What do you think separates your 2021 signature complete from previous years’ releases?

There are 3 bikes at 3 price points, and each have 3 aspects that have evolved which I’m hyped on. 1) Go ahead and “judge a book by its cover” this time around. Lol. Upon first glance the first difference is the paint/colors for this year. Each model has something that “pops” color-wise, especially in the sunlight. I’m really hyped on the silver/black shimmer the Team model has specifically. I’ve never seen a bike exactly like it. 2) Durability. From double wall rims to Power Series 22mm cranks, these bikes can take a beating. The Complete Story trips/videos we did (pre-Covid) were proof of that. Plus, they come stock with 4pc bars which are both tough and tough-looking. 3) Personality. The graphics on this year’s models are very special to me. We have the digital maps and transit theme, which perfectly fits my relentless spot hunting ways but there are a lot of little surprises hidden within the different portions of the maps/decals.

How similar is your personal bike to the latest high-end signature complete?

Well, I rode one for a few days & nearly forgot I was on a complete. That being said, It’s not far off. My personal bike has Real Steel pegs and I chop the bars down to 27” but other than that. It’s really similar. The quality and strength of these completes is unprecedented for the price.

How did the frame graphics come about?

I feel like a good amount of my “prep time” for riding is looking at digital maps and hunting for spots. I literally do it instead of watching TV or a movie or whatever. I love finding new spots and also just love exploring the city, country and globe in general. I feel like travel and exploration has taught me more about the world than any book, movie or class could ever teach me. Oh…and I’ve found some of world’s most ridiculous spots to ride along the way. There are some other jokes and cool personal bits hidden inside the map graphics as well.

Any specific signature parts on your complete that you’d like to elaborate on?

The seat for sure! Going along with the theme of the bikes and graphics I mentioned earlier, the seat is a map of the Chicago CTA train system (Chicago’s elevated train/subway system). It’s subtle but it’s embossed into the top of the seat cover. What most riders will notice, however, is the grippy/durable material and the fact that it’s perfect size/padding. I’ve been around long enough to see seats be both obnoxiously big and painfully skinny…I’d say right now is the “golden age” for seats. Haha!

It’s been a wild ride for almost the entire planet so far in 2020; how have you been coping?

It’s difficult to put 2020 into accurate, encompassing words…but I’ll say this: I’ve never been so thankful to ride a BMX bike. The isolation is something our society hasn’t endured before. Luckily with a phone and a bike, I always had a way to channel and cope with everything. I wish everyone had something positive they could focus on through this mess. I miss traveling. I miss jams. I miss contests. All of it. But I have my health so I am lucky and shouldn’t focus too much on what I miss but rather on what I currently have. Lots of love to my friends, family and the GT group chat to keep motivated, level-headed and positive.

Plans for the rest of the year?

If the rest of 2020 goes as planned, there will be several small road trips happening around the Midwest once it’s deemed safe. I’m also working on some video projects, some bigger, some smaller for the new GT BMX Freestyle YouTube channel. I’ve also been exploring some new parks and streets in the area which has been a bit of a blessing in disguise since traveling is impossible at the moment. I’ve found some absolute gems! Stuff that’s been there but Chicago is so huge and vast that it just never got discovered or appreciated. Off the bike, I’ve been working on a couple skatepark projects and another potential project to get more kids on BMX bikes. All of that will at least be in the beginning stages before years end. As summer begins to wane, I’m also excited for fall…aka Banger Season. That time of year to get stuff checked off your list before winter hits. We’ll see… after all it is still 2020. Haha!

KEY FEATURES

• GT 4pc. Bars

• BK Signature Pivotal

• High-end Metal Flake Finishes

BK Team Signature Spec:

Frame- 100% Cr-Mo Tubes, DT Gusset, MID BB, Seat Stay Mounted U-Brake, Integrated 1-1/8" H/T w/ Removable Rotor Tabs

Fork- 100% Cr-Mo 1pc. Threaded Steerer & Tapered Legs, 31mm Offset, 3/8" Axle Dropouts

Rims- Alloy Double Wall, 36h

Front Hub- Alloy Body, Sealed Bearings, 36h, 3/8" x 17mm Female Bolt

Rear Hub- Alloy Body, Sealed Bearings, Cr-Mo 14mm x 180mm Axle, 9T Free Coaster, 36h, 17mm Nut

Spokes- Stainless Steel, 14g

Pedals- GT Low Profile FS Platform Design

Tires- GT Pool 20 x 2.3"

Crankset- GT Power Series Seamless Tubular Cr- Mo 3pc., 170mm Arms, Cold Forged CR-MO 22mm x 48T Spline Spindle, GT 5mm 25T Alloy Chainwheel

