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For Alex Magallan’s bike check, we decided to have him answer some questions about his current Forecaster bike build.  It’s a good insight into Alex’s smooth and high speed style of riding.  Check after the break to read his answers and see his full parts list.

What’s the one thing you couldn’t change about your set up? 

I would have to say the short rear end length. I like the easy to pick up feel it gives ya. Best way to manual and spin to your advantage.

Is there some feature of your bike that you like the most?

Honestly, the upsweep on the bars are one of the most noticeable features.  The upsweeps not for everybody. I enjoy it cause your not all crunched into your bike and front end.  It’s seems to be a little easier on my back as well.

Tell us about your brake lever.  I’ve seen you spend a good amount of time perfecting the shape and feel of it.  Can we hear some more about it?

Haha!  My mind is in the gutter on this question.  Anyways, I like leverage on the brake lever. And usually the big levers come with this knob on the end, I guess so you won’t puncture your lung.  I hate the feel of the knob, so I hack them off.  Usually use a file and sand paper to make a function able end on the lever.

When was the last time your ran a gyro?  Ever ride brakeless?

Never rode a gyro. I eat gyros though!  I rode brakeless around 2002 .  Had a good friend that I rode with all day everyday.  Noah Lepisto was his name and we both wanted to learn barspins.  Basically, he learned them and I never got comfortable enough.  Kept wacking my knee and eventually was over it.

How are the Springfield Brakes working for you?  Easy to work on?

Yep!  Way too easy honestly.  One spring.  No adjusting the tension. Simplicity.  But the problem I ran into was the lack of spacers they give you for the brake pads. I always need those to make the pads hit at the same time. When adjusting brakes your gonna run into your wheel off dish or warped a bit.  Therefore you can add spacers to adjust the play in your pad clearance to the rim.

You have one of the best pedals in BMX.  Some guys have these large gear ratios that make them look awkward when pedaling.  Do you think that is in part to you running a 25t sprocket?  Maybe your race background?

Haha!  Thanks . Yeah I’ve always liked a neutral gear ratio. Not too hard not too easy.  To each is own.

Metal pedals make an appearance on your bike.  Tell us why you would rather ride metal over plastics?

I ridden a few sets of plastic pedals. They broke in a week and didn’t grip for shit if you get the slightest amount dirt on them.  Again it’s your personal preference.  I ride these parts not to be different and standout.  Just know what I like and I know what’s right.  And not what’s hot in the BMX for the week ex: plastic pegs, plastic pedals, drilled head tubes, scooter geometry, paper then forks.  These thing will never make sense to me and nor will I trust to ride them.  Thanks for hearing me out and checking out my bicycle!

Alex’ Parts List

FRAME: Sunday Forecaster
FORK: Sunday Morning 2.1
BARS: Sunday Tall T
STEM: Sunday Freeze
HEADSET: Sunday
GRIPS: Duo Martinez grips
BRAKE LEVER: Odyssey mid.
BRAKE CABLE: Tree cable
BRAKE: Odyssey Springfield
FRONT TIRE: Odyssey Aitken
REAR TIRE: Odyssey Path
RIMS: Sun Big Baller in the front and Odyssey hazard lite in the back
FRONT HUB: Tree straight pull
REAR HUB: Tree straight pull casserole  9t
HUB GUARD: Tree hubguard
SPROCKET: 25 t OG Tree sprocket

CHAIN: Odyssey Bluebird
CRANKS: Odyssey Thunderbolt, 175MM
PEDALS: Odyssey Trailmix
SEAT: Tree Ergo seat
SEAT POST: Sunday Toothy post