Terry Adams killed it at the Trans jam contest in Raleigh, North Carolina this past weekend! Check out his best run right here!
Film credit: Joe Cicman.
Category Archives: Exclusives
Alex Jumelin – 3rd place Trans Jam Raleigh NC
Alex Jumelin finished third place at the Trans jam in Raleigh NC, check out his run!
Film credit: Joe Cicman.
Dane Beardsley – 1st Place Trans Jam Pro Class – Raleigh NC
Check out Dane Beardsley’s winning ride in the Pro Class from yesterdays Trans Jam in Raleigh, North Carolina! Dane’s last line at 2:55 is incredible! Thank you to Joe Cicman for filming and helping share this on our channel! Look for the rest of the runs to follow later on today!
Simon O’Brien – One Clip
Stewart Munro kindly sent in this clip for me to use on our youtube channel, plenty of awesome Simon O’Brien recently! Without a doubt one of the best riders of all time, peep this sick back wheel line! It looks like he’s off the bike at various points, and Simon keeps the bike in control! Skills!
Chauvel Brothers Interview – Astrolabe Contest
Intro/Interview: Johann Chan.
Marked Photos: Maxime Cassagne /Unmarked Photos: Johann Chan.
Yannick Chauvel.
Jean-Michel Chauvel.
We first met the brothers Yannick and Jean-Michel Chauvel at King of Concrete. Two brothers from France who have for many years, repeatedly treked across the channel to shred the contest.
They occasionally mentioned an event which they organised in Noireau, France, and if their event matched their riding devotion, we knew it would be worth checking out.
So when Keelan Phillips and James White asked me if I wanted to jump in their car, and visit the comp, I had to take it.
On arrival we were pleased to see an organized and genuine home grown style of contest. A high level of riding, a healthy class of young shredders, a nice undercover riding venue, a decent floor space, above the norm catering, good tunes and a most importantly – a good overall atmosphere. One where arriving riders, come and shake the hand of every rider before even stepping on their bike.
We caught up with Jean-Michel Chauvel on some of the workings behind Astolabe.
You manage to keep the costs low for all the riders and spectators, Is it difficult to finance the contest?
We do a few shows to make money. There is competitor registration which is ascending with categories. Also young riders parent’s make some cake’s we sell, there is also the barbecue.
Whiteski.
Romain Dodelier, Hang Nothing with a twist.
How is there such a healthy scene of great young riders?
We have a formal club here for the young riders. We can use a gymasium 2 hours a week which keeps a connection between riders.
My brother and I give advice to young riders. It’s not like foot ball training…. we want each rider to have their own free style. We just push them and give them advice or answer their questions.
then for the young riders parents it’s not too much underground and then they not afraid.
So this is the 4th Astrolabe contest?
Yes it was the Astrolabe 4…. but we also organised 3 contests between 86 & 88 with French riders. At that time our father was the president of the club.
Where does the name come from?
Astrolabe is the name of Amiral Dumont d’Urville’s ship. A great sailor who discovered the Adelie earth in the Antarctic continent.
The future generation.
The return of Aude Cassagne!
Who organises the contest?
My brother is in charge of relations with riders and local authorities, my sister is in charge of catering, and I’m in charge of the floor.
You both still compete at the contest, is it difficult to ride and organise the comp at the same time?
We can both do the contest and supervise the event, because every thing is well prepared and we have help from parents of the young riders.
This year we had 2 DJs. An old friend from riding “DJ Larco” and my son Charlie Mess who did his first public mix.
Any final Thanks?
Thanks to my wife local shop “tant qu’il y aura des hommes” DC Shoes France, and Freegun France for presents to the am categories.
Joris Bretganolles.
Keelan Phillips.
Amateur
Gabriel Gallon
Rouchdi Aroua
Tom Lepesteur
Expert
Aude Cassange
Valentin Flad
Nicolas Delangle
Master
Yannick Chauvel
William Herve
Renaud Meloni
Pro
Dez Maarsen
Keelan Phillps
Stephan Fabien
Spin London 2014 / Johann Chan Interview
Intro/Interview: Effraim
Photos: Johann Chan & Vlad Shcherbakov.
Last weekend as we said “Hello Springtime” here in the UK. I was invited up to Spin London 2014 to MC some flatland shows by Jason Forde & Johann Chan, an event previously I didn’t know much about, and perhaps you don’t either. So I caught up with Johann Chan to ask him a few questions about Spin London 2014, a fun weekend with potential for the future! Read on!
