stoked on fixed bikes online mag free issue 10

Tromss Nucult8 BARTrans AlpsNORTH RACERestrapKEIRINLondonEUROBIKEFixed days

10

ISSUE

STOKED ON FIXED BIKES

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Drag Race Rotterdam Photo: Oli

http://partialpixel.tumblr.com


Photo: Hinrichthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/hinricht/http://www.suicycle-bikes.com/blog

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Drag Race was the last one of a race series called MCK (Marathon Crash Krew). This Series started by Boris this year with crashing the Hamburg marathon route. After this there was about 10 more races (early in the morning or late in the evening) with different type of races. Like alleycat checkpoint races, lap races and so on. The drag race was the end of it.

REGULARS

FEATURES


24 8 BAR Tran alps 32 SHORTS ON Chris 40 NORTH Race

78 EUROBIKE Show 68 FIXED Days

50 LONDON OPEN Bikepolo 56 Keirin Festival

14 RESTRAP Product Lunch

20 ROLLER Underground

8 IN STRAPS.. Greenlight 10 RIDER INTERVIEW Tromss

46 BIKE CHECK Protoype- 55 HOT DATES Get ready for action

94 TEST 29 Gnar

36 SHOP VCA

76 ARTWORK Saki

COVER

CONTENTS

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info_Manuel Crazy skid, Friedrichshafen,

GermanyIm sure that was a crazy week-

end for Manuel at Eurobike. Lots of work.. he still managed

to have some fun! Thanks for taking care of fixiefamous!

CONTENTS

info_ Seitaro Ikifeeble grind to 180 switch

barspin, Kennington Bowl, Lon-don.

Iki was visiting London.. After a full english at The Cut we man-aged to catch a couple of spots.

Just fun! Good day of riding!!

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STOKED ON FIXED BIKESONLINE MAGAZINE

EDITOR - PHOTOGRAPHER -DESIGNER - WRITER

Greg Falski

REDACTION TEAM

Anto ButRicardo LinoSaskia HaexMarina Fenz

CONTRIBUTORS

Joni Zaza jonizaza.de

Oliver Komorowski http://partialpixel.tumblr.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/partialpixel/

Hinricht Schimanzkihttp://www.flickr.com/photos/hinricht/

Szymon Nieborakwww.delayedpleasure.com

www.flickr.com/photos/skyhistoire

Gareth Williams JonesBat Howell

Romain Tromss

Angelos Giotopouloshttp://angelosgiotopoulos.com/

ILLUSTRATIONS

Jacob KnillJACOBKNILL.TUMBLR.COM

Online - ISSUU.comPrint - magcloude.com

SOFB Online Mag part ofFOREACH PRODUCTIONS

http://foreachproductions.wordpress.com/

www.sofbonlinemag.com

For contributions, advertising and other enquiries, please contact

[email protected]

Thanks to Family and friends, all

crews and riders, organis-ers and advertisers..

Special thanks to Marina, will be not possible without

all of you!

NEXT ISSUE OUT IN December 2012

IN STRAPS..

We are super stoked that our last Issue 9 has reached more than 53000 views. Tell me how many trees would need to be cut i if we would print it!A lot.. thanks to all of you we already making a change.. Whats more Im sure that we helped to put more people on bikes! Thats why we support the green light foundation..

Please check them out! Make a change!

About this Issue 10.. thats a special number for us!Big thanks to all friends!Enjoy!

Ride on!Greg Falski

mark a special point Green Light,


in time !

www.thegreenlightfoundation.com

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Romain TromssNUCULT

SICK RIDER INTERVIEW

Romain TromssNUCULT

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INTERVIEW with Romain Tromss

If you looking to ride and party hard Romain is a

great companion. We hung out a lot this year and fi-nally its time to interview

Romain for SOFB !

SOFB - who are you, where you at the moment and what you up to?

R - H!! My name is Romain Tromss, I’m 26 years old I leave in the north of France, and I ride for Fixie Factory bike shop. At the moment, I am drinkring some beer in a bar and after I’ve finish my beer, I’m going to start ride some spot!

SOFB - What makes you so good at riding fixed?

R - Hmmmm, I think the secrets ingredients are in all beers I have drinking ;) or maybe the desire of repeat the same trick more and more all afternoon. Hhhmmm but I’m sure that the first option is the better one for myself

SOFB - Could you tell us about the last two competi-tions/jams or road trips you went to?

R - The first of the last two competitions was West Jam II in Lisbon, European rid-ers was there, I think about the English, the Swiss (Shred crew), the Belgian (Ketjes crew), the French (and crew soundtrack nucult crew), the Netherlands guys and the only girl come from USA! All riders are coming for sin-gle reason, perform at fgfs contest with their friends and above all partying in the streets of lisbon!! This was so crazy!!

The second competition was Eurobike in Germany, unfor-tunately the weather was not with us :/ but we could still enjoyed the evening and lounge. The last day of the road trip the weather was better and we could shoot some shots with Greg Falski and Tom Bell

SOFB - You inspire a lot of new riders what you will say to them?

R - Ahahah, if it’s true…Maybe I can said that they must keep the fun spirit of the fgfs sport!But mostly roll, roll, roll and drink lots of beers because it’s this that makes a good rider!! Ahah!!

SOFB - How important is your crew?

R - The importance of the crew is to stay connection with other European riders. I usually ride with 2-3 rid-ers in my area but I most often ride with Bat Howell. Being so few in the north of France, forcing us to travel on contest or even just for fun and see friends in paris or in brussels. I think this is the most important in the fgfs, travel and see all the other riders.

You can see more info at NUCULT crew section!

SOFB - What is the next of your projects?

R - My next project is prob-ably to travel until Geneva for road trip with our friends Shred and maybe to go in California with my friend Bat Howell in the next holidays but nothing is sure…I don’t know if BFF is organ-ized this year but probably I’ll go in Paris for this event!

