It's no secret that Eli Platt is one of the gnarliest street riders in BMX, so when it came time for him to design a frame it was obviously going to be something that could handle some abuse. Eli got his first prototype frame from Subrosa around nine months ago and he's still riding it. After around a year of engineering, the final version of the Subrosa Armada frame was completed and is now available. We recently asked Eli a few questions about everything that went into the production of his frame and this is what he had to say:


Click here to check out some photos of the Subrosa Armada frame.

What did you specifically want when designing The Armada?
I just wanted something that was light, strong and had a few features that catered to the way I ride.

What do you think makes this frame different from other frames on the market?
The Armada is simply a combination of practical and aesthetic features that I believe sets it apart.

What frame were you riding before this? What's different about your frame?
I rode the Pandora for about a year or so. It was great, but there were just a few things that I wanted to change when making my own. I wanted a bottom bracket shell that was flat on the bottom for a consistent sliding surface, but still had the machined look on top. I also wanted a slightly lower top tube, a gusset at the down tube head tube junction, and a built in seat collar. We also ended up with a slightly ovalized down tube to resist denting, and I think it came out great. You can't even tell it isn't perfectly round unless you grab it, and it seems to really help. It also has a wishbone rear end.

How long was The Armada in the works before it went to production?
I would estimate that it was just over a year.

How many different prototype frames did you go through?
Just one, and I am still riding it after nearly 9 months. I wan't to see how long I can beat it up.

What is the final weight of the frame?
I believe just under 5 pounds.

What if I want one that isn't white or black?
Get yourself a raw one, then paint that bad boy whatever you want.

Did you design the graphics?
I had some input and final say, but that was largely left to people with way more talent in that area than myself.

Where does the name "Armada" from?
It is just a cool name that brings with it images of strength and power via its association with the Spanish Armada.

Did your knowledge in philosophy help you at all in your frame development?
Not at all, to be quite honest.

What is your opinion on Descartes dream theory?
To wonder what in daily experience is truly real and what is possibly the work of an "evil demon's" deception is cool to shoot the breeze about, but (1) Descartes' argument for the reality of most things in sensory experience is circular and (2) it relies critically upon some notion of a god. Both of those points render it untenable for me. However, it does shed light on the issues of epistemology and metaphysics that are certainly interesting.

Are any of the other Subrosa riders riding Armada frames?
Nope. Ryan and Hoang are on the Pandora, and Rich is testing his own.

Can you give us a quick rundown of the specs?
It is available in 20", 20.5", 20.75" and 21", all of which with a 13.75 chainstay (13.5 fully slammed and so that you can get your wheel out without chain issues). It has a 75 degree headtube, and a 71 degree seattube that is 8" tall, and is available in black, white and raw, with brakeless models available.

How has the frame been selling since it was released?
I hear it is doing pretty well, so I am psyched. I hope everyone that gets one is as well.

Do you have any other signature parts in the works?
Not at the moment.

Any plans for the summer?
I am doing a fair bit of filming and traveling. I am actually in Brighton at the moment, then will be heading home to go on a final Shadow filming trip. Then I want to focus solely on Anthem II. It should be a great summer.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks a ton for the opportunity to do this!