Sky Yaeger has made his mark on the bicycle world since the 1970s. His years at Bianchi brought us industry-shattering models like the “Milano” and the “San Jose.” He also introduced the world’s first production single speed ATBs (Bianchi BOSS, BASS, BUSS, MUSS, DISS, SISS, SASS, WUSS, GUSS, MUSS and LEWIS). Since he joined Swobo in 2006, it seems that he has been given the freedom to let his imagination and design sense run wild. The results are wonderful. Swobo bikes are unlike anything the world has ever seen. Who would have imagined a galvanized bicycle frame until Yaeger made it a reality?
I wanted to understand Yaeger’s design philosophies and motivations, so I asked him to do an interview. I was overjoyed when she agreed.
Q: You have been in the industry for several years. Could you tell us a bit about your history with bicycles and bicycle companies?
A: My first 10 speed, as we called it, was a used bike that I bought in 1970 for $60.00. I was a sophomore in high school and there was this senior I didn’t really know who had the only other bike in school. Riding a bike wasn’t great, but I loved the freedom. All of my friends had the use of a car, so I didn’t get a driver’s license until I was in college and I didn’t get a car until I was 30. I worked at a Schwinn shop in the early 70’s and then worked at the famous Yellow Jersey bike shop in Madison during and after college. In the late 1980s I was the director of marketing for Suntour USA and when the Japanese shut down the company I went to Bianchi USA. I was there for 17 years and moved to Swobo 2 years ago.
Q: The Swobo bike product line seems to be almost free of Shimano. Because?
A: It was not the goal, but rather the result of the combination of models, since we do not have bikes with derailleurs. We now have 3 single speed bikes and 3 internal hub bikes on the line. The Folsom has a Shimano coaster brake hub that Shimano Japan is customizing for us, with a longer axle. I like all internal hubs, but lead times for Shimano are much longer than with SRAM now. The new SRAM i-Motion 9 hub is the only internal hub offered with 9 speeds. SRAM internal hubs have a more user-friendly cable connection at the hub, as well as being serviceable, by changing the gills, which negates rebuilding a wheel if there is a problem. High-quality German-made hubs also set our bikes apart from everything else, as we are the only company in the North American market to use the i-Motion 9 hub.
Q: Do you think derailleurs are a thing of the past? Do you think you’ll ever spec another bike with derailleurs?
A: Until we can bring to market an infinitely variable internal drivetrain with a weight roadies can live with, derailleurs are not a thing of the past. I have nothing against derailleurs! I can imagine specifying a bike with derailleurs, yes. However, for most urban riders, a bike with an internal hub makes more sense considering all the benefits. There’s a reason internal hub bikes are the most common type of bike in Europe, where the main use of bikes is transportation.
Q: How many speeds does an average “urban cyclist” need?
A: For most cities with flat terrain, I think 3 speeds is enough. There are certainly thousands of people riding single speed fixies in hilly cities like SF, so a lot depends on the rider and intended use. We are seeing some people who have been riding fixies who now want a 3 speed, for added utility.
Q: Your bike designs are very different from any other company’s offerings. What inspires them? Is there a design thread that unites all of your Swobo bikes?
A: My education is in fine art and design, and I get inspired by everything, but I do look at cars and architecture a lot. In most bike companies there are many people involved in bringing a bike to market and it is very rare to have the luxury of conceptualizing a model, designing it from a blank sheet of paper and seeing it through to production. I think of them as a complete and integrated statement.
Q: I get the feeling that you have quite a collection of bikes. Tell us about some of your favorites.
A: I have a new steel lug Pegoretti that is quite lovely and drives like a dream. My commuter bike is built around an alloy/carbon fiber cyclocross frame I designed that also rides like a dream, with 700 x 28C tires. The Continental tires on that bike have almost 3000 miles on them without a flat. Another favorite is a Dedacciai steel frame with a carbon rear triangle. The important thing is the ride and my favorite is any bike that I just finished riding. I like all the frame materials, with steel and titanium right up there. I ride Campy, Shimano and SRAM.
Q: If you didn’t have to worry about cost, marketability, or any other mundane concerns, what would be your version of “the perfect bike”?
A: There is no such thing as a “perfect bike”, but I guess it would have to be what inspires someone to get out there and ride a bike. One person’s perfect bike would be another’s nightmare. Few things in life are as varied and personal as bikes, and the opportunity to customize your ride is part of the appeal. I love looking at all the pimped bikes on the Fixed Gear Gallery site. They have almost 8,000 bikes posted now. If you’re talking about what I’d design if a million bucks fell into my lap, it would have to be a lightweight, belt-driven, internal-hub commuter bike with integrated features like lights and locks and cargo capacity integral to the frame.
Q: Where do you think the US bicycle market/industry will go over the next decade or so?
A: If gas prices continue to rise, we will see bike sales and ridership continue to increase. Hopefully, component companies will recognize that more engineering and R&D dollars need to be put into in-house technology. I would like to see puncture resistant tires that ride as well as 120 tpi tires and disc brakes that don’t rub. I’d like to see all the invisible technology, like a car or a computer, so casual riders aren’t intimidated by suspension components, multi-chainrings, and 4-lever shifters.
Q: Electric bike sales are increasing all over the world, including in the US Have you considered designing and launching a Swobo electric bike?
A: No.
Q: What else would you like to say?
A: All bike categories are good. All companies make good bikes. All bike styles and all riders are the same. If someone waves or says “Hello” on the way, say “Hello” back. Don’t ride the time trial of your life on the bike lane.
Q: What do you like for breakfast?
A: During the week I love yogurt and fruit with some grape nuts. On the weekend eggs and bacon, or eggs and sausage.