Redendo.com is having a contest series this year. Check out that link to see what it is all about. Also expect some other projects coming soon!
Redendo: AM Jam Series
On The Horizon: Mutiny
On The Horizon if you haven’t seen it yet is basically an interview with a company, I think this is the 3rd one. For this one we caught up with Gaz and Joe from Mutiny Bikes to talk about the company as a whole, and what they have planned for the year. Check it out, I bet you didn’t know they won the company in a game of dice…
When and how did Mutiny get its start?
Mutiny was started by Mr. Steve Inge in 1998. Joe worked for Steve at sandbox distribution before Mutiny was started and was one of the first riders on the Mutiny team. As time rolled on Joe was more and more involved in helping Steve with the Mutiny team and videos. In 2005 Joe and I won the company in a dice game and the rest is history.
Who all is on the team and what do they all have going on?
The team, I like to think of it as one big Family. We have Morgan Wade, Brandon Hoerres, Justin Simpson, Mat Roe, Randy Taylor, Josh Bedford, Ryan Smith and Niki Croft all making up the pro team. These dudes are all awesome, apart from when they don’t answer important e-mails! hahahahaha. We also have a incredible bro team of young and upcoming riders, it has been good seeing Niki, Josh, Ryan and Justin all start on our flow team and make the move to pro team.
Who are some of the key people behind the scenes at Mutiny that keep things running smoothly?
We are a very small operation, for the most part I work full time here in the office. Joe comes in 2 days a week to help out, he has other commitments outside of Mutiny. Then we have Aron who is our art director but also will help with shipping when needed. Caleb Everitt is also involved in art direction. It really is all about multi tasking here.
2008 looks to be a pretty solid year for you guys, What is the line of hard goods looking like, what are the biggest changes, and when will the new stuff become available?
Thanks, we have had a lot of praise for all the new products and it means a lot. There was some serious hours put in on everything. Something new for us this year was the 420 baked range of frames and bars, we started on samples this time last year and messed around with different tubing till we got a really good weight/strength ratio going also these frames are at a higher price point which let us put some nice touches into the frames that we could not achieve on frames that would retail for $289.99. We are still offering frames at this price point too as we know not everyone can not afford $340 for a frame. Another thing I’m really happy with is the stem, Roey wanted a higher front end yet I didn’t want to make taller bars, he had been running a tower of spacers for a long time underneath different front load stems so we came up with a front load stem that does not drop your front end, I’m pretty sure pretty much every other front stem out there offers negative rise.Later in the year, hopefully October if all goes well you should see Mat Roe’s Cosmotron frame and a Randy Taylor grip and his frame the Loosefer. We also have a few other new products in the pipe line. Closer to the release date we will be releasing more information on all of the new products.
How about the soft goods and other random things you guys produce, anything new?
Same logic was applied to the clothing as the hard goods, lets find the best material and printing techniques we can and come up with a nice range of soft goods. When I get done with these questions we will be starting work on our fall clothing. You should see some new color ways, styles and designs out end of August.
The team is really solid, will there be any new additions or changes being made this year at all?
As you said the team is solid right now, I don’t see anything changing for a while.
What are the plans looking like for road trips? Anything in the works?
We have a trip planned to the North West in July; Niki, Justin, Morgan, Randy, George Boyd, and Hanson Little are all going up there to shred. Earlier in the year Ryan, Roey, Niki and I were all over in Brighton filming for the Brighton Ain’t Ready video.We have another trip planned for the east coast some time after Interbike and then hopefully have the majority of the team descend down to Austin in December.
You guys were one of the first companies using the HD camera’s, What is the plan video wise, any web videos coming along? How about a full length DVD?
We have some plans and when the time is right we’ll be letting you know whats going on.
Mutiny has been around for a while now, how do you think the time has changed how the company is ran and the whole brand as a whole?
I think the ethos of Mutiny is very much the same as when Steve started it in 1998 but Joe and I have made a point of changing the look and feel of Mutiny to our tastes and styles.
