Mike Tran is a graphic artist for Street Corner Distribution (City, Venture, Hubba).

When did you start riding without brakes?
I always had a bike in the city for transportation, but when a friend came through with his track bike about four or five years ago, I had to have one, too. I put together a cheap conversion and once I learned to skid on it, I bought a real track frame without mounts and that was it.

What was the hardest part about adjusting to a fixed gear?
Stopping?

What kind of bike are you riding right now with what parts?
Cannondale x Univega frame, Phil Wood, Chris King, Sugino. But I also ride a Vitus built as a coaster to keep it classy—that’s right.

What is your favorite city to ride your bike in and why?
They’re all fun, and even better with homies.

Do you or did you ever skateboard?
Never skated. But I know enough to not compare boards to bikes.