Here at Nutcase we’ve begun a great partnership with Portland tech start-up Vonsor. We’ve always appreciated how vocal and video-minded and sharing Nutty Nutcase riders are, and so what better way to stay connected than through giving users benefits for the great video clips?
To that end, we also love to run profiles of interesting Nutcase riders we’ve come in contact with – and Nutcase riders are ALL interesting in one way or another.
Here below is an interview with Gordon Watt, an ‘Axis of Epic‘ videographer and part of the Nutcase family in Melbourne, Australia. Gordon posts some of his videos to the ‘Axis of Epic’ Facebook page, as well as to his YouTube channel, and he is the very epitome of the adage that ‘E-bikers Do It Stylishly.’ For Gordon, a Nutcase is not just a style accessory – it’s a lifestyle accompaniment.
Gordon is a passionate advocate for e-bikes, and while e-bikes have not yet (beyond the Netherlands and China) become mainstream, they are a great way to make bike transportation fun and functional, as Gordon demonstrates. There’s lots of selection in e-bikes now, and prices are starting downward. Give one a try if you are looking for a bike that gets you going and gets you out biking.
Name Gordon Watt
Age 47
Profession Semi-pro international e-biker and mid-size trucker. Our ‘troupe’ is called the Axis of Epic International E-bikers and we make videos about electric bikes.
Why did you choose a Nutcase? I had an unyielding urge to look slightly better when I rode. It started with a GoPro video camera, which then had to be justified with quasi-extreme sporting activities, which then lead to electric biking, which lead to the realization that I needed a much cooler helmet, which lead me to Nutcase.
I’ll never forget the day. It was 65 km round trip ride to the nearest Nutcase seller. On the way there I was just a guy on an electric bike. On the way home I was feeling rather epic in my new Fly Boy helmet. I felt so cavalier. I felt a little bit like Evel Knievel on an electric bike sans cape and jumpsuit but the helmet just felt so right.
Do you match your helmets to your outfits? First, start with an electric bike. Then, add the Nutcase, then the outfit. I just follow my instincts.
For step-through bikes, brunch rides and relaxed adventuring? The Modern Argyle. And tweed. With mountain bikes, cargo bikes and a slightly edgy vibe, the Fly Boy – denim and gingham and a touch of velvet–if its after five. For folding bikes, hipster bikes and book launches, purple! Bow tie/cravat optional. I also prefer wearing a Rossi boot.
Why so many helmets? Eight is not that many.
Do you have one specific favorite? I dream of a Nutcase helmet specifically for electric bikers. Something for the modern day, renaissance e-biker. Something fairly epic. It may involve lightning, and it would be good if it could look like velvet.
Do you experience the Mary Poppins effect (in which drivers are more careful around nattily dressed bicyclists)? I hadn’t heard of that before. I haven’t had any troubles with drivers,but I’ve never worn lycra (on a bike). I think everyone should get a fair go regardless of their attire. I do sometimes wonder where lycra-clad people are going, because as soon as they’re off their bike, the outfit can become awkward very quickly. But they seem to enjoy it so good on them.
What are your favorite current or upcoming projects? We have been invited to Eurobike this year, and we are going to film and edit as we go cross country to create a video display for a stand at the show. Fashion is not my main oeuvre, my main thing is being an international e-biker, but I will probably be wearing a tuxedo the entire time, so helmet choice is crucial. Formal, yet jaunty, cheeky yet commanding.
It’s going to be epic!