Jumped In: Matt Spencer

We have yet another new member to introduce to kick off the week.

Please welcome Long Beach's Matt Spencer.

I met Matt at a bar in Brooklyn adjacent to the BQE, also at the 2010 BFF. The first thing I thought to myself was, is this guy 21 yet? I vaguely remember talking to him that evening, but not too much more. Sorry for the fuzzy recollection, guess it doesn't make for a great story. Anyways...

Matt is the brains behind Wolfdrawn which as of late has spawned the KVLT KLIPS edit series, now totaling 8 strong. Though he spends a sizable amount of time behind the camera documenting the Fixie Factory antics, he also crushes it on a bike. Matt is still riding the big boy wheels but that doesn't seem to inhibit him much. (*Edit* ...still waiting for the 29er simile to the "700c don't limit me" phrase). He has developed a trademark style that is a diverse collection of technical maneuvers and huge airs. We here at CSK are really excited to have Matt on our side and are looking forward to working with him in 2012.







I asked Matt for some background information to start off the interview and below is what he provided. Enjoy.

Riding for 4 years. 22 y/o. Sponsors are Volume, Resist, City Grounds, Phoenix, VAGX. i have done shrooms.



CSK: So you’re fixie famous and run a blog, right? Where did the name Wolfdrawn come from and what does it mean?

MATT: Yea, I needed a place to post my content when I bought my camera and it kinda all started from there. Um...It really has no meaning. It was this song I liked back in the day by Emancipator and I choose it for all

my other social networks so when I made my blog I couldn't think of anything that great so I just kept the name going.


What motivates you to ride, and why of all places do you live in Long Beach? When I came down and visited I saw a ton of fixies, what’s the bike scene like down there and who do you ride with most often?

I honestly started riding fixed gears in the beginning because I was bored. Used to race motocross for 16 years, ended up choosing to retire that and move to Long Beach to start college. I had nothing to do so I was

about to get a road bike when I saw a craigslist add for a track bike and that was that. The bike scene in LB is insane right now. When I first started riding I knew of 3 other people who rode fixed. Now there has to

be at least 150 kids in Long Beach who ride FGFS which blows my mind. So many high school kids are getting into the scene which I am stoked on, just makes it a more legit hobby. Started riding with Congo way

before we ever did tricks. We would end up just messing around at rides and I think that is what started it all. Been riding with him and Corey forever and now Antonyo moved into the Fixie Factory.



You’re the master director behind the KVLT KLIPS series. Do you always ride with the intention of filming or ever just go out for the hell of it?

I get tired of lugging my Canon around with all the equipment. I just end up bringing my flip cam, which everything in the KVLT KLIPS are filmed with. I love editing a lot so its nice just having clips to mess around

with all the time. Really wasnt any intention of even having a serious but everyone I come out with people seem to be stoked on.



What is the set up at your go to warm up spot?

We live pretty much in down town so there is a grip of different things to hit up and we live real close to a mess around pre-fab park. Really I just stretch ride before the sesh and I am good for whatever.


You just got back from trip to Texas, give me the top 5 highs and lows of the trip.

1. Pissy dying...almost.

2. Food! BBQ, texmex, breakfast tacos, and trailor food venders.

3. The spots. If you caught my ATX spot post you could see there was everything from jib, to creative street spots, to the most insane banks.

4. Everyone I met in Texas was so damn cool. Seriously already planning another trip in summer.

5. Getting wild with all the dudes. Can't remember some of the nights we went out drinking but it was definitely fun haha.


Outside of bikes, how do you spend your time?

I nerd out on music a lot. Spend a lot of my time surfing the internet for music blogs, fashion blogs, deep internet, and all that good stuff. I also go to school full time pursuing a bfa in graphic design. I also go to some weird shows
sometimes. Like the other day I went to this underground cyber goth club and everyone was industrial vogueing.


Presta or Schrader?

Right now im actually rocking 50/50 on my mtx's.



Favorite part on your bike right now?

Besides my SUPER SICK STRAPS I am stoked on my Phoenix fork. The thing is a beast and looks so rad.


Any projects or new adventures on the horizon for 2012?

Just trying to travel as much as I can. I really want to get out to London this summer along with Seattle, SLC, and Austin again. Over summer there might be something in the works...DVD?



To you, what does CSK represent?

The internet doesnt lie. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=csk


Do you have any questions for me?

