Chris is the main man behind Infamous Designs based out of Hamilton. If you haven’t heard of Infamous Designs, head over to www.infamousdesigns.co.nz to check out New Zealand’s answer to Troy Lee. Chris has proven his skill with an airbrush gun many times over, with the likes of Justin Leov, Wyn Masters, Sarah Walker and many other Heavy Hitters turning to him for that all-important custom paint job. Chris can also handle pretty much anything with two wheels.
How old are you?
29 years young, haha!
Where do you live?
Hamilton, New Zealand.
What do you like best about living where you do?
It’s pretty central to a lot of places to go riding: Rotorua, Tauranga, Te Aroha, Auckland….
What do you dislike about living where you do?
No beaches!!!
How did you get involved in the mountain bike scene to begin with, and how long ago was that?
I started riding mountain bikes as cross training for motocross about 15 years ago, and since I’ve got no moto bike at the moment, it’s a good way to stay fit and just have fun with my fiance who I’m getting into riding.
What’s your ‘day’ job? What does it involve?
I’m a graphic designer. I custom paint helmets and make custom neck brace decals, shirt transfers, butt patches etc…..
What are five benefits of working with bikes all day every day?
– If it’s a passion, as long as you can keep it feeling that way it doesn’t feel like a “real” job!
– Keeping up to speed with the up and comers and getting to meet and work with them.
– Watching the progression of the sport, sometimes in amazement.
– Trying to come up with products and ideas for things that weren’t available when I was a kid.
– Things stay pretty fresh. Styles and products are always changing.
How would you describe your riding style?
Silky smooth. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast….
Favourite trail?
Anything with a bit of up and down, but let’s be honest, mostly down!!
What’s one thing you’ve learned in the last 10 years?
Work to live, not live to work…
What’s wrong with mountain biking?
Compared with moto, I’ve heard the top guys don’t get paid anywhere near as much, which if you’re trying to make a living out of racing can make it quite hard if you’re good enough but don’t have the financial backing.
What are three things right with mountain biking?
I think on the flipside of what I’ve just said about salaries/sponsorship for the top guys, I think if you’re determined and willing to travel, that side of things is a lot easier than say moto. You can just pack your bike into a travel case and chase your dreams to an extent. The other things I really like about MTB is that it’s a lot cheaper than moto and there are a lot more people involved in casual riding and riding spots in New Zealand. Moto tracks are getting harder to come by with places getting shut down due to noise, where it seems like with MTB that there are more and more places to ride.
Top two MTB developments in the last 10 years (bike park, part or whatever)?
Definitely more places to ride is huge, but the development of the bikes is unbelieveable, which means if you’re willing to push the limit you can do some pretty crazy shit on your bike.
All time favourite rider?
Steve Peat – he still rips nowadays!!
Top five favourite bits of MTB kit?
Custom painted helmet and neck brace. My Deft gloves (so comfortable), good cycle shorts (with good padding!!) and a riding jersey.
Who do you look up to?
Lance Armstrong; what he has overcome is amazing.
What are your vices?
Corona, pizza and peanut M&Ms (not all at once!) But I do love food, haha.
Finish this sentence: “On a Saturday I like to get up and….”
Feel thankful I’ve made it thru another work week and now it’s the weekend and time for some real fun!