SOFB - Last question; any shout outs?

R - Big thanks to Fixie Fac-tory bike shop and SOFB for his support and Jupiler beer for crash my brain last night!! See you at the next road trip!!

SOFB - Do you like to ride street or park more? Are you better at one more than the other?

R - Difficult, I like to ride a park because you have good sensation, you can JUMP more higher and do some MTB tricks. It’s also the pos-sibility to become more fluid. But I love riding Street cause it’s more technical, you can use all functionality of the FGFS and you can develop originality. I think I’m better in park but I prefer to ride street.

SOFB - Everyone enjoys your edits who makes these web-bies happend when we can expect next one?

Yeahhhh, we try to find origi-nal ideas for our video crea-tion, while remaining a fun spirit and life style that you can see on trailer contest and Suspended happiness 1 & 2. we wanted to create a new video for the EUROBIKE contest but Weather took us short and we had no abil-ity to shoot ... but you reas-sured we begin to collect a new video sequences for even crazier!! we’ll keep you informed!

SOFB - I know that some rid-ers get scared of big jumps and obstacles. How do you push yourself?

R - Hmmmm!! yeah, I think I scared too but if you have slightly motivation and a little bit of technic you can overcome this fear. Every-thing going on the head, the rest… Personally, the pres-sure rises when my friends tell me: “I’ll give you one beer if your tricks is done..” and other guys said “and me, I’ll give you three more....” it is at this time that I took the decision launch myself! haha! It’s the solution for me!

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RT : Mostly roll, roll, roll and drink lots of beers because it’s this

that makes a good rider!!Photo: Bat Howell


Restrap Launch Party Photos: Szymon Nieborak Text: Owen

Do not underestimate the element of sur-prise. A crafty twist can turn the expected into the unexpected, and alter the course of everything. This was the case at the Re-strap alley cat in Leeds this summer: teams of three riders had to reach three separate checkpoints across the city to pick up three different questions.

26 August 2012

Restrap Launch Party

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The answer to these questions was a seemingly random number, whose purpose only became apparent when all riders had returned to the finish. Here was the catch: each number provided the code to a combination lock which, when opened, revealed a BMX inner tube and a track pump. The winning team were those that inflated the tube to bursting point and claimed the prize. Team-work, not speed was the key to clinching the deal and congratulations go to Jon Laurencic, TJ Holt and Ned Daniels for coming in first. A great event, and a great surprise.

This was the Restrap launch party. It celebrated the launch of the new range of products, and, just like their alley cat, surprise is everything. Restrap have always produced top-quality, innovative cycling wares. The new range pushes things up to the next level. As well as pedal straps, lock holsters and hip pouches, their prod-ucts now include a range of caps, bottle holster and a fantastic team kit. Seriously quality gear. Check out the online store ( HYPERLINK “http://www.restrap.co.uk/shop” www.restrap.co.uk/shop) to get yours while you can and watch that space for the Restrap bag which is coming shortly.

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In the big world of bicycle business, small brands like Restrap should be celebrated and supported. These are the companies to watch, the ones that change the course of things, make unexpected and promising products that shake the market up. An inner tube makes a surprisingly loud bang when it explodes. Don’t underestimate it.

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In the big world of bicycle business, small brands like Restrap should be celebrated and supported. These are the companies to watch, the ones that change the course of things, make unexpected and promising products that shake the market up. An inner tube makes a surprisingly loud bang when it explodes. Don’t underestimate it.

I was dreaming of California since a long time.So when we came up with a plan to make a road trip through California with Simon Gomok and Jason Sellers I was so excitedto go. After a long, long flight we arrived in San Francisco. Our stay was just about long enough to see some hills, because we were we heading for San José. Northern California is THE place to be for FGFS .There are spots all over the place and there are so many riders living there. During our visit The Grime team recommended a place to crash: the Traphouse. Best place to stay in SJ! At Traphouse we bumped into Oscar Khan who was also staying there. 4 Euro’s in town !During the sessions I have seen so many crazy tricks: the cleanest barspins in the world by Devon Lawson, some nice lines by Matt Montoya and a ton of other tricks from Gomok, Alex Blanco and Anthony Combs... After some days we rented a car to go to Long Beach and meet up with the guys from Fixiefactory. Southern Cali is very different but it’s really cool to see the city that inhabits some of the craziest riders in the world. Right there I saw some nice tricks from Antonyo, Congo and Santos. But also chilled with all the guys. Hanging out at night and riding skateparks in the dark with my homies Mike Dinh and Chris! That was so cool! The second week was more of a chill week. We visited San Francisco. Went to a baseball game. Partied in the city with all the homies from SJ and rode the hills!!!

California I love you. Big up to everybody who helped us during this trip! Traphouse and Fixiefactory are the best places in Cali for sure!! I’ll be back soon!

Rider: Matt Montoya Photo: Thomashttp://www.soundtrack-paris.com


Rollapaluza is a unique cycle sport. Two participants battle

it out on a pair of custom-built rollers connected to a

huge dial, with split-second-digital timing over a simulat-ed 500m distance at speeds in excess of 50mph! Accom-

panied by music, MC and cheering crowds

I was dreaming of California since a long time.So when we came up with a plan to make a road trip through California with Simon Gomok and Jason Sellers I was so excitedto go. After a long, long flight we arrived in San Francisco. Our stay was just about long enough to see some hills, because we were we heading for San José. Northern California is THE place to be for FGFS .There are spots all over the place and there are so many riders living there. During our visit The Grime team recommended a place to crash: the Traphouse. Best place to stay in SJ! At Traphouse we bumped into Oscar Khan who was also staying there. 4 Euro’s in town !During the sessions I have seen so many crazy tricks: the cleanest barspins in the world by Devon Lawson, some nice lines by Matt Montoya and a ton of other tricks from Gomok, Alex Blanco and Anthony Combs... After some days we rented a car to go to Long Beach and meet up with the guys from Fixiefactory. Southern Cali is very different but it’s really cool to see the city that inhabits some of the craziest riders in the world. Right there I saw some nice tricks from Antonyo, Congo and Santos. But also chilled with all the guys. Hanging out at night and riding skateparks in the dark with my homies Mike Dinh and Chris! That was so cool! The second week was more of a chill week. We visited San Francisco. Went to a baseball game. Partied in the city with all the homies from SJ and rode the hills!!!

