Catching Up With Tyler Johnson

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Tyler Johnson. I was born in San Diego, CA and currently reside in WA.

How long have you been riding fixed and how long have you been into tricks?
I got into fixed gear riding for the trick aspect of it almost exactly 2 years ago. I saw the video of Keo from Cadence and it got me super stoked on it.

Are you talking about the ‘Introducing Keo’ video?
Yea probably. Its the one with the super gansta music. Before that I hadn’t really seen much in the way of track bikes or fixed gears.

That video is great. I think it was one of the first trick videos I saw too.
Yea it’s sick. He was so insanely ahead of his time. Well I guess thats obvious since he invented the tricks, and although we are moving more BMX, that style definitely paved the way for people to get into fixed gears. That and MASH.

Yeah, he’s pretty inspiring.
He’s definitely what got me into riding fixed, but I draw most of my inspiration from BMX. The opportunities for tricks are endless on BMX, and people are super creative. I’d say now BMX is what makes me want to get out and ride.

Do you ride BMX too?
When I get the chance. I dont have a bmx bike setup. I have some race parts and frame scattered in my garage. Mostly I just ride if Taylor Sizemore brings his out when we are riding.

What’s your bike set up like? I know you were running a 650 front forever, but from what I’ve seen floating around the internet, that may have changed.
I have the v1.5 with v2 fork. 700c Eero laced up to profile 3/8 hubs front and rear. I am running 35c tires, but just ordered 40cs. They should be here next week. Other than that its the same. I have a little wider bars now to help with drop impact.
Sounds like a really solid set up. Do you still commute on it?
Umm, sometimes if I want to shred on the way to work. Mostly I will ride my Sizemore so I can wear like something other than sneaker and jeans.

Makes sense.
Yeah its just easier. Less sweaty. Has gears.

So, are you working on any new tricks? How are those deathtrucks coming?
Not really working on anything new just enjoying riding around. Bike is setup for cmx now. Its a little harder to do the deathtruck. I haven’t really been trying to do them.

If I remember correctly, you went to Europe for The Revival?
Yes, it was the best experience of my life. Everyone over there is super cool, and there are a lot of young kids who are super pumped on it.

Awesome. Do you plan on doing any riding related traveling this year?
Yes, definitely. There are a few trips planned. Nothing is confirmed yet though. I am definitely hitting the next competition that is held. Well, the next one I am feeling. I had work and school so I couldn’t make it to Milwaukee.

Do you have anyone you want to holler at or thank?
I’d like to thank Leader, Profile Racing, Coal Headwear, HPLUSSON, all my buds in Seattle, and Wayne Morhart.