Yvan: I didn't really have any good offer sponsor wise from companies that I like, so instead of riding a bike that I don't like or riding for a company who don't give me what I think I deserve, I decided to start my own frame company. That way I can make the products that I always wanted to ride and promote the brand the way I want. I thought that would be a fun thing to do, I think the challenge is pretty interesting so I decided to take the risk and see how it goes. Is it something you've always wanted to do or do you see the moment right to start investing in a possible future in the bicycle industry?
Yvan: To be honest until about 6 months ago, that idea never crossed my mind, the idea came when I started talking to companies about sponsorship for 2013, that's when the idea started growing in my head, and after a little bit of time, the only bike I wanted to ride and promote was my own. What is different on your frame than anyone else's?
Yvan: I'am pretty sure it's one of the stiffest aluminum frames out there. I pretty much did what I was telling my past sponsors to do to improve their bikes, but they never did change anything. The frame is a little bit different looking with an ovalized top tube that looks really big from the side, but skinny from the top which is pretty cool.
Do you have any other parts coming out besides the frame?
Yvan: For now, the only thing beside frames will be the integrated chain tensioners, that will be available as an option for our frames. The frames will fit regular or our integrated chain tensioners. Maybe in the future I will make more products, but for now the focus is the frames.
Do you have international distribution lined up for 2013?
Yvan: I'am still working on it, but Royalty will be available in all the major countries in about a month. It will be possible to order the frames from all around the world by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Does running a company cost more time and energy than you anticipated when you started the program?
Yvan: Not really, I mean it takes time for sure, but I knew that, and I really enjoy doing it. I guess when it's your own thing you don't count the hours that you put into.
Do you have any riders lined up to ride your frame? Yvan: Renaud Blanc and myself will be the two team riders. There is also a couple of small teams that will be sponsored by Royalty BMX and will be using the frames for 2013
This time next year, how will your company look?
Yvan: I am hoping bigger. And I truly believe that promotion is everything for a brand, so I'am hoping to get a few more riders to ride my frames and promote the brand in different countries. I would also love to grow my distribution program and make it more efficient with having distributor in more countries.
Thanks to: The people that believed in my idea before I
started and told me to do it when I was doubting. Our team sponsors: Fly Racing, Tioga tires, Thomson, Stealth hubs, Hawk racing and Sun Rims for supporting the team and believing in the project from the beginning before they even saw anything from the brand, I really appreciate it. And thanks to fatbmx for this interview.Pics by Yvan Lapraz/Craig Dutton
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.