It has been a while since we’ve fired out a fresh bike check, and we’re stoked to get the wheels going once again with the site. We’re kicking things off with our friend Bobbie Altiser to take a closer look at his setup that he’s riding with a brand new prototype Standard Bykes frame that he’s currently testing. Not only does the frame have a ton of unique details and features, but there’s a handful of other details like custom titanium cranks to take in! Check out the full parts list, along with a few bonus questions and photos by Jerrod Glasgow below!
Location: Hannibal, Missouri
Sponsors: Standard Byke Company
Years Riding: 17 years
Frame: Standard prototype
Bars: Standard Strip bars 9.5″
Fork: Standard Freestyle w/ 990s
Stem: Merritt MK II
Grips: ODI Longneck
Headset: Merritt
Cranks: 160 mm all titanium
Pedals: Merritt
Sprocket: Threshold
Chain: Merritt
Bottom Bracket: Merritt
Seat / Seat Post: Merritt
Front Wheel / Tire: Merritt Battle / Maxxis DTH 2.2
Rear Wheel / Tire: Merritt Battle Freecoaster/ Maxxis DTH 1.95
Brakes: Odyssey Evo II
Brake Levers: Dia-Compe Tech 77 w/ lever locks
Gyro: Steel
Pegs / Hub Guards: Merritt / I don’t believe in hub guards
Modifications: Steve @ Standard recessed my stem for the cap to sit flush and I also had a full titanium crankset made.
I noticed you have a pretty wild brake setup going with the mounts on the bottom of the chainstays. Can you tell us a little about that? Does it work better or have any benefits?
I’ve always loved old school BMX bikes and wanted to incorporate that look into my frame. I’m not positive there are any benefits to having the brakes under the chainstays, but I’ve found that with this current setup my brakes are the best they have EVER felt.
What’s the newest part on your bike?
I just put a gyro back on, after running a straight cable for about two years.
What about the oldest? Does it hold any sentimental value?
Everything is new from when I first built it up last year!
With brakes being less common, and those Tech 77 locking levers being harder and harder to find. Do you have a secret stash of classics, or are you fully prepared to ride what’s available when the time comes?
The Tech 77 is the best lever in the game.. I’ve never actually needed to buy a new set, I just do because I like getting new parts. I found a few places that still sell them!
You joined the Standard team a little while ago. How did that opportunity all come about?
It all happened pretty casually, no pressure.. and a no brainier.
Growing up in the Midwest and being a front brake rider, I’d imagine it’s a little surreal riding for Standard. Have you had any opportunities to work with Rick on any cool projects or anything yet? Any plans?
Definitely feels like a dream to ride for Standard, and to get text messages from Rick. I told him what I had in mind for a frame and he jumped on the idea. A run of the frames will be out soon and I’ll keep you posted. We’ve also done a lot of talking about filming a small video project together.. Now just to get our schedules to align and get busy!
I noticed you have quite a bit of Merritt parts on your bike. Are you getting the hook up, or is it just something you chose to run?
The guys hooked me up pretty good on the parts and I’m super impressed with the quality of everything they make.
Your bike is always dialed in, at least it appears to be, to keep up with your riding. What are some of the things you do to keep your bike running smooth?
Lube cables, clean pads/rims.. I true my wheels all the time, nothing worse than bent rims and brakes!
Does your setup change at all or are you pretty much set?
The Standard frame they built for me has a much shorter chainstays than I’ve had in the past. It’s 12 ⅞” slammed. That’s the biggest change I’ve ever made and I love it. Also I feel I’ve gained more control of my bike by switching to 160 mm cranks.
Does owning your own shop have any influence on your setup? I would imagine it can lead to some creativity.
I’ve spent hours looking at parts, comparing weights, reading reviews, and trying new things. The beauty of it is the ability to buy almost everything at cost.
How are things going with your shop these days anyways? Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
The shop is going well, just took out the back wall to expand the retail floor into the storage room. I’ve finally got a good business model running and I’m planning to hire an employee in the spring.
How are the ramps going? Any plans of adding some new additions?
The ramps are running good, last week I finally got around to putting in proper lighting. Starting on the next section in a few weeks!
Have you been filming much lately? I could use some fresh front brake magic from you!
I’m pretty good at not pulling anything when the camera comes out.. but yes!
What do you have in the works for 2019 as far as riding goes? Any big trips or plans in the works?
The Brake Room running smooth is my number one priority this year.
Anything outside of riding you have been real stoked on lately?
I’ve been really into masonry and electrical work.. putting a lot of time and energy into my building project. I love checking something off of the list everyday.
How can people keep up with you these days? Instagram — @bobbiealtiser
Anything else you wanted to say?
Thanks for taking to time to do this bike check and I’m really happy to see the BMX Union is back!