U R B A N · P E O P L E · F I X E D · R I D E R S · H U B

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We starter playing, and playing we keep doing it.

No problems on admit that...But, as all things we get busy with, we put

heart and passion into it.

So, here we are again, with our reportages about the fixed gear world

and what comes with it.

First of all, we want to thank all the people that encouraged and supported

us, with their advices. As we alaways say, Cykeln is a magazine made

by everybody for everybody. hence why, receiving your ideas, photos or

articles, makes us all very happy.

We want to thank Robben, that, from now on, will take care of the Bike

Polo section of the magazine. We wanna also thank Martina, excellent

photographer and person, that has been following every bike event since

our very first issue.

Cover shot courtesy of Giorgio Cordini, not only the fastest among the

UBM messengers, but also, a good photographer.

In this issue you will find interviews with some big names in the fixed game

from the rest of the world. From Spain to Germany and beyond. Some

cool infos about how the fixed movement got starter in Italy and what they

think of us from abroad.

We want to extend our congratulations to a guy, that is not involved with

the fixed gear world at all, but, but being a mile-crusher and pedalling

across countries, trying to find his inner self, before discovering what

actually surround him. Thanks to Giovanni Panbianco, then.

What can i add? I hope to have you all involved in this project,t o make

this thing growing, telling the world that Italy, is a beautiful country for

biking, with an history, that deserves to be told.

See ya next time.

Editor:Niccolò PoppiArt director:Claudio di SantoOn the cover:Cello by Giorgio Cordini

Info:info.cykeln@gmail.comAdvertising:advcykeln@hotmail.itWeb:www.cykeln-mag.com

Photo credits:Martina GastaldiJuan Trujillo AndradesErik JonssonJason FinnGiorgio Cordini

All contents © 2012 Cykeln, no unauthorized reproduction (online or otherwise) without written consent.

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RUDY MELO pg 6One of the best England fixed bike rider.

SUICYCLE pg 14

DOSNOVENTA BIKES pg 21Directly from Barcellona one of the greatest HUB.

MANTOVA BIKE POLO pg 30Bike polo? Why not!

LORENZO MOSCHI pg 36Young Tuscan designer.

PEDAL CONSUMPTION pg 42The man behind Pedal Consumption.

GIOVANNI PANEBIANCO pg 50From Salonicco to Istanbul.

TO LIVE & RIDE IN ITALY pg 58A young man tell us his ride around Italy.

CITY RIDERS pg 64A free space for everyone around the fixed gear world.

PRIVATE ALLEY CAT II pg 66Photo report of one of the biggest alleycat race in Italy

RE DEL CEMENTO pg 72

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First of all, introduce yourself to Cykeln, Who is Rudy Melo.Ciao, I am Rudy, I am 25 years old, I was born in Brazil and now I live in London. I ride for Leader Bike, PEONFX, The 5th Floor and Brick Lane Bikes. I love bikes, coffee, travelling, design and photography. I work as a full time graphic designer and I ride my bike every bit of spare time I have.

At what age you started riding fixed bike?I started riding fixed gear bike about 4 years ago. I got a cheap fixed gear bike to commute to work, slowly got really into it and started upgrading my parts, learning and riding more.

Did you see the bike as a revolution to the car? How is the london fixed bike scene?Well, the London fixed gear scene is not as big as it could be or as it was before. Comparing it to LA and KL where both scenes are HUGE! There is a lot of sub culture here in London, Polo players, Fixed gear freestyle, Track only cyclists, and then us guys from The 5th Floor who are into riding track bikes on the streets, bombing traffic, long rides and also the track. I think the bike hasn’t taken over the car yet however it is definitely on its way there. I’ve noticed a lot more commuters in London now.

Chris Hoy or Shane Perkins?Do I really need to answer that? Ha! Sir HOY all the way! The guy is a legend, 36 years old and still strong and getting gold medals. I believe he will get another gold, if not 2, at the 2012 Olympics. Shane Perkins is a great track cyclist, super strong and talented too but you got to give it to Sir Chris Hoy

Leader bikes, how the collaboration start?It started just over 2 years ago, I bought a raw 725 frame from Tokyo Fixed, and was out riding with Angus Sung, he took some photos of me that got picked up on Pedal Consumption, where I got noticed. For being highly involved in the scene, Leader Bike and I started talking for a while then I got picked to be a team rider, I was so stoked about it.

You are one of the world’s most recognized fixed-gear riders at the moment. Flying down from London, UK, you went to LA to race in Wolfpack’s Marathon Crash Race and ride some great spot with the leader’s team riders. What do you think about the differences between those realities: London and L.A?Thanks for your kind words. I am very fortunate to have had those opportunities and I appreciate to everyone that’s made everything happen. Well, like I mentioned earlier, the scene in LA is HUGE. For example, Trafik’s weekly rides get at least 30 riders which is awesome. I found the streets very nice to ride on because they are so big and wide compared to London. I think drivers respect you more over there, maybe because they obey the street laws a bit more with all the stop signs they have.

Cyklen is a brand new magazine focused on fixed gear bike scene, but we are surrounded by history because we have some of the most talented frame builder and trademark, so we are really influenced on vintage bike.What do you think about Italy?I love Italy. I come from an Italian family, my mom’s side is from Calabria. My relatives went to Brazil probably during the 2nd World War. I love the food, the culture, the people, the country itself, and especially the cycling history. Italy has the biggest and the most known bike companies and frame builders in the world. I still want to travel around Italy, hopefully to find a vintage road or track bike that’s been hidden away and not used to bring it back to life.

And how London fixed scene perceives the Italian scene? I don’t know much about the Italian scene, would love to know more, but from what I gathered it looks like there are more riders that are into racing track bikes on criterium races.

Do you have any advise for neophytes of the track bike?Don’t rush! For anything! Save money, especially if you

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want to build a bike with top parts. Don’t get something cheap that won’t last long. You don’t have to ride brakeless, brakes are safer at the end of the day, but if you want to ride brakeless start with a brake so you can get used to it. If you want to race, take your time to get fitter, just train and ride as much as you can, dedication is the key to success.

