Andy Sparks breaks down his Fixed Gear Freestyle setup part by part, and walks us through every little detail. Andy’s bike has become an iconic part of him and has remained relatively unchanged for nearly a decade. After shooting this with him, it’s easy to see why he loves this build so much and it’s clear that Andy not only rides hard, but also knows how to take care of his things. In words of the man himself, “ride em until they don’t ride anymore.”
Check out a written version below and follow Andy’s YT Channel. He’s constantly posting tutorials and breaking down the inner workings of some of your favorite fixie tricks.
Things are really starting to take flight for the Tracklocross community. It’s been rad to watch everyone come together and organize these races on a seemingly global level. With branches popping up all over the world the vibes are only getting stronger and the momentum is growing.
The second race of the season happened over the weekend here in Los Angeles and this time it was on a contained course. Making it easier to run around and shoot photos at different parts of the track. Shout out to everyone who helps organize these events and facilitate all the moving pieces. It’s because of people like you that we get to show up, kick back, crack cans and enjoy the good times. Check out more photos below, and we’ll see you at the next one.
Well I made it to the mountain, but didn’t end up riding much of the actual race or dirt sections of this on / off road alleycat. Shout out to everyone who towed me up the hill, LA TRACKLOCROSS for throwing the event and Golden Saddle Cyclery for letting us loiter. There’s another Tracklocross race happening this Saturday and this time it’s going to be on a closed course. More details HERE, check out screen shots from this video below and we’ll see you at the next race.
What goes up, must come down. Damian Riehl borrowed my helmet cam setup and tailed me down the hill on the ride back to Golden Saddle Cyclery during the first Tracklocross race of the season here in LA. We’ll have another video highlighting the race later this week, but for now enjoy this follow cam footage. Check out more screen shots and such below.
Andy Sparks, your favorite rider’s favorite rider. I rode with Andy a bunch while I was in SF last month. We filmed a bike check of his Trick Track setup and broke it down piece by piece. He talks about why he’s been running the same chain for the last 6 years and how every part isn’t done until it’s dusted. After that I shot a bunch of fisheye shots of him thrusting his signature bronco bunny hop technique. He almost landed on the camera a couple of times. I was able to get directly under him on a few of these. Anyhoo, shout out to Oakley (plug) and keep your eyes peeled for Andy’s Bike Check video coming soon.
MASH SF recently hosted their annual shop anniversary, and this year’s was exceptional. They supplied the grub, we brought the ramp, and the people entertained themselves. We hosted a long jump contest as part of the final checkpoint and people sent it. Holding on for dear life through the bone rattling run up that was probably harder to get through than the jump itself. Anyways, shout out to Mike Martin & MASH SF for always being there to bring us together. I’m already looking forward to next year’s BBQ / Swap Meet.
Happy Cinco De Mayo Y’all. MASH SF always throws the best events, and on 5.5.19 we all got together in the park to celebrate the Anniversary of the shop on Sanchez st. With a ramp, a race, a bunch of parts for sale and plenty of food to go around we all had a blast getting gassed in the grass. Which looked a lot more green in person. I kinda got a thing against green grass and made it brown instead. (Concrete is king) Keep your eyes peeled for the video that we’ll drop on Monday and until then check out more photos below. CLICK HERE >>
Mike Schmitt’s MASH SF steel frame build. The other day Mike snapped this carbon bar/stem combo while we were filming in SF. Moments later he rushed to MASH, picked up replacement parts and we were back in action. Here’s a look at his bike before the incident. Check out more images and a full parts breakdown below. Keep your eyes peeled for some new color ways and a complete size restock MASH has coming down the pipeline. This smoke color way is definitely a favorite of mine, but wait until you see what else they’ve been cooking up.
FRAME – MASHSF Steel Frame (Smoke / Size: Small)
HANDLEBAR – eBay carbon stem bar combo
FORK – Leader Reaper
GRIPS – BCD
HEADSET – Ritchey
SADDLE – Fizik Test Antares
SEAT POST – Thompson setback
CRANKS – Sram Omniums
BB – Sram
PEDALS – BCD
STRAPS – Burro Mike Schmitt signature Mudflaps
CHAINRING – Alter Vinyl 51t
COG – Profile 16t
RATIO – 51/16
CHAIN – Mash Izumi
FRONT TIRE – 42c Panaracer Tour Tire
REAR TIRE – 38 c Panaracer Tour Tire
FRONT WHEEL – Velocity Chukker to formula hub
REAR WHEEL – Velocity Chukker to formula hub