https://rixinbikes.com/

First Look: Morgan Long's FIT HoodBird Setup

See what Fit and Morgan Long have hatched...

24 Jun 2015

Morgan Long hoodbird bike check portrait WM 1

Words and photos by Wes McGrath

I've known Morgan Long for a few years now and I have seen his riding get better and better... and better. Each time we ride he continues to surprise me with his choice in set-ups too, which is so unique especially out riding street. I had the chance to catch up with Morgan while he took a short trip to New Mexico to clock some footage for his new FIT frame promo. I haven't seen him in over a year and it was great to see he's still the same ol' Morgan I left back in Long Beach, California. When I heard he was coming out with a new signature frame and bar for FIT I honestly wasn't surprised that he has been given this opportunity. Being the first out of four new FIT pro riders to receive a signature line definitely speaks for itself. Through determination and sheer talent, Morgan brings you his newest baby, The FIT HOODBIRD!

Morgan Long hoodbird bike portrait 1

So when exactly did the idea of your frame come about?

I went into Fit late last December to pick some things up and Moeller set me down and told me they wanted to put me on the Pro team for the new year. He also told me they wanted to give me a Signature frame, so I started gathering ideas since then. Getting offered a Signature frame while getting put on the pro team alongside three bad ass riders gave me a unmatched feeling of Pride!

Did you come up with the name 'Hoodbird'?

Yes I did. The name was by far the hardest part of the whole process. I knew from the beginning that I didn't want the name to be anything to do with my actual name so I spent weeks and weeks constantly thinking about names. I just felt like the name plays a big part in the frame, I wanted something that was memorable, easy to say, and that we could play off of for the graphics. Once Hoodbird popped into my head I knew instantly that I was rolling with that name.

Extra wide tire clearance in the rear end for room with a 2.4 tire slammed!

Investment cast seat clamp.

Morgan Long hoodbird graphics WM 1

ALL graphics hand drawn by Eben Fischer.

Morgan's current setup:

Frame: Fit HoodBird 21.25

Bars: Prototype Fit HoodBird 9.5" rise

Forks: Fit FK forks

Stem: Fit BF 48mm

Grips: Prototype S&M Mike Hoder

Seat: Fit Barstool pivotal

Seat Post: Fit Pivotal

Cranks: Fit Indent 165mm

Pedals: Fit Mac sealed metal

Sprocket: Fit Key Guard 28T

Chain: Shadow Supreme Interlock

Tires: Fit T/A 2.4

Rims: Shadow Corvus

Hubs: BSD Street

How important is it to you to have a decent frame graphic, given you have the main man Eben Fischer behind the artwork?

Very important! I was stressing all the details of the frame because I think the details are really what helps make the frame standout from a bunch of frames out that just look the same. Once I had decided on the name I knew it was something that would be easy to play off of for the graphics. From there, Eben Fischer and myself started working together throwing around ideas for a few weeks before he started working on some designs. I can't say enough how lucky I am to have one of my best friends work on my graphics and Eben is one of the most talented people I know. I think the last few frame graphics he has done are going to open up some eyes to how important it is to put in some time on the graphics, come up with something that looks different and that fits the rider image for there signature product.

Morgan Long hoodbird bike check barspin WM 1

Double rail hop bar spin out in New Mexico.

HoodBird frame specs and info:

Double gussets on top and bottom tubes for extra head tube strength.

Frame sizes: 20.75, 21, 21.25

Rear end lengths: 13.4' - 13.9'

Bottom Bracket: Mid

Bottom Bracket height: 11.8

Seat tube angle: 71 degrees

Head tube height: 5 inches

Head tube angle: 75.75 degrees

Stand over height: 9.5 inches

Dropout thickness: 6mm

Colors: Translucent Gold and Clear Gloss

"We are also working on a signature Hoodbird Bar that will be coming out mid July that will match my Frames standover with a 9.5"rise, with 11 degrees backsweep and 3 degrees upsweep." - Morgan Long

Is there anything special/specific about the hoodbird that you'd like to point out?

First thing first, it's made in America. It has a steep/taller (5") (75.75) head tube to put your bars higher without the need for spacers. To go along with the tall head tube it also has a tall stand over height at 9.5". Double gussets and 6mm thick drop outs so you don't have to worry about strength. Most importantly, the frame is tall, fast and strong!

Have you had any other signature parts from any of your past sponsors?

No I haven't. I worked on some things with past sponsors and they were not down to work with my ideas, so things did not work out.

How does it feel as a pro rider to finally have a signature frame from a company such as FIT?

Man it is the best feeling for real! You can't beat riding for a real rider owned company, and working with them on a product. The frame is exactly what I want and they were down to work with all of my ideas so I couldn't be any happier.

ALL graphics designed by Eben Fischer.

Keep your eyes peeled for Morgan's matching HoodBird bars coming out in July.

Morgan Long hoodbird gussett WM 1

Double gussets on top and bottom tubes, along with a F-IT stamped bottom gusset.

"I knew I wanted something a little different in a frame than what Fit offered so we got to work making my ideas a reality. I can't say enough how nice it is to work with everyone at Fit and to be able to have my signature frame made right there in house at The Building." - Morgan Long

For More info: fitbikeco.com | danscomp.com

Previous

Felix Prangenberg - Youth of Today Interview

When your Dad looks out for the cops while you get a clip...

