We here at Volume all love the behind the scenes of how and why things get made and named the way they do and especially the design process with a rider like DeMarcus Paul. DeMarcus is on top of his game and as you can see by his latest edit, he demands something strong and something that he can put trust in not to break under his riding. We got ahold of DeMarcus and got him to talk about why he named it War Horse and why he did certain design or color choices for production.
Lets start this thing off with the most common question; what made you go with the name War Horse?
When I was trying come up with a name for my frame I already had few names in mind but those names had already been used for something. I reached out to my friends, Matt and Bob who actually came up with the idea to call it the “Georgia War Horse” frame. After doing some research we realized that a “Georgia War Horse” is a grasshopper haha… We decided to take off the word Georgia and just go with “War Horse”as the frame name.
Do you think that captures your personality?
I don’t think the words “War Horse” really match my personality, haha. I do feel that it captures a side of me that Most other riders can relate to and that’s teaching yourself to be FEARLESS. I think of being fearless when I hear the words “War Horse”.
The War Horse frame has been a long time coming for you, what were some key features you really wanted and why?
I really just wanted to make something that could be easy to adapt to, and I didn’t want to get crazy with it.
How involved do you like to get in the design process of a product, do you consider yourself to be pretty laid back and can ride whatever or are you really concerned with every millimeter of a new product you ride?
I really do think that I’m laid back when it comes to design and specs. Growing up I had my bike setup so many different ways. Specs never crossed my mind, haha. Now I’m starting to really put more effort into the specs and the design of things.
You were already testing the frame for a bit and did a last minute chainstay change for production, what made you want to do that?
The frame came out exactly how I wanted it to but I decided to change the chainstay to 13″ slammed. I wanted to have a 21′ Top tube that gives you the space for barspins too. I went with the shorter chainstay to make it easier to manual and snap spins/whips.
Your bar and seat came into light fairly quick after we talked about a frame for you, what was the design process like for those? What made you go with camo on the seats?
At the time kids were into the camo seat thing and it was something we just felt would be right. The camo seats actually ended up going pretty good with the colors that we went with on the frames as well as the bars. I’m sure we will be doing something a little different in the near future.
” Every part plays a key role in how your bike functions, so I try not to overlook the small things.”
You’ve been rocking all sorts of PC pegs over the years and your new peg just kinda came about real quick and late on our order, can you talk about your new signature peg and how the testing process has been going for you?
The PC pegs are something I’m really hyped on! With PC pegs I think there’s always a gamble on if the plastic is strong enough to not rip away easy and soft enough to not shatter. I think we nailed it first go!
To you, what’s the most important part of a bike and why?
Actually, I feel equally the same about every part of my bike. Every part plays a key role in how your bike functions, so I try not to overlook the small things.
Now that you have a bit of signature products, what do you think of the design process and what is involved?
I think the design process can be a bit tough if you don’t know what you want. Approaching it with just a little bit of an idea will give you a bit of direction.
Your War Horse video has been in the works for a bit and I know you’re really concerned with what you get and how your tricks are done. Everything has to be just right, where does that mindset come from and what is your goal for what you put out there now?
Over the years of putting out videos it becomes easy to consistently put out repetitive content. I feel now that I’m in a better position I can focus on trying to film exact tricks at certain spots I feel works better for the trick. I used to just go to a spot and think of something to do. My approach now is to think it out and try to do the hardest thing that I can physically do at that moment, therefore I won’t feel like I’m just filming for nothing.
What are some of the first things you do when you’ve just built a new bike?
Well, after building it I usually try to jump straight into a trick that’s challenging to me. Usually this helps take my focus off of the small adjustments that might not feel the same as it did on the old bike.
What are you most particular about on your bike?
Handlebar position!
What’s your most memorable story or trick on this bike?
The Most Memorable thing that has happened on this bike. When I built up my first sample frame with my parts. I couldn’t believe that I actually have a bike with my name on it. I’m beyond thankful for that moment.
Is there anything else in the works that you can talk about?
Currently I’m working on an iTunes video with Christian Rigal that we’re almost done with. Also working on a “Likewise” DVD section and a skatepark video with Doeby.
“My approach now is to think it out and try to do the hardest thing that I can physically do at that moment, therefore I won’t feel like I’m just filming for nothing.”
DeMarcus Paul Bike Check
Sponsors: Volume Bikes, All Day BMX shop, Etnies and Pyradice
Frame: Volume DeMarcus Paul Sig. War Horse Frame in the Matte Rust 20.75
Bars: DeMarcus Paul Sig. War Horse Bars 9″ x 29″
Forks: Volume Broc Raiford Anchor V2 Forks
Grips: Volume VLM Flangeless Vex Grips
Stem: Volume VLM Top Load 50mm Reach Stem
Headset: Demolition V2 Integrated Headset
Front Tire: Volume Vader Tire 2.4
Rear Tire: Volume Vader Tire 2.4
Front Wheel: Demolition Ghost Hub/ Zero Rim
Rear Wheel: Demolition Rotator V2 Hub/ Zero Rim
Front Hub Guards: Demolition
Rear Hub Guards: Demolition
Chain: Shadow
Sprocket: Demolition Mugatu Splined Sprocket 28t
Pedals: Demolition Trooper Nylon Pedals
Cranks: Demolition Dennis Enarson Sig. Rig 24mm Cranks 170mm
Bottom Bracket: Demolition
Seat: Volume DeMarcus Paul Sig. War Horse in Black Camo
Seat Post: Demolition Pivotal Seat Post
Seat Clamp: Integrated
Pegs: Volume DeMarcus Paul Sig. Nylon Pegs 4.5″
Brakes or Shoes: shoes haha
DEMARCUS’ SIGNATURE PRODUCTS: