The Kink Perspective: An Interview with Zack Phillips
12-8-04

glideonk2

• December 08 2004
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The Kink Perspective: An Interview with Zack Phillips
Rochester, New York, may not be the first locale people associate with high-end BMX components, but perhaps it should be. Kink has been producing its top-notch frames and components in Rochester for years, and the company continues to develop items perfect for the hardcore BMX market. We spoke with Kink’s Zack Phillips to get his perspective on a variety of topics including Rochester, Blackout Distribution, and staying current on the newest trends in BMX.

Kink has a lot new products out, like the new frames, light bar ends, knee gaskets, and sprockets. How long have these been in the works? How did dealers respond at Interbike?
Our frames are always in the works. Whenever we do a batch we are testing different tubing specs. The sprocket was in the works for about four months. We made a lot of different prototypes to get it exactly the way we wanted it. It was one of the harder parts to keep quiet about because we were all so excited about it. The light bar ends were in the works for over a year. Over that time we made lots of prototypes and learned from each one to get the final product that we have available now. The knee gaskets took us about a year; we did about six prototypes. We needed to make sure that they fit right while protecting your knees when you fall. Our team, especially Rob Tibbs, was really involved in making them happen. Interbike seems to get busier and busier for us each year. There was a good buzz out on our new sprocket, which was great. Everyone wanted to pick it up and “when is it out was the most popular question.

When and why did you start Blackout Distribution?
We started Blackout nearly four years ago. Kink had been selling some other companies’ products like Props and ACS prior to beginning Blackout. The main reason was because we were getting asked for other products while we were on the phone. It just made sense to start carrying other quality companies’ products. Since we concentrate on BMX, we feel we are more knowledgeable on the phone about the products that we sell.

Kink has had one of the premiere ad placement spots in both Ride and BMX Business News for a number of years. How important is keeping that spot?
I think it is really important. Having the consistency of the back cover for so many years shows that we have been here and are going to be here for the long haul. It’s also very important to get the word out about new products we have. The few extra dollars we pay for the back cover also makes us stand out where other ads in the magazines can all blur together. The back cover of BMX Business News is also important to us to get the word out about new brands and new products that we carry. Since BBN is the premier BMX industry magazine, it helps dealers keep up to date with what we offer.

Kink is one of the few remaining companies to still manufacture products in the United States. First, do you see that as a strong selling point? And second, how hard is it to remain competitive price-wise with companies who are doing overseas manufacturing?
I definitely think both shop owners and customers look for and enjoy purchasing U.S.-made product. It’s good to know when you’re purchasing something U.S.-made and supporting your own country’s workforce. The discrepancy between U.S. and overseas parts is hardly there anymore. When we started to make sprockets we were the first over $30 sprocket on the market. Now U.S. and overseas parts are about the same price. It’s funny how ours has stayed the same price and others have raised their price. The only difference is really in frames, where there is about a $100 price difference. I truly believe that the additional $100 is worth the quality and tubing certifications that accompany all of our raw materials.

How many videos has Kink put out over the years? How important do you think videos are to a ccompany in BMX?
Next week we are releasing our second full-length DVD titled Cheap Thrills. I really feel that it is important to show our riders in their most comfortable position and have their true style show in their sections. A lot of times riders only see them in print magazines and in Props videos. A team video lets them be themselves.

Kink has been around long enough to see many trends come and go in BMX. How do you stay current with what the riders want?
The biggest asset to our company is our staff, including our team. Everyone here in-house is involved in BMX and travels to contests and visits and talks to bike shops everyday. We always have open ears and listen to the people we talk to. Our team is always traveling and meeting riders and getting their feedback. Between in-house people and our team, which we talk to on a daily basis, we get the feedback that drives Kink.

How do you think being located in Rochester, New York, affects your business?
There are lots of benefits to being in Rochester. Rochester has the third largest number of machine shops, which keeps our costs down and we can pass the savings on to everyone. That is one of the biggest reasons we have been able to keep our prices down. With us being outside of Southern California, it seems we can have fresh thinking about new ideas and are not be influenced by other companies.

Nearly your entire team has signature frames and you are doing limited runs of other team members. Why?
We have done some team frames in the past, but it seems that everyone involved likes the association between specific riders and frames. We have been doing limited runs of 100 frames for other riders on our team. So far we have done the Chris Arriaga “Anti frame and currently we have the Rob Tibbs frame. It’s really important to us to be able to give our guys exactly what they want, and let other riders also enjoy their frame and support our riders. It’s also a way for our riders to make some extra money.

Where do you see Kink and Blackout headed in five years?
Kink is going to continue to develop new products and continue to be a leader in the BMX marketplace. Blackout is continuing to grow every day. We are adding new brands and expanding our current line of products that we offer. Everyone here loves what they do and has a passion for what they do. I truly believe that is what got Kink and Blackout where it is today.