California I love you. Big up to everybody who helped us during this trip! Traphouse and Fixiefactory are the best places in Cali for sure!! I’ll be back soon!

Rider: Matt Montoya Photo: Thomashttp://www.soundtrack-paris.com

ROLLER Photos: Greg Falski Text: Greg Falski UNDERGROUND

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On Sunday night Rollapaluza took part in a spe-cial event, collaborating with Adidas to bring an excellent night of racing and entertainment. The #adidasunderground racing was hard and fast. Prizes included two signed Team Sky jersey’s, and cold hard cash.

Pedrojosé Oliveira (El Muchacho Mascarado)wallride WESTFIXED 2


Team Sky jerseygose to Lola

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Rob Reed with 89.2km/h won quli-fications and then

in 1000m final sprint with Lloyd Gale-Ward

In Women final Lola Welch dominate over

Emily ChongCongratulations!!

http://www.rollapaluza.com


Photos: Joni Zaza (jonizaza.de)Text: Stefan Shot

Fixed Alpcross 2012

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The idea came up in spring 2012. We did al-ready some long distance trips last year and needed a new challenge. When I told the members of the 8bar team about the idea, they were all really enthusiastic about it and we just had to find the right date. The research started... Which route? How many kilometers and height meters are doable in a day? What gearing should we use? What clothes do we need?!?

We were four bike riders (Bjorn, Max, Jens and Stefan), a filmmaker and photographer at the same time (Jonas Zaza) and a camera assistant / driver / motivator (Christoph alias Jogi).

We wanted to change as little as possible on our bikes... Keep it real! A second set wheels? Different bikes for uphill, downhill? There would be no challenge any more... We agreed that we use one wheel set with differ-ent sprockets for up- and downhill. Our up-hill gearing was 48/19 and 48/17 our downhill gearing. Since we had all flip flop hubs, it was no problem to turn the wheel in no time. As our escort and movie vehicle we had the 8bar transporter. As the van was closed to the rear, we just fixed an old car seat facing backwards and went with an open tank... I’m still won-dering how Jonas filmed at 70km/h and still stayed calm?!?

Thanks to our sponsors Oakley, Schwalbe, Cat Eye, komoot, Elite, Sport Beans and MuleBar we were perfectly equipped and prepared for the tour.

As mentioned earlier, we had hired Jonas Zaza as a filmmaker. He just started looking through the material and the teaser will be online soon. The complete movie will be ready by the end of 2012.


Day 1 (from the perspective of Stefan):We arrived on a Sunday noon at our starting point Mittenwald, a town at the southern end of Germany. Just at the beginning of the Alps. The weather was cloudy and it was slightly above20 ° C. A perfect start... On the way we were all in a good mood, but when we first saw the Alps after we left the city of Munich the car was completely quiet… Questions upon questions: Is this possible with a fixed gear bike? Will my knees survive this? Now it was too late… There was no way back. After the first kilometers the climb started. It quickly became clear that 48/19 was not a proper “uphill gearing”... But we made it somehow. After the first climb, we realized that the week-long preparation had paid off. Our route took us through a plateau and we just wait-ed a bit anxious for the first downhill, which was 5km long and had numerous switchbacks. It took us all a few corners until we got used to the high speed and cadence… But then it started to be fun and we were getting faster and faster. Max and I tried some long skids at the switch-backs and had a blast. As we arrived in the valley we waited for the others and had all a big smile on our face… I still remember Max words. "This is so ridiculous that it is fun again…"We rolled the last 30 Kilometer towards our first stopover at a town called Imst and looked forward to the local Austrian cuisine and a cold beer... The second stage could come!

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Day 2 (from the perspective of Jens):The breakfast in the morning was delicious and as usual in Austria accompanied by Ty-rolean folk music. Unfortunately I was not in good mood because my knees hurt like shit… After the usual preparations, we started towards the lake of Reschen, our second goal. As a highlight of this second stage, one may mention the so-called “Nobertshöhe” that awaited us at km 68. I knew the climb already, because I did it just a few weeks earlier with my road bike. It is a really steep and rough climb with 11 switchbacks up to 1.405m above sea level. Now, however, was the goal to do it with our 48-19 “uphill gearing”. We did the first turns really fast with proper pressure, but after the fourth turn my legs started to burn like hell and my heart rate monitor showed very alarming values. Neither of us thought about stopping or pushing the bike... no fucking way! We motivated each other and went all to our limits. In the last bend I nearly blacked out and went into robot mode. I cursed the “Norbert”, the mountains, the road, the trip, my knees, the gearing… Everything I called into question. But then however, we finally made it. As we reached the top, it was all sheer luck distribution, happiness and satisfaction at the same time. We downed “Norbert”! After a short break, we went down a moderate downhill towards Nauders and then on to the lake of Reschen. In the evening we ate some more deli-cious Austrian food and drank our “after-work beer” in common round overlooking the lake…


Day 3 (from the perspective of Max):The third day of our tour had a distance of 150 kilometers. It was mostly downhill and straight ahead through the valley of Vin-schgau. After a hard day of climbing yes-terday, I was really happy about the route profile… But I was still aware that 150k is a 150k no matter what profile. These initial concerns were quickly forgotten after the first few Kilometers along the lake of Re-schen. We had perfect weather and drove down a beautiful curvy cycle way to Vinsch-gau. I will never forget the downhill with up to 20% descent and the pure emotions ... I was very surprised how fast you can move legs. This day we set the speed record up

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to 68,3km/h. After this awesome down-hill we went along the valley of Vinschgau along the so-called "bicycle highway". A cy-cle way that leads almost entirely through Vinschgau along apple orchards and vine-yards. After the first 100k we took a short break with some iced coffee, which at 30 °C was also urgently needed. The last 30 kilometers were really windy and of course the wind came straight from the front… We reached our daily destination with tired legs and used the village fountain to cool down. The third day was done and right now we didn’t bother about the last and probably hardest stage with 1.500hm...

