Chris Donahue Interview

Since 2005 Dobermann Bikes have been blurring the lines between Mountain Biking and BMX with their hand built MTBMX frames. It seems fitting that the latest addition to the Dobermann family is one of the original street riders that brought 20-inch style to Mountain bikes in the late 90’s. For 2010 Dobermann has teamed up with Chris Donahue as part of their R&D program.

We sat down with Chris to see what he’s been up too, and to talk about his new partnership with Dobermann. Interview inside,Name: Chris Donahue
Age: 35
Hometown: Vancouver, BC


What's new with Chris Donahue these days?
Just hangin' out with my family and workin' my ass off. I got a new bike though, so I'm stoked!


How did the partnership with Dobermann come about?
OK, well, I met Alain (dobmaster) when he was a distributor for 24 bicycles. I was riding for Balfa then, another hand built company from Quebec. When he began Dobermann we spoke candidly about me riding for them one day, but at the time I was under contract with Evil Bikes.

A few years ago I decided to go back to school full time to become an electrician, and basically dropped out of the limelight. Alain and I would still talk periodically about me joining Dobermann at some point.

Since getting my electrician's ticket in 2009 I have managed to find a balance between working for a company Monday to Friday, my family, and finding time to ride. My brother-in-law and I started our own company this year, Revcore Electrical Systems Ltd, and it looks like I’ll have more time to ride. I decided to call Alain and ask if he was still interested. We agreed on an R&D program, and he sent me a bike the next day.


You're riding the Molosse frame, and Tchokr forks for 2010. How do you like the setup so far?
Look at this thing! It's a serious MACHINE! I have so much confidence when riding this bike, and the crossover from my BMX and vise versa is so easy! My wife keeps laughing at me because she catches me just sitting and staring at it! (laughter)


What do you think of the progression going on in the sport today?
It’s Great! I love that technology has allowed the bikes to be so light and strong. It allows all the tricks we dreamed of as a kid to be possible now.


What are you hoping to bring to Dobermann, and the products they’re working on going forward
It’s hard to bring something new to the table when these guys are so on the ball, but I do live on the west coast where the sport is still very strong. Without saying too much, we have talked about a couple of new projects where my input, and testing could be extremely valuable.


Are you going to have time to compete or anything like that this year?
My schedule is pretty crazy, and the talent out there now is outta hand. I can’t keep up with the young guys these days! I’ll hit up some events if they’re local, but I’ll probably stick to shooting photos.


Any last words?
Just ride your bike and have fun doin’ it!

Chris Donahue new D.O.C. (Dog Of Choice):
Frame: Dobermann Molosse -24" specific, Mid BB, Optional Gyro tabs, V-brake mounts
Fork: Dobermann Tchokr -Brakeless
Bars: Deity 25.4 Twenty14
Stem: Deity Phantom
Cranks: Deity Vendetta
Sprocket: Deity Termite 28th
Hubs: Bicycle Union, 3/8 front - 14mm rear w/ 10th cog
Rims: Atomlab Pimplites
Pedals: Deity Decoy
Seat: Atomlab Pivotal
SeatPost: McNeil Pivotal
Seatpost clamp: Deity Choker
Headset: Tioga MX
Weight: 25 lbs






Words and pictures by Anthony Smith

Dobermann Bikes
Atomlab
Deity