TJ Ellis Bike Check

FatTony

August 04 2009
12,107 views
17 comments

Name: TJ Ellis
Age: 23
Height: 5′11″
Weight: 164lbs
Location: Riverside County, CA
Sponsors: Sullen, Skeletal Metal, Vans, Ogio, Skullcandy

All photos by Fat.

Frame: Fit Dak
Fork: Fit Blade Light
Bars: Fit Sky Highs
Stem: Fit D.L.R
Grips: Original fit
Barends: éclat
Headset: FSA
Clamp: Built-in
Seatpost: Colony
Seat: Premium
Cranks: Fit
Sprocket: Fit DLS
Chain: Shadow
Brakes: Demolition Vulcan
Cable: SST
Brake Lever: Dia Compe Tech 77
Detangler: Odyssey
Front Tire: Fit FAF
Front Wheel: Fly bikes hub laced to a Sun Ringle rim.
Rear Tire: Fly Ruben
Rear Wheel: Shadow hub lace to Primo Balance rim.
Pedals: Fit Composite
Pegs: None, but when I do have them on, SNAFU.

12 ►

Modifications/Other/Extras:
Cut bars down to 27″, cut back axles down to be flush.

Which parts do you go through the most?
I like to change my forks and bars every couple of months. I go through pedals fast from either trying different ones out or just wearing them out.

Describe your bike setup and how you like your bike to feel…
My setup is pretty normal, just the way I like it to feel. I need my bars to be straight up and even with forks, I like my bike to ride smooth and have everything solid. I hate when my bike makes noise and has something lose on it.

What part are you most particular about or do you feel makes the biggest difference on your bike?
I need my bars to be straight. When there a bit twisted it makes everything feel weird.

Do you remember your first “real” BMX bike?
My first real BMX bike when I was doin’ tricks and wanting to learn more was a Huffy of some sort. It was chromed out, then I stepped up and I got a GT Bump, haha… Those were the days.

I know you ride ramps a good bit in addition to dirt, so do you ever run pegs?
I usually don’t run pegs, but when I do it’s just for like a week or so just to try something different and switch up things.

Why does a rider like you who won the first three contests of the year (FISE, ASA BMX Triples, and Warriors Of Wood) not have a bike sponsor?
I don’t really know, I don’t really force the issue of a bike sponsor on myself, I just ride.

For as much dirt as you ride, you have pretty park/street oriented tires, why not go knobby? And are you particular about the PSI you run?
I have run knobby tires before, but I like to ride the smooth tires. It feels good on both dirt and park.

17 Comments For This Post

Ryan Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

“I don’t really know, I don’t really force the issue of a bike sponsor on myself, I just ride.” Wow, all you lil “sponsor me” kids out there, pay attention.

Mike Theeker Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

TJ tears it up. Somebody sponsor this guy.

julien Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

sick bike for a great rider :> saw this guy at Fise he is definitely my favorite dirt rider

mistah fabb Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

bring back the old picture galleries they were a lot easier to use

gaby Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

i totally agree thank you

Glenn Lackey Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 7:39 pm

Fearless. Dialed. Not worried about a cooperate sponsorship. TJ should be an example of what riding should be..
When you start to worry about where your next mortgage payment is coming from or you’ve got to wear big goofy hats just to make your sponsors happy. You’ve now lost the roots of bmx. In the end.. its all about having fun riding.