What are some of the biggest things you look at when sponsoring a new rider for the team?
With so many talented riders out there it is crazy, seems it is very easy for people to get picked up. For us, we are very much about promoting within and trying to get to know people to see if they will fit. You could be the best rider in the world but if you don’t fit in with what we are all about then it just ain’t going to work. We would never just want to sponsor a person just because they are good on a bike.
What are some of the most important things when it comes to BMX in Mutiny’s eyes?
Fun, nothing more, nothing less. That’s why we all started riding and just because we are running a business I don’t see why that should change.
What can we expect to see as time continues on down the road? What are some goals that the company has for the next few years?
To be there for BMX and support it’s growth, this is a lifestyle not some fad that comes back around every few years. BMX has given us all such amazing chances over the years and with Mutiny we want to be there for it weather that means developing new products, sponsoring riders, events or making high end videos to promote BMX.
Where can people go if they have any warranties, questions, or just in general comments for you guys?
Snail Mail: Snail Mail: Mutiny Bikes ,1209 W Oltorf Austin, Texas 78704-5330
E-mail: info@mutinybikes.com
What do you feel makes Mutiny stand out or different from other companies?
BMX is in a very interesting time right now, there is so much choice and I think that is great for the final consumer.It is great to see more and more rider run companies out there. We try to put the same amount of detail and care into everything we do from videos, to a $22 shirt to a $340 frame, to e-mail a customers e-mail. We all believe in what we are doing with Mutiny and that is to make BMX as a whole better.
Where can people pick up your products?
We have an amazing amount of shops who carry our products all over the world.
New Give D site
Trey Jones on Fit flow and new webvid.
A few weeks ago we posted the bmxunion exclusive webvid of Trey and said to keep an eye out for more from him in the coming weeks… well…
The news was that he was getting on Fit! Go to fitbikeco.com and check out Trey riding his new eddie in the fresh edit he fired out in a few days. The video is posted in the news section of the site, not the media section, oddly. Interview coming soon.
Anthony Watkinson Interview
Anthony is another Englander imported into the U.S to ride for a very large list of sponsors. The kid has so much talent it is insane. An anonymous request was made to interview him, and I already wanted to get one, so we got it done. Let him know what you think in the comments.
Name:
Anthony Watkinson
Location:
Liverpool, England
Sponsors:
DK, System Cycles supplies, Maxxis Tires, Etnies, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Aversion , Rampworx Skatepark.
Years Riding:
6-7
Over the last year you really have had some big breaks with DK and your other sponsors, how crazy is it to think about that?
yeah man DK is awesome and its crazy that i am getting to travel so much and meeting new awesome people and riding a bunch!
Speaking of DK, how are things going with them? Any news of video parts, signature parts, trips, anything of that sort going on for you?
DK is going awesome i love being with DK everyone is awesome there, well except mitchell haha!
How about the rest of your sponsors? trips, videos, parts, etc?
well i just got done with a video for vital that should be up soon! and Etnies are doing a trip around the uk which should be awesome!
Last I heard you were living with Catfish, is that still going on or what are you doing now?
yeah when i am in Dayton, Ohio i live with him, he helps me out lots! especially helping me order at restaurants haha
“Contest Season” is coming up fast, do you plan on going to many contests or just being a chiller and filming a bunch?
contest season is coming quick! i am riding nass in a couple of weeks then fly out for dew tour first stop the day after! should be awesome! im real excited! i want to get out to CA and ride with my buddy Kevin Kiraly.
Do you have any web videos in the works at all?
i just finished a web video for vital should be up soon!
Who have you been riding with mostly these days?
i have been home for a little while so i have been riding with my friends Lewis, Zack, Tom! they are awesome =]
I am convinced you have rubber arms and legs, how the hell do you get your inverts and everything so clicked!?
nah sorry no rubber legs for me maybe if i did i wouldnt of twisted my knee today at the park! but i dont know how i do them i guess i just do it! haha
What are some other tricks you have been working on lately?
