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Interviews Robbie Morales (A.K.A. Rob-O) needs no introduction. He has been a staple in the BMX industry for many years, and been behind many of the parts people have ridden over the years. Many people are un-aware of his riding and design history, true riding potential, and just plain ignorant of the man himself. Time to set the record straight. This is possibly the largest interview he has ever done, and it contains many questions straight from the people in our forum. - Sheepdog To skip to the Reader Submitted Questions, click here.
Before we start, for the young'uns... You're one of the longest lasting pro's in BMX. How about some back history on riding career. Many are un-aware of your past, and how long you have been riding, and been a pro. How about a quick history lesson. When did you start riding, racing, become pro, etc.. I started riding when I was 13. I was just a normal kid who rode around the neighborhood. My friend brought me to a BMX race and I was hooked. My parents were skeptical at first, but I rode every day, so then they got involved. I raced for 13 years and made it to AA pro. I won an amateur championship and had a few good years in pro. I always felt I was more of a rider than a racer, so now, that's what I do. A lot of people are ill informed as to your involvement with the creation of T1, what was your involvement, and how are things between you and them since your departure. My involvement in the early stages of T1, I feel were very important. I helped secure manufacturing and helped with the business side of things as much as I could. My relationship with Taj and Joe has never been better. When we do get to see each other it's always good times. And I always feel like they're my brothers. What other companies are you working with other than S&M? Right now, I've been riding for Primo for 8 years. I feel that it may be coming to an end, as I want to continue to expand Fit's product line with new parts and accessories. I also ride for Vans Shoes and travel and tour with them whenever I can. I've always been a part of Zoo York and the owner, Rodney has been a mentor of mine. I also ride for Dan's Comp. You've been involved in BMX at just about every level I can think of. From just a kid, to a racer, to a bigger kid and a road fool, from sponsored rider to company owner and now one of the industry leaders. Is riding still the same for you as when you were just that kid? Definitely. The reason I've done so many aspects of riding is to do just that- ride more. Your company is doing tremendously well, what do you think has been the key to Fit's success? A number of things. First off, the commitment from the team. The support of Chris Moeller and S&M employees and sales force. My wife Anne for photos and graphic help. From other interviews it seems you started Fit to help bring your frame (then the T1 Progression) to the masses. Clean, simple and light, it arguably helped spark the evolution of lighter, better-designed street and park frames. Did you realize then exactly how much progression the Series 1 would cause? I really feel it goes back to when I was working with Standard and we did the 125 and Trailboss models. I've always wanted my bike to be as simple as possible. I get frustrated sometimes when I hear kids saying Fit isn't an original company, meanwhile, they have no clue that the designs they accuse me of copying are mine anyway. The launch of the Series 2 continues the theme of progression. How have you improved on the Series 1? Basically, I listen to riders, mostly the team and figured out that we needed a smaller drop, and even lighter frame weight. What are your thoughts on a new industry BB standard - 'Spanish' BB? I'm currently testing a press fit bb right now. It works great, I just have to bang them back out and see how it holds up. You've also brought out a fairly comprehensive range of parts. What product are you most proud of? And is there anything that Fit DOESN'T have its name on!? I'm most proud of having a full product line as well as soft goods. It's funny; I've heard kids say I'm just trying to make money when I do a new product or something like the Fit jeans, although my whole goal is to provide riders with what they need. I got tons of requests for jeans, that's why they were made. We barely make money on them anyway because they get made in Los Angeles. You work closely with S&M to get your parts out there. What are the pros and cons of working with another company like this. Do you have any plans of going into production on your own? I don't believe there is any other building in BMX that could handle what we're doing with Fit. We give (pay) the riders so much that without S&M's involvement; it would be hard to continue. You also cater for the entry-level market with the Fit complete bikes. How is that venture working out? The whole reason for the Fit complete was that I was riding street one day at a school, and when I rolled up there were already 10 kids riding. 