Photos by Ben McPherson.
There’s something about a dialed BMX bike that is so hard not to want to check out. We recently got ahold of Radio Bikes team rider and all around beast on the streets, Leon Hoppe, to get a closer look at his current Toren setup that he’s been out putting his pegs and freecoaster to good use on! Hit the jump to take a closer look at Leon’s bike along with a few riding shots, a few bonus questions and some of his recent footage! Let’s do this!
Name: Leon Hoppe
Location: Krefeld, Germany
Sponsors: Radio Bikes, Bikestation Braunschweig, Protec, The Fella BMX
Years riding: 6 years
Frame: Radio Bikes Toren
Bars: Radio Bikes Wraith
Fork: Radio Bikes Minotaur
Stem: Radio Bikes Crystal Toploader
Grips: Odi Longneck
Headset: Eclat Dual
Seat: Radio Bikes Fat Tripod
Seat post / Clamp: Radio Bikes Tripod
Pedals: Eclat Surge
Cranks: Eclat Maverick 170mm
Sprocket: Dirty Steel Blood
Chain: Eclat Stroke Halflink
Front Wheel / Tire: Demolition Hub , Eclat Phantom Rim , Eclat Fireball Tire 2.40”
Rear Wheel / Tire: Prototype Saltplus Freecoaster , Eclat Phantom V2 Rim , Eclat Fireball Tire 2.30”
Pegs: Cult Butter
Hub Guards: Superstar, Daily Grind and Salt Plus
Brakes? No.
Modifications? I don’t think so.
What’s the newest part on your bike?
The newest part on my bike is the Radio Wraith bar in 9”. It’s way bigger than my old bars, but it feels perfect!
What’s the oldest? Does it hold any sort of sentimental value to you?
The oldest part are my pegs. I’ve run these for like 3 years now. I only change the sleeves every now and again.
Does your setup change much or are you pretty consistent? Things like adding pegs or taking them off, switch between a freecoaster and cassette, etc.?
I’m pretty consistent with it. I always run 4 pegs and a coaster.
Do you have any “must have” things when you pick new parts like a certain top tube length, bar size or anything like that or are you pretty flexible with whatever?
I’m pretty flexible, I love testing new products! The only “must have“ is that the parts are good for street.
If you had to pick a favorite part of your bike, what would you say is your favorite and why?
My favorite part is the new Radio Bikes Tripod seat. I love it because it looks so clean and has the perfect shape. I do a lot of barspins so that helps.
How often do you build up a new bike? Do you try and keep it dialed in all the time, or do you like to run parts until they’re dead before switching things up?
I run most of my parts until they’re dead, but I love when my bike looks clean, too.
You have been on the Radio Bikes team for a while now. How are things going? Do you have any trips, videos or projects in the works you can tell us about?
Everything is perfect and I’m so happy to be part of the team. There are some trips and projects planed for this year, so keep your eyes open!
How about the other sponsors, Bike Station, Pro-Tec or The Fella BMX? Anything going on there?
Everything works good with Bikestation and Protec. We planed some trips with the Fella crew to film for a mixtape which will be out at the end of the year.
It’s been a little while since we have seen a new edit out of you. Any chance we’ll see some footage surface online soon?
I’m looking for new spots to ride and already filmed some good clips! I think there is another one coming from a little local park edit soon, so I can save the good clips for some bigger projects .
Now that the weather is starting to warm up in Germany, what are your plans? Do you have any trips you want to make happen this summer?
Yes! Me and my friends are planing trips to Rotterdam/Amsterdam and Berlin to get some clips and having a good time! Hopefully I can go on my first Radio Trip this summer, too.
Where have you been getting most of your riding time in these days? Any new hot spots you have been psyched on?
I spend everyday of the week at our local skatepark or out on the streets of Krefeld. When the weather is bad, we’re riding our self-made ghettopark. No one actually knows, but Krefeld actually has a lot of good street spots.
What have you been getting into when you aren’t riding these days? Any jobs or hobbies keeping you busy?
I’m trained as a chef in a resturant. And there are no other hobbies besides BMX, haha!
What’s the last song you heard and movie you watched?
Last song was 40th Street Black / We will fight from Wutang Clan and the last Movie was “Fast and Furious 7” I think.
How can people keep up with you these days?
Follow me on Instagram @leonbmx or add me on Facebook – Leon Hoppe
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Yes ! Thanks Dave Paterson at Radio Bikes, Lukas at Bikestation and JPB at The Fella Bmx. You guys are the best, thanks for all the support!
Anything else you want to say?
Thank you Kurt for the Bikecheck and Interview, and thanks to Ben Mcpherson for the Photos!
