21 Aug 2015
Photos by Rob Dolecki
Continuing on with our #vanhomanweek, here's a look at Van's current bike setup, who continues to see no need in running plastic sliders nor having frequently-worn out shoe soles...
Frame: FIT Mike Aitken
Fork: FIT MKIII
Bars: FIT Vandlebars 9” rise
Grips: Duo Homan
Stem: FIT Aitken
Cranks: FIT Indent 24, 175mm
Pedals: FIT Mac metal sealed
Sprocket: FIT Key Drive, 28T
Seat: FIT tripod
Seat post: FIT tripod
Hubs: G-Sport Samian 9t driver
Pegs: G-Sport Van peg
Rims: G-Sport Birdcage
Brakes: Odyssey, with Odyssey Gyro
Lever: Dia-Compe Tech 77
Chain: Shadow Supreme
Tires: Duo, 2.35 front, 2.25 rear
Shoes: Almond Duke
Pants: Levi’s 501
Belt: River City Leather
Shirt: Dans Comp T with a Bell button-up
Hat: FIT
Helmet: Bell Full-flex
For more info: FIT I Dan's Comp
What was your last frame?
Dan Conway’s signature Savage frame.
Why did you change it up?
Conway’s frame gets the whips around real fast for street. I just wanted to something with a little bit longer back end for the summertime, with trail season coming up and riding more concrete parks.
How do you like the Mikey graphics?
I’m real psyched on them. Repping Mikey in general makes me feel good; he’s a good friend, and a really influential rider. It’s classic retro-inspired logos; this is the first time in a long time that I just left the stickers on my bike.
Anything stands out with this bike so far?
It just feels solid. With my frames in the past, I’ve always designed my bikes to be strong and fast, and this bike’s built the same.
Will there ever be another Homan signature frame?
There’s talk. No promises, but hopefully you’ll be seeing something soon.
Will there be another Jersey Devils brake bridge?
Definitely not; no gimmicks.
What’s up with the Vandlebars?
The Vandlebar is a classic geometry with modern-day height and not too wide, where you can get the bars around with out being stressed out about it.
What’s the story with your pegs?
They are just classic metal pegs. I like how metal pegs feel on metal rails and coping; I don’t really subscribe to the plastic peg thing. There’s definitely setups where I could see using plastic pegs, but it’s not really my thing. It just made sense to work with Gsport on doing a classic metal peg. Even if you are into plastic pegs, I feel there is a place for metal pegs in everyone’s collection.
Brakes, two metal pegs, and a cassette- do you almost feel part of an older generation at this point?
My setup obviously isn’t what the normal kid has these days. But it’s what I’ve always run, and don’t feel the need to switch it up. I’ve heard people having conversations about keeping up with what’s going on with BMX, etc. I enjoy riding and riding the setup I have. I don’t see any reason to change that up. I’m gonna do things my way, and if that’s not good enough to be a pro BMX’er, then it’s time to move on. If you’re trying to conform just for the sake of conforming, then that’s kind of embarrassing.
No this isn't the same bike; this was probably the last riding photo Van shot on his Savage, right before he put together his new Mikey frame. Vert wall carve at a secret Philly warehouse, courtesy of Keith Lockerby's wood shop.
