All photos by Brett Curtis
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that building up a fresh new BMX bike is always a good time. The other day we caught wind that Colin Mackay was about to build up a new Haro SD V2 setup and we knew there was no way we couldn’t get a look at this new unit that he would be rolling around the world with this year! So, today, we’re stoked to give you a look at his brand new bike in this bike check! We also tossed in a few extra questions to find out what’s new with Colin! Let’s get into this!
Name: Colin Mackay
Location: Virginia Beach, USA
Sponsors: Vans Shoes, Haro Bikes
Years riding: 22 years
Frame: Haro SDv2 Olive Green 21” Dennis Enarson signature.
Bars: Haro
Fork: Haro Lineage
Stem: Haro Lineage Topload
Headset: Haro Deadset Silver
Grips: ODI “O”
Seat: Demolition MARKIT
Seat Post: Colony
Pedals: Premium Slim Plastic
Cranks: Haro Lineage
Sprocket: Haro Lineage 28t
Chain: CULT
Front Wheel and Tire: Profile to a CULT Vans tire
Rear Wheel and Tire: Profile 9t to a CULT tire
Pegs: Premium Chadow
Hub Guards: Profile
Brakes: Colony
Lever and cable: Odyssey
Modifcations: Nil
What’s the newest part on your bike? 95% of it
What’s the oldest? Does it have any sort of sentimental value?
Lever or seat post, both around 7 years old. I used them on a old bike I rode.
After all these years, are you pretty set on what you like to ride as far as how your setup is put together or do you still change things up from time to time?
Yeah, I’m pretty comfortable with my bike now. It hasn’t changed in about four years. Not bothered with brake-less or a freecoaster…
Do you have any “must have” things like a certain top tube length, tire size, bar height or angle or are you able to adjust to whatever you ride?
21”tt, 28” wide bars and I’m sweet.
We don’t see brakes being utilized as much these days. What keeps you using the stoppers these days? Do you ever do the brakeless thing?
I’ve ridden for over 20 years, I’ve had brakes the whole time. I like having them. Helps to slow down and I use them on superman’s and no foot can’s. I don’t back-rail Fuf enough! I did one last year and it had been a while!
We noticed you’re running a cassette in the rear. Have you given a freecoaster a go? Any chance we’ll see you on one in the future or is it not for you?
Na, I’m going forward. I did ride Pat Casey’s bike recently as I didn’t have mine. Airing felt fine.
If you had to pick a favorite part of your bike, what would you say that is? Any reason why?
The stem. Love the Lineage stem. Reminds me of an old Group 1 stem I could never afford as a kid.
How often do you build up a new bike? Are you usually keeping your bike as dialed as possible or do you run it till it’s dead before you switch things out?
This bike is mostly new. I rarely do this. My last bike was over a year old.
How are things going with Haro these days? It seems like they keep you on the move constantly as team manager and everything. Do you have any trips or cool projects in the works with the team that you can tell us about? Yes, I’m happy to be somewhat in control of things team related. I get to take trips with my friends and have some fun. Some decisions I can’t help, but I’m proud to be a part of things. Love all the boys we’ve had on the roster the past 10 years since I’ve been with Haro. Matthias’ frame just dropped, as well as Dennis’ latest recently so that’s exciting. We do try and do one decent trip a year and hit a few comps. This years trip is undecided.
I know you still hit a few contests up every now and then. Any chance we’ll see you popping up in any anytime soon? Simple Session maybe?
Ha, yeah I do like riding still, the riding I like and the comp style is two different things to me. I don’t like switching over to send-it mode on demand. I like firing up on my own terms. I’ve been there and done the contests and I’m totally content with my placing over the years. I’ll hit a couple fun ones here and there. I like watching my boys send it these days!
What about Vans? Any fresh projects you have going on with them? Trips or anything like that?
Vans is constantly turning it up. I’m a month away from hitting 10 years with the brand. In 2016 the company turns 50 and we are working on a book and video to showcase the wide variety of team riders. I’m working alongside Justin Kosman with that. This year alone we have eight trips all over the world and we aren’t roughing it either. Nice accommodations and the best food, and each trip has different riders so it’s been great hanging with everyone. Vans loves BMX and they really support their team and appreciate their fans. Jerry Badders is doing a fantastic job as well.
You have been spending quite a bit of time behind the lens these days. Any chance we’ll see you popping up in a new video any time soon? I know we would be psyched on some fresh footage!
I’m down for sure, I like working on something and having that to look back on. It’s been a while. I like working with Kosman and Teo, so when the chance pops up, I’ll fire up.
What have you been getting into when you aren’t on your bike these days? Any new hobbies or things taking up your free time?
This year I have been obsessed with video, I guess being on these Vans trips as 2nd angle got me really focusing on my job. I studied lots of video’s and really understood settings more. I already have a passion for photo, but this year video’s been occupying my brain.
How can people keep up with you these days?
Instagram – @ColinMackayBMX
Twitter – @ColinMackayBMX
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
I want to thank Profile for the hubs, CULT for the tires, Haro for a solid bike that gets me as excited as the 14 year old me would get over a new bike and Vans for the excellent shoes, apparel and family loving vibes.
Anything else you want to say?
Thanks for reaching out for the interview and interest in my new bike The Union!
Kids, It’s just BMX, have fun out there!