Are you going to fight Jason Clary at RedBull 2?
Well, I did sit pretty close to his bag. He did however Facebook friend me so yeah, I don't really know what that means.


What does #SEAPUNK mean to you?
Something people refer to on Twitter that I don't understand.


If you had to choose between Nor-cal and So-cal what would it be?
Don't have much to base my decision off of as I've only been to SF for all of 52 hours and to Long Beach for just a few more. The trip to So-cal was pretty seamless, apart from the fact that Vinnie and Joe went to LAX to pick me up when I flew in to LBC. I also got to eat a grilled cheese sandwich with mac and cheese and pork in the parking lot of an Audi dealership with the entire FF crew, so that basically trumps any indecision in my mind right there.


Here is the most recent KVLT KLIPS in case you were stuck in a cave somewhere without an internet connection.

Jumped In: Mike Dinh

Once again, we are proud to welcome another member to the CSK, Mike Dinh.

Because I did it on the last two introductions, I'd like to start off by sharing the first time that I met Mike. It was at the 2010 NY BFF and the group was riding the infamous Peel Sessions spot under the BQE. The night was well under way and from the shadows comes Mike, casually with a rolly suitcase and hard shell bike box. No big deal, right? I think we shook hands and said hey at some point during the evening. The rest is history.

Though we've actually only shared a few other conversations since that first meeting, Mike has left me with the impression of being a humble, down to earth dude. He has a super casual style and flows in the park or street. His bar game is on lock and he can tweak out a table over hips with steeze.


Here he is hanging outside of the Fixie Factory down in LB

Mike sat down to answer a few of our questions, take a read of what he had to say.


CSK: Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?

Mike: Have fun and enjoy your life as much as possible, you only got one to live out right? Haha. Oh and stay trippy mane.

What motivates you to get up in the morning? To ride?

Not worrying about unnecessary shit and going by a day by day basis is really how the routine goes for me. Mary Jane likes to be my alarm clock a lot of the time though. Can't really go on all day without the first puff of the ganja, it feels awkward and I feel out of my element. Haha.

Riding with others and just having fun with it is definitely a motivating thing to get you out and ride. When everyone is pushing each other to progress, in my opinion, is awesome. Just have fun and leave all the bullshit and unnecessary drama out when you go ride bikes. Free yourself from reality, some corny shit like that. Haha

How do you set your goals when it comes to bikes?

I don't really try to think about setting goals up really, maybe like tricks I want to try out but that's all I can think of. Really just try to go out and ride my bike and go with the flow.

You have a 3-gallon jug, a 5-gallon jug, and an unlimited supply of water. How do you get exactly 4 gallons of water without estimating?

CPU can not comprehend, please try again later. Beep beep beep

What is your favorite part on your bike?

Cult Rasta Top Load, Metal Primo Stricker Pedals, and mi FBM hub guardo, slidin' like buttah

Presta or Schrader?

Fuck presta, You can get a schrader tube at any time of the day. You gotta wait for the bike shop to open for presta. Need to finna drill a hole in mi P35's though, haha.

What spot do you ride the most? What kind of set up is it?

I really don't know what spot I really ride the most, try and ride new stuff everyday. I love ledges, rails, and just unique, weird set ups really.

To you, what does CSK represent?

Some trill ass muh fuggas on fixed freestyle bikes that dress for the occasion, making riding look casual while killin' shit. CSK all day mane.

Do you have any questions for me?

Making a trip out to California again this year again? Working on the dates now.
If you do I'll try my hardest to get out to Seattle and ride with y'all.


Below is a photo of Mike's massive Barspin. Highlight clip in the LNC video.

Friday Night Stalking: Grocery Trip

Taken by Zach H

Sean Coats: Screen Capture

A different screen shot from the same set up I posted earlier. Acid drop from the tree? What?!

Jumped In: Sean Coats

I would like to officially introduce the second addition to the CSK family, one of California's finest, Seat Coats.

Sean has been in the fixed gear scene for a handful of years. I can recall seeing some of his first edits circulating and immediately picking up on his free flowing energy and enthusiasm for bikes. With his laid back style, Sean links tricks together with seemingly effortless motion. Also, he has one of the cleanest bars in the game, just saying.

I don't actually remember when we met, New York BFF perhaps, but I do think that he might have started a rumor that I have a kid. Which isn't true.

Sean just got back from a trip to the Bay Area and sent over a screen shot from an upcoming edit he is working on. Really excited to see what's in store.