I’ve seen that you train yourself a lot, Cykeln always have advise for improve the training of our reader, what to recommend?My diet isn’t great. I eat and drink what I want, but I like to stay fit and know I am at the top of my game. I do that by training at the track, commuting to work, weekend rides and a few roller sessions here and there. So that is what I would recommend really, be active, ride more.

Ok, last question. Planning to come visit us in Italy? Hell YEAH! Next trip will probably be for Red Hook Crit Milan. I need and want a sunny holiday at the South of Italy with my girlfriend.Ride safe.Grazie Mille! R

if you have found interest in rudy melo:www.the5thfloor.co.uk

www.facebook.com/the5thfloor

intervieW By: claudio di santoPiCs: erik jonssonjuan trujillo andrades

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Suicycle needs no introduction. Pretty well known in Europe and abroad, both for their frames and parts, and because they represent Hamburg bike community to the fullest. We had little chat with the Suicycle guys, to see whats cookin’, and hear about the present and what the future is holdin’ for them.

What’s up guys! Can you tell us a little about Suicycle and how did the name come up? Suicycle is a bike store in Sankt Pauli, Hamburg founded by messengers/exengers 10 years ago .Four years ago, we started producing and developing frames and parts. Frames are built here, in Hamburg, meanwhile, the parts, are outsourced in Asia. The name is obviously, a mix of the words “suicide” and “bicycle”, fools!

You are on the scene since, 2002. Now in 2012 what’s changed and what do you think about this kind of new bike life?Wait, we’ve been involved in the messenger world since mid 90’s.Infamous for a pretty raw, but true style kinda scene, when it comes to riding bikes and partying. Since then, the whole world changed. Sometimes , I do feel

weird, seeing so many cool bikes every day, man! Of course, there are some posers out there, that got into riding fixed gear bikes now, but we don’t care , it’s a good thing to ride the bike you like or love.

Do you think that there is a re-birth of biking thanks to the fixed gear thing? What’s your opinion about it, temporary fad or long lasting phenomena?Back then, cycling was all about the newest and fanciest parts and materials. Fixed gear bikes made of steel was a statement against that, and still is. Any kind of subculture, and the style that comes with it, get to be mainstream so fast these days, so is no surprise to see that happening...I find it interesting, to see that some old brands, redefine their catalog with old parts they dumped ages ago, yes, i like that very mucho!

You had two frames comin ‘ out in 2011,The Widowmaker trick frame and the Sankt Pauli track frame. Tell me more about those two, and unleash some cool and yet to be released news for 2012.Basically, it’s like makin’ your first album as a band. You pull together all of your experiences, creativity and

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energy, to make it a blast. The Sankt Pauli track is like that, while, the Widowmaker, is a longer story, because those prototypes get ridden so hard, but don’t know why, there are still many details to change every month. Seems like, we cant keep pace with the fast-changin’ scene and technology , but we’ll see what happens in future. In 2011/2012 we decided to drop another handmade in Hamburg framekit, the Suicyce Low Pro. Made of Columbus Airplane aluminum, and sold with a carbon fork. Look for it out in the streets, or at our galleries!

How is Hamburg from a cyclist point of view? Pretty stressy and narrow, but when you have enough attitude, and get used to stupid car drivers ,it gets chill to

the max.

What about Alleycats and Criterium races? We organized and supported, the Sankt Paulopoly, every march for 10 years. 2012 was the first time for Pankt Saulopoly, different crew same fun! Come check it out next year! Also we got the WDC contest thing going on, It’s about BMX and FGFS, we got more coming for 2012,

stay tuned!

if you have found interest in suiCyCle store

www.suicycle-store.com

intervieW By: niccolo’ PoPPiPiCs: cionka

Do you know the Italian scene? What do you think about it, in case you do? To be honest not too much,you should invite us to your events, that would be a good chance to clear that one, aight!

Thank you for your time and let’s keep in touch! You’re welcome, and thank you! Suicycle4life!

Herr Meier

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We at Cykeln, love people that get busy.Busy, with the intent of creating something new, busy being aware of their own roots,busy putting heart and passion on what they have decided to do.When all these things come together, when old school craftmanship meets the DOSNOVENTA guys, the future turns into something wide-open and brighter than ever.

Let’s hear what the DOSNOVENTA crew has to say,when it comes about bikes and things!

Hi guys,introduce yourself to our readers!What’s up! we are juan and juanma, partners and founders of dosnoventa. we’ve been involved in the world of fixed gear for years, creating our own store called “c.r.e.a.m.-bikes & things” here, in beautiful barcelona!

The brand started in 2010, but you guys have been growing and expanding pretty quickly. Can you give us a rundown about how things have developed over the past two years?The real secret is work, hard work that is. If you use this formula, using the best materials to build your frames, to be transparent with what you do, you can’t fail! Even though,not everything that shines is gold, it’s hard to get the shine/light from our project, because there’s always problems...production, marketing, media, web, etc. And as usual: MONEY!! Specially now, that we’re going through one of the toughest times. So all we can do is to work hard as we’ve been doing so far and keep believing in our brand DOSNOVENTA, going step by step, in the end after such terrible times as we live now, Worldwide...only the strong will prevail.But we are not alone, Juan and I, in all of this. It would be impossible! We are backed up by a Team&Friends! of people that complete the circle Dosnoventa, like Dats and Albert who created all the graphics and design, Dani Melo who is in charge of Media and comunication, Sebastian Ordinas Sales Manager in the US, our amazing team of filmmakers: Hector Ferreno, Sergi Castella and Xavi Trilla, our riders from the Dosnoventa Team and all our crew from CREAM Bikes & Things

There are plenty brands out there nowadays, crankin’ out cheap,low-quality parts and frames, but, seemingly, have a better marketing strategy. Do you rather work on quality, or do you think you will “fall” for a more marketing-oriented line of products, to keep things goin around tougher times,like the ones we are living now? And what do you think, about the “competition” with a more planned-out marketing strategy?We prefer to work on the quality of the product, but also keeping the marketing thing goin, it would be stupid not to have one,even though we think that a good product, will speaks for itself. Nowadays, thanks to the social networks, we can get our product out there, and get it known, and that helps a lot. Bringin people closer to us,and doing so, they also have the chance to see and try our products. Anything you need to know? Just ask us directly on Facebook, or send us an email, easy! We got that clear since the beggining, the closer we are to the riders, the more confidence we can pass to them. Because, in the end, what nourishes us is the people who care about Dosnoventa, and that is our own way to understand the World. We strive to make the best product possible, quality –wise. We have the frames made in Italy, because we rather have the hand of an experienced craftsman/artisan, and not only for the intrinsic quality, but we also end up saving 60% more, if we would have them made in China or Taiwan.What really matters to us, is our product.And we work hard to make it the best, from a quality point of view. The geometry, tubes, design, colors, production...there’s nothing we haven’t tried before.

