Buffalo Rider Spotlight: Roy Draves

What part of the city are you from and how old are you?

Roy: From Love Joy and 17.

Favorite part of the city to ride in?
Roy: I like the Eastside, High St. There's a lot of really fun hills. I like to pretend I am in Mash all day everyday.

How is your bike set up?
Roy: It's so shitty. 54cm Windsor Clockwork decked out with reflective tape over the logos with Soma dropbars. Drops all the way. Oury grips on top. Some Alex wheels. Stem is a nub thing. Half the stuff on my bike doesn't have a name on it. My ratio is 48:17

What's the best moment you had while riding?
Roy: Riding to Niagara Falls with Billy. It was a really pleasant day. There was a great energy to it. I woke up with a smile on my face and went to sleep with a smile on my face. It is 56 miles round trip from my house. The feeling the next day was great. It gave me the confidence to realize 20 miles isn't so bad.

Did you ride before riding fixed?
Roy: Yeah, I started riding on a blue road bike when I was 14. I have been riding fixed for 2 and a half years now. I used to hate fixed gears. I hated the way it felt, but then Landon and Billy got them. I gave it more of a shot and I like how much more control I have. I think more with my feet than my hands now.

How do you feel about riding through Buffalo winters?
Roy: Everyone should try it once. If you have somewhere to be don't let it stop you from getting there. Just dress right . I ride my bike how it is set up during the summer same as winter. 700cx23 with crappy Gatorskins.

Who or what inspired you to ride?
Roy: Originally it was drive to get out and see things. Its the best way to clear your head and think. Then it snowballed from there.

What do you listen to while you ride?
Roy: Pop punk or Paramore. A lot of Paramore or when I am tired more ambient music. Usually I ride to the music.

Do you feel safe riding fixed brakeless?
Roy: I feel like I have complete control. I can stop as quick as anyone with a brake. I love the focus it brings. It also comes with the control factor, but it's control you have to gain.

How do you rate Buffalo for riding?
Roy: Considering I have never ridden anywhere else I give it an 8/10. I like the community.

What are you looking forward to most?
Roy: Fall. Wearing a hoodie. Oh and a new bike. A Norco track frame.

What is your favorite part about the Buffalo bike scene?
Roy: Everyone knows everyone.