There are some things in life you can learn. There are some things you must live. I lived BMX for half my life. I'm now officially a has-been. I still know BMX and understand the subtle differences that can help your bike work for you.

Come check out the shop if you like BMX. We typically have about a dozen different models in stock. We stock bikes that I believe in and that offer good quality for the price.

If nothing else, come to Cochrane to ride the local park.

All I needed to know, I learned on a BMX

People have commented that they don't understand my stubborness and perseverance. The shop has gone from an undersized, underfunded shop to something that I'm really proud of. I have barely put a dime in my pocket in over 4 years, yet instead of paying myself I keep putting money back into inventory and making the store better. This isn't supposed to be a "hooray for me" babble. This is more directed at parents who think their kids are wasting their younger years by eating, sleeping, talking bikes.

My parents were pretty supportive considering I'm sure they questioned my obsession. While the broken nose, collarbones, arms, ribs, smashed head, etc. may have seemed like a bad idea, I'm convinced I learned a lot.

Here are some comparisons. Although back in the old days, BMX racing was the thing to do. I was always into just jumping and doing my own thing. When my parents moved us to Calgary (my first chance to live close to bmx racing), I tried it a few times. At the same time, I was learning to ride ramps. I quickly retired from my racing career to keep on riding for the love of it. Ramp riding and "freestyle" were new, so nobody was doing this stuff with visions of stardom or any recognition. Later on this side of the sport would become popular and I was able to win some contests, travel and do a bunch of shows - all stuff that was gravy because I just rode because I loved it! In life I did something similar. I worked in bike shops since 16, did a few years of post-secondary and moved onto a great job at Adaptive Engineering. 5 years later, although the job was great, the money was silly I went back to what I loved.

Another comparison. In BMX freestyle there is always a "nother" level. You learn a new stunt, you enjoy the satisfaction for a moment, then apply what you have learned to the next challenge. I'd like to think the same applies in life. You can't expect fan-fare every time something goes well and you better not be satisfied unless you're always improving.

I don't know if this means anything to anyone else. I often look back and wonder, "could I have spent my youth more productively?". The more I ponder, the more I realize, bicycle addictions build character. I write the blog, I get to philosophize!

Street bikes have come so far. They're about 40% lighter than 6 or 7 years ago and work so much smoother. In turn, BMX tricks have gotten super technical as people take advantage of the light weight.

Call or email if you're looking for something unusual.

Subrosa Tiro $469

Kink Doyle $983 SALE $850 25 lbs, sealed 9t Cassette Hub, Pivotol super light seat/post. Chris Doyle - awesome rider - awesome bike - stupid comments about helmets.

Subrosa Malum $769

Haro Forum Counterpart Lite $619 Full Cromo and 21" Top-tube - great bike for taller rider!

Haro Forum Intro Lite $575 20.5" top tube, Odyssey tires and grips!

So lets pretend you're already a ripper. Time to get a stronger, lighter bike. You need Cromolly - stronger and lighter type of steel. YO

Fit PRK 3 1 left $828 Sale $749 26.5 lbs, strong, light ripper.

There are a lot of shops out there that know nothing about BMX - especially race BMX. They put 7 year old kids on XL sized frames, leaving the kids to watch the race from the rear. Our focus within BMX Race is to offer properly sized race bikes that offer quality and value and won't leave you between motos with a malfunctioning bike.

One of our favourite brands is Free Agent. Why? For the price (below $500 for the Speedway series) you get quality through-out and sealed bearing hubs in the wheels - real sealed, not sealed "mechanism". Why is this important. Well, if your wheels don't roll fast and easy, you aren't winning.

Haro Sr Mini, Jr. or Expert SALE $399