Who is PDC?
PDC Racing is a rider owned company. I’m
here because I love creating new innovative products and
seeing the positive results, both from my customer’s
feedback and on race results.
We’re growing as each year passes but I never forget
why I’m here, it’s all about the customers.
When did you get started?
PDC Racing as a concept was started in 1999.
The first DH-One prototypes were produced in 2001, and
the first frames sold in 2002. It was a slow startup,
but looking back I’m glad that things progressed
slowly.
What role did the internet play in allowing
you to start your company?
The internet is huge. It was a key tool
for us, allowing us to reach a global customer base without
enormous financial strain. Also the internet makes inquiries
for customers easier and cheaper, I can’t imagine
what a phone call halfway across the world would cost
just for some basic questions - email is great that
way. Public forums are also a great way to get in touch
with customers and answer questions. I think the customers
like seeing vendors perusing the forums; it lets them
know were in touch with their needs.
What was the hardest part about starting
the company?
Hardest…probably simply financing
the startup. There are some steep learning curves,
But no matter what bumps I’ve ran into, I’ve
learned from them. I love what I do and I wouldn’t
trade it for anything.
Is the new ‘freeride’ design
an attempt to simplify the dh frame, or do you still plan
on producing the dh-one?
The DH-One is still alive and well. The
FR frame was never designed to replace the DH-One, it
was added to the lineup to satisfy the needs of a different
type of rider. The FR is a more versatile design, and
fits the bill for a broader base of user. You are correct
in your assumption that it is also a very capable downhill
platform, so I can see where you’re coming from.
The DH-One is a full bore World Cup class racing bike
and will remain and evolve in the lineup as one of the
most advanced downhill bikes available to the public.
Do you think that your new freeride design,
and its total adjustability for travel, leads the pack
in terms of providing a platform for riders to completely
build a bike to suit their style?
I’ve never seen another frame that
allows the customer to choose between 4.5” and 8.25”
of travel, and retain correct geometry and performance
characteristics throughout that range. I would say that
is the basic definition of leading the pack
How have you found people’s response
to discovering how young you guys are? Has this hindered
you in anyway?
I haven’t heard any negative comments
regarding my age in at least 3 or 4 years. Some people
are pleasantly surprised that I started younger than most,
but it hasn’t been an issue at all. The only problems
I’ve ran into are legal, due to ownership and operations
when I was underage, which is no longer an issue. I think
age means nothing; maturity and experience are what ultimately
matters. For those who aren’t aware I’m 20.
How do you see your company developing over
the next few years, do you have some specific goals you’d
like to achieve?
My goals surround streamlining everything
now that I have a complete product line. I’m at
the point where operations are getting settled in, and
there aren’t any huge surprises. I like that, it
gives me more time to work on products and chat with customers.
How was Interbike for PDC this year compared
to last?
100 times better, I came with a full product
line and wasn’t stuck in the BMX zone.
How long is the process from design to prototype
to production? How many incarnations does a frame go through
before you arrive at the final design?
With the new facility in Vancouver things
are really streamlined with producing new products. Usually
once the drawings are finalized a prototype can be completed
in less than 4 weeks, and that’s amidst full products.
It’s very impressive; they work very, very hard.
After a prototype is completed a significant amount of
testing must be done, so the gap between prototype and
production varies on each product. The Hardtail had only
1 change from prototype to production, while the FR frame
saw a few more. Full suspension frames generally take
more tweaking as there is 10 times the complexity.
Are you ever 100% satisfied with a final
design or is it constantly a process of tweaking things
a bit?
I won’t go to production unless I’m
100% happy with the product. That said sometimes an idea
will pop up after the fact, but that’s nothing more
than an improvement on an already great product.
Where would we find the PDC riding most
of the time, do you have any specific influences that
have affected your frame designs?
I ride in and around the lower mainland
and Vancouver Island of BC. Whister is on of my favorite
locations for me. We run into a lot of maintenance issues
with bikes around here, so I would definitely say that
durability and longevity are strongly incorporated into
my designs.
Anyone you’d like to say thanks to?
That list is just way too long. How about
a shout out to everyone who’s supported me along
the way, I couldn’t have done it without you! I’d
also really like to thank my customers; I wouldn’t
be here without you. That really sounded like an Oscar
acceptance speech…oh well…
Back! Back
i say!