pic by Laali

Torey is using his new-found free time to start a blog which he calls “WRAHW“; It’s pronounced “Raw” before you ask. One of his first features is an interview with Tyler Johnson. It’s pretty in-depth too so be sure you read it. I found this interesting in particular:

On your Myspace you have the statement, “I ride track bikes not 700CMX”. Do you think that the term 700CMX is odd? What would you name all of this, which we do, if you had the choice?

No that is just my little joke. I am not into the look of 700cmx bikes at all. I think that it is great that companies are taking an interest into our riding etc, but for me I do not want to ride a mtn bike that is fixed.. I think by now I have proven the extra beefiness is not truly needed. I ride an aluminum frame and carbon fork and I love it.

As for the term 700cmx I think it is ingenious. I also like the term fixed freestyle. It fits and makes sense.

I think that’s good and all man, but the main difference between the materials are their points of tolerance for catastrophic failure. Steel will crack and you’ll be able to tell in time to replace the frame or fork. Aluminum and Carbon fail catastrophically, giving no warning. All that stands between your face and the ground sometimes is a split second.

There’s a reason why BMXs aren’t made from Ti, Alloy or Carbon…

I’m personally blown away that your Trek has lasted you that long. That being said though, it seems like you’ve only recently begun to really leave the ground (although I can’t really say, since I’m just basing this comment off BLS and other footage) and that could have something to do with the cracked frame. As you and the sport progresses, I think we’ll see a switch to steel. Once you begin doing wallrides and big-ass 180’s off kickers, the materials will begin to fail.

Anyway, kind of a side-note. I think Tyler is one of the hardest riders out there and I’ll be interested to see how his future bikes hold up to his abuse. This post is in no way an attack at him because I’d love to be able to land some of the amazingly techy lines he pulls one day.

What do you guys think?

Keep ripping man and Torey, nice job!

Edit: Just realized I didn’t actually link your blog Torey, sorry!