Ben Ward Archives – Page 2 of 3

Conway, Mercado & Ludwig on GT Bicycles

May 17, 2016

Here’s some news we weren’t expecting to see this morning. If you were wondering what Dan Conway, Albert Mercado and Jeff With Glasses Ludwig were up to when there were some surprising news about them parting ways with sponsors over the past few weeks, it looks like we now have the answer. They are all now on the GT Bicycles freestyle team! Below is the full scoop! It looks like GT have been making some awesome moves.

“GT Bicycles today announced the addition of three members to its BMX Freestyle program for 2016, Dan Conway, Albert Mercado and Jeff “With Glasses” Ludwig. All are strong additions to round out a crew that includes Brian Kachinsky. “Collectively, we have done enough grinds to circle the globe a few times,” said Brian Kachinsky, GT Freestyle BMX Pro. “This is a dope crew, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year. Each of these guys has their own unique riding style. Everyone has a good sense of humor and great attitude toward the sport of BMX.”
Dan Conway, a Philadelphia area powerhouse, has stamped his name on some of the heaviest street set-ups across the US. His work ethic, coupled with a positive attitude, gives Conway the grit needed to conquer unique street spots and hang with the GT crew. Conway’s positivity and heavy tricks will excite and rally the team to push themselves as hard as they can.

Alberto Mercado has earned his place among the legendary tradition of San Diego shredders with his style, power and finesse. Mercado brings an easy approach to riding, consistently putting out video parts that are both progressive and fun to watch. His hunger for projects that exercise his creative abilities makes him a welcome addition to the GT BMX Freestyle team.

GT rounds out the BMX Freestyle team with Jeff “With Glasses” Ludwig, the reigning East Coast Crooked Grind Champion. Hailing from Spotswood, New Jersey, the holy land of street riding, Ludwig has left his mark on the industry in a short period time by showcasing his style in impactful video parts. Ludwig’s respect for BMX aligns perfectly with the laidback, but hardworking GT freestyle vibe.

“I’m stoked to have a complete team with Brian, Dan, Al and Jeff,” said Ben Ward, GT BMX Freestyle Product and Team Manager. “We’ve been friends for a long time, and I can’t wait to get out on the road with them as part of the GT crew. It’s bound to lead to some BMX magic.”

For more information on GT, its pro riders and the bikes they ride, visit gtbicycles.com.”

[Read more…]

Interbike 2015: GT Bicycles

September 20, 2015

We swung by the GT Bicycles booth toward the end of the 3rd day of Interbike 2015 to catch up with our good friend and GT product designer / freestyle team manager, Ben Ward to catch up and to get a closer look at their full range of 2016 complete BMX bikes, a prototype frame and a handful of prototype parts from bars to cranks to a stem and more. Ready to see all this? Let’s do this!

[Read more…]

The Daily Grind – “Hard Times” Friends Section: part 1

July 28, 2015

The Daily Grind keeping the party going with sections from their “Hard Times” DVD! Check out the first of two friends sections featuring Dan Hylton, Ben Ward, Nick Wooden, Ricwood, Matt Skaggs, Kyle Murway, Miley, Samson Wells, Alex Burnside, Mojo, Glenn Salyers, Nicolas Will and Err! This section is loaded with BMX goodness and is worth watching from start to finish! Rest in Peace, Glenn!

“Daily Grind’s DVD “Hard Times” was released earlier this year, this is the first friends section. Filmed and Edited by Ryan Howard. Rest in Peace Glenn Salyers”

[Read more…]

Sneak Peek: GT Bicycles – Pool Tire

April 2, 2015

Here’s another sneak peek GT Bicycles‘ Brand Manager, Ben Ward, dropped on something he is working on! It looks like their Pool tire will be getting some color in the near future including a “sweet” one we haven’t seen from other brands yet! Above is a photo of the Pool tire in red Clay, Chocolate brown and Earl grey! No word on the set release, but if Ben is sharing the photo it has to be getting close!

New tire colors and 4-Piece Bars? I can only imagine what else Ben and GT Bicycles are working on…

[Read more…]

Sneak Peek: GT – 4-Piece Bars

March 18, 2015

We woke up to an interesting photo in the Facebook feed this morning. Ben Ward, GT Bicycles new BMX team manager / product developer / all around good dude, posted up a little sneak peek photo of some bars that he is showing off at the Taipei Bicycle Show this week. The bars are based off their original iconic 4-piece bars that a lot of you older guys know and love! We asked Ben for some details on the specs, but he wasn’t able to give us any specific details just yet as far as specs or a release date goes… Based off the photo it does appear that they will be available in black and chrome and will come with more modern geometry as far as sizing goes. Release date? If they’re showing these off like this… Our guess is within the year.

So, if you could pick the geometry for these; rise, width, backsweep and upsweep, what would your ideal dimensions be for these bad boys? Let us know in the comments!

[Read more…]

Ben Ward and S&M / FIT Part Ways

June 16, 2014

2xMFBz8F

Well here’s some surprising news… It turns out that Ben Ward has been let go from S&M Bikes, Fit and the other brands under that roof in California. Ben’s name might not be super familiar with everyone since his role was behind the scenes, but he has definitely been a key role for all the brands these past few years. Definitely will be interesting to see what comes next for Ben!

“After almost 4 years with FIT as a Brand Manager, Team Wrangler and the Product Designer for S&M, FIT and Revenge, Ben Ward has parted ways with the company. “Due to the lack of continued work, and a change in business climate my position was eliminated. It’s been simply incredible working to build teams and develop products for new brands while revamping and improving the extensive product lines between S&M, FIT, Credence, Intrikat and Revenge. I look forward to the next adventure.” – Ben Ward

BMX Basics – Frame Dimensions

September 26, 2013

Here’s a really, really informative video that Ride BMX put together with Fit Bike Co.‘s product designer, Ben Ward. In the video, Ben takes you through all the different geometry options for a frame and really explains how each change can have an effect on the way your bike feels. If you have always wondered what the difference in angles mean, this is one video I don’t want you to skip.

Props – Issue 41: Portland Scene Report

July 31, 2012

Props pulled out the old Portland Scene Report section from Issue 41 that came out in 2001. You will definitely see a few familiar faces in this one. Check out riding from Ben Hucke, Andy Merrall, Justin Inman, Bruce Crisman, John Bristol, James Cox, Chester Blacksmith, Rich Hirsch, Matthew Puorro, Ben Ward, Ryan Evans, Eric Walter, Jeremy Davis, Lee Rajsich, Daniel Randall and Shad Johnson throwing down on the endless street, park and a trails spots in Portland. So awesome.