Bathurst, Monday morning after Newtons, November 2010. I managed to corner Kevin in the Citigate hotel foyer, he was looking for a grom to give away his race trucks. Kevin is distracted, with Aera trucks in his hands, the opportunity was too good, so I got him to run through the changes in the truck. This interview is part of the the lost Newtons Tapes, which I found,  we have held it over until our stock of Aera trucks arrived. Unfortunately they they have been a long time coming. First trucks sold out very quick to skaters and the skateshops around the world did not get many, Hopshop missed out. Second production run we scored a few sets, they are in the Hopshop now. Next time your in the Hopshop, you should ask to look at one out of the cabinet. They are beautiful, and as you'll see in this interview, functional as well. [Hop's notes: I'm thinking, I have a shot at getting some free trucks here]

click on the raw trucks

Hop: Tell me about the changes you have been working on for the new Aera 7 series? KR: Before the pocket use to run all the way across the trucks, now there is just a bump in the middle of the regular unflipped side and that gives about 10% (extra) strength. And on the other side, the pocket use to go all the way across and continue up into the bushing seat and now it has been joined together and that is about 20%. And then if they have that magic 7 on them, it means they are made of a different material that is 50% stronger. So overall if you had the new material and the different design you be 80% stronger. It is a good healthy change. [Hop's notes: I have one truck in my hand, but Kevin wont let go of the other one]

Do you have the Magic number 7 on your Aeras?

Hop: When you going into production with those?

KR: Done. Now. We have about 150 sets coming. [Hop's notes: I'm trying to think of other questions, keep Kevin talking to give myself time to get the other truck]

Hop: You're using Venon Eliminators for your personal trucks?

KR: The eliminator gives it a progressive turn, as in as you turn more it becomes harder to turn and eventually get to the natural end of the turn. The barrel on the bottom leaves it open I think it does not restrict it too much

Hop: Barrel on the top?

KR: Yeah barrel on the top (roadside) [hop's notes: he is still looking around the room for that grom], so it just feels the right way and that is how I would send them out, most people ask for all barrels if they want to freeride because you get a lot more turn if you have all barrels. Some guys actually run a cone on the top if you really want to freeride and you got loose trucks.

Hop: How do you set yours up for race day?

KR: I have a red eliminator on the front (boardside) and a red barrel on top (roadside). In the back I have a green elim (boardside) and a green barrel (boardside). [Hop's notes: I have both trucks now, I'm elbowing my brother and muttering under my breath start the car...Brianne walks past we're distracted]

Hop: And for freeriding?

KR: I use 50 degree baseplates and I run reds all the way around. So I have red elim bottom (boardside) and red barrel top (roadside) and at the back red elim bottom and red barrel top. [Hop's notes: I can see my car, it's 50 metres away, I think I could out run Kevin, if I make a break for it with the trucks...pssst Scott start the frickin car]

Hop: And are you doing baseplates?

KR: Yes. So there is 38, 46, and a 50. Pretty much all the bases covered.

KR: Excuse me ...and with those final words, Kevin takes the trucks back, and some grom just score free Aeras and I kick my brother. We gotta work on better signals. Three hour trip back to Sydney from Bathurst, just my brother and I, and a Red Hot Chili Peppers CD. We agree on one thing, Brianne can be distracting...and how nice were those trucks! Available now in the Hopshop...unfortunately you have to pay but they are worth it!