5ive Points: Jared Porter

Introduced by Justin King…

I first met Jared while working at Serotta Custom Bicycles in Saratoga Springs NY, a few hours north of NYC, some time in 2002.  He was working in production and as part of the R&D team responsible for the design of what would come to be Serotta’s legendary Ottrott (a carbon tubed titanium-lugged frame.) Jared says ” We built the first frames and were shocked at the wonderful ride quality they had. From the prototypes, I developed the manufacturing processes for the Ottrott.” He was already a well-seasoned custom bike builder, and well on his way to becoming one of the most knowledgeable people in the business. Originally from Massachusetts, Jared graduated from art school at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. While studying art & photography, he worked at bike shops in Boston and then Merlin Metalworks.  He has since been the production manager at Serotta Custom Bicycles and worked for Vicious Cycles and Willits Brand Bicycles.  He’s now back in his home state, steering the production ship at Parlee Cycles as Operations Manager (in Beverly, MA.)  He’s also a contributing writer for Embrocation Cycling Journal. I feel fortunate to know Jared and we are grateful for his participation in our Q&A series, “5points.”

- Justin

NYC Velo: What bike do you ride?

Jared Porter: I ride my Willits Trail King as much as possible.
On road I ride my Serotta fixie or PARLEE Z1.  The one I’m most excited
about right now is a steel dirt road bike (looks like a cross bike but
with road bike geometry)that I just finished up.

NYCV: What’s your favorite ride?

JP:I really like D2R2, I grew up in Western Mass.
and have been on those back roads since I started riding bikes.

NYCV: What’s your favorite post-ride food?

JP: Beer and pickles

NYCV: What is one thing you always carry on a ride?

JP: First aid equipment, you
never know when you will need to have a safety break.

NYCV: What’s next?

JP: Well, winter is upon us, and I’m really looking forward to
teaching my son how to snowboard this year.