8 or 9 of them had Haro's and Specialized completes. They seemed pretty bummed and wanted a cooler bike. So that's why we made the Fit complete. We will have 4 new models of complete bikes out soon and I'm really psyched on them. Where do you see BMX going in the future? And where do you fit into that picture? How do you feel about its current direction? Right now, I think the future lies in the younger generation of riders. I believe Fit's involvement should be to help these riders figure out that there's more to riding than being sponsored and tricks. The media currently pushes tricks so much that once the average kid learns them, he thinks that's all he needs to turn pro. I think we should be trying to show the lifestyle side of BMX that way we keep people interested even if they can't do backflip tailwhips. There's so much to this, and it can be so good, we just need to concentrate on that. The Team has some of the most well respected names in BMX. Clearly you taught them everything they know, but how did you go about putting together such a crack team of peddlers together? First off, Mike Aitken committed to me when Fit was just an idea. He will be a part of Fit for as long as he wants and long after he's done riding. With Brian and Van, Schwinn had just shit the bed, and they really wanted to do something that gave them more freedom – I provided that. I knew Edwin was special from the first day we rode, and he's a big part of Fit now. Justin and Chase embody what I believe a Fit rider should be. And the flow team is the same way. Any plans for new additions to the Fit family? You'll be the first to know… The Team seems to travel around a lot. Have you got any advice for budding explorers? And where might the next vacation be headed? I've heard a little bit of negativity on the trip videos, and it just makes me laugh. I think a big part of BMX should be traveling, not what happens from one side of the ramp to the other. It's getting out there and experiencing new things. Having an open mind is my best advice. Australia seems to be calling us right now. What do you think about how BMX is today? What's the best and worst you see in it? The best thing is that it's an individual deal and you can make it what you want. The worst part is people being involved for the wrong reasons. If you could change one thing, what would it be? Get those people out of the sport. You recently expressed concern about how things keep getting more and more expensive and more focused on older riders, basically leaving the younger kids to go play with their Haro's. How do you feel about that and is Fit working towards correct that? Definitely, I believe the kid that has $200 should be able to ride a Fit and I don't care what some hardcore kid says. Not everyone can afford a $1000 bike. I don't care where it's made, as long as it's good. That's why we did the Logic series. It's made at Cycle Logic, the same factory that makes a bunch of other companies and do quality work. For $189, a kid can have a bike that looks good, will hold up and is affordable. If you could keep one thing constant in BMX, to never change, what would that be? Fun. Seriously, I like showing up places and seeing kids amped and sessioning. I never want the session to end. Anything you would like to say, thanks, shout outs, etc.. Mostly, I just want to say, before you make a harsh judgement on what Fit, I or the team does, slow down and think it through, or try to find out the answer from the horses mouth. You can e-mail me off the Fit website (www.fitbikeco.com). I will answer all questions I get. I have dedicated my life to BMX and stay committed and will continue to try and do cool things for riders and the company. Thank you everyone for the questions, hope this helps.
By slayed_demon - I've talked to some riders. We're going to come out with a shorter rear end soon. By xg43x - A lot of people criticize your company for not being original in product design. How much say do you have in product design when it comes to Taiwanese parts? When I hear this criticism, I laugh. Mostly because if newer riders knew my history, they would understand a lot more about the design work I've done in the past and do now. Very few companies have “original” designs. I've had major corporate companies tell me to my face that they've purchased Fit products and sent them overseas to be copied. You don't hear me crying. Why did you decide to do the Fit Logic frame? How does warranty go with the Taiwan version is it the same as the USA made frames? I did the Logic frame to be an affordable high-quality frame. As far as warranty, no matter the situation, we always help the rider in some way. I read in BMX Plus! that you are looking into a mini race frame. Why? The only person that races on your team is Brian Foster but he hasn't done any racing as of late. That was a bad joke, no mini race frame in the