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Steel, Carbon, Titanium ? Which one is the best material from your point of view?Every single one of the materials has its own advantages.We believe more in a good geometry than the material itself If we had to choose a material, I would tell you that it would depend on the future use of the bike. A good part of our frame models, uses the same geometry. We do this, thinking about the future user. You can have two or three different models from Dosnoventa, and the feeling of riding such frames would be the same, no matter what which model you have picked up. Probably, the only thing you would notice, is the material that has been used to build that very frame! We have five different models here, at Dosnoventa. Our most rigid and radical model, it’s called “TOKYO”. Then we have the HOUSTON, columbus Airplane and Deda fullcarbon fork. We also have its “little brother” called DETROIT, which is a daily user, due to its super light weight and the finishings touches, makes it a nice frame that you can use all the time.

Tell us more about the Barcelona’s fixed scene. The growth of the fixed gear scene, has been great. Two or three years ago, if you were lucky you could see a couple of fixed riders on the streets, but now there isn’t a day that goes by, that you’re walking by the center of the city and you see at least fifteen!! As a result/proof of that, we have the Fixed Soldiers Nights, the rides organized by our very own club,called “Fixed Soldiers” where we have reunited more that 70 people, to ride around Barcellona at night.Gotta be honest here though,we gotta thank the chineses here, and their 200 euros bikes, As a result, a lot of first-times, show up, riding these bikes. This may sound as we have something against them, but we totally don’t. We don’t mind people using those, but we don’t trust this kind of bikes. We see these as beginner bikes, and it sorta helps us to get customers. After few rides,parts start to break,and they realize they aren’t worth the hassle,to go buy new parts. That’s why, people,come to us to get a new real bike.

And what about your team? The idea for the team came from our crew! Thanks to them, who influenced us, we decided to form our Team. We want to be able to start an International Team (surprises coming soon), but at the moment we only have our National riders. Among them, we have guys like Fernando Marcos, Yeyo from Madrid, Alin...We believe that,the best way to test our frames, is to take them to the limit, either racing CRITERIUMS, alleycats,races...and who’s better than our riders for such task? Thanks guys!

We are gettin’ closer and closer to summer time,and here at Cykeln, we are now considering to move our fat ass and come visit you. Suggest us 3 spots in Barcellona, we must ride to see!!Oh, perfect! If you guys want we can be your guides! Barcelona is an incredible city to ride, but we’ll tell you the “Three Sacred Spots”- the unmissable ones if you come to Barcelona!- Montjuic:great city views and HEART ATTACK!UPHILLS AND DOWNHILLS. Short, but intense.- Paseo Maritimo Hotel Vela:riding next to the sea will make your eyes happy...and also you’ll have amazing beach landscape.- Calle Muntaner:for the more radical ones, the calle Muntaner goes from the uptown Barcelona area to the sea. It’s a very fast and dangerous street, about 1.864 miles, where you can test your riding skills in the local traffic (very dangerous in Barcelona)

How’s the Bike Culture in Barcelona? Is it a bike friendly city or,just like here ,in Italy, there is still a lot of work to do? There is a lot of work to do especially when it comes to the awareness of drivers it makes you think that we,the cyclists, are invisible on the road...truth is that Barcelona is a tough city for riding everyday, more and more people are using the bike as daily transportation.

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if you have found interest in dosnoventa BiKeswww.dosnoventabikes.com

www.facebook.com/dosnoventa

intervieW By: claudio di santoPiCs: dosnoVenta Bike arcHiVe

Tell us some news about your future frame!For the remainder of the year, we’re going to keep trusting/believing in the five models we have on the market, But who knows! maybe we will surprise you guys!

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Is 2009, fixed gear bikes are booming, and the first bike polo games are being played, among random group of friends. Milano, Roma, Vicenza, Catania, Fano parking lots, along with some more from other cities,are no longer empty. Plastic cones are placed at the two ends of the court. A street hockey ball and homemade mallets, that were made out of old skiing-sticks and plastic drain pipes used by plumbers, are the weapons for this new thing called Bike Polo.

Passion grows, day after day, game after game. Polo communities multiplies,and new cities gets on the map. Modena, Bologna, Padova, Mantova, Torino, Pordenone, Bergamo, Vercelli, Corsico etc all have now a team.Alleycats are an extra reason to play,since many riders,shows up at any event,bringing their bike polo gear as well. It looked like that the polo fever spreading, faster than ever thought, and teams from various cities, wanted to play against the ones they never played with before.

Polo Tournaments are being organized, and Pipe Gang guys from Milano, are the first that throws the first challenge, having the first Bike Polo Tournament on june 14th 2009, at the ex-area Pozzi,in Corsico.

Padova boys raised the bar, putting up a travelling event, called Mazza D’Oro. Which is, to make it short, a tournament, where the winning team, has to organize the following event in its own city, placing the trophy up for challenge.

This event was a milestone for the movement, and set the date for the official birth of Bike Polo in Italy.Tournaments are being held here and there around the boot, discipline evolves as it goes by, gettin to the euro-

standards, skills and rule-wise.The scene now, is pretty well defined, with the north-east, being the birth-place of bike polo. With this being said, there is no lack of action in other cities, like Milano, Roma, Catania, Torino, and they all are ready to take over the egemony of Triveneto area.

After this brief introduction, that I hope gives you a quick explanation about bike polo, I now proceed to interview the guys behind the Mantova Bike Polo Collective, which I am a proud member as well.