We sat down and wrote some questions for Sean and he later sat down and responded to them. Take a look and get to know him.

CSK: Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
Sean: Not so much, just trying staying alive and well a day at a time

What motivates you to get up in the morning? To ride?
I think just knowing that I'm still here and that it is the morning is good enough for me. To ride, it really doesn't take much. After being without a bike for so long, you realize that even having a bike in full working condition sitting beside you is enough of a motivation.

How do you set your goals when it comes to bikes?
I look at it more like I'm just trying to push myself constantly rather than set a bunch of specific goals.

You have a 3-gallon jug, a 5-gallon jug, and an unlimited supply of water. How do you get exactly 4 gallons of water without estimating?
Ummmmmmmmmmmmm

What is your favorite part on your bike?
My Fit stem from like '04 or my Burro Mudflaps

Presta or Schrader?
Schrader, so many crucial gas station pump trips

What spot do you ride the most? What kind of set up is it?
I ride the local college around the corner from my house. It's got eeeeeeverything.

To you, what does CSK represent?
Collared Shirt Krew represents a FATAL platoon of PHENOMENAL men who dress decent and ride even better

Do you have any questions for me?
Not right now, but thanks again for giving me the chance to rep CSK and I'll do my best to hold it down

I Love Her Just The Same

BB17 x CSK

new bumper sticker

Sean Coats quick hitter

Sean gets to it quick in this one. Switch 180 like nothing and a smooth bar spin to close it out.

Mike Dinh is like woah

One of Mike's most recent edits. Get to know him.

Jumped In: Tre Wideman

I don't actually remember the first time that I met Tre, but I can recall one of the first times that he worked on my bike in the Winter of 2009. I was running a threaded euro bottom bracket that was making some horrific noises and Tre offered to take a look at it. About 1 hour later, my bottom bracket was not only silent, but my drive train was cleaned and lubed, my wheels were trued, chain line squared, and the mess of assorted headset spacers I had sitting on top of my stem were cleaned up with a swift chop of the steerer tube.

Over the past 2 years and many visits, I have come to know the following 4 things about Tre:

Tre goes the extra mile. A shop visit is not just about resolving the current issue but about making sure your bike is running right and how it should be.

Tre cares about your bike because you care about your bike. He understands the attention to detail not only for your sake but for his as well.

Tre knows his stuff. Not much more elaboration needed.

The bottom line is, Tre is the epitome of first class.

I am proud to have him as a friend and now as a fellow CSK member as well. Enjoy the introductory interview below and keep your eyes peeled for more CSK introductions over the next few weeks.



CSK: So, how does it feel to be the official fixie mechanic in Seattle?
TRE: I don’t remember ever receiving my certificate in the mail but it feels good to have a dedicated following. Seattle has a pretty amazing bike scene and I enjoy being part of it.

CSK: I heard a rumor that you actually work on regular bikes too, how’d you get in to
that?
TRE: I started working on my own bike when I was 12 because if it wasn’t working I didn’t get to ride. Back then I had a mountain bike and a bmx bike. I started working in my local shop when I was 15, when one of the mechanics there broke his leg dirt jumping. 15 years later I’m still wrenching on bikes, working at Recycled Cycles full time, providing neutral support at races whenever I can and working with a few pro bike racers at their home shops.

CSK: How long have you been at Recycled Cycles? Is there anything new on the
horizon for the shop?
TRE: I have been at Recycled Cycles for over 6 years now, it’s a great shop with great people. I love working there because of the amazing range of things I get to work on. On any given day I’ll get to put my hands on claptrap fixies, old English 3 speeds, downhill mountain bikes and super fancy road bikes. I like to know what I’m doing with all manner of bikes, not limit myself to only one or two types. At the shop we work hard to not be elitist and help people as much as we can, I hate hearing that people were turned away from other shops when they are trying to fix their bike on the cheap. I will say, however, that when you come in and we tell you a bike is dead, it’s really really dead. It’s not always easy to be brutally honest but it’s necessary. There are exciting new things on the horizon for Recycled Cycles but I’m not at liberty to discuss them at the moment…

CSK: How many wheels have you built for the Zlog Crew over the past few years?
TRE: I wish I’d kept track, it’s literally been dozens. It’s slowed down a bit now that everyone is on beefy 26” or 29’er rims, but when everyone was on Deep Vs and Chukkers and Eeros it seemed like I was building new wheels for you guys every other week. Clearance for fat tires has made my job easier.