future for Fit. By Deadsy - Okay, here's the deal on the cranks. I've been riding for Primo for 8 years. The Primo cranks are copies of GT Powerseries which were a copy of SR cranks. Hence, the name, Powerbite. Like you're biting someone else's idea. I'm sorry if people think we copied Primo, but it happens all the time in BMX. How much can you change a crank design? If you have a good one, send it my way. The reason they cost a tad bit more is because we didn't get that many of them. Any pedals or brakes in the making? Hubs? Rims? Spokes? Headset cups? As far as new products, I will take my time and try and make a noticeable improvement on them. By KentB - Shit, I don't know why I suck so bad. Maybe we can hook up and you can help me get better. By Romanakis - Yes. Frames (except for the logic series), forks, bars, stems, sprockets are all made in the USA. Who else helps run Fit? S&M employees, my wife, the team and myself. When is the Fit Series 3 going to be out? We are testing out a press fit bottom bracket with a shorter rear end right now. Light products are the new trend; do you think this is good or bad? I think light products are good. I just think riders need to know that they may not last as long as a heavier product. You ever plan on making flatland frames? If we ever get into flatland, we will hire a guy who actually flatlands and knows what's up. Did the Series 1 come out the way you wanted it come out? Yes. On the original batch, there was one slight problem, but we have since fixed it. Do you ever plan on taking another team vacation like Barcelona and Puerto Rico, and put it on VHS and DVD? Yes. More trips are in the works. Should we plan on seeing a Series 3 in the future? Yes. It's in the works. Has Chase Hawk been earning his keep? Definitely. He just broke himself shooting photos for a Ride interview, but he'll be back on the bike soon. Have you designed any products that you didn't like, and thrown out? We have updated the seat post clamp, chain tensioner. Pretty much anything that gets stale, we update. Are all the Fit frames going to have the same design, just different modifications? The team lets me know what they want in a bike. So far they've all really liked the Series One and Two. Have you ever broken any of your own products? No. Which of Fit's products, is your favorite and why? Probably, my Series Two Aitken. Did the bridge gap hurt? Kind of. I got whiplash. By War_Pig I was inspired to start Fit because I was having problems finding manufacturing for T1. By bmx_ryan360 Good Question. Basically, the magazines and media push tricks like it's the end all be all to riding. Riders like me and you realize there's more to it. That's why we do it. None of the Fit team riders are picked solely on the tricks they do. It's more personality, attitude and style. By BMT Again, it's lack of history. Do you think having such a great and influential team of riders makes Fit what it is, as far as products and sales go? The team has definitely been instrumental in getting Fit where it is today. You were planning on doing the sewer gap thing again but you broke your foot while training/preparing for it. Now that you're back in health, are you going to try it again? I went over there, and they filled it in. I may try to find another one though. Where would Fit be if it weren't for Chris Moeller and S&M? It would just be a thought. By PURE_TEXMEX My biggest influence has been my parents. Also, Rodney Smith from Zoo York and Chris Moeller. I have learned a lot from those people. I have a blister on my thumb from a chain breaker- will you kiss it? No. Are you a trendy person? No. Did you really have a heath scare, with your cholesterol and how has that been going? No, I'm fine. The Atkins diet has been working. With your company how often do you ride? I work and ride every day. By MrFit We are currently updating the Homan with True temper tubing, chainstay brake mounts and gyro tabs. By bmx-kid We are currently working on a team video and will not stop until it's the way we want it. What do you think about the Spanish and FBM bottom brackets, and do you think that a standardized bottom bracket will take over in BMX, and if so which one do you think it should be? We're currently testing a press fit BB. I like it so far. My main goal is to offer a cheaper alternative to Euro. What would you say is Fit's biggest achievement? Being able to support a group of riders who make a living solely off of riding a bike and having a good time. Also, seeing ideas we have as a group come to life. By J.A.F. No. Your a big guy, how has the euro bb on your S-2 been holding up? I never had a problem with the Euro. Proper instillation and using the center spacer help. What's your view on Primo now that Greg Walsh is no longer running things? Without Greg, they are rebuilding and have hired Glenn Milligan to take over. He's doing a good job. I've heard a rumor that you might become the Primo team manager, is this