Mantova’s Polo crew was born in summer of 2009, and after migratin from parking lots to skating rinks, the guys finally found a place to train, in Castelbelforte, near Mantova.

Of course, our story goes through phases, with people coming and goin, but, as of today, there are six guys that havent given up. Alessio, the veteran (Ketam), Marcello (Cello), Alessandro (Ale) and Roberto, the foreigner (Robben)

First of all, how your passion for bike polo, was born?Ketam: My passion for the sport, activity, discipline or whatever you wanna call it, was born just like any other passion, a mix of curiosity and chance. I had heard about it before, but I saw it for the first time, during the ECMC (European Cycle Messenger Championship) in 2009. Bike Polo was still a branch of the fixed gear – messengers world, and, as a matter of fact, the important tournaments, were played at every ECMC event.

I watched few games, but to tell you the truth, I wasn’t

Cykeln has been around for a couple of months now, and as you may have noticed,our aim is to cover all aspects of the fixed gear world. Hoping to let people know what comes within this culture,like the simple pleasure of pedalling around town. Starting with this issue, we will have a monthly feature about Bike Polo. A discipline that hasnt been officially recognized yet, but is being played since 2009, by a small ,but growing, group of Italian aficionados. A group of people with a deep passion for it, ready to drive for miles, to simply attend tournaments around Italy, and outside the country.

But lets bring it back for a second,before our interview with the Mantova Polo Collective,to know how things got started in Italy.

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that interested on it. Once I got back though, something started to ring in my hears…Corra: I heard about, I saw it, I liked it, I play it

Cello: The desire to play a team sport (I am a runner and a skier).

Robben: My passion for bike polo started in the summer of 2009, when I met Alessio aka Ketam,a guy from Mantova super hyped on it. Me and the Modena guys went to Mantova one night, you know, just to riding around with new people, and by the end of the night, were laying polo, with rudimental mallets made outta ski sticks. Since then, i was hooked.

Ale: My interest for bike polo, come directly from my passion bikes. Bike as a mean of transportation and leisure, using a cheap and eco-friendly means, to play a sport that resembles the other sports that involves a team, a ball and a direct contact with the opponent.

Python: It was was by chance. Ketam saw some guys playing in Milano, and he then decided to bring that to Mantova. I was one of the first to play, and i have stopped since…

Is there someone that started first, bringin in others, eventually?Ketam: I believe to be the first that started, bustin’ everyone balls with it. I made six mallets, all by myself, following a tutorial I found on the web. I was rollin solo at that time, trying to get people involved with the game.

How long have you been playing for?Ketam: I would say since july 2009,if I include the one on one games,with early fixed gear and grandma type bikes.

Cello: I can say that my first game, was the one played on June 10th 2009, against my team mate, Alessio Poma aka Ketamelli

What has changed, since your very first game?Robben: Well, since the very first time, the whole thing changed completely. First of all, the spots changed. From roughly paved parking lots to smooth skating rinks with raised curbs around it. The surface changed, the game became faster, and also havin a correctly sized court, helped a lot, because we would always end up on places that were way to big, making the game, hard to handle. The mallets changed too, we went from 50 to 63 mm pipes, makin the head, bigger and easier to work on. Bikes changed, and the approach too. We used to ride brakeless fixed gear bikes, like the one you had for the city, was used in the court at night. Now, every player has his own polo bike,fixed cog replaced by a freewheel, brakes of all kinds were installed. Bmx pedals are being replaced by MTB spd pedals, oh, and protections came too. Early days were punky, no helmets, no protections like elbow and knee pads. Meanwhile, the helmet is now mandatory. Lots of players uses hockey gear, due to the fact that the sport, grew so much, and with it, the risk of serious injuries, because rough contacts and speed of play,had grew greatly. I could spend few hours, tellin you all that changed, but I’m sure I gave you the main points, over the past few years

Bike polo implies many sacrifices, as its not recognized as an official sport yet. So no courts or places, that can give players something like a locker room, in case those from other cities, come over to play.

How do you take care of business,when it comes to games and tournaments? Ale: Things change depending on what polo community you are from. Some rent a trailer, some rent a truck, some fly..Usually, whoever organizes the tournament, whenever possibile,let players stay at his house, or gettin special prices for Hotels or Hostess, avoiding so, to turn the sport into something for a cash-provided elite. Things get better as games happen. Group-dinners, beers and food, along with an entry pack that often includes a t-shirt and other souvenirs, are given out.

How do you see the scene right now? Can you compare it with other scene from different countries?Robben: Well, the scene is curently doing good,the renewal continues, as teams fade out, and other, kicks in. We are slowing growing,and the level,with it. There are very few minor team, and instant squashes in the court, are happening less and less. I dont really feel like comparing the scenes, because they are much more advanced than us. The real move would be to attend events in other countries,but its hard to do, mostly due to the cost of travelling.

How the veterans saw the sport changin since the beginning? Especially from a technical standpoint? Corra: I dont know, really. I believe that probably Ketam, being the oldest, has the best answer to such question.Ketam: It changed, definitely. We all starter with a fixed gear bike. Now, the whole game is different. We moved from one cog to the freewheel, and both brakes on. Shots

are no longer a powerful swing of the arm, but a more refined hit, thank also to the new and improved mallets.

Is the relationship with your bike, more than bike polo only?Python: I love my bike. When i was a kid, i was always on a bike. Polo made me re-discover it, and appreciate it even more, especially when I play! Ale: Its a long lasting story, something i can’t live without, either to go to the grocery store or to pedal around. Its more than that. Is about bike-control, learning how to use it. Learning how to fix it, what to do to improve my rides, to carry things around or a ride with friends. The bike boom is pretty evident, not only the fixed gear mania that supernovaed everywhere, in hipster scenes from NY and Europe. But Im talkin about road teams,track racers in velodromes, mtb’s and downhillers, including bike polo as well, even if it has a smaller exposure.

Corra: Due to the lack of time, I haven’t much time for riding, but i hope to change things soon, as I hope to ride

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more, especially my mtb bike.

Cello: I aint got time now…I have three meeting to attend, by!