CSK: What does it take to become a master wheel builder?
TRE: Patience and attention to detail. There’s nothing magic about what I do with my wheel builds and I regularly give away my “secrets” when I do wheel building classes. A wheel seems pretty straight forward but a lot of people get in over their heads when they first attempt a wheel build. When starting from a hub, a rim, and a pile of spokes there are a few ways to do it right and way more ways to do it wrong. I take a lot of care to make sure my hub logo lines up with the valve hole, to make sure the spokes don’t cross over the valve, make sure the rim is facing the right way (label readable from the drive side, of course) and I use a tensiometer regularly. I know my wheels are going to have to stand up to a lot of abuse (especially from you Zlog dudes) so I take pride in my quality of work. I even sign and date the rims next to the valve hole under the rim tape.

CSK: If you broke (vegan) edge and ate something from an animal, what would it be
and why? (I just realized that my question of whether you wanted milk in the
coffee I brought you was pretty brainless)
TRE: I’ve been vegan for over 8 years, I really can’t see living any other way. It’s not there aren’t foods that I miss but more than anything I miss the convenience, especially when travelling. I’ve been reduced to dressing-less salads and fries on more than one occasion. And I assumed you meant soy milk, of course.

CSK: Outside of bikes, how do you spend your time?
TRE: I spend my time outside of work with my dog Max and my lovely girlfriend. I love camping and hiking and going on adventures. In the summer I spend a lot of time at the beach, especially Seward Park because I can go swimming with Max. I also play guitar in a band.

CSK: What’s the name of your band and when can I get a signed copy of your CD?
TRE: My band is called Breag Naofa, and no, you can’t get a signed copy of our CD because we aren’t making CDs. You can go to our blog (breagnaofa.blogspot.com) and download our 4 song lp for free right now and February 14th we are releasing it on vinyl. I won’t sign your record either, because the artwork is cool. Ok, if you come to our record release show Feb 14th at the Funhouse I will sign it.

CSK: Presta or Schrader?
TRE: Presta. (I’m a euro-snob, I have a Campy logo tattooed on my leg.)

CSK: To you, what does CSK represent?
TRE: I wear a collared shirt every day I’m not wearing a tank top (sun’s out, guns out) so it really is a way of life. Lately I’ve been wearing two collared shirts at once.

CSK: Do you have any questions for me?
TRE:
1. Can I get some free soda? You name the flavor and pack size and i'll see what I can come up with...
2.When are you gonna put a freewheel on that thing? Probably when I come to the realization that the practicality of the whole setup is null and void. Might be at least a few years though.

Frame Promo Contest

2 more 26ers available! Black and Grey. The person who can identify the 5 colors of the original 700c Charmer prototypes will receive $25 bucks off of their purchase.

That's a frame for $375 and free shipping. Can't beat that shit.


Post your response in the thread and I'll give you the discount code.

Charmers, Forks, Bars

We still have 2 26" Charmers, Black Cobra forks, and Spike Hi Bars available on our online store. All the shipping charges have been dropped and prices reduced.

Scoop these up while you can as these are the last available for some time!

HBR: 10,000 HOURS

Alright. We've got some work to do and clearly commitment is a key.

This is the first installment (of hopefully many) concepts, ideas, thought provokers, etc.

I realize we're all busy and have lots on our plates.

Take a minute to check these out. Even if you just read the first and last paragraphs.

This isn't any gospel, there's no right or wrong, but

EXPAND YOU MIND

Below is an excerpt from a Harvard Business Review article titled A Fast Track to 10,000 Hours of Practice

Have you completed your 10,000 hours of deliberate practice?

The idea that 10,000 hours (about 1 year and 51 days total) of practice is what you need to gain expertise in performance-based fields was initially popularized in Malcolm Gladwell's bestseller Outliers. The research results he focused on emphasized the benefits of practice for fine-motor activities like playing the piano. But more recent studies show the upside of the 10,000-hour benchmark for collaborative knowledge work — the type of expertise required to create, or lead, or grow a company.


Apply it to bikes, apply it to work, cooking, communicating, whatever you are working on.

All of it is a process, just stick with it.

Garret Reeves: OSS Football Section

Something about Garret Reeves' combination of style, tech, and flair. The epitome of what CSK is all about.

Schrader: A lot going on in a little package

Patent Pending

Welcome to CSK