Q and A with Ace Metric

1. Name, Age, Occupation?
Michael Blackshaw, 28, Small Business Owner

2. Were is Ace Metric located?

Downtown Orlando, FL

3. What are you riding these days?

Currently an EAI Godzilla Frameset with some choice components and a single speed conversion with a really relaxed set up.

4. Tell us how Ace Metric was started?

Ace Metric was an idea that was tossed around for quite a while before it's actual incarnation. A few years ago my local riding buddies and I talked about starting a shop that would cater to the needs of a budding cycling community that weren't being met by other local bike shops. At the time, no one in our little crew had the means to do so. Then in October of 2007 I was hit by a motorist on my commute from my old job for which I received a small insurance settlement. I used the settlement to fund the start up- a real destruction/creation story.

5. Favorite place to ride?

I like playing in traffic.

6. Favorite beverage on a Friday night?
Anything but Yeager... been down that road.

7. Over the last 5 years, there has been a dramatic jump in the fixed gear community. What is your opinion on this?
I agree that there has been a dramatic jump in popularity and interest within the past five years but, I would also say that that there has been another big spike within the last 2 years in regards to fixed gear freestyle/700cmx... whatever you want to call it. I have mixed feelings with all of it. On the one hand, I'm never bummed about more and more people riding. For commuters, it's obviously a very green and fit thing to do and I think this country needs more of that. For tricksters, it's necessary for the sport to progress- similar to skateboarding. That leads me to my next point. We've already seen indicators of a corporate interjecture (i.e. shit completes being sold in Urban Outfitters/malls) and it would be a shame to see some of the same misfortunes occur with fixed cycling that have happened in the skateboarding industry. For example, my buddy Danny's shop Minor Skate Shop in Boynton Beach is shutting it's doors for good at the end of the month. Again, another segway... kids (of all ages) have to acknowledge that support of their local shop is critical and vital to the continuation of the sport at it's core. In the current economic climate, it's extremely difficult for any small business owner to be confident. I'm just trying to pull through and stay positive. Hopefully the increased interest and popularity of fixed cycling will help the perpetuation of Ace Metric.

8. What are the future plans for the shop?

In the very near future, Ace Metric will be moving to a much more centralized location. Even though the current location is less than a mile from the heart of Downtown, it's still off the beaten path a bit. Other than that, you can expect more alley cats, trick comps, parties, etc. There is also a freestyle "team" being developed so if you think you have skills, email me the link to your sponsor me video. ace.metric@gmail.com

9. When can we expect to see Ace Metric jerseys?
Jerseys will be down the road some time but artist series T shirts and other cycling inspired products are being finalized as we speak.

10. Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks very much for the interview and my love goes out to my South FL cycling family.