Bottom Bracket- MID Sealed Bearing

Chain- KMC HL1 Wide

Rear Cogs- 9T 1pc. Driver

Handlebar- GT Freestyle 4pc. 100% Cr-Mo, 9.125"H x 29"W, 5° Up, 9° Back

Grips- GT Super Soft Flanged 155mm Single Compound w/ GT Removable Plug

Stem- GT Top Load, 1-1/8", Cold Forged Cap, 32mm Rise 50mm

Headset- 1 1/8" Integrated Design, 45X45 Degree Sealed Bearings

Brakes- Odyssey Springfield U-Brake

Brake- Levers Alloy Hinged U-Type

Saddle- GT BK Signature Pivotal

Seat Post- Alloy Pivotal 25.4 X 200mm

BK Team Comp Spec:

Frame- Cr-Mo Front Tri (T/T, D/T, S/T), & Chainstays, DT Gusset, MID BB , Seat Stay U-Brake, Integrated 1-1/8" H/T w/ Removable Rotor Tabs

Fork- Cr-Mo 1pc. Threaded Steerer & Tapered Legs, 31mm OffSet, 3/8" Axle Dropouts

Rims- Alloy Double Wall, 36h

Front Hub- Alloy Body, Sealed Bearings, 36h, 3/8" x 17mm Female Bolt

Rear Hub- Alloy Body, 5pcs Sealed Bearings, Cr-Mo 14mm x 165mm Axle, 9T Cassette, 36h, 17mm Nut

Spokes- Stainless Steel, 14g

Pedals- GT Low Profile FS Platform Design

Tires- GT LP-5, 20 x 2.35"

Crankset- GT Power Series Cr-Mo 3pc., 170mm Arms, 19mm x 8T Cr-Mo Spindle, GT 25T Steel Chainwheel Bottom Bracket MID Sealed Bearing

Chain- KMC Z410

Rear Cogs- 9T 1pc. Driver

Handlebar- GT Freestyle 4pc. 100% Cr-Mo, 9.125"H x 29"W, 5° Up, 9° Back

Grips- GT Super Soft 155mm Single Compound w/o Flange w/ GT Removable Plug

Stem- GT Top Load, 1-1/8", Cold Forged Cap, 32mm Rise, 50mm

Headset- 1 1/8" Integrated Design, 45X45 Degree Sealed Bearings

Brakes- Aluminum U-Brake w/ Soft Compound Pad

Brake Levers- Alloy Hinged U-type

Saddle- GT BK Signature Pivotal Seat Post- Alloy Pivotal 25.4 x 200mm

MORE INFO

What do you think separates your 2021 signature complete from previous years’ releases?

This time around we got some wild color combos! We have a new tri-color fade that I’m diggin’ on the signature series. Also, that same bike is coming with a pad set for a little extra swag, I’ve been running the top tube pad and I love the way my bike looks with it. Also helps out from time to time on Smith hard 180s haha. All and all, These fuckers are tough and can be put to the test (go peep complete story 1 AND 2 ). The bikes are rad and designed for riders on the tall side. The sig series comes in 21.25 and the comps are 21. I am pumped to see these bad boys in the wild!

How similar is your personal bike to the latest high-end signature complete?

They are set up almost the same, as I was saying before in the above question. That’s one thing I really love about these bikes, they are designed with our true bikes in mind! There is a difference though. I am currently running a sample two-piece bar, which I can’t leak too much at the moment but be on the lookout soon!

How did the frame graphics come about?

Just bounced different ideas with “you know” of old motorcycle decals and pin stripes, previous StinkPit logos and stickers, and old metal album covers.

Any specific signature parts on your complete that you’d like to elaborate on?

I’m hyped on my seat! It’s cool to see the down tube decal laid out flat. You really get the motorcycle vibe looking at it that way.

Any other signature goods coming out?

Haha I guess I really jumped the gun on that other question! Haha but yes, we got a taller 2-piece bar in the works, I’ve been running them for a minute now and so far so good! They feel solid and feel super nice for x grinds and barspins! And my back is happy too! Haha!

It’s been a wild ride for almost the entire planet so far in 2020; how have you been coping?

Hell yeah it has... we could go on and on about that.... but let’s keep it BMX! I’ve actually been holding up good, I recently moved into a new spot where I share a driveway with my landlord who’s been a close homie of mine for years and rides BMX! So, we got the drive loaded with ramps and grindables to keep on keeping on! Haha. So I been keeping it chill and fun at the house and occasionally getting out and handling business with some of the StinkPit dudes.

Any kind of plans for the rest of the year?

Just taking it day by day, getting out where I can, when I can, you know? I’m trying to stay positive and motivated and just ride this shit out. And take on any type of plan with some precaution and do my part to help the situation be easy and feel good.