Day 4 (from the perspective of Björn):When I woke up with heavy legs, I had only one thought in mind... We are going to be at the Lake Garda tonight! I remembered Stefan's words when he said that the “Norbertshöhe” will be our hardest climb. A fallacy?? A look at today's route including elevation profile makes me doubt... After the first 10 kilometers along the valley the climb started. A climb that never seemed to end... Today it was hot… really hot. The tar was glowing and we were sweating faster as we could drink the water out of our cycling bottles. It showed once again that 48/19 is not the right gearing for a Transalp... After a 15 kilometer climb, we finally reached the highest level of today’s profile. From now on, it was mostly downhill. After 10km I heard a loud “bang”… Stefans tube exploded because of a complete skidded through tire. Luckily we just reached the turquoise lake at Molveno… which was a per-fect spot to have a short break and a little snack. We continued riding and waited at every turn to see the lake of Garda... but the only things that we saw were dark clouds in the sky. Five minutes later the rain was pouring down. But then it was suddenly in front of us, the Lake Garda. We made it... FIXED TRANSALP check!!! The last 400km were exhausting, but this view was definitely worth it. It was an amazing view and an unbelievable feeling to finish this ride. The Lake Garda is surrounded by huge mountains and the view is very impressive. We were all happy and it was silence for a few minutes… It is just not possible to take these feelings into words. Secretly I wondered how we were supposed to spend the day tomorrow without biking?!?


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Shorts on!

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Photos: Greg Falski Text: Greg Falski

Christopher Delia is well known in the Fixie-famous world, for his unique style and love of

wearing shorts all year round. Chris is originally from Australia and lives in London, he is one of

the long lasting members of Fixed Gear London.

Chris:I used to commute 8 miles to work on my trials bike, it was ridiculous, so I started riding

fixed.!!


Chris: I suppose my style of riding is definitely influenced by my trials and mtb background. I first got in to fixed

when I moved to London from Australia in 2007. I used to commute 8 miles to work on my trials bike, it was ridicu-lous, so I started riding fixed. I couldn’t help but do tricks like I would on my trials bike and then it just progressed

from there. I rode my fixed bike more because it was more practical and I could still have fun. Then I started riding for Fixed Gear London and from there a whole world of

opportunities opened up. I was lucky enough to get Vans and Dickies through FGL but then I was contacted by Ison

Distribution and they offered me a place on their teams with Identiti, Halo, Gusset, Odi, TSG and now All City.

My current set up is an All City def wish, Halo aerowar-rior rims with Halo 29r Twin rails, Gusset bars and Gusset Woodstock cranks. I like the way it rides with the 29rs, so

smooth! I think I’ll always stick with 700c/29rs because for me its what makes fixed freestyle different. I like the chal-lenge of the bigger bike and bigger wheels, its why I ride. Plus I’ve still got my trials bike, my jump bike and my fast

bike so having the bigger wheels keeps it fun.

www.halorims.comwww.gussetbikes.com

www.ison-distribution.comwww.fixedgearlondon.com

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Vicious Cycles Athens8 Melanthiou StreetAthens Greece 105 54

BIKE SHOP

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VCA

VCA, which stands for ‘Vicious Cycles Ath-ens’. It’s situated on a quiet street called Melanthiou right in the centre of Athens, just a couple of minutes from the famous Monastiraki Square. We like to call it ‘a sunny street for shady people’ because a lot of weirdos, druggies and drunkards hang out around there. It’s great fun – and never a dull moment.

Photos: Angelos Giotopoulos http://angelosgiotopoulos.com/Text: Greg Falski and Gareth Williams Jones


Tel 0030 2117109378Email [email protected]

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and have a chat at the same time. It’s very social and so-ciable. And if they buy us a beer so much the better!

In terms of brands, we are into: 14 Bike Co / Bombtrack / Leader Bike / Breakbrake17 / Charge Bikes / BLB / Fuji / H+Son / Velocity / Nitto / Kryptonite /Victoire Cycles / Gotham Cargo / Velo Orange / Spike / W-Base / Phil / blah blah blah...

Could You told me please about competitions and events around shop you organise, help to make it happend.

We hold an annual event either at the start or end of the sum-mer to celebrate our birthday. In fact, we had the most re-cent one about ten days ago. We closed the street, had live bands and a DJ set, people could get cheap booze and food from the café next door, and we all had a blast! As you can see from the photos, hun-dreds and hundreds of people came, like at least 500. We also sponsor and support al-ley cat races and things like that. We’ve also brought trick riders like Ruud Busschers and Gomok over to Athens to get people pumped on what can be done on fixed.Earlier this summer we host-ed an exhibition in the shop of some really great bike-relat-ed paintings by Stupid Greg, from Graffiti crew GPO, and we’re really pleased for him cos he’s sold all of them!

Future projects.