Ketam: I currently own four and a half bikes. I like bikes a lot,especially as a form of transportation. I’m no spandex-wearin, two hundred miles a day ridin type of rider. I have a more, let’s say, meditative approach to it.

Robben: I use it to ride around on weekends, for race alleycats and criteriums when I can, and during the summertime, when i have to wake early to go to work, which is a pain the ass.

if you have found interest in mantova BiKe Polo

www.mntvfxd.wordpress.com

intervieW By: ROBBENPiCs: MantoVa Bike Polo arcHiVe

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LOR-EN-ZO

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Hi Lorenzo,let’s start saying who you are and what you do.Before I start, I just wanna thank the guys at Cykeln mag for givin me the chance of being among the pages of this fantastic project. I’m 24 years old, I am a student and I live in Florence. I’m attending a two years class for Communication Design, at at ISIA university. When not busy with school, i’m doing different (and mandatory) stages in different studios. I’m now busy with a Visual Communication studio, called Neolab. At night and on weekends, I work on an array of projects for different clients that i have, taking care of all aspects, from the idea to the final touch. Right now, im taking care of all aspects of a communication project, from web to graphic, from branding to illustration

How did you get involved with branding and typography design?I believe that these two aspects, are like the faces of the same medal. Choosing the right font,i s key, no matter what you are working on, web, print etc. The designer, picks the font, and that’s what set the voice, or better saying, the tone of the communication. Talkin of branding, for the ones not familiar with it, its the strategic assembly of real and virtual aspects, associated with a specific brand, and again, choosin the right font, can determine the success or the failure of a project. Think of the Nazi regime, and how strong, and well thought of their propaganda was, using strong imagery and fonts, that were simply perfect for the idea of world they were working on...got that? Now, think of using a font like Comic Sans, I am pretty sure, the whole thing would look way different,and would be perceived in a totally different way. Think of a Darth Vader with a Mickey Mouse voice, and im sure you get the idea!

How influential is Minimal Design in the world of fixed gear bikes?Finally, we talk about bikes! The fact that, bicycles, are becoming more and more “fashionable and cool”, is a benefiting factor for the society as a whole. Things, now, are goin the other way around.The average Bicycle user was once considered some sort of moneyless dropout, that didn’t have any money to be dropped inside the tank of a german

car. Now,seemingly, the car-user seems to be the one forced inside a metal cage on wheels, stuck in traffic, burning money and wasting precious time,that could be used differently. The “renaissance” of fixed gear bikes, brought new people into the game,conquering new markets and spaces,thanks to the background that comes with the new wave of fixed gear users.

What kind of rider would you be, if you would step into this world?At the moment, i’m rolling around Florence on a carbon 2008 Wilier Triestina Lavaredo assembled with an Shimano Ultegra gruppo and two Krypto locks. I have an average of 30 to 40 km a day, with uphill roads, and having the chance to roll on such bike, allows me to get the school or work, without looking like i just got out the shower. I haven’t tried a fixed gear bike yet, but im definitely working on it, stay tuned!

Have you ever worked with fixed gear bikes related brands?Nope, but i would definitely love it!

I follow your blog and i keep myself updated with your works. What’s your approach to a project, once you have laid-out the main concept with your client?I think that a good project should speak for itself. The Visual aspect is an essential part in communication.Of course, the whole thing must be well planned-out.Once i know what the necessities are, I analize the “competition” (if there is any) and I then define the pecularities of my own client. Once i know that,I study what the visual languages and approaches that better suit the previously defined projectual strategy. Once I get this set, the creative part starts, where every single detail gets analyzed obsessively, before gettin’ to the final form. I’m obsessed with details, and that makes the job even more tiresome.

Do you see the bicycle as a future substitute for the car?Let face it, cars are the proof of a wrong economic development, not to mention the crisis we are goin

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through now. We gotta re-think the whole mobility system,to make it sustainable, both economically and envinromentally. Our cars are unused 80% of the time.We pay for insurance, tires, gas, bills, check-ups and all that,for something we barely use. Am i wrong, or that is a nonsense? The other problem is that you are “almost” forced to buy one, because you have few alternatives, and the ones available, are kinda dubious...

Would you say “NO” to a car, in favor of a perennial use of a bicycle, instead?Not too long ago, I had the chance to visit Berlin,a nd I noticed how public transportation is so bike friendly, especially trains and subway. You can find a bike-path in almost every street. Makin it so easy, can only increase the use of a bicycle, so there is an high percentage of cyclists, meanwhile the four-wheels traffic, is pretty much non-existant, compared to total residents. Florence is 100km2 againts the 900 km2 of Berlin,and doesn’t have any of the aforementioned structures and services.Ain’t that a paradox?

What are your next targets?Finish school, keep on learning more and more about my work,which happen to be my biggest passion, and of course, to try a fixed gear bike!

www.lorenzomoschi.it

intervieW By: claudio di santoWorKs: lorenZo MoscHi

if you have found interest in lorenzo mosChi

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t h e m a n B e h i n d P e d a l C o n s u m P t i o n

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Who is Patrick Thames?This has to be one of the toughest questions I get asked all the time. I suppose if there was a Wikipedia on myself this question would be much easier to answer. Basically, I’m the author of PEDAL Consumption and designer of the Kagero. I’m also team manager and consultant for Leader. I ride Fixed Gear bikes and wouldn‘t have it any other way. I live a vegan lifestyle and I love Chihuahuas!

When did you start Pedal Consumption?I started PEDAL Consumption in the summer of 2007. I originally started this blog as a way to consume time when I was bored at night. As the harsh winters in Portland became unbearable...where you didn’t even want to go outside, I found myself indulging in the blog much more than I thought I would. Eventually, PEDAL Consumption’s popularity prompted me to take the blog to a higher level and make it one of the world’s most popular Fixed Gear sites. I’ve been doing this passionately for almost 5 years now, but sometimes I feel the urge to disconnect and do what I enjoy most...riding. I’m doing a lot more traveling these days, so it’s uplifting that I can ride and blog about my adventures at the same time.