Johann Chan- mid Lung spin, photo by Vlad.
What exactly is Spin London all about Johann?
Spin LDN is a bike show/event held in East London. It has lots going on: guest speakers, cycling films, photography exhibitions, a variety of activities and stands from some nice home grown brands. It’s an interesting place and a great place to showcase flat.
How did you get a flatland gig at Spin?
Last year I exhibited some photos, helped out with one of the talks, and me and Jason Forde rode in a few demos which went down really well with the crowds. When speaking to Alex Daw about Spin this year, he was cool enough invite us back.
Fresh for 2014, James White, stubble duck steez.
Was it an important thing to bring flatland to a different crowd?
Spin is located at the Truman brewery, off London’s popular Brick Lane, It’s a great place to get flatland out there, getting it seen in a good location, with great surroundings.
I love riding by myself at my spot, but riding in front of people is exciting too. Flatland doesn’t need be an insular sport, after all it can be done anywhere with a good floor. I can be too complacent with riding in a certain way in the same place, and changing that can sometimes have positive effects. Plus I feel flat deserves to be seen. The Spin guys run a cool laid back event so it’s nice reconnecting flatland with the outside world on our own terms to a certain degree.
The 1WM/Emer Stand.
It seems with the Royal Festival Hall event & now Spin, there is a bit momentum going with your shows. You link up with Jason over at 1WM, you guys running a show team?
Jason Forde runs One wheel Motion, and he’s been getting some quality gigs, Jays pretty cool with sharing the love, so involves lots of riders, without the battle format which goes down well Recently we’ve had the opportunity to ride at the royal Festival Hall, the Design Museum and the V&A.
Our friend Alice Marsh deserves some props as well as she’s been instrumental in triggering some of these opportunities.
Besides the flatland shows what else were you involved in at Spin?
We were given a stand space in exchange for the demos, so we exhibited the Swift cruiser, Bizhouse products which we’re importing, t-shirts etc.
We set about promoting One Wheel motion, we had my computer and monitor (which looked like it’d fallen out of an office window from the 1980s) playing 1WM and other flatland videos.
Any plans after holding two show events of putting on a contest?
I’d definitely like to- I’ve always wanted to put a contest on again, I’ve been looking for an ideal London floor for years. From the Battle Vibes contest last year, you can see that there’s certainly a rider interest for it. Jams are fine but even a small amount of structure & a sound system make a huge amount of difference to an event.
Co-organiser, Jason Forde reppin 1WM. Spinning dump truck with ease!
How did you feel this years event went?
Last year, I showed up put some photos up, did a Q&A, rode my bike and drank beers- it was a massive doss in comparison.
This year, setting up the stand, display bikes and demos had so many logistics : liaising for the floor, looking after the stand, building and selling the product to cover peoples’ expenses. It turned it into something different.
So a lot more work this year with a sacrifice to the riding & when the main reason you enjoy BMX is for the riding, and then you have so many organisational tasks, that the riding suffers, you ask yourself, is it worth it? Having said that, it’s really exciting seeing something come together, super good to see everyone, and great to hear people talking and buzzing after the event.
Seeing all the boys, Jay perform for the crowd, and people getting stoked on flat is priceless. I’d definitely recommend trying to set up a flat demo/jam within a decent show or event.
King of the banter, Amos Burke working the back wheel.
Any shoutouts?
Lots of people helped out, Jason Forde my partner in crime, Phil Dolan for the stylish VW camper transportation. Laura Matless for helping out with the stand. The riders Steve Green, Bence Pozsonyi, Norbert Bukki, TGM Maz, Amos Burke, Vlad Shcherbakov for pics.
James White / ‘The Black Drape’ showed some amazing drape hanging skills by taking the initiative and hanging our banners and black drape in a fashion that would make a spirit level jealous. And of course your good self MCE / The Big E, props to you for taking on the Mic, and also mucking in with the floor sweeping & coking the floor.
Cheers Johann! A fun weekend! Thanks to both Johann and Jason for inviting me up to London! Looking forward to seeing where this event heads in the future!
Check us out:
The Must Watch edits of March!
Already so many amazing edits this year, and as Springtime has just kicked in for many of us the number will surely only rise! Take a rewind on our Must Watch picks for March!
– Effraim
Dub was working on this at the guru jam and now has it down! Amazing balance point on this two footed death truck on the pedals! Dub is always pushing so theres no telling where this Forklift move will head? You definitely don’t want to miss this one!
FRESH from James White on Vimeo.
