I remember at some point growing up thinking “I’ll never ride anything but a BMX bike”… It was a pretty bold thought that I’m going to blame on being young, dumb and, at the time, not moaning and groaning from the aches and pains of years of abuse when I try and get myself out of bed in the morning.
But, like a lot of BMX riders that have climbed the ranks of age, we’re finding that our backs and knees aren’t what they used to be and sometimes you want to go for a ride, but would want something a little more comfortable. At least, that’s what had been going on in my mind for a little while now. Especially with my right knee giving me some hell. So I started looking around at some of the options that were out there.
About 7 years ago, I worked in a shop and always thought a road bike would be a good way to work out the legs and knees to help build them up for BMX, but I couldn’t imagine myself in spandex (especially now) and I didn’t think taking road bike riding seriously would be a good idea because let’s face it… If you’re on two wheels you’re going to try and jump some shit with it. I started looking at Fairdale because let’s face it… Once a BMX rider, always a BMX rider and if Taj Mihelich is the master mind behind it, it’s gotta be designed for the BMX rider at heart, right?
After weighing out the options and giving the bank account a proper investigation to decide on a budget, I found myself wanting the Weekender Canti more and more. A few weeks back I finally pulled the trigger and decided it was time and picked one up. After getting a bunch of use out of it, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the bike… Let’s take a look!
Crazy Freakin’ Bikers – Woodward, PA