Bike Specs:
Frame Brand/ Model and Size: Canyon LUX CFR World Cup, Medium
What is your name?
Nicholas Kupiak
How long have you been in the industry?
Around 12 years, dating back to when I was more of an athlete who was quite handy with a camera on the side. Shot some smaller campaigns for local bike shops that eventually led to all this.
What do you do at Race Face?
Videographer / Photographer
How often do you ride?
Between actual rides, running errands, and general transportation, I'd say 5 days a week.
What type of riding do you find yourself doing the most?
50/50 between Mountain, and Gravel.
What is your favorite local lap?
Any big lap that lets me hit one trail per zone as I traverse Squamish is usually high on my list.
Worst mechanical to happen mid-ride?
Pre-Tubeless Tire / Gravel era, when people would ride their road bikes for "gravel riding", I ran out of spare tubes 20km behind a closed forestry gate, alone. After a few hours of gentle coasting and walking, I made it back to the gate where a friend was waiting to pick me up. The only problem was that he was heading in the opposite direction of home, and before I knew it, I was buying an entire outfit at the Port Alberni Wal-Mart so I could join them for a trip to Tofino for the weekend. Turns out road cleats and the beach don't pair well.
Favorite song right now?
Either, XCOMM - Fake ID, or James Blake - I Had a Dream She Took My Hand
Solo ride or group ride?
Solo.
Do you actually stretch or just say you will?
Stretch?
What part of your bike is definitely not okay right now?
I forgot to install a barrel adjuster on my forks remote lock-out and to be honest, I don't know how it's still working so well.
What’s the one bike trend you’ll never adopt?
Never say never, but I really don't see anything E-related fitting into my quiver. Guy likes to pedal.
What made you pick/build this bike and the components one it? And Why? Any interesting setup/custom parts/things you are excited about?
Nothing custom other than a few decals I made at home. This build pretty specifically, is intended to get me into the high alpine this summer. As a photographer, those are the places I want to take my camera, and after chunking along on a gravel build for the last few summers, this seemed like the more appropriate bike for those big days. Only a handful of pounds heavier than the drop bar bike, but far more capable, and more importantly, comfortable. Now, if I could only find a way to get my Live Valve Neo to fit onto this thing.