true? No. They hired Glenn Milligan. What do you think of the tiny gear trend? I like it. It keeps pants out of the chain and it's lighter. Where were you on the night of Monday June 7th at 9 p.m? Getting ready to answer e-mails like this. By Paulie At S&M Bikes, they have been making frames for over 15 years. The closed gussets are how S&M makes frames. By Tim Tim, read the previous answers. All of my designs are my own in one way or another. History. By Ben133 BF doesn't run a gyro, so his signature bike doesn't have it. You should probably try running your seat lower. I asked the team and they told me so. By Dreadhead Alone one night it came to me. Can you explain the popularity of the Series frames? The Series One geometry is proven. It reflects the other frames I've designed, such as Standard 125, Trailboss, and T1 Progression, with some updates. Are you planning on making some hubs etc? Hubs are maybe in the works. How big of a difference is there between the Series frames and the Logic frame (strength wise)? Not much. Logic's are a tad bit heavier as we use straight gauge .049 chromoly. The Series frames have true temper, which is lighter. If there isn't too much difference, why should people buy the original frame? I believe and I know a large number of other people do to, that American made frames are of higher quality than frames made overseas. That's just my opinion. Also, the American made frames, some are signature frames, such as Edwin De La Rosa, Van Homan, Mike Aitken, etc. and by buying their model, you are supporting them. If the Logic is much weaker than the original frames, don't you think it's bad for you company's reputation? No. I think a kid that can only afford $200 should be able to ride a Fit. That is the correct price of a Taiwanese frame. By big_papa_nuts I think we just got better at figuring out what the exact dimension is. Moeller cooked up an accurate measuring device. By o0tbag0o I'm in no position to get another distributor. My goal is to grow Fit and help the S&M building and the employees and riders within it. By phat matt When I got to S&M to start Fit, the frames they had were the Sabbath, the Warpig, frames like that. I feel my bikes were distinctly different at the time. Plus, I believe both companies have totally different images, but both have high quality American made products. By 911bmx We're trying to figure that out right now. If so when will be out? We've been talking to BF and we're figuring out what he wants to do. By baticus Definitely. We were and still are very tight. They gave me their blessing and that's why I was able to leave. How is the Fit team, is it how you want it, and what improvements could you make to it? (Would this include adding Dave Mirra?) The team is everything that I want it to be. We all get along and have a great time traveling. I can't foresee Dave Mirra on the Fit team any time soon, although I respect him. Is Fit currently what you thought it would be? Where do you see Fit or yourself in 5 years? My goal with Fit is to continue to grow the brand, that way everyone involved can prosper. In 5 years, I hope to be doing more of what we're doing right now. By Cory Possibly. But it would have been a hell of a lot harder. Any plans for a Rob-o signature sleeveless shirt? We're still feeling the effects of the original sleeveless shirt that I came up with. My idea of a sleeveless hooded sweatshirt was also shot down by the S&M sales force. Is the upcoming video another trip video, or more of a traditional team video? We will probably take some trips and include the footage in the team video. That's what the team's working on right now, a full length video that will be long enough to satisfy. Still got the T1 tattoo? Of course. By Ignitor Since my race days and being into trail riding, I always liked the way my bike felt in that era. Being able to shed some weight and make my bike feel that way without sacrificing too much strength was something I was very interested in. Why don't you angle the brake bosses or cable guides? I think right now, the configuration we have with the seat stay mounts is very simple and clean. That's the way we like it. Do you whip your employees, and do you find it to increase or decrease their productivity and quality? No, I leave that up to Moeller. Are team members paid, or you just give them free parts? The A-Team members receive a monthly salary and product from Fit and what ever other support they need (travel, food, gas, etc.) The flow team receives product and monetary help whenever possible. What do you do that differentiates you from other companies? Basically, try to be an all around brand that is run by riders for riders. Also, do my best to give back to the team and riders who support Fit by trying to hook them up with what we can. If you don't believe me, ask one of them some time. By dunphy021 I like the way it looks. How come you care so much about looks to go with a hiddenset, the headtubes heavier and makes the whole system heavier anyway, and my friend crushed his bearings. The Fit frames use an internally machined head tube, which isn't any heavier. So far, everyone on the team that has a hiddenset is very happy with it. Why do your cranks suck so bad? I don't know, why don't you tell me? How come you put your logo on products that aren't yours? You're insane. I pay for that product, so it's mine. How much say do you have in all the Fit products? 