bmxultra.com: It’s been 5 years since
we last spoke to you. A lot has happened in that time. Travis
Turesson rode Clayborn at the X-Games BMX downhill. Barry Nobles
won the 17 & Over expert class at the UCI world championships
in Perth in 2003, he also went on through the A pro ranks and
nearly caused a big upset in the elite class at the 2006 NBL Grands
missing the win in the main by inches. Through those years the
Clayborn brand seems to have faded into the background a little,
was that because of the limited production levels you spoke about
in our last interview?
Richard: Yeah, that along with burn out and just plain
old work getting in to the way. We have been around for over 15
years and I will never close Clayborn down, but I was doing everything
and needed to back away.
bmxultra.com: How are Clayborn products any different
to those from other manufacturers?
Richard: As most say, a frame is a frame, but the Clayborn frame
is unique with the mini down tube, more then just our trade mark
front end, it severs a purpose. That little tube absorbs a lot
of the shock and stress if a rider cases. But other then that,
it is a 100% made in the USA race frame.
bmxultra.com: What is new for Clayborn?
Richard: A lot, with Barry working hard in AA, the near upset
is just the start, and the fact he is working with me at Clayborn
more closely, we are doing more and planning a lot more. Stu Harrison
has also been a great help is marketing and design work, plus
he is one heck of a number plate maker, HRP Deigns. Bill Madden
has been helping in the production area, which is a big help,
as well as bike design. Plus, the team is just great to work with,
Dayton Diorio and Dariann Diorio are the young guns on the team,
Thomas Harper is heading up the Vet Pro efforts, as well as Barry
Nobles doing it in AA Pro. We have picked up Team Moto Filler
to sponsor this season, along with Kovachi Wheels. There is just
so much going on here with the Clayborn Crew, it is very exciting.
bmxultra.com: What Clayborn products are available these
days?
Richard: Frames are changed up some, in fact, I had to take a
break from the interview to go unload the FedEx truck with even
more frames. We plan to do bars and stems later in the season
again, maybe even add a seat post this year. We have added a mini
to our line up that is rocking and changed the cruisers some what
to make them red hot on the track.
bmxultra.com: Did you go into production with the cromo
frames?
Richard: Yes and no, but expect to see something more on this
later this year.
bmxultra.com: Did you play with titanium?
Richard: Some what, but we will see if there is a market for it.
Litespeed is one of the best at making ti frames and they are
located 2 hours north from me, so I am thinking of seeing if they
can help in that area.
bmxultra.com: What countries are Clayborn available in
now?
Richard: Worldwide, you can get them through J&R Bicycles,
Kovachi Wheels, Team Moto Filler, and a soon to be announced deal
very close to where you are [Australia], plus any local bike shop
that wants to carry them can contact me. We are working with a
few other bike shops in the US who is wanting to carry them, but
if you can not locate them, email me, I will make sure you get
your hands on one.
bmxultra.com: How many frame sizes are available?
Richard: Pro XL, Pro, Expert, Junior, Mini in the twenty inch
sizes. In cruisers we have the Pro XL, Expert and Junior, be looking
for a Pro cruiser. All these are aluminum and come in either,
High Gloss White or High Gloss Black.
bmxultra.com: What are your plans for the future of Clayborn?
Richard: Not sure where to begin, I have recently gotten married
and my wife is awesome, she is so supportive of the Clayborn effort,
it has charged me up to go and do what we can, but with in our
means. Keeping the steady flow of product on hand is the key,
number 1 thing I am working on. We have the best welder out there
and that is a great help. We look to expand the product line and
get even more product across the world. Keep on doing what I originally
wanted to do is now in the plans for Clayborn. Keep your eyes
peeled and there will be more to come, even test done on the product
by the best BMX web site Down Under, bmxultra.com!!
For more information about Clayborn visit www.claybornbmx.com.
Interview by Shane Jenkins July 2007