cycling club…

It was a great day and at dusk more and more supporters came out and hauled us in at Muiden, with champagne and the infamous dutch treat Oliebollen.

If you are looking for an inspiration: go read Tim Krabbé’s books.

Especially the one called ‘The Rider’. Which inspired many people to go ride bikes, including himself, about 10 years ago.

But for me he is an inspiration because he is freaking 71 years years old!

I do not like to idolize people. But these people are inspirations to many, and i am sure now they inspire you too. This is what is important. Cycling is not just finding the limits or racing eachother, or looking funny in spandex tights…

Stefan ‘fish’ Vis. Thanks: Bombtrack Bicycle co.

Coarse fabrication. Dealer cycles, Fast Forward wheels, GripGrab, Urban Performance wear, Selle San Marco, Giro Sports Design, Cinelli, Columbus, Wit Industries, Wattbike Amsterdam.

Two jammers:,Tim Borck and F.A.S.T rider Nathalie Simoens went for a little extra loop to close the 300 k and call it a day.

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