On March 7th, James White dropped an absolute banger on the flatland world! It is fair to say at the ripe age of 44, James dropped the best edit of his riding career! Later that day I shared a birthday beer with the man, not a bad way to spend my 40th birthday! Hit play on this way again, the body varial xft ice cream and that last move. Sexy flatland!
So many new whopper related bangers in this monthly edit from the incredibly talented Mateus Beckmann, the standout for me however is the 180 backwards peg wheelie half cab to steam line at 3:23! Don’t miss this one!
Like Mateus, Shintaro keeps on the incredible path of progression he’s been on it is seems particularly the last few months, one of my favourite riders for sure and maybe yours! Theres so much technicality to his riding, around half way Shintaro switches to a front brake, enjoy the edit!
The month ended with Adam Kun and Sevisual Tom combining to bring you this banging “Welcome to Kunstform” edit filmed in Cali! The half cab half whopper step with the same foot to pedal 5 at 2:17 had me hitting the rewind a few times just to figure what was going on, and there is a ton more! This is a real treat!
Pete Brandt – We Bicycles Bikecheck
Intro: Effraim.
If you were paying attention to the site last sunday, you will have noticed the Old School Sundays special with Nor Cal flatland legend, Pete Brandt! Back in that 89/90 O-zone period, Pete had one of the most interesting bike set ups with personal modifications. Fast forward to 2014 and Pete just had a well deserved signature frame with WE Bicycles, why not catch up with the man himself and see what he is rolling with!
Frame: WE Bicycles Equation 18.7TT
Fork: KGB Space fork 2 modified
Handlebars: Fenix 4 piece
Barends: Ares Stainless steel coin set
Stem: S & M Redneck FLT Stem
Aheadset: FSA Impact with Quamen cap
Grips: O rings with Gamma tennis racket tape
Griplocks: none
Brakes: KGB SPACE fork 2 W/ Dia Tech pads
Tyres: Ares A Class 175 hard compound
Tubes: Schwalbe metal shradder
Pegs: DOM Pegs
Seatpost: Thompson Elite
Seatclamp: integrated WE Bicycles
Seat: KHE Wantabe
Chain adjustor: Integrated WE bicycles
Chain: odyssey blue bird chain
Cranks: Quamen 150mm
Chainring: Quamen 16 t
Pedals: Moto Bicycles W/ wooden outer
Rims: Odyssey Aerospace 36
Front hub: Profile Elite
Freecoaster: Infinity 14mm
Spokes: DT swiss
Any modifications on your ride Pete?
Yes, O ring in bottom bracket, cut down drop outs on forks, moded out brake set up to keep it low profile, grinded the edge of the pegs to make them round, silicon in the bars to prevent rust and reduces cracks on the inside of the bars.
Anything specific to you that you must have on your own ride:
Tennis racket tape, 16t sprocket, Ares tires, and everything else!! haha
Sponsors/shoutouts:
WE Bicycles,Moto Bicycles, S&M, Fenix, Quamen, Profile, Odyssey, Sequence, Thompson, and SF Art Apparel.
Advice for beginners with their set ups?
My advice is to get a basic set up and find out what direction you want to go. You don’t want to go out and buy and expensive bike right off because there are a lot of options for different kinds of styles.
George Manos: Novum Organum
Intro: Effraim.
Sometimes flatland can become one big blur, not many individuals stand out. But when they do, it brings a smile to my face like nothing else I have experienced in my life and a sense that all is alive and well. George Manos is a man with a vision, and is not afraid to stand out and paint a different picture. This is when flatland truly comes into its own in my opinion. Carving your direction can be a lonely process, here we caught up George and photographer, Sotiris Gkonis for some background and some amazing photographs which capture Georges dark personality. Two perspectives: Novum Organum.
Text: George Manos.
Living in the city of Ioannina for almost ten years now. A historic city with legends from the old times and a lake 2.000.000 years old, some say, surrounded by mountains, grimy sometimes and dark, yet beautiful and nostalgic when the sun comes up. For the most part its dark and rainy, the heavy atmosphere is easily built and it was not long until it rubbed off on me. Being sick of waiting for the sun in order to ride I did what a desperate man would do I got out of my comfort and started exploring the darkness trying to find a haven to ride, the best places I found were mostly like dungeons. In the heart of the city, yet still remote and thus perfect for my mystic experiments. Images and tricks, motions, came naturally after I let myself drawn in the surroundings, embracing despair I was rewarded with treasures that I could carry into the light, yet they shine better in the darkness in my opinion, that’s why I choose mostly to present my ideas in the place of their development. With the help of Sotiris I managed to capture the process of it. I wanted to do this for a long time, welcome to my world.
