5ive Points: Matt Simpson of Pedros

Just in time for the Pedros Shop Ride next Friday (June 10), el prez Matt Simpson is the latest 5ive Points subject. As steerer of the Pedros ship, Matt is part of one of the most influential little big companies in the bike biz, appropriately from our home (New England at least) turf outside Boston, Mass. Matt was recently at NYC Velo as an integral part of Tim Johnson’s Ride on Washington in March, yet again leveraging his time, his company, for sake of cyclists everywhere. He’ll again be visiting the shop next week as part of the Pedros riding crew – come along on the ride and see what Matt’s all about!

NYC Velo: What bike do you ride?

Matt Simpson: Form & function. I ride a custom steel Zanconato CX bike designed by friend & superb frame builder Mike Zanconato of Massachusetts. His attention to detail and care for the custom build is flawless. Steel lugged CX frame, painted by the great crew at Circle A (subtle black/pink).

Also, an I.F. ti-planet X ‘Binary Code’ (as featured in their 2011 catalog). Custom built & designed by ex-Pro racer Justin Spinelli of Luxe Wheelworks (former Svelte Cycles). The binary paint scheme is insane. I left the design to Justin and he pulled it off as only J-Spin could.

And of course the Chris King Cielo CX bike (steel), custom Pedro’s CX team painted scheme. Designed by Jay Sycip and the crew at Chris King, this Cielo is likely one of the most admried bikes in 2010, wait till you see the 2011 version (shown at NAHBS 2011).

NYCV: What’s your favorite ride?

MS: Morgan Territory California has some of the nicest rides I have done but hard to top Mt. Lemmon in Tucson, or Mt. Diablo outside of Walnut Creek, CA. I live in New Hampshire, and out my door have some of the most amazing country roads to ride in & out of Hollis, Keene, NH, but the rides aforementioned kind of rule. Can’t rule out Harrisonburg, VA either, skyline drive……

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

MS: Coffee & pastries, can’t lie. Coffee is the salt of the earth. French style pastries, simple, and solid.

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

MS: Money & ID. Above all (yes I use saddle bag with appropriate etiquette items); money for mid-ride coffee, and ID for obvious reasons. Subscriber to the Matt Roy 6 P’s. (Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss-poor Performance)

NYCV: What’s next?

MS: Wow. Just got back from the Tim Johnson Ride on Washington and getting my feet back on the ground. If anyone has not heard about the TJ & Bikes Belong ride on Washington, I hope they are appreciative of what TJ, Richard Fries & Bikes Belong are doing to help us all, our families & communities.

So many cool projects (growth) going on at Pedro’s (to be announced by mid-summer). Managing a few side projects with industry friends (also tba very soon); and managing to be a good husband, friend & father to 4 young daughters. Our restated commitment to grassroots & advocacy within our community will bring sustainable infrastructure and opportunities to a new group of Pedro’s fans. Stay tuned…