Luca Botte. The man behind Wolfbotts...
The amount of people who tag me in videos of Luca's through Facebook is wild crazy, its all good though because who doesn't like watching others have fun doing what they love?
Above is one of my favourite videos of Luca's, definitely watch it in HD!
Now start scrolling down, read the interview and enjoy.
Tell me about your first experience with fixed gear an was you hooked on the feeling?
Luca : I started riding fixed gears around 3 years ago as someone stole my city bike I used for commuting to work, I was forced to build the bike up with recycled parts 'home made'. I started to love the feeling of riding fixed gear, no brakes or gears just me and my legs in between the traffic and people everywhere! If you ride this the of bike, you understand!
52mm :
I couldn't agree more with you bro, we're cut from a different cloth for sure.
Has cycling always been a part of your life? I know Italians love cycling, right!?
Luca :
Kind of, me and the bike are 2 different things I only started to love it once I discovered the fixed gear world! Here in Italy we have a lot of people who love cycling, we have some historic brands like Cinelli, Bianchi, Colnago, Campagnolo, Pinarello etc.. Also great places to ride, so why not be a cyclist?!
52mm :
It really is something else isn't it, I find it super hard to explain how riding a fixed gear makes me feel! You're not wrong about Italy for sure some of the greatest cyclists and brands have been born there. Beautiful country!
Do you have any hero's or riders you're influenced by? If so who?
Luca :
Hmmm, I don't know! I started to explore the fixed gear world on Instagram and i've seen so many people do this... Obviously Chas Christiansen from MashSF everybody knows, I think he is the hero of this world for many of us.
52mm :
Oh for sure, the MashSF crew really have pushed boundaries in the fixed world but so has yourself and the Dafne Team! Also a big shot out to Alfred Bobe Jr, I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for him!
I've watched your personal Instagram @wolfbotts and @dafnefixed since I started riding, how did it all begin?
Luca :
I started riding alone, I live in a different city to the shop, but one day I needed new wheels found Dafne on the internet and its been love ever since then!
52mm :
That sounds very similar to myself and the local cycle shop, like a family with great bikes and coffee! Cheers Cycle Mode!
Favourite city / location to ride in the world?
Luca :
I spent some time in London in February to shoot for a short film, I liked it but I prefer Barcelona..
52mm :
London is such a bland city, it reminds me of when you accidentally get black paint in you white paint, you know that miserable colour it creates haha?
Your sponsors and supports are very impressive, I feel privileged to be a part of Paria! I can imagine what it feels like to be apart of @GoPro and @Cinelli, do they encourage your riding?
Luca :
Now me and my friends are supported by a lot of big brand and we are proud for this. Most people ride bike for race, competition and blablabla, we just ride for fun and Dafne Fixed is the new 'jackass' ahaha
We reached million of views doing some shit, but just for fun, and the "big brand" decided to support us! I'm not a pro rider, you don't have to be a pro to appear in front of sponsors, you must always be active and with new ideas :) My quote of life: He who hesitates is lost.
52mm :
I definitely think you've had a big impact personally and with the team! Which is great, progression is key to any part of life so good on you and keep it up. Anyways who doesn't enjoy a bit of Jackass, I certainly do!
Luca slipping and sliding as always.
Where on earth do you get your video ideas from, Seriously!?
Luca :
*laughs* Dafne fixed are a big family of 14-15 members! Sometimes we study for hours upon hours to plan a video! No I'm joking, *laughs*my friend Marco Poziello is the creator of most of the videos you may have seen!He'll think of something then two days later we've filmed it. If you have fun with your friends, you can conquer the world and we shall do this with views and views on our videos... words from the owner of Dafne Fixed
52mm :
He's a very smart guy Marco, the owner I met at Red hook crit in London he spotted me out in the crowd an then shouted to team to say hello to me 'Look its 52mm collective say hi' which was fun! So maybe one day I'll will conquer the world with Dafne and you Luca! Who knows!?
Last but not least, as a cycle public figure do you have any words for upcoming fixed gear riders?
Luca :
Oh yes follow me on Instagram I am Wolfbotts!! *laughs* Ok stop (s)kidding! In the cycling world we're all on the same level, do not be a hater we don't have any time for that! Share your passions with people who love it also and have FUN! Hope to see you all in Barcelona in September I shall be there for 10 days, catch you in the streets!
52mm :
*laughing* Great to interview someone with so much character Luca, really appreciate your time and words I hope they influence / inspire others out there riding fixed gear bikes! We'll catch up in the sun in Barcelona for sure, shoot some pictures and drink some beers... Take care until then brother!
Well there we have it, another successful interview with a character full of life Luca Botte. All I can say now is, go ride your damn bikes, have fun and one day maybe conquer the world with your best friends!
Peace out!
52mm Collective.