Quad whips haha! i have been just been having lots of fun lately man progressing in diferent ways š
What trick has given you the most trouble?
well the trick that gave me the most trouble i can actaully do now! it took me about 6 years to learn turndowns haha!
Where are some of your favorite places you have had the chance to ride since you got over here to the U.S?
mesh skatepark is awesome ! and CA there are so many good outdoor parks there!
Where are some places you would like to ride?
Australia!
Do you ever feel like because your sponsored you have a lot of pressure to learn new tricks and do stuff that could get you hurt?
My sponsors don’t put pressure on me to learn new tricks! i learn what i think is going to be fun an feel good to do!
What do you think about the current trend of shit talking on the internet annonymously?
I HATE IT SO MUCH
If you could change anything about BMX what would you change and why?
The shit talking!
What would you be doing if you never got into BMX?
probably working as a carpenter somewhere
What are some things you like to do outside of BMX?
Build ramps and do woodwork! listen to music hang out with friends!
I doubt your working at all right now but what kinds of jobs have you had in the past?
im a fully qualified carpenter and i worked for my dad decorating business! Watkinsons decorators represent! haha
What is one of the craziest experiences in your life time?
Las Vegas was pretty crazy!
If you could have 3 wishes, what would you ask for?
A USA visa
a healed knee and foot
some ice cream right now
What would be the very first thing you would buy if you won the lottery and why?
the best skatepark ever ! for all my friends from around the world to ride it!
What is the alcoholic drink of choice?
Rockstar and Vodka ofcourse š
What is one meal you could never get sick of?
Pasta
What are some bands you are into? Any you think people have to check out?
man i listen to so many things! right now in my playlist is kanye west, lost prophets , fat joes new album and Kriss kross hahaha
What are some of your favorite movies?
napolian dynamite, etnies forward, grounded, system
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
A usa visa
What is the key to picking up American chicks?
a english accent works for me haha!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“dont put yourself down, everyone else will do that for you”
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
thanks so everyone at DK, thanks to pete at etnies , jeana at maxxis, Rockstar and rampworx skatepark, like to thank james hitchox for everything he did for me and also Grampa!
Anything else you would like to say?
KYLE CARLSON KYLE CARLSON KYLE CARLSON! (he asked me to mention him for publicity) š
C.B.C
thanx bmx union
S&M Dirt Bike Available Now
From the S&M Website
“We’ve been getting requests for basically the same frame for awhile now and this is it. The Dirt Bike has a 74.5 head tube, taller stand over and a 14” rear end. Built with SuperTherm tubing, this frame is light and strong. It’s not available brakeless, it uses a regular seat-clamp, there aren’t any holes drilled in it for lightness. This thing looks like a regular BMX frame that wasn’t designed specifically for tail-whips, nose wheelies and hang fives! In other words it’s a fucking Dirt Bike. Get off the World Wide Interweb and go haul ass on a Dirt Bike.
Available in classic powder-coated S&M colors Black, Yellow and Red with retro Dirt bike graphics.
Like all S&M frames the Dirt Bike is proudly Made in the USA.
Top Tube Lengths: 20.5″, 20.75″, 21.0″, 21.25″
BB Height: 11.8″
Chainstay: 14″
Head Angle: 74.5 degrees
Seat Angle: 71.0 degrees
Weight: 5 lbs give or take for TT size (don’t be a weight weenie)
Dropout Slot: 14mm
990 Mounts: On seat-stays
Avail brakeless: No way
Gyro Tabs: Removable
Head Tube Type: Integrated Hiddenset
BB Type: Mid Press Fit
Integrated Seat Clamp: Not a chance
Butted/Air-hardening SuperTherm tube set
SuperTherm is a proprietary superthermophillic (heat-loving) alloy, developed in partnership with the U.S. Steel Alliance. The composition of Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium with an unprecedented 217 ksi ultimate tensile strength makes this alloy actually gain strength through a metallurgical transformation in the heat-affected zone as a result of welding or brazing. SuperTherm is highly temper-resistant, resulting in an 11% increase in fatigue life and a 20% increase in impact strength over Heat-treated 4130. The increased mechanical properties of SuperTherm allow for incredibly strong, yet lightweight frame designs with that legendary feel of steel ride quality.