What are the main differences between the USA fixed gear scene and the Italian fixed gear scene?Well, I’ve never been to Italy... so I can’t honestly compare the two. I can only imagine the Italian Fixed Gear scene to be similar to the USA Fixed Gear scene. I could be wrong, but viewing various media from Italy... I see a lot of similarities. One thing I admire about the Italian scene is the accessibility of some of the most sought out Italian frames and components. The heritage alone makes the average cyclist drool with envy. I’ll most likely be heading to Italy on my Europe trip in June of 2012, so I look forward to seeing what the Italian Fixed Gear scene has to offer.

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I’ve seen that you are also a photographer; do you recognize yourself as a fixed gear blogger or a fixed gear photographer?Well, I’m definitely not a photographer by any means. I do often dabble in photography, but since my closest friends (Brenton Salo and Jason Finn) are photographers, I let them do their thing to help contribute material for PEDAL Consumption. I’m currently learning photography in a more professional manner as we speak, so I see it being something I will dedicate more time to in the near future. Personally, photos have a big impact on the way I layout my entries on PEDAL Consumption. I don’t see any reason why someone would need to write a huge summary on what the photo is depicting. As they say... a picture is worth a thousand words.

When did you start the Kagero project? The Kagero project officially started in 2009 when Sal (Leader) and I began discussing the idea of doing a collaboration frameset together. After a few weeks of throwing around some concrete ideas, I began laying out the design, color, and logos for the Kagero Lo-Pro. I worked closely with Leader over the next few years in order to make the concept of the Kagero become a reality. I’ll admit, we hit some bumpy roads along the way, but it paid off in the end. One of the hardest things about designing a frame is waiting to receive a prototype. Then, once you make adjustments on the prototype, you have to wait again for another prototype... and so on. It’s very time consuming and this was the main reason why it took so long for the Kagero to make its official debut.

Tell us more about the Leader Kagero, about the project, the tubes. The Kagero was created because of my love for Lo-Pro frames. I’ve actually owned more Lo-Pro frames than any other frame style. The inspiration for the Kagero came from the Cannondale Track with its robust round tubing, Pista Concept with its staple carbon fork, and the KHS Aero Track for its timeless Lo-Pro appearance. Rather than make an aggressive sloping top tube, like other brands, I thought it would be more beneficial to have a less aggressive sloping top tube; that way the rider would be able to enjoy long distance rides. The round tubing

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on the Kagero is one of my favorite features. The current market is heavily saturated with Aero style tubing, so we wanted to do something slightly different, yet classic. Another outstanding feature about the Kagero is the rear dropouts. They’re seamless and a bit more oversized than most of the average dropouts you will find on aluminum track bikes. All in all, I truly believe we created a stiff, responsive, and streamlined frameset.

What do you think about the Italian tradition has as frame builders and did you take some inspiration from our country? When I think of traditional Italian frame builders, I think of originality, beauty, and solid craftsmanship. Thus, inspiration from Italian frame building clearly went into designing the Kagero.

In which projects are you involved with right now? Some anticipation for Cykeln?Currently, we are pursuing new frame styles for the Kagero line. As you may know, we have an updated Kagero Lo-Pro in the works, which will feature two new colors along with logos designed by WOOF. Additionally, the frame will feature a crimped driveside chainstay and lesser rake in the fork. Lastly, we will be releasing a Kagero Pista model based off of the Kagero design, but with a leveled top tube. I can’t say much about this new model, but it will be showcased at Interbike 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Some advice for the young riders?Stay away from the politics and drama that suffocate the Fixed Gear community. Don’t get caught up in all the negative, biased chitter-chatter that serves no merit to what WE are actually trying to achieve... which is simply RIDING bikes. Don’t look up to role models... become your own role model. Ride safe and have FUN!

if you find interest in PatriCK thames:

intervista di: claudio di santofoto: jason finn

www.pedalconsumption.com

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From Salonicco to Istanbul with only two wheels

I have a place in mind, a place that is echoing outta my soul…Istanbul!And Im in a crazy need to stay by myself. I buy a ticket to Salonicco, I wrap up the bicycle with four meters of bubble plastic,and off I am. I decided not to plan anyting,beside the minimum mileage. Two t-shirts, a toothbrush, passport, atm card and a cell phone, all thrown inside the bag. I land in Greece after a two hours long flight, and the smell of tradition and history goes up my nostrils instantly.

I put my bike back together and within forty minutes,I am on the road. After a ninety miles ride, the first day brings me to Stavros, where the sea is calling me! I rent a room, from a couple of greek-only speaking elders, but let them understand my needs is not hard. They ask me if I know mandolin, Totti, pizza, Berlusconi, and of course, Bung-Bunga…there is always a reason to be proud of being Italian!My first dinner is fish based, just like many others during the trip, because for the same cost of a Big Mac, I can get olives, zazichi sauce, grilled fish and Greek salad with good pint of Mythos beer! Tourist Season its not on yet, so all the beaches, restaurants an hotels, are still empty.

Its a nature dominated place,where the colors are super bright and vivid, the fast-paced clouds change shapes quickly, in the superblue sky, without leaving me, wet, with the ocasional drop of rain. Travellin’ on your own, is one of the best experiences you can have, because you are actually never alone, but your inner self and good memories, keeps you company.

Marcel Proust,used to say:” A true discovery-travel, it’s not about finding new lands, but on having new eyes”.

And its with new eyes, that you come back from such trip.You start to appreciate new things and your perspecive on life, suddenly, changes.Every day is different, with few basic points, like gettin up, breakfast, pedallin’, lunch, swimmin in the sea, pedallin’ again, gettin’ to the new spot, looking for a room, dinner, bed. But, between wakin up and gettin to bed, there is an endless array of different emotions, sensations, experience, curiosities, moments that fill your soul to the marrow, and each of those, is not even remotely similar to the previous one.

A trip like this,makes you appreciate the little things in life that the world we live in, keeps hidden somewhere in all of us. Things like kindness in people, always ready to help whenever I needed them, older people cheering at you on the side of the road,the smile of kids, the hot sun that burns your skin and the chilly wind during the days of May.