Text: Sotiris Gkonis.
George reminds me of these artists, such as Lukas Samaras (greek as well) , who try to create their own path no matter what, in an environment that guides them to do the exact opposite. He is one of a kind at what he does and how he approaches it. I know him for three or four years now and the progression of his riding and way of setting up the whole thing is ridiculous. But the recognition of this approach remains unfortunately in the same level. Even in ‘’progressive’’ sports, such as bmx, unique styles are still a taboo. I believe that this is the fate of every human that is trying to bring something different to the surface of our society and doing it silently. George is one of them, silent as when you see him ride, silent and never disappointed because he is doing it for himself in a city far away from the industry.
Remember this?
Quest BMX Podium Frame!
Danny Sirkin over at QuestBMX hit me up with some exciting news yesterday, ladies and gentlemen check out the new Quest BMX Podium frame, I sent Danny a few questions about the frame, so read on and check out the first photos of the frame, dialled!
Making a flatland frame with a platform is a brave move in the small saturated market that is flatland. Firstly, why did you choose the platform and who designed the frame?
Danny-Quest products have always been about function and performance. I don’t feel like the market is saturated with flat frames, although I do feel like there might be too many shortened double-diamond street frames. There are tons of riders who actually want a flatland-looking frame and there just hasn’t been much available in ages. t designed the frame myself with plenty of input from many fellow riders. I wanted the Podium to be as technology-forward as possible. Let’s think of it as ‘Flatland Forward.”
The Podium frame is more than just a flat frame with a platform. The platform is incredibly tiny and out of the way. It’s almost impossible to notice when riding it actually. I have seen a big trend of decade-type tricks happening again which is what initially prompted the idea, but honestly, it just builds a stiffer and stronger frame. The platform boxes in the rear end and keeps it from flexing laterally. The increased stiffness is instantly noticeable.
Here are some key features:
SuperTherm double-butted top and down tubes
Really sweet tapered seat and chain stays with bullet caps
14mm dropouts with integrated chain tensioners
Mid bottom bracket
Down tube gusset for added clearance
Curved bridges on seat and chainstays
Compact 4” platform length
No integrated seat post clamp – nothing to break and an aftermarket clamp holds tighter
Removable gyro tabs and cable hanger
Thread-in removable brake mounts – the finest available
Awesome Stardust-Black Powdercoat
MADE IN USA!
What is the geometry of the frame Danny?
Top tube length – 19”
Chainstay length – 13” slammed
BB Height – 11.8”
Standover height – 7.5”
Seat tube angle – 71 degrees
Head tube angle – 74.5 degrees
Weight before powder coat – 4.6lbs.
Where are you getting the frames made?
Dylan Worsley at WE Bicycles is making them. Dylan is awesome to work with and he’s a legend. It’s an honor to work with him on this project.
Entering the frame market is a big move, plans to expand Quest further? And when can we expect the frame to go into production?
Quest is making products as the needs arise. If we feel we can make something better or if we can make something that fills a void, then we will. Every Quest product is different and unique. Our pegs, for example, are made from 6061 aluminum instead of 7075 because research has shown that it lasts longer and doesn’t crack because it’s not as brittle. Also, our knurling has more depth than other pegs which gives increased control and stability but without being too grippy. Side note – we have improved our US peg sourcing and are happy to announce that the new retail of Guru and MetaGuruStix are now $49.99/pair!
The frame goes into production within the next couple weeks and will be available at www.flatlandfuel.com and www.questbmx.com.
I have to ask Danny, will this frame contain Gurunium?
Of course! Every Quest product is Gurunium-infused. Gurunium is the key element in our relentless pursuit of perfection.
Who is riding for Quest in 2014?
The 2014 Quest team consists of JF Boulianne, Todd Carter, Joe Cicman, Bryan Huffman, Danny Sirkin, Mannie Nogueira, Colin Carter, and Camden Carter.
Any last words?
Yes, I’d like to thank Todd Carter for giving this frame such an awesome name! The Podium. Thanks to Dylan Worsley for being a dream to work with! Lastly, thank you to Brandon Halleen who is the man behind the super-clean graphics. We are really excited about this frame!
Thanks for the exclusive Danny! That is awesome the frame will be made by a flatland legend, Dylan Worsley! Stay tuned in the next few weeks for the Podium frame to drop!