74.5 head angle (for stability at speed)
14″ rear end (this isn’t a unicycle)
Available only with 990 mounts (so you can stop)
Made from SuperTherm Butted and Air-hardening tube set
Taller Stand Over Height (doesn’t look like a scooter)
Made in USA
Ben Polaschek Interview
Oh man, where do I start with this guy. Ben is a Minnesota ripper who is super talented and super funny. He has been on the SBC for a while. I usually die laughing everytime I ride with the guy. His girlfriend is on Interbmx more than him and she is pretty damn cool too. You probably are confused by this intro so I guess just check it out and it will make more sense.
Most photos by Ben Austin others by Carrie, and Friemuth
Name:
Ben Polaschek
Location:
Crystal, Mn
Sponsors:
Standard Byke Co., Goodtimes Superstore. Underline (BJ SUX!!!)
Years riding the bike:
12 1/2
You have been on Standard for years, when did you get on the team and what are your views on the company as a whole?
Summer of 02 I think. The rollin on the river deal. MN to Louisiana. Very funtrip. I was invited (KP asked me every 2 seconds to come with) haha I was hoping I could get work off for a week. We actually ran in to my boss at some restaurant and I had Rick take care of that!!! Iāve been getting sweet sbc goods since then.
Standard as a whole is awesome. Iāve been riding their frames for over 10 years now. I would still buy them if I had too!!! The team is badass. We all get along good and know how to have a good time (on the bikes and at the bar) The new manufacturing shop is so sick. You can make anything in that place. There is going to be some really good stuff cranking out of there. Rick rules. He puts a lot of time in to standard and it shows. Itās cool to ride for a dude thatās old as fuck and still shreds harder than the young guns!!!
When the hell will there be a Benny P signature frame?
I got a crazy custom frame being built up soon. Itās gonna be dialed. Iāll send pics as soon as I get it.
You get pretty loose on a bike, did you grow up racing or riding trails at all? How did you get this manly style?
I raced maybe 6 times. Won the state qualifier for 15 novice and quit. I used to ride a lot of dirt. I will have some trails in the works at my house very soon. As a kid my dad would let my dig up the yard and he even bought me dirt for jumps. He claims it was for the āgardenā. He bought a bunch of wood and helped me build a box jump too. My parents were very supportive so I always had dirt jumps and ramps all over the yard. Plus I was neighbors with Josh Nendza. That definitely helped!!!
The manly style comes from playing sports as a kid, eating cheese burgers, not shaving enough, and trying to boost everything.
Over the years you have had a few video parts and clips in videos, which ones were your favorite?
I like my stuff in Baco 10 and props 57.
How the hell do you go so high? I saw you almost hit your head on the rafters at the contest!
Well, I weigh about 200 pounds more than my bike. I can pump like a mofo.
What are some of your favorite places to ride or places you have had the chance to ride?
4 seasons Milwaukee, undercover, G SHOCK!!!
Who are some of the people you like to ride with and why?
First off, I like to ride with anyone that likes to have a good time while getting shit done.
Jonah Lidberg, Heās original.
Phil Book, He goes high and we do a lot of the same shit.
Nick Palmquist, He always excited to ride anything and he shreds it all.
Tony Mortenson, we both push each other to do bigger 3ās
Josh Nendza, he can do anything he wants, usually first try.
Pretty much all my friends. Its always a good time.
You have some clicked 3 turndowns and superman’s, what are your favorite tricks to throw out?