All the efforts, the pedalling, the sweat, makes you feel alive and give you a sense, a reason, to get to the end, of the choice you have made. Many, told me that i have been brave,once i returned home. But I believe that its not a matter of being brave, but a matter of determination and desire to prove yourself, what my mon, used to tell me volere potere. And this is the reason, that Ill never forget, a nd this trip is dedicated to her only.

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Pedalando si producono endorfine che hanno un effetto positivo sull’umore.

Pedalare rende più elastichele pareti delle vene delle gambe. Praticando ciclismo agonistico

si possono bruciare 981 Kcal l'ora.

La bici permette di migliorare notevolmente

la capacità respiratoria.

La pedalata produce effetti benefici sul sistema cardio-circolatorio.

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I love to ride my I bicycle, I try to do it every day. And I love to travel, I like many people wish I could do it more. So it was natural to try to combine the two into a vacation. Last year, I boxed up my fixed gear and took it with me from Los Angeles to Puerto Rico. I had a an amazing time riding with the some very cool people from PR Fixed.

So for 2012, how about Italy and some of Europe? This would be a monumental experience. It would take a lot of preparation. The more I thought about having my very own bicycle with me as I toured various cities I became in love with the idea. So I began the planning process.

1. MONEY Traveling is not cheap, and the biggest hindrance for me. So I decided to not pay rent on my apartment for 2 months. I moved into storage the day before my trip. Fortunately, I was able to sleep at my work.

2. ITINERARYI wanted to go for 1 month originally, but I found this is not enough time. I wanted to visit friends in Spain and that would take more time. So 6 weeks became the plan. I bought a one way ticket to Milan and decided that would be a good jumping off point.

3. PACKING AND THE BICYCLEI had to use a disposable box because I didn’t want to bring a box around with me. A good friend helped me package it correctly and I was able to check it as luggage for only $60.00 with British Airways.

Packing for a trip for me is always hard. I will admit I am vain and I want to have “cool outfits” for my vacations. But carrying one backpack with a small day bag attached does not allow you to bring much. Especially with having to bring bicycle gear also. I had to bring tools to build the bike and make repairs, lights, helmet, bicycle clothing. So needless to say my bag was heavy, too heavy. But I’ll get to that later. MILANO:I saw Milano Fixed on the Internet so I was happy to hear of a healthy fixed gear scene there. I was ready to attack milan! After landing at Linate airport, I built my bicycle in the airport. I quickly realized that I had to start abandoning items. The first casualties were my neck

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pillow and a jar of nuts that I forgot to eat on the plane. The idea of having a backback and riding the bike was a good idea in theory, but when the bag is probably 75 lbs, it’s downright dangerous. After seeing the crazy drivers, speeding into Milan from the airport, I changed gears and jumped on a bus.

After several blocks of WALKING my bicycle to the hostel, I was ready for some riding! Oh by the way, this was my first time in a hostel. That is a whole different story. But the receptionist tells me of critical mass the following evening. I’m excited! I started adventuring around Milan for the next few hours, taking photos, smiling ear to ear. I’m sure people thought I was crazy. I stand out in Italy for a few reasons:

1. I dress funny (bright colors).

2. My bicycle is strange looking.

3. I wear a helmet! Hardly anyone wears a helmet.

I wouldn’t either but this trip should be ruined with one fall. So it’s on my adventures I come across a guy riding a fixed gear with no brakes, his name is Ivan. I follow him and he tells me in broken English that he will be at critical mass the next night. So I tell him I’ll see him then, we are already friends. Its funny how fixed gear cyclists are like a family. The next day I rode more around Milan and took more pictures. I saw the vigorelli and toured the famous Masi’s workshop. I have to admit I didn’t know it was his at the time, but I was schooled by someone later. That night I wan into another fixed gear enthusiast from Firenze at my hostel and we became fast friends.We both share the same passion for bicycles and he was enthused by this enormous trip I had planned. We made plans for later as I was off to critical mass in Milan. I met up with the group near Il Duomo, and I found my new buddy Ivan and his beautiful girlfriend Chiara. We also became fast friends and she invited me to stay with them! Only in Italy,

and only fixed gear riders would bond so quickly. For the next few days they showed me around Milan, cooked for me, introduced me to their friends, and we celebrated Ivan’s birthday. They are amazing people and I cannot thank them enough. When it came time to leave, they were going on another ride and I wanted to join them. But I have the whole country to cover and not much time. Next stop Modena. In Modena, I found a great shop called Iride Fixed Modena. Walter and Kappa, two of the owners, we’re friendly and helpful. They told me of a ride in bologna and out me in contact with one of their messenger friends. After a ride and photos around Modena, I was off to bologna.

I met a rider on the train to bologna from Ravenna and he told me where to meet the riders. They must have changed the plan because I only saw one fixed gear the whole night. Well, what can you do? I rode around on my own and made plans for my next stop in Ravenna. On the train to Ravenna I met a nice girl who agreed to ride with me

to the beach. We made plans for the next day. That night while cruising around the city, I spotted a gorgeous dodici special locked up outside a bar. I went inside and found the owner and he was A cool guy of course. After a drink they instructed me where the local bike shop is.

The next day I went by the local bike /surf shop named Limboazul. By coincidence, the owner Ale was getting ready to go for a ride. He invited me to follow him for a tour of Ravenna. He was fast! After chasing him for an hour, I gracefully bowed out with some type of excuse.The next ride with the slower girl was much easier to follow on her old grandma bike as we rode the 10 km to Marinna Ravenna. It was my first time seeing the Adriatic sea and I can imagine how much fun the beach is when it’s crowded in the summer. Note: the mosquitoes in Italy are no joke! I’ve been bit at least 30 times. I took the train down to Rimini the next day and rode around there. It’s the Adriatic’s version of Miami Beach with the high rise hotels and rows of beach clubs. After a day of lounging

in the sun, I was back to Ravenna where I was invited to go for a ride with Ravenna Fixed.

About 10 of us met at the Limboazul shop and I got lost on the way there of course: Note: the iPhone gps combined with Italian cellular doesn’t work for doo-doo. We rode to an empty parking lot where these guys ride wayyyy too fast for my taste. After chasing them like a younger brother trying to keep up, I decided to take pictures.