Despite – or maybe because of – the really terrible eco-nomic situation here in Greece right now, there are some re-ally interesting manufactur-ing opportunities opening up here, so we’re planning to move more fully into manu-facturing. Soundtrack also re-ally wanna do an island event next year - so that could be awesome. We should also have another really exciting announcement to make very soon – but I can’t talk about that right now! Get back to us in a month or so…

Where do you think fixed gear bike will in a year from now? Meaning clas-sic/modern fix & trick fix freestyle.

The rise of fix was so quick and I guess in some ways it peaked a couple of years back. If you look at Eurobike this year compared to last there was almost no fix, and the good thing about that is that a lot of the ‘tat’ has gone, so the people making fix are producing really good qual-ity stuff...which is better for the customer. Fix is definitely here to stay. I think FGFS is a bit more of a challenge cos you’ve gotta really put the time in to be good - but like we’ve got a 13-year-old rid-ing here, so the future looks bright!

Any shout outs

Greecies: Fast Friday Athens crew / Bondex / Trikala, Larri-sa and Thess guys and every-one who has made VCA...you know who you are! Industry: Bro hugs to Manuel at Traffic / Feya and the boys at BLB / John at 14 / Ju at Victoire / Brothers Gotham /Andy at FGL.Crew: Tommy ‘straight edge’ Punk / FXD Nostra (no you’re not having Jakob back) / Saskia / Ruben Superbeau / Westfix / Despite Everything / Acid BJ / Bangies / GPO / Gomok (whisky coke).

Tell me how was VCA was born & how did you and crew meet, tell us about the store and few brands you like etc.

I’ve always been mad keen on bikes and when I moved from the UK to Athens about 7 years ago, it really shocked me that you never saw anyone – ever – on a bike in the centre of Athens. I thought that was insane! But over the years, bikes have become increas-ingly popular and a small but dedicated fixed-gear scene began to develop. I thought it was crazy that there wasn’t a single bike shop in Athens fo-cused on fixed gear and single speed bikes – so I decided to open one! We’re in our third year of trading now.

The main members of Team VCA include my business partner Malc, who’s a lazy fair-weather cyclist but looks after all the boring business side of things so I don’t have to think about them; Dimitri, also known as Peio, who when he’s not off on tour in his punk band Despite Everything is our ace bike mechanic and teaboy, and Geo, one of the first FGFS riders in Greece re-places him when Peio is away. And Zoe generally looks after us and the VCA online shop.

There are two things that are central to the store: firstly, that we provide really great service. Just basic things like being polite, friendly and wel-coming to customers are – unfortunately – lacking in a number of other bike shops in Greece. At VCA, everyone’s made to feel welcome – and, thank god, it’s not cliquey at all. Secondly, it’s important to us for it to be a community bike shop. We’re a workshop as much as – if not more than – we’re a salesroom, and we encourage customers to do their own servicing or repairs using our tools if they can. And we’re there to give as-sistance if they need it. We don’t charge for any of that, so it creates a great atmos-phere where people can just come in, change an inner tube, pump up their tyres etc

NORTH RACEPhoto: Szymon NieborakText :Greg Falsk, Oweni

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25 bikes, 16 tents, 1 field and a lot of beer. This was the set up for the North Race weekend back in June, when an assorted crew of cyclists headed to the Yorkshire hills to shoot the promotion-al video. Amongst the riders - the Tokyo Fixed Team, the Broth-er Cycles brethren, Super Ted of Ted James Designs, the Cant-goslo team from Manchester, the Restrap riders, and the girls and boys from Leeds Fixed Gear. This was a lean, mean fight-ing force of elite riders (kind of), who successfully shattered the peace of the Yorkshire Dales and showed it what they’re made of.

The word “summer” can be something of a misnomer in these here parts. Sunshine is a bit of a tease; appearing from behind a cloud before disappearing off and leaving in its wake large swathes of cold rain. These were not ideal conditions for steep descents on a brakeless bike, nor for the zany zigzagging needed to reach the top. And these hills were steep. The road wound crazily out of the village of Keld, up the brutal Buttertubs Pass to Hawes. Starting at a gentle 10%, before rising steeply to 15, then 20 and finally a leg-screaming 25% at the top, the road was relentless but the views at the top were fantastic: panoramic shots of the glorious Yorkshire Dales in all its rain

continuation page 44.


I spoke with Szymon Nieborak about whole trip and photoshoot experience thats what he told me about North Race:

When Nathan first told of the North Race, I was totally hooked on.The idea for this trip was absolutely new for me, as my previous experiences with Fixed Gear was only about freestyle fixed action in ‘concrete jungles’.

I was even more eager to finally come to the country side and photograph the riders in such unique surroundings. I am really grateful to the whole crew that they took me onboard!

The trip, which we later called The Wet Shoes trip, was very special to me, not just because of the landscape, but because I finally had that pleasure to get to know TJ aka Super Ted. I heard much about him and know a few peo-ple riding his hand-built frames. after our first meeting I was convinced that he wears his nick-name right. He has got that special charisma and incredible skills on the bike, even though his little beer belly. despite his passion for a good beer, he was one of the few who man-aged to complete the 25 percent slope uphill and downhill without batting an eyelid! Another personal highlight for me was photographing from the open back of the van. This experience I will definitely not forget fast, since 99% of the images are created in this kind way!

