Q and A with Marty From Geekhouse Bikes!

1. Name, Age, Occupation?

Marty Walsh, 30, Framebuilder.

2. Were is Geekhouse Bikes operated?

Geekhouse Bikes is located in Allston, MA.

3. What are you riding these days?

I currently commute on a Geekhouse Rockcity. It's got a level top tube and curved seat tube. As for components- I'm currently using Sugino GLP Cranks on a locally made 3RRR Blingring Chain Ring. Chris King Headset. Our own Yo Marty Fork. Velocity to Formula black wheels black hubs black spokes. Specialized Alias seat. Hutchinson Tires and Knogs for safe night riding of course.

Today I finished my cross bike for our new Geekhouse Cyclocross team. Mine (and all of the cross bikes) came out fantastic and we are really looking forward to the season. We built the frames and the components are from our team sponsors SRAM, Thomson, and SDG.

4. Tell us about Geekhouse and the amazing bikes you build. How and when did it start?

Geekhouse actually started in 2004. I used to just design frames and then outsource the building. At first we were just offering hard tail mountain bikes. After a couple of years I decided that I wanted to build the frames myself, so I worked out an apprentice deal with Mike Flannigan from ANT Bike. I pretty much owe everything that Geekhouse has become from Mike F, we're still really good friends and talk often. So now we've been in the Boston shop for almost 2 years and I have a few guys working with me. Things are going really well and we have a ton of exciting stuff coming up in the future.

5. How is riding in Boston. Tell us about the local fixed gear scene, and that cold windy bay?

Riding in Boston has improved a lot over the years, but we still have a long way to go. The Mayor's office has appointed a bike 'czar' and we're seeing steady increase of bike lanes, and bike parking. It's pretty chilly here 5 months of the year, but it's nice having seasons and looking forward to something different.

6. What are you building and selling more of lately?
Our frame that sees the most interest is our flagship fixed gear frame the Rockcity. There are so many options for customization that people are able to take a very basic bike and personalize however they so choose. They have the option of level, sloped, or pursuit top tube in stock sizes and the curved seat tube (which is a hit) is available for only $75 more. People saw a lot of these at NAHBS and the corresponding press and the feverish interest hasn't slowed a bit.

7. Have you seen a growth in fixed gear frames over the last couple years?

Yes, definitely! I feel like in 2006 we used to know anyone who would ride by on a fixed gear. The community seemed a lot smaller than it does now. I feel like most of the events and party's we go to are still a descent sized group, but I swear a good 65% of the people I see on the streets are riding on fixed gears.

8. What is you favorite city to ride in? Why?

Boston. It's a little rough, but it's still home and I love it here!

9. What would you tell someone that is just starting the in the business of frame building?
I would say if you want to be a frame builder, firstly you need to love bicycles more that any thing else. The frame building business is a ton of work and effort for a very small amount of money. Also you need to have a good handle on every area of running a small business, including understanding accounting, marketing, as well as being handy when it comes to working with tools and machines. Running any small business requires that you wear a lot of hats. You can hire or outsource a lot of this too, but when it comes down to it you need a good handle on every aspect of your business. At least that's how I feel about it.

10. Boston is home to some delicious beers. Whats your favorite?

Obviously I only drink the beers that sponsor our cyclocross team! Pretty Things and Pabst Blue Ribbon...;) But seriously Pretty Things is hard to find, but one of my favorite higher end craft beers, and when I want to drink something on the cheap, then PBR and High Life are the way to go.

11. What can we expect to see from Geekhouse Bikes in the future?

Well we're working on other unique machined parts on the frames as well as a bunch of braze-on options and new sticker kits. We're also toying with the idea of doing some lugged work in the future.

12. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I'd just like to say that you can keep more up to date on what we're doing by checking out our flickr, facebook, and twitter. I update those as much as possible. Thanks guys!

Geekhouse Bikes makes some really awesome stuff. Check out their Flickr Page for a whole bunch of pictures. Some really cool shop pics are in there. Also there is a really sweet movie on their site check that out too.