Next

Cop Lag is Real

What does it take to get some Bone Deth VX clips for a DVD?

Related Content

Nrkjfj Xh67 Ihqdefault
Play Button

'F-it' Full Video

Flashback to Fit's first full-length...

2 Jan 2015
Dan Conway fullbike CM

Setups: Dan Conway and his FIT Savage

"Half the dudes on Fit are now riding one"

2 Jun 2015
Morgan-Long-Hood-Bird-Fit-Promo
Play Button

Fit - Morgan Long Hoodbird Frame Promo

All killer. No filler. Taking flight on the Hoodbird

14 Sep 2015
Jordan-Hango-bank-kickout-bmx-portugal-FM

Jordan Hango - Question Everything

Hangin' with a new Canadian Beast

12 Dec 2014
trick-fix-flow
Play Button

Trick Fix - Holy FIT - Flow Squad

Five clips from Long, Borio, Marino, Barrett, and Blair...

13 Feb 2015
HOLY FIT VAN STEW 1

VAN HOMAN HAS SAVED US AGAIN

Seven Facts About Van Homan’s Holy Fit and Criminal Mischief Sections You Probably Don’t Know

5 Sep 2014
Bengo-nosemanual-bmx-lisbon-FM

Photo Journal: FIT UK In Lisbon

Parting the water with FIT in Portugal...

8 Dec 2014
van-homan-holy-fit-screen-shot
Play Button

HOLY FIT Trailer

Fit continues their tradition of epic video releases...

5 Sep 2014
Brandon-Begin-Jordan-Hango-Morgan-Long-Justin-Spriet-Fit-BMX-Pro
Play Button

Welcome to FIT Pro video

Begin, Hango, Long, Spriet celebrate in style...

4 Feb 2015
https://en.khebikes.com/

Latest Content

0p8a Rbsb W Ehqdefault
Play Button

Backbone Mixtape 3

BMX AT ITS CORE

7 Oct 2024
M Gj Nit AU Bk Qhqdefault
Play Button

EMERGENCE - EDDIE BAUM

Lock up your rails!

6 Oct 2024
W6 Jxchnl HW Ahqdefault
Play Button

'BEFORE SUMMER' | DIG LOCALS

A BCN Mixtape

4 Oct 2024
0 N9 Qu6410 X Ahqdefault
Play Button
Ov Rhr0e Wcn Ehqdefault
Play Button

SWEDISH CROWD II - ARVIND BOLMSTRÖM

Scandinavia's Finest

3 Oct 2024
G 6tn IX0iwghqdefault
Play Button
7 JDY2w Hf RO Yhqdefault
Play Button

UKRAINE BMX DAY - 'RIDE TO GLORY'

Kyiv, Ukraine

2 Oct 2024
OO Jh Y Yu Ssc4hqdefault
Play Button

UNHEALTHY KREW - 'THE LOST TAPE'

DIG LOCALS

1 Oct 2024
Ouj2v EOU Qb4hqdefault
Play Button
Gp Gc4t K Yl Tghqdefault
Play Button

A Missouri Father And Son BMX Duo

Corey and Owen Bradley

1 Oct 2024
C Yw Yn A8 Jd74hqdefault
Play Button

The hidden trails paradise with the ultimate surprise challenge

More gold from the Substrata crew

1 Oct 2024
6u2 OWW7 Xw I Ihqdefault
Play Button

DIG Partner stores

More Dig This

SUNDAY Silvawave Frame 3 Q web

PRODUCT DROP: Brett Silva's signature SUNDAY 'SILVAWAVE' frame

"It was only a matter of time before Brett got to call the shots."

26 Sep 2024
Osomatsu 4

SETUPS - Kazuei "Osomatsu" Oimatsu - ALIVE INDUSTRY

A Ben Lewis signature frame stacked with Animal parts

12 Sep 2024
20240907 BOH 019 perris

BATTLE OF HASTINGS 2024 - Everything you need to know

Schedule, livestream links, highlights, results & more...

2 Sep 2024
Garrett ss24

SIMPLE SESSION 24 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Highlight videos, schedules, results and more

24 Aug 2024
Volume frames 2

PRODUCTIVITY - NEW VOLUME JASON WATTS & KRIS FOX FRAMES

Certified for roasting - THE SMOKO & THUNDERHOOF

6 Aug 2024
Efise leader results

WHO WON THE €22K at E-FISE 2024 WOLVERHAMPTON?

The results are in!

12 Jul 2024
Kink 2025 bikes

PRODUCT DROP - KINK 2025 BIKES

That New New!

12 Jul 2024
DSCF5547

MIKE MASTRONI AND THE STORY BEHIND THE 'TELOMERE' VIDEO

Backstories behind the clips

24 Jun 2024
X Games California 2023 Kevin 2

X Games Ventura 2024: BMX Preview

Who, what, where and when

15 May 2024
Hannah roberts dsc00340

X Games Debuts Women’s BMX Park at Ventura 2024

This year, X Games is adding Women’s BMX Park to the schedule, and Hannah Roberts is leading the charge.

10 May 2024
S1057107 2

MONSTER ENERGY 'CASH UP' 2024 SERIES ANNOUNCED

5 Jams - 5 Countries

25 Apr 2024
Nick wave

IN MEMORY - NICK COOMBES

A true renaissance man in every sense of the word

24 Apr 2024