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ReinisIts 14 to 25 increased hight between Keld and Hawes! Usually riders there wear Lycra and are less chaotic with their rigid styles. Prob-ably also because the common reasons to why derailleurs were ever invented. According to riders painful it was, with a fixed gear and 25 % uphill.. the only chance to attack on the de-humanizing increases, making it more or less zigzag the rough arc to pass targeted until they were eventually arrived exhausted at the top. How hard it really was, was the fact that even the fittest of the group have had problems and we also heard the occasional swear word! Those who reached the summit first snorted, such as locomotives and had thereby the grace of gorillas, roughly respect to Tim, Jon and Ted J, and had the bone, during the ordeal because she did not even have the FBK and soil and the thickest Burger of the evening! If the initial-ly mentioned apocalypse should really come, then Ted is definitely the man with whom you should do it. It dates back to the time before thin tube jeans than men were men. while the other driver to breakfast unmanly-bacon sandwiches rods, Ted has scratched dead rab-bit from the road and they hid in the bushes, in order to grill later .. The man is simply a power plant consisting of whiskers and courage and Yorkshire should adopt him. At the end of the tour everyone was proud to have been there, and Jader felt victorious. To capture the whole thing for posterity, we have besides still pro-duces a small film in which a lot sweat, tears and blood, food poisoning and three falls can be seen, so everything needed for a successful North race, We can wait to get underway again - assuming they still let Apocalypse waiting for them ..


Getting to the top of these hills is at least 50% mental. Of course, there reaches the point where cadence just disappears. Every ounce of muscle is di-rected to turning the cranks just one more revolution, one more push, but if the mind is not willing neither are the legs. It is to the credit of every sin-gle rider that they gave it a good old go. The sight of a wall of road reach-ing into the sky is enough to strike fear into the most experienced cyclist, and the mental force to simply press on, keep fighting and to seek the summit is the greatest challenge. Not to mention doing it all again on the other side.

It was, however, a great success. Angry ascents and daring downhills were fol-lowed by that great British culinary masterpiece – the undercooked barbeque, and two or ten cans of Carling. The final footage shows just a snapshot of the day – the rain-sodden campsite, the big open skies and the winding rib-bon roads of the Yorkshire Dales. The film, expertly shot by the Leeds-based production team Crowns and Owls, is a wonderful testament to a great week-end, a great team of riders and to the great initiative that is the North Race.

If you haven’t yet come across the North Race – you will. Only on the cycling scene since the summer its popularity is soaring and it’s set to become a leading force in the coming year. The blog covers a range of widespread material, thanks to its range of writers and is unique in that it does not draw a single penny from its advertising. All its revenue is put back into cycling, organising events and supporting riders across the world - refreshing in a scene which is fast becoming increasingly money-driven.

Go to HYPERLINK “http://www.thenorthrace.co.uk” www.thenorthrace.co.uk to read the blog and check out a well-crafted, high-paced riding video. Stunning.

vimeo.com/45839175

TJ aka Super Ted :It was a nightmare, and though

I felt with pretty bad, I made the wall!

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Getting to the top of these hills is at least 50% mental. Of course, there reaches the point where cadence just disappears. Every ounce of muscle is di-rected to turning the cranks just one more revolution, one more push, but if the mind is not willing neither are the legs. It is to the credit of every sin-gle rider that they gave it a good old go. The sight of a wall of road reach-ing into the sky is enough to strike fear into the most experienced cyclist, and the mental force to simply press on, keep fighting and to seek the summit is the greatest challenge. Not to mention doing it all again on the other side.

It was, however, a great success. Angry ascents and daring downhills were fol-lowed by that great British culinary masterpiece – the undercooked barbeque, and two or ten cans of Carling. The final footage shows just a snapshot of the day – the rain-sodden campsite, the big open skies and the winding rib-bon roads of the Yorkshire Dales. The film, expertly shot by the Leeds-based production team Crowns and Owls, is a wonderful testament to a great week-end, a great team of riders and to the great initiative that is the North Race.

If you haven’t yet come across the North Race – you will. Only on the cycling scene since the summer its popularity is soaring and it’s set to become a leading force in the coming year. The blog covers a range of widespread material, thanks to its range of writers and is unique in that it does not draw a single penny from its advertising. All its revenue is put back into cycling, organising events and supporting riders across the world - refreshing in a scene which is fast becoming increasingly money-driven.

Go to HYPERLINK “http://www.thenorthrace.co.uk” www.thenorthrace.co.uk to read the blog and check out a well-crafted, high-paced riding video. Stunning.

vimeo.com/45839175

BIKE CHECK


Beasts of Burden (Prototype)

For this Issue we have another special bike..we team up wit Jamie Kirkham

Thats what he told us about it: Working at Tokyo Fixed fortunately gave me the opportunity to design my ultimate trick frame that would fit me perfectly... This was the result. Im stoked with it and I wouldn’t change a thing. I feel like the geometry is di-alled and the bike handles great. Super nibbly with great pop. I would like to get a produc-tion run made but I don’t have the funds at the moment. I have also designed a 700c version which i hope to get made soon to test... watch this space...

If you want to help him with production or or-der one of those please hit him at [email protected]

Frame Spec: 4130 Double Butted Cro-Mo(Built around a 420 A-C Fork)No Toe Over Lap!Seat Tube (C-C): 380mmMid BB (Negative)Tight Rear TriangleLow Stand OverHead Tube Angle: 75degSeat Tube Angle: 74degIntegrated Headset: 45x45Fits: 26x2.2Dropouts: 14mm

http://fxdfwd.co.uk

Fork: NS RNS2Stem: Odyssey Elementary V3

Bars: SKY LMTGrips: Animal Bikes Edwin DeLarosa

Cranks: Eighth Inch 165mmSprocket: Profile 28T

Chain: KMC710Pedals: Eastern

Straps: Hold FastFront Hub: Primo N4

Rear Hub: Prototype Radio Bikes 10T Micro Drive

Rims: Atomlab General IssueSeatpost: Alienation Pivotal

Seat: Season Leaf PivotalTyres: Tioga Factory FS 26x2.1/KHE

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Frame Spec: 4130 Double Butted Cro-Mo(Built around a 420 A-C Fork)No Toe Over Lap!Seat Tube (C-C): 380mmMid BB (Negative)Tight Rear TriangleLow Stand OverHead Tube Angle: 75degSeat Tube Angle: 74degIntegrated Headset: 45x45Fits: 26x2.2Dropouts: 14mm

SNAP SHOT


Tuck no handRider: Anthony CombsPhoto: Thomashttp://www.soundtrack-paris.com

Kennington Bowl LondonSeitaro Ikihttps://vimeo.com/user8519657

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Hackney LondonDylan Fishyhttp://www.labrakeless.com/

Now in it’s third year, this year’s London Open tour-nament hosted amazing 82 teams from 15 different countries.