100%. Why don't you just ride an S&M? Are you serious? Are you going to make tires like S&M does? Yes. Just like other bike companies make tires, because we need tires… By bluebmx You'll have to ask Mike Aitken that. By runnah Cut. dkrider34 I'm currently testing it. As well as Nate Moroshan. Do you plan on making a frame with small dropouts, internal headset and Spanish bb (basically a Series 2 Aitkin with Spanish)? That's the bike I'm testing right now. By alliancep.s.i The exact opposite of his. When I go back to Long Island, I ride a couple of sets of trails and ride with friends that I grew up with and basically have the time of my life. How has the Long Island (riding) scene evolved and changed since your early days? I've seen it go through many different stages, and I was disappointed, that when I tried to help younger riders, they looked at me like I was old school and didn't know what was up. Now, many of them have faded away, and that's the only bad part. The great thing though is, a new generation of newer riders has arose and this generation seems to care about riding the bike, and not the bullshit. What did you think of the Huntington Park-this questions stupid I'm just wondering? That park's awesome. And I'm sure next time I go back, the locals will have the place wired. By fatboy East coast trails and any city for street. By Steven Actually, I do. They always get caught in my chain. I know shorts are weird, but I think I rock them right. By STAndard63 Sounds like you're doing some market research. I will tell you this much, to get a frame made in America costs a lot more than you think, and you make a lot less profit than you think. By Niko Don't know. I'm still trying to find out. What's it like arguably having one of the best BMX teams out there right now? It's a handful. I do my best to make sure these guys have what they need, to do what they want. Tell Van his manual to tailwhip at metro was pretty good please. Will do. By ALEX_RAMONE Pretty good. I've lost 20 pounds and feel much better on my bike. By RideFour15 European bottom brackets are an upgrade from American Bottom brackets. That's why we have them on the S2. By brakeless :) I turned professional through racing. Once I stopped racing, I never really wanted to be called pro. I think that word is goofy. I'm a bike rider. By kronos No. But we will continue to find upgrades to the frame line. By charlieisgreat Ask Mcgoo. But at least you got a free lever. Oh, and how much do you like Fullerton over the Brookhurst Park or vice versa? Tough call. Fullerton's good when there's no skaters there…but that's rare. There's no skaters ever at Brookhurst. By Keeve Alright smartass, here's the deal. The seatpost is my design. We switched trading agents in Taiwan, and after we switched, our existing agent sold the seatpost I designed to 1664 without telling them that it was my design. These are things I wish kids wouldn't jump to conclusions on before they knew the deal. If you don't believe me, ask 1664. They distribute Fit products in Canada, and we all had a good laugh on this situation. I'm not mad at them, I hope they sell a bunch of seatposts to continue their business, as I also hope Fit sells a lot of seatposts to continue our business. As for Powerbites, I answered that question above. By hotdog hater It's a joint effort. I have my duties, and he has his. By momentum A really cool one. Are you thinking of any different designs for sprockets? Yes, we have a new light one that has the key logo cut out of it. It's also made out of 7075 aluminum. When are we going to see Fit hubs? I want to make sure they don't look like anyone else's hubs, so I don't get a bunch of kids saying I'm copying anyone else's hubs. (Sarcasm) When Fit makes a product, before it goes out, is it tested by the whole team? Yes. Particularly the rider who is most interested in the product. IE: Edwin tested the Edwin bars. Does Fit have anything original lined up like Macneil's seat and post, Macneil's fork etc? I honestly don't even like to look at what other companies are doing. My focus will remain on improving the products I have. Each year we've seen improvements on each product but when are we going to see a totally new stem design or frame or seat etc? A lot of times, some of the products overlap between Fit and S&M. I'm not going to do a front load stem, because that would be a redneck. We have a new light seat just about ready for release and again, I'm testing the press fit bb. By Flybiker |
