News

Goes to New England

Alex Magallan, Jake Seeley and Lee Dennis along with new team members Chris Childs and Mark Burnett set their sights on the streets of New England. High speed lines, big gaps, tech tricks and so much stuff it will make your head spin. You can say that New England isn’t the same after these guys went on their trip.  Filmed and edited by Walter Pieringer.

Istanbul Not Constantinople

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Check out these riding moments from Aaron Ross, Alex Magallan and Lee Dennis’ trip to Turkey.  Walter Pieringer did all the snapping and was able to capture some epic riding moments from the trip. Alex’s wallride photo is pure BMX and reminiscent of the Metro Jam/Backyard Jam era.  To watch the video just click HERE.

Sunday in Istanbul video

When the chance to go to a city that is over 2,600 years old comes along, you have to go.  Aaron Ross, Alex Magallan and Lee Dennis traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to be overwhelmed by the massive city that is Istanbul.  It’s located at a point where the European and Asian continents meet.  It has a rich history that includes being the capital of 4 different empires.  There’s something humbling about being in a place that has that much history.  The guys definitely had the trip of a lifetime.  Click HERE to see the first Pictorial from yesterday and check back tomorrow to see the riding photos. Filmed and edited by Walter Pieringer.

Sunday in Istanbul Pictorial

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Flip though this pictorial to see what 2 Americans and a Canadian encountered on their visit to a 2,673 year old city which straddles the European and Asian continental boundary and just so happens to be the 2nd most populated city in the world.  Aaron Ross, Alex Magallan and Lee Dennis traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to ride and film, but ended up being overwhelmed by the massive city.  They ended up doing a demo in a fancy mall, got attacked by children and started riding for a random company called Magic Bikes.  Look for the Sunday in Turkey trip video to drop tomorrow July 23rd at noon EST.  Photos Walter Pieringer.

Alex’s Ride

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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

Private: Alex Magallan

The Garden Shop Stop

If you live near The Garden in Pittsfield, MA then this Sunday June 16th you can hang out with Alex Magallan, Jake Seeley, Lee Dennis and Mark Burnett as they stop by the shop from 12-2pm.  Should be a good time.  Don’t miss it!

Alex Magallan in the woods

Summer is here and trails everywhere are coming to life.  Looks like trails in Nashville are coming together nicely.  Alex Magallan lookback as seen through the lens of Derek Derose.

Alex Magallan Owned Section

How many of you have seen Alex Magallan’s Props Owned section? If not, then Props put it up on Hulu for all to watch.  Alex has the first section and you will probably use these adjectives to describe his section: fast, big, fun, stylish, classic, tech, exciting, creative and very rad.  Way to go Alex!