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Photos: Greg FalskiText: Greg Falski

LONDON OPENAugust 25th - 26th Bethnal Green Gardens

http://followpodium.com/londonopen

Big thanks to Le Coq Sportif and Urban Outfitters for the great event !

In the end there could be only one winning team and they were Yank Your Wank (Joey, Kouyo and Nick from North America), they played consist-ently awesome polo all week-end and were a joy to watch, nice one guys and girls!

EVENTS 2012

Updates on comps, jams, race venues and all crazy fixed bikes events happening near you. If you are running these kind of

events then let SOFB know as soon as pos-sible and we will put it here.

27-30.09.2012BFF Moscow

04.10.2012The London Tweed Run 2

04.10.2012BFF London

27-28.10.2012Philadelphia Bike Expo

27.05.2013Northern vintage ride

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HOT DATES

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The UK’s first Keirin Festival

Photos: Greg FalskiText: Greg Falski

Keirn Festival 2012 was the first bike race meeting in the UK devoted to the fast, exciting discipline of Keirin racing.

Keirin originates in Japan where it is the largest gambling sport, we won’t be having a full trackside betting this year, but we will have a chance based lottery with a big jackpot, so you’ll feel more involved with the racing, knowing that you can win cash!

Keirin is a mass-start Sprint Discipline, where for the first few laps the 6-8 competitors are paced up to speed by a small mo-torbike (derny) before unleashing their final sprints to the line, it is fast, tactical and can get quite rough!

For this event, we will neither follow the exact Japanese format nor the slightly different UCI format.

Total laps will be four with the derny pulling away with around 550m metres remaining.


Jimbo aka Hill BillyHe can push his bike to great speed!He knows how to skid too,as he is London’s Nocturne Record holder, but that’s another story.

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Saskia

The number of riders in London is constantly grow-ing, and Herne Hill is taking big responsibility for that!

Jacob shows really good form


Race after race on the way to the semi finals!

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That was an amazing day of racing and there were a lot of spectators

because of the great weather!


Rachel won the women’s final

Hector rock tyre grab 180

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Women’s final and men’s semi finals


Jacob lucky number 7

Mark 1st and Jacob 3rdgood times for Tokyo Fixed

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Keirin 2012! It was a huge success, blessed with

sunny skies and over 600 spectators. Keirin will re-turn in 2013 to Herne Hill

Velodrome.

http://www.keirin.cc/2012/08/27/inaugural-rollapaluza-keirin-festival/

Novice Category

1 Mark Bradbury Tokyo Fixed 2 James Walsby 3 Jacob Dean Tokyo Fixed 4 Erik Jonsson 5 Ho Ke 6 Rudy MeloThe 5th Floor

Women Category

1 Rachel James Abergaveny 2 Sarah Connell Brixton CC 3 Sarah Brook Mulebar Girl 4 Wiesia Kuczaj 5 Clare Gillot 6 Claire Beaumont ViCiOUS VELO

Men Category

1 Kian Emadi 2 Lewis Oliva BCDS 3 Peter Mitchell Team V-Sprint 4 Miles Joule Stovold Swinnerton 5 Michael Veen Netherlands 6 Symon Lewis Prestige Velo Club7 Richard St Pierre Brixton 8 Callum Skinner

Jacob Start of the mens final

Jacob Start of novice category final

Rudy and The Fifth Floor start hard James and Mark at the moment in the back ..


FIXED DAYSOne of the most important events in this year’s calendar!Like always during Eurobike, there is plenty of time to joke around and party with friends. This year’s bad weather hit Friedrichshafen and completely messed around with all the planned competitions and events. Some of them where cancelled and some of them completely changed there actual form …

After 3 days of non stop rain, morale was broken… for those who stayed, Sunday was a true reward- Great Eurobike party and afterparty in Metropolis Club- The day of riding and fooling around In the sun!

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FIXED DAYSPhotos: Greg Falski Text: Greg Falski


We started with sessioning, well known from last year competition skatepark.. I really like this park and the amount of different lines this park can offer, is just incredible. Just fun! Everyone started to fool around and the time for track stand came.. Stefano from Paris showed off some skils!

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Ghetto drome.. especially when traffic was part of it!There was a pretty fair group of us and some good racing to go.Last years sprint winner Dennis, finished 3rd, Fish 2nd.. second

time and Winner Stefan from 8Bar!


Ines Brunn gave us some extreme fixed gear show.. Amazing how much power is in that sport!

Follow the Green Banananatooke.com/

Looking forward to next year! Peace!

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SAKI&Bitches


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SAKI&Bitches

SAKI has a background in the fashion industry, having worked as a make-up artist for seven years in Tokyo, New York and London before switch-ing from faces to canvas.

“I wasn’t satisfied with my career and tired about all the skinny models in fashion world. So I started paint, paint voluptuous 'Bitches'!!! ”

SAKI's work/style grow from doodles on the back of scrap pieces of paper to full scale portraits. And same time she started paste her work on the street.

Her glamourous Bitches keep flirting around London!

SAKI, who is also a fixture on the London cycling scene, has partici-pated in group art shows including JOYRIDE for the Bicycle Film Festival London 2010 (with fashion designer Sewwat). And collaborated with de-signer Benedict Radcliffe for the Palo-ma Faith bicycle; created for W Hotel London’s WOW BIKES, in partnership with Elton John AIDS Foundation. She was recently featured in the Webby Honouree video series Freewheelers about satorialist cyclists in London.

