700cmx.com Stickers
Once You Go Blaq
I have to admit, for the longest time I was quite comfortable with my clips and straps and skeptical about alternative foot retention. I can safely that what I look for in a foot retention system has changed thanks to the guys at Blaq Design. I’m now sporting a pair of their custom pedal straps. These things are great. They’re easy to adjust, easy to enter and easy to quickly eject from.
My favorite detail about my new retention set up would have to be the extra barspin clearance I’ve gained. First try, in my living room, I was able to throw a bunny hop barspin, a trick I was unable to execute prior to installing these straps. Something else that I thought really set Blaq’s jams apart from other retention is the ability to completely customize your straps. Customers are able to choose between about ten different colors of thread and ink, and five or so various colors of underside straps.
Overall, a quality product, handmade in the USA by quality people, at an affordable price. Get yours here.
Conversing With Wonka
I’m sure almost everyone that tricks on a fixed gear knows who you are, but go ahead and introduce yourself anyway.
My name is Edward LaForte. I’m from Staten Island New York, and I’m 20 years old.
I know you’ve said it before, but why fixed, not BMX?
Umm, one man moving machine, period.
Hah good answer. Do you even own a BMX bike?
Yes I do I have a FBM Howler all laced up, but I recenly passed it off to my 10 year old brother.
So, on the subject of BMX, do you think that with all of this progression our bikes are going to end up nothing like track bikes and more like big bmx bikes?
Well, that’s already happened. Take a look at the top rider’s bikes; 40c or above, BMX
cranks, half link chains, yeah we’ve gone there already.
I want know about a bit about your bike. What size tires, gearing, how wide are you bars? I heard you run really short crank arms too.
I run 160 profile cranks on my BMX bike and my fixed. I never cut my bars and I run 39/15 with 47c tires.
Those are some big tires. The Kilroy fits them pretty easily?
You can fit up to like 52/53 on the Kilroy. The back end is WIDE!
That Kilroy seems pretty solid. You’re on a production model now, right?
Numero uno.
Nice. It’s been holding up well huh?
BOMB PROOF GUSSETLESS.
They’re pretty expensive though, you think a lot of people are going to get behind them?
I know a few people have ordered one. I mean, you pay for what you’re getting. It’s all Columbus tubing specially made for what wer’e doing and the bike’s beautiful.
You were in Tokyo recently, correct? I see a lot of strange looking set ups and some really fast riding going on over there. What do you think about the Japanese style?
I think there riding style is really cool, but they need to take it off the ground more.
About style…A lot of fixed riders just copy what everyone else is doing. Are you working on anything that hasn’t been seen yet? Any new lines?
Just watch Death Pedal 2. I’ll keep my lines to myself.
Ha, fair enough.
It seems like some people are only into one type of riding. I feel like it’s important to have a diverse style that’s a mix of BMX inspired riding and riding that uses the fixed drivertrain. What do you think?
I think all of the riding is fixed drive train. Everything is inspired from something. F*ck a diverse style I’m gonna do whatever I feel feels good.
I see a lot of kids getting props for hitting tricks that are way sketchy. You think they deserve it? Even if the trick is new/fresh?
No trick is fresh until you land it fresh. Don’t put it out if you land all wobbly.
It seems like a lot a of the big names in the ‘sport’ have been getting away from the fakie side of riding. What about you? What do you think about it?
I never rode fakie and I’ve been saying fuck riding backwards, shit is weak!
Is there anyone that you look up to for their riding? Who are your favorite fixed freestyle dudes?
Um, I started a while ago so I guess my friends. Tom Lamarche, Sam Miller and my best friend Torey. I dont really look up to anyone. Oh hell yeah, and Tyler Johnson
The Banks are closing soon right? You ride there a lot?
I ride everywhere in NY a lot
That’s good. Riding just one spot would get boring. What’s your favorite type of stuff to ride?
Handrails
Yeah? You’ve hit some?
Just two, but recently I’ve figured some things out so you’ll see a lot more, pegless.
That’s awesome. Do you grind driveside?
Yessir, righty
Me too. It’s weird for me to think of a pegless driveside grind on a rail.
You’ll see.
Will I see it in DP2?
Nope. Maybe in a Wrahw exclusive.
What do you think the 2010 holds for fixed freestyle? What do you want to see in 2010?
Road trips, make new friends and have a great time.
Any shout outs or thanks you want to give?
CHARI AND CO, THE ILLEST ONLINE SHOP/SHOP ON THE PLANET.
Manual Labor
Mike and Burro Bags
Mike Schmitt, of RVA Fixed!, has been putting Burro’s foot retention system to the test. His riding proved to be a little much for the straps. Not to worry though, Burro is sending a pair of their revised and more durable foot retention out to Mike very soon. Be sure to visit again in the near future for a full review of the new jams as well as exclusive photos of Mike thrashing on them.
