Michael Beran is from the Czech Republic. 34R, the bike company, it sfrom the Czech Republic. It's good to see that the two are working together. Michael has got some signature parts out right now so we fired over some questions to fine out all about it.
How long have you been riding for 34R? Michael: Officaly I ride for 34R BMX company since 2010 but we know and cooperate for a long time, since I started to ride bmx.
How does it feel to be asked to design a signature part? Michael: It was my dream since I was a kid to have my signatrue frame, just how I really would like it to be!
Do you give it some extra effort because your name is on it? Michael: It was a long way to make the final frame different
to others. We had many meetings about geometry and the brake system and we decided to focus on details.
What signature parts do you have right now? Michael: BERTO Bars 8.8, BERTO Frame 21'' and the BERTO seat with stitched 34R BERTO logo
What’s special about the frame? Michael: Frame comes in two versions - brake (whole brake system is welded on frame) and brakeless (clean tubing without any holes and brake stuff). All ideas came from riding. We tried to improve everything that I don't like on other frames. For example I always kick out removable brake stop so on 34R Berto frame all brake stuff is welded (brake stop, gyro tabs, brake pivots = it's called Clito system). Another great idea is that you put cables directly to welded gyro tabs which are made on CNC so you don't need any cable ends and adjustable bolts. This frame is made for two cables. Cables are perfectly hidden because the brake stop is moved to the back. It makes shorter wires. You don't need to tag cables to the frame because there are welded cable holders. I put on paper my geometry what I would like to have: high seat post (seat tube has offset so you have more space betweet seat and bars for tricks), low bottom bracket, short chainstay and steep headtube angle (75,5° - its great for
nose manuals, footjams and tailwhips). Dropouts are laser cut and CNC lightweigt. Bridge shape is based on Brake arms so it covers the brake. I really like the gussets with embossed BERTO logo.
Do you like to ride tall bars? Michael: I'm a tall rider, so I need to have higher bars to be less bent while riding, love them!
Where can people find the products? Michael: Check 34R website - www.34r.cz where you can find the distributors list from the whole world. Of course don't forget to check Facebook and Insty :)