SAKI’s portfolio can be seen on her website

http://sakiandb.portfoliobox.net/

http://sakiandb.blogspot.co.uk/

Cloud 9 Cycles in London will be the place of the

next strike! Saki will bring one of her

“Bitches” on the shop’s front windowStay tuned!


EUROBIKE SHOWOne of the best installations at Oreba stand..

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Photos: Greg FalskiText Greg Falski

EUROBIKE SHOWThe Eurobike is the most important bike show

in the world. During the show, SOFB had an extremely high number of contacts and basi-

cally we partied hard to.. We have many projects coming- you will have

the chance to hear about them really soon!!

At the moment enjoy our photo reportages, exclusive SOFB video coverage soon at our

webpage www.sofbonlinemag.com !

1955 Wilier Triestina, It’s origi-nal colour is just great - fully chromed but then semi- clear coated in copper colour paint..

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Looks like fixed gear maket gets a stable position.. Its not that every brand has

it.. Those who have it, make sure it is on the top

level..

Bears Bike presented really nice build and a set of new

hubsDe Roasa and Checker from

Bangkok cycles as a nice option.

Some sick bike components from Victoria, Spike and

BB17


Really nice presented range of bmx and fixed gear products and brands from Traffic Distribu-

tions .. definitely the place to be!The Charmer from BB17 and new pursuit frame set is sick. Designed by the guys over at BB17

with Dustin Klein splashing on the graphics. The main thing about this frame is, that it’s steel,

it has aluminium style aero tubing but it’s TIG welded in Columbus Cromor. So the overall effect will be a great ride.. steel aero tubing, it’s gonna

be next years big thing!

Bombtrack are coming out with a few new se-ries.. finally we are getting Small size.. good

news for small riders and girls.. fgfs!The new track frame looks amazing!

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Fes from Germany is one of the lead-ers, which brings the technology into

modern track bikes. POC thats the one with protection!

NS Bikes, apart of there amazing en-duro bikes, present lots of new com-

ponents and and interesting colors for they new lines.. Ison Distribution has something to say too with some new

products from Gusset and Halo.

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Cinelli is one of the brands that are picking up interesting projects with interesting peo-ple. Now you can read all about it in there new BOOK!!

We browsed through it and it looks amazing .. just like there new bikes, especially the new cyclo-cross model designed in collabo-ration with Mash

New things coming out from Columbus too .. they presented 280 grams fork! Try to beat that.

Mission Workshop teamed up with DZR shoes.. new straps DZR x Cinelli nice!


Next stop Viva and Peugeot Bikes.. We like it a lot.. pay attention to details.Looks like Peugeot want to get back their position.

Five Ten after being taken by Adidas are showing an amazing range of products .. definitely we want to try some of their new rubber!

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STOKED ON FIXED BIKESSTOKED ON FIXED BIKES

Continental

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Stunning new range of tyres from leading brands,a wild

selection of rims and wheel-sets.

More about it in the Test

section of our next Issue!

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Halo

Shimano with PROSchwalbe


Knog unveiled its latest range of lights and locks at their 2013 Product Launch Party, co-hosted with German dis-tributor, Cosmic Sports.

Among the lights, glowing in the dark, the latest addi-tions to their tough lock range were showcased: The new Knog Milkman, Strongman and Bouncer u-locks, and the Knog Sausage locks and Straight Jackets

Thats all from EUROBIKE 2012 looking forward to next year - stay tuned for the SOFB Video Production from the show..coming really soon!

More nice products from SDG and YU HUB

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TJD 29 Gnar

During our last ride to Epping Forest we had the chance to put our hands on the production model of Ted James Design 29 Gnar.

The setup we tried was not fixed, still Ted gives you an option...its like 2 in 1.

The Gnar Bike is built up around a fixed frame, which Ted built for two 14 Bike CO riders, Oscar Khan and Sol Smith, and some of you have probably seen them shredding the frames, before they moved to BB17

Super Ted just took this project a step higher. Especially if you think about using your fixed bike in some gnarly offroad terrain there are some limitations for fixed.. roots, mud, steep downhill sections.

One of the features of the frame that I really like is 1.5’’ stear-ing tube hand machined by Ted. In the centre point of the frame, we have the Shimano Alfain hub which is mud and bomb proof and can be really easily dismounted. This hub in the central weight point makes this bike super stable in the air. The whole system running on single speed chain, makes this tough. Super short rear end makes this bike perfect to run in tight cor-ners.. Ted runs this baby with some highend parts Avid brakes, Rock Shox seatpost and Fox fork.

If you want to have a perfect fixed and mountain bike in one this is the right choice for You!You can start just with the frame and slowly build it up!This bike is just pure fun!

TEST SECTION

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TJD 29 GNARPhotos and Text:Greg Falski and Anto But+ Levis Comuter


Reynolds tubingLight and strong http://www.tedjamesdesign.com

Custom made hub by TJD

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http://www.tedjamesdesign.com

Custom made hub by TJD

Levis Commuter Pants

First day of the heavy Rain here in London, As promised from the Is-sue SOFB 8 product test with my 45 mins ride to work these Levis

Commuter pants held up to the rain, they are not totally water proof but do the job for getting into work and

back without looking like a fisher-man in full water proof.

Hit up

Levis.com


Next Issue 11

Nucult Crew,Other side of lens withJonathan Winstone,and many more..

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Jonathan on the other side, bar The 5th floor,

Londonphoto: Greg Falski

Check www.sofbonlinemag.com

web page!

stoked on fixed bikes online mag free issue 10

Documents

fixed bikessofb online

comsofb online mag

fixed bikesphoto

fixed bikesinterview

drag race

race series

special thanks

fixed bikesin time