KEY FEATURES

• GT 4pc. Bars

• Conway Embossed Pivotal

• 3pc. Embossed Pad Set on Team Signature

Conway Team Signature Spec:

Frame- 100% Cr-Mo Tubes, DT Gusset, MID BB, Seat Stay Mounted U-Brake, Integrated 1-1/8" H/T w/ Removable Rotor Tabs

Fork- 100% Cr-Mo 1pc. Threaded Steerer & Tapered Legs, 31mm Offset, 3/8" Axle Dropouts

Rims- Alloy Double Wall, 36h

Front Hub- Alloy Body, Sealed Bearings, 36h, 3/8" x 17mm Female Bolt

Rear Hub - Alloy Body, 5pc. Sealed Bearings, Cr-Mo 14mm x 165mm Axle, 9T Cassette, 36h, 17mm Nut

Spokes- Stainless Steel, 14g

Pedals- GT Low Profile FS Platform Design

Tires- GT LP-5 20 x (F)2.2" ( R ) 2.35

Crankset- GT Power Series Seamless Tubular Cr-Mo 3pc., 170mm Arms, Cold Forged CR-MO 22mm x 48T Spline Spindle, GT 5mm 25T Alloy Chainwheel

Bottom Bracket- MID Sealed Bearing

Chain- KMC HL1 Wide

Rear CogS- 9T 1pc. Driver

Handlebar- GT Freestyle 4pc. 100% Cr-Mo, 9.875"H x 29"W, 5° Up, 9° Back

Grips- GT Super Soft Flanged 155mm Single Compound w/ GT Removable Plug

Stem- GT Top Load, 1-1/8", Cold Forged Cap, 32mm Rise 50mm

Headset- 1 1/8" Integrated Design, 45X45 Degree Sealed Bearings

Brakes- Odyssey Springfield U-Brake

Brake Levers- Alloy Hinged U-Type

Saddle- GT Pivotal Padded

Seat Post- Alloy Pivotal 25.4 X 200mm

MORE INFO

What do you think separates your 2021 signature complete from previous years’ releases?

The 2021 versions of my completes have minor updates and keeps the same vibe as the previous year.

How similar is your personal bike to the latest high-end signature complete?

My personal bike is pretty similar to the Mercado Team Comp. I could easily switch between both bikes without noticing much of a difference. I even take my complete out from time to time to switch it up. I have one set up without pegs and it’s been a blast.

How did the frame graphics come about?

I really am a big fan of early 90’s graphics. This was inspired by that era 100% and I’m stoked on the whole way it flows together throughout the complete.

It’s been a wild ride for almost the entire planet so far in 2020; how have you been coping?

2020 hit me pretty hard mentally. I’m currently battling off some heavy anxiety. This is the first time this has happened in my life, so I was caught off guard. This is a tricky problem, but I think I’m coming around. I’m still finding different ways to cope every day.

Any kind of plans for the rest of the year?

The plans for the rest of the year are really up in the air. I’m slowly chipping away at a video project and just trying to ride this year out while staying as productive as possible.

KEY FEATURES

• GT 2pc. Bars

• Mercado New Wave Pivotal

• New Wave Frame Graphics

Mercado Team Comp Spec:

Frame- Cr-Mo Front Tri (T/T, D/T, S/T), & Chainstays, DT Gusset, MID BB , Seat Stay U-Brake, Integrated 1-1/8" H/T w/ Removable Rotor Tab

Fork- Cr-Mo 1pc. Threaded Steerer & Tapered Legs, 31mm OffSet, 3/8" Axle Dropouts

Rims- Alloy Double Wall, 36h

Front Hub- Alloy Body, Sealed Bearings, 36h, 3/8" x 17mm Female Bolt

Rear Hub- Alloy Body, 5pcs Sealed Bearings, Cr-Mo 14mm x 165mm Axle, 9T Cassette, 36h, 17mm Nut

Spokes- Stainless Steel, 14g

Tires- GT LP-5, 20 x 2.35"

Pedals- "GT Low Profile FS Platform Design"

Crankset- GT Power Series Cr-Mo 3pc., 170mm Arms, 19mm x 8T Cr-Mo Spindle, GT 25T Steel Chainwheel

Bottom Bracket- MID Sealed Bearing

Chain- KMC Z410

Rear Cogs- 9T 1pc. Driver

Handlebar- "GT Freestyle 2pc. 100% Cr-Mo, 9""H x 29""W, 3° Up, 11° Back"

Grips- GT Super Soft 155mm Single Compound w/o Flange w/ GT Removable Plug

Stem- GT Top Load, 1-1/8", Cold Forged Cap, 32mm Rise, 50mm

Headset- 1 1/8" Integrated Design, 45X45 Degree Sealed Bearings

Brakes- Aluminum U-Brake w/ Soft Compound Pads

Brake Levers- Alloy Hinged U-type

Saddle- "GT Pivotal Padded"

Seat Post- Alloy Pivotal 25.4 x 200mm

MORE INFO