
It’s not often people can say they were a part of the trend setters in a certain culture, and it’s even more rare these days to meet somebody who was/is out there from the very beginning, doing the hard slug purely because they love what they are doing. Tim Lane, the creator/designer behind Foothold straps, is one of these guys. Tim started making pedal straps out of necessity, and has managed to turn his ideas into a very functional and exciting product.
Tim was gracious enough to take some time out of his daily grind to give us better insight into his company, and his fixed gear lifestyle.
• Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Tim… I’m an artist, skateboarder, and cycling enthusiast.
I was a sponsored skater in the 80s, and riding fixed was a natural progression for me after that. I live in a small college town, Davis, which is just outside of Sacramento, CA. I’ve been sewing since I was 13 years old.
• What’s your involvement in the fixed gear scene, and why did you choose to get fixed?
Bikes have always interested me, and fixed even more so. From my first ride I was hooked. The simplicity, the speed, and the Zen feeling I get from riding all made me fall in love with riding.
I started volunteering at the local bike collective, Bike Forth, about a year ago, so I’m around the cycling community all the time, fixed or otherwise. A lot of friendships have been formed through cycling; it really renewed my sense of community.
• Where did the idea for Foothold Straps come from, and what was your creative and business approach to making the product become a reality?
I started sewing Foothold straps out of necessity… there aren’t many straps like this on the market, and they were impossible to find locally. I wanted an alternative to toe clips, so I just started making my own.
I tried a few variations; the first prototypes involved bolting inner tubes and leather to my pedals. Eventually I applied my own concepts and design elements to some of the pre-existing straps on the market to make them simpler and effective. Lots of riders in the area were interested, and before I knew it, I was making straps for people all over the world.


• Do you think it has affected your every day enjoyment of riding?
Yes. I think every element of my bike is essential to a good ride, and toe clips/straps are no exception. My straps are comfortable and sturdy, always fun to ride.
• What kind of setup (or setups!) are you currently riding?
I currently have three bikes that I’m riding:
i) Leader ld-781r with FSA cranks, super deep v rear, Shimano 700c in front, Syntace tt bars, Bianchi carbon forks and foothold straps.
ii) Ultra-Lite Bianchi mountain bike conversion, with foothold straps – It’s my fixed trick bike, and a heap of fun!
iii) And a mercer touring bike
• I’m really feeling the straps you’re producing, and you’ve even started making other items such as messenger bags. Are there any plans for expanding the business in the future (website, online store etc.)? We’d love to see people down under become aware of your proddy!
I’m always in my studio working on new ideas. I have a hip bag, panniers, laptop bags, roll top backpacks, and newer straps all in the works. I have most of the bags and straps I’ve made so far on my friend’s design and printing site www.thepapercutpress.com

• Thanks very much for taking the time to get down with frizthewiz.com
Do you have any shoutouts your want to make?
Thanks to the cycling community of Davis/Sacramento, Bike Forth/Davis Bike Collective, Apex Cycles, and Papercut Press.
