The season is surprisingly well underway, but we can already take our first stock photos. It's been an exceptional year for us. We've grown in every respect. We've sold significantly more bikes, not to mention the ever-increasing number of repairs and inspections. Most importantly, we have not only the largest but also the best team in our history. :) Each of us answered a few questions; the summary is below.

Sebastian Smyl, co-founder of Antymateria, is responsible for the design of new models and for our offer in general, on a daily basis at Tamka 33

How long have I been working on bicycles? I started doing it as a hobby when I was 15, I started my first job when I was 18, and for the last four years I've been working two jobs at Tamka... What's the coolest thing about this job? Spending time on things I am interested in, the opportunity to be closer to the environment I identify with, freedom from dress code and imposed procedures when performing my activities. And what is the hardest? Forcing myself to work on sunny Saturdays when all my friends are out on the road :) What kind of bikes would I like to assemble? Definitely unique! What bike do I ride myself? Around town, on singletrack or fixed-gear, my daily choice determines my mood. If I have time for a ride unrelated to commuting to or from work, it's definitely a road bike. How many kilometers do I drive on average per week? Strava so far says 180km per week on the road/cross + about 120 km rolling around the city Finally, something from yourself? #ridehardandhavefun

Rafał Kuźma is our senior mechanic. He manages the shop and service center on Skolimowska Street.

How long have I been working on bicycles? My adventure with Antymateria began less than a month after I met Sebastian, in August 2014. At some point, I started helping out more and more often at the workshop in Tamka, and after a while, I realized that it gave me much more satisfaction than my job at the time, so I decided to become a full-time bicycle mechanic. What's the coolest thing about this job? I derive the greatest pleasure from working on individual projects for clients with whom I develop a strong rapport. My knowledge and experience meet the client's vision and expectations, resulting in something unique. I don't just mean creating completely new bikes; I also enjoy restoring slightly older models. And what is the hardest? "Patient" bikes that sit in the basement for years, and (supposedly) "everything works." You then take such a bike apart with reverence, only to discover that nothing works. This is the greatest challenge for me as a mechanic, but also a chance to demonstrate my skills, requiring greater experience and ingenuity. Sometimes to the point of having to fabricate a part that's no longer in production. My philosophy is that a mechanic should first try to repair the part, and if all possible resuscitation efforts fail, then replace it. What kind of bikes would I like to assemble? It's very important to me that the bike I create for my clients meets their everyday needs and expectations. So that cycling is as enjoyable as possible, because that's what it's all about. What bike do I ride myself? Even though my collection includes everything from a tandem (made by Romet) to a unicycle and a conventional bicycle, I mostly ride fixed gear, and occasionally a low-pro frame. Work on my city fixie is still in progress, and I can't wait, because it's going to be awesome. How many kilometers do I drive on average per week? I have no idea, I just ride a bike;) Finally, something from yourself? I could write something about cycling culture in our country and how it has changed over the years, but that's not the point. Just do your thing and cut some miles!

Joachim Mutrynowski, our junior mechanic (currently at Skolimowska Street)

How long have I been working on bicycles? My passion for cycling began with a classic steel road bike my dad gave me when I was 16. Later, I earned some extra money while driving for various courier companies during school. I've been working at Antymateria for over a year, and it was here, under Sebastian's guidance, that I learned most of my skills. What's the coolest thing about this job? The best thing about working as a mechanic is that I do what I like and I get paid for it. And what is the hardest? Repairing a bike that, for example, a customer received for their First Communion and has never taken to a repair shop before... I think the same level of difficulty during servicing applies to bikes that are abused by couriers :) What kind of bikes would I like to assemble? Each time different, where the client does not follow the "copy" and "paste" principle, but takes advantage of the opportunity to select the smallest detail, creating something original. What bike do I ride myself? I ride: fixed gear, road, cyclocross and singletrack, but fixed gear is what gives me the most fun. How many kilometers do I drive on average per week? I don't know, I'm not counting. Every day around town, plus the occasional road trip out of town. Finally, something from yourself? For now, my passion is bicycles and nothing has changed in this regard for 5 years!

Michał Kozicki, works as a mechanic on a daily basis (although not every day) at Tamka

How long have I been working on bicycles? For 4 years What's the coolest thing about this job? That I can develop and constantly create new, unique bikes And what is the hardest? The hardest bikes are Dutch bikes, I hate them! What kind of bikes would I like to assemble? Ones that will make the customer happy What bike do I ride myself? I often ride CX on off-road trails, in forests and on rough terrain. How many kilometers do I drive on average per week? Something around 250 Finally, something from yourself? …

Janusz Żebrowski, co-owner of Antymateria

How long have I been working on bicycles? My adventure with Antimatter began...on skis. My wife met a great instructor. And thanks to her, I met Sebastian Smyl and Krzysztof Najder. After three months, we had negotiated the terms, and I joined the project as another partner. What's the coolest thing about this job? We're socially useful. We make good, beautiful bikes. That's enough for me to be happy. It's also great to be able to create not only the product but also work on the brand itself. And what is the hardest? Thousands of small things that can completely bog you down. Accounting, administrative matters, traveling there, sending something here, taking care of something there… What kind of bikes would I like to assemble? As light and as beautiful as possible! What bike do I ride myself? I use a single-speed belt-drive bike for commuting around town. I also have a few other bikes, including a titanium road bike. How many kilometers do I drive on average per week? Taking into account longer trips outside the city, it easily amounts to over 1000 km per month, so the math indicates a weekly average of around 250 km. Finally, something from yourself? The longer I am here, the more often I ask myself why someone in good health, who does not carry children or a television, would drive into the city in beautiful weather.