After that, we rode to old town Ravenna for some kebab and beer. I had a great night with Ravenna fixed and met some cool people. Everyone seems to share the same amazement and appreciation of my whole bike adventure. Bringing my bike so far to ride with so many different people is not only rare, but a lot of work and bicycle riders are truly appreciative. My next stop was Firenze. A new friend I met in Milan told me of a velodrome that was being re-opened in Firenze. So naturally I had to put it on my agenda. He arranged for me to crash at someone’s house so I was even more excited to go.

I was met at the train station by Federico Franco, a mature kind-hearted 17 year-old young man. He took me to his family’s home and made me feel very welcome, even bring me a kabab. Note: I have eaten a lot of kebab in Italy.

I was on my own for a few hours so it was time for me to adventure. I ram into a photographer on a bridge that had an fixed gear. We talked a little and he invited me to his photo exhibit. So yet agin I was chasing someone through a city I was lost in. The photo exhibit was ool Andrea Colpatrio turned out to be a great friend and we made plans for later. He told me of a bike event tonight having to do with lights and bikes. So I was off to that. It was some type of organized ride done in connection with holland trying to encourage bicyclists to use lights on their bikes in Firenze.

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It was like all family rides, very slow. Like walk your bike slow. But I met another fixed gear rider names Carlo. Carlo is a young film-maker and general cool dude. We grabbed a young kid doing tricks and rode with him.

After the ride, we met up with Federico and some more fellas. It was the first time hey had 8-10 fixed riders all in the same place in Firenze! We rode through the streets of Firenze at breakneck speeds. We hit the obligatory bars and talked bikes for a couple hours. The next day was the velo party. The weather did not cooperate and it was not very nice. But being at the track with a lot of great people and their bicycles was fun in itself. I took a couple laps, it was windy and I was scared of falling. But the real treat was seeing the bicycles in storage at the track (see pics). Many vintage brands that the hardcore would kill for all stowed away nicely. Some had been ridden hard, but had never been chained up outside a bar or the market.

I met 2 Japanese guys living in Italy at the velo. One had a beautiful Masi with mustache bars on it. He told me he ordered it custom for 3000 euro! And he has 4 more! That was a fun day taking pix of bikes and hanging out Thanks again to Nicolò and Federico for taking care of me in Firenze. After some sightseeing in Firenze I was off to Genova. NOTE: Fixed gears are not smart in Genova. It has hills, alleys, and cobblestones.

So I wish I left my bike back down south but what can I do. I won’t be riding much for the next few days as I check out Genova and the Cinqueterre.

So my Italian trip stop in Cinqueterre, now i’ll fly back to home, thank you very much.Your country it’s amazing.

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name - Robertolastname- VeniceniCKname - RobbenWhat you do?: Thermotecnic Planner

Where you live and hoW it’s riding in your City?I live in Solara, located in the Bomporto area, near Modena. It’s cool to ride around my city, because is man-sized, and also, because its cool to hook with friends and ride to places that you woulndt visit otherwise. I prefer to ride around my area, so I can create some sort of mini-path that goes all around my areas, like: Solara, Gorghetto, San Prospero, Sorbara, Bastiglia Bomporto Ravarino, Crevalcore, Solara, which is around forty km. I have another one,which is: Solara, Staggia, Cavezzo, San Giacome Roncole, Medolla, Staggia, this being five km shorter than the previous one. I usually ride all by myself.

have you Been in other Cities With your BiKe? and hoW it’s Was?I rode in Bologna, which is a nice city, but i wouldn’t live there, just like Venezia, were you ride around with smalller ferries, and i wouldn’t want to live there either. I rode in Milano, which is a pretty shitty place, and I hope I can say that. Ferrara is the coolest one to pedal around, you can really smell the respect for the two wheels over there. I also rode in Vicenza,s mall city but with plenty areas to ride around.

What you love of City?What do I love? That there are no rails or gravel roads. I also love the so called pit-stops we make at local bars, every time we come back from a ride.

name - Alessandro lastname - Bucceri

What you do?: Graphic Designer

Where you live and hoW it’s riding in your City?

Hi everybody! I live in Palermo

have you Been in other Cities With your BiKe? and hoW it’s Was?

I’ve never been in other city than Palermo. The traffic in Palermo it’s insane, you have to take care of yourself when

you ride in the traffic jam.

What you love of City?I love riding my bike because for me it’s relaxing.

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Once again, the bmx event held in Siziano, near Pavia.,is one of most waited and well attended contest of the year.We went to check it out, and here,a brief report.

The contest started in the early afternoon, with music being pumped from the speakers,by dj’s and live bands,such as:Trenta Passi, Melodie Distorte, Oil You and Eyes WIde Shut.

Riders were warmin up, and the Monster drink guzzled down previously, must have pumped them up, because the level of skills and tricks, was incredibile.

Itt was an head to head battle. Two riders at same moment, inside the pool,were entertaining the cheering and screaming crowd, with seatgrabs, no foot can-cans, foot plants, x-up not to mention the harder tricks like abubaca, tailwhip air, back and front flip and many more.

I gotta admit that these guys left nothing to be imagined,s they blasting tricks after trick, like the first bck flip performed by Vittorio Galli, doubl epeg on the rail by Mirco Andreani and the attempts of Alexander Chetverik, trying a double peg stall on the railed fence

on top of the ramp, fallino on the side, and landing on the head o fthe same nurse, that few moments earlier, helped Christian Andrei with an injury, that made him leave the contest!!!!

As the day was gettin to the end, Super Oscar, grabs the mic and announces that Monster Drinks, is offering 200 euros, for the best trick. Few second later, the pool was full of riders, blasting tricks and having the crowd goin crazy!!!!

Judges worked hard,to decide who won the jam and the best trick contest, Here their names:

1° EMANUEL BETTASSA

2° VITTORIO GALLI

3° MIRCO ANDREANI

Best trick:LUCA SOLDATI

Of corse,to place the cherry on top of such nice day,a mega party was thrown afterds.See you guy next year,in Siziano!!!!

Photos and review by Martina Gastaldi

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