Q and A with Jason from Affinity Cycles

1. Name, Age, Occupation?
Jason Gallacher, 32, Founder of Affinity Cycles... kid for life

2. Were does Affinity Cycles live?
Brooklyn, and in my heart!

3. What is Jason riding these days?
Affinity, Affinity, Affinity, Affinity, San Rensho! I ride a medium Lo Pro, Kissena, Carbon 212, Steel 212, and a beautiful crapped up gold San Rensho in my size (55.5 top tube, 55 set tube). The parts vary, I change them up all of the time, that's the beauty of owning your own candy shop! Just as a side note, all medium Affinity frames are my size (I'm 5'11) and being that I design all affinity frames the medium will always be fit me perfectly. :)

4. Explain how Affinity Cycles was started?
I grew up in Boca FL as a kid, Born in Long Island NY but raised in FL. I'm a hick from South Florida who grew up BMX racing since I was 12. I raced nationally and was sponsored by shops and Cycle Craft and Bonzai Bikes out of Florida as a kid. I got into photography through BMX and went to NYC in 1996 for my BFA at SVA for Photography. I got back into cycling and started road and track racing in NYC and came up with the idea for Affinity, the rest is history...

5. Tell us about the new Affinity Cyclone.
The Cyclone is our new trick frame, I'd like to think we were at the helm of this trick scene. We hang out almost daily with John Prolly and the trick guys who made a lot of this happen. We're inspired by those guys, my BMX background, and of course track bikes. I've designed the Cyclone to be a good mix of all of those styles. If I had to reference one inspiration specifically it would be BMX. I'm an old school head, so I tried to give the Cyclone an old school BMX feel.

6. You grew up in South Florida riding BMX. How is riding in NYC compared to South Florida?
NYC is another world! I grew up dirt jumping on the edge of where the everglades started in South Florida. NYC is all street BMX and now track bike, trick, and messenger, with legit road and track racing. No BMX, I hope to change that maybe in the future, but I love road and track racing. Also NYC is my playground for tearing ass through the city, its so much fun!

7. Tell us a little bit about the Affinity Cycles Team. How is it going, and what's in store?
Wow, I'm so proud to have the Affinity squad. We have a tremendous team which consists of Pro track racers, future Olympians, messengers, and just hacks like my self. We have three current National Track champions with 5 stars and stripes titles. We also have four Olympic hopefuls for the 2012 London games in the track, and also sponsor the founders of this whole track bike/messenger scene. I'm very prod but mostly honored to be surrounded and support so many people whom I admire. Its definitely my MO to sponsor people and a team, its what happen to me when I was a young punk in love with BMX in Florida so I'll give it back as much as I can!

8. Beer of choice?
Wow, that's tough... I'd have to say Long Trail! I'm a snowboarder now and the Long Trial will guide you you! hahhahahahaha also give Bass and maybe the PBR's on a get drunk night. Good question!

9. What can we expect to see in the future from Affinity Cycles?
Original designed products and hopefully Olympians. I strive to make new original products which push the edge of the bicycle industry. I was fortunate to grow up around MCS, Cycle Craft, UGP, Bonzai, Hoffman, and the whole BMX industry become what it is. I come from original crazy boundary pushing mid set so I hope I can help create great innovative products in the future.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity for this interview, South Florida is my roots and I'm so grateful to have grown up in the sticks of Florida and have the upbringing that I had. Affinity comes from those roots and I hope that you guys dig Affinity and our products. We have a sick street and pro team and we've got some great projects and new ventures in the future. Thanks guys, keep it real in Florida!!!!