I usually only do my favorite tricks. 3ās, tables, turndowns, no footed cans, no handers, I keep it pretty simple. I rather go high and make my tricks look good than do a bunch of circus tricks. But I donāt mind to watch the other guys huck it!!!
What is a trick you cannot pull for the life of you?
Tailwhips took me a while to learn. Other than that I donāt try anything too difficult. Iām not sweating any tricks at the moment.
What is your worst riding related injury, I know you got some fake teeth don’t you?
Iāve been KOād twice. Broke my teeth a few times. Yes I have 4 fake fronts. I have loose rotator cuffs so Iāve popped both shoulders out at least 100 times a piece. Broke my back and my cheekbone. Been pretty lucky. Iāve never been off my bike for more than a few weeks.
Give us a good story about you having a run in with cops, security, or angry people?
I got handcuffed at the u [University of Minnesota] while riding street when I was 16 and put on probation with some community service. I clocked most of my hours of service working on the local bmx track. (and riding it) haha
Why don’t you hit up the dew tour or anything, I figure you would do decent?
I didnāt even make the finals at your contest. Donāt ask me how, I did a pencil to chicken butt and failed to make the cut!!!!! Haha I used to compete more, it was cool to see my friends and meet new people. I rather just session for fun. Although the dew tour set ups look amazing.
Do you have any trips over the summer planned?
none
How about videos, I know you have the one for this, but do you have any others in the works?
I just got a new camera. I have some stuff in the works.
If you could go on a road trip with 5 people, who would you bring, why, and where would you go?
Any five of my friends anywhere would be a blast
What is your all time favorite memory on a bike?
Riding every day till dark after school as a kid.
If you could change anything about BMX what would it be and why?
No more cross dressing riders. Get rid of the shitty companies. Add a little more diversity. Less curb crawlers, more trail style.
Outside of riding what are some things you are into?
Music, video games, computer, filming/editing, hanging with my lady, partying with friends.
Aren’t you finishing up school or something soon?
Iām going to trade school for my job as a Union heat and frost insulator. I got 3 more years of winter classes.
You got a lot of Polish pride, what the hell is so cool about being Polish?
The Sausage, duh
Your lady Carrie seems to spend more time on Interbmx then you, how do you feel about that?
Fine by me. Shits funny. She tortures all the morons on there.
Speaking of her, this might get you in some trouble, any weddings or anything planned?
Maybe next year?
How do you feel about ripping on emo kids on the internet?
Its good in moderation for me. Carrie loves it.
If you could have any super power, what would you choose and why?
Wolverineās healing ability. I used to have it.
You and Tony Mortenson are good pals, so I know you can drink.. What is the drink of choice?
Bud bottles, Beam and coke
How do you feel about the Minnesota and I guess the Minnesota scene too?
Winter sucks, Iām gonna get a snow bike going someday. most indoor parks suck,(reneGAYed is fun) friends rule, We have a lot of shredders. Overall its good. The other 3 seasons make it worth staying.
What are some bands you are into?
Lots of em. Anything from the beatles to Jedi Mind Tricks. Mostly alternative rock, classic rock and hip hop.
Seen any good movies lately?
I have netflix. I see lots.
If you were to win the lottery what would you do with the cash?
Buy the Metrodome, Give Nate Wessell And Fuzzy a few million to fill it up with goodness.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Get the trails rippin. Finish school so I can make the big bucks. Get a hot tub and a trampoline. New car too.
What kind of advice do you have for kids who are getting into BMX?
Have fun. Donāt be afraid to crash. Avoid getting a job till you absolutely have to.
What about kids who want to be as manly as you?
Kids rather look like girls than be manly.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Carrie, my parents and family, all my friends, Rick & Jess,
Ben Austin Photo
Anything else you would like to say?
ADA
stronger than some from Ben Polaschek on Vimeo.
Chris Childs & Dan Foley Mini Ramp Session Video
Go211 Covered the BMX Invasion contest last weekend but also shot Chris Childs and Dan Foley on the mini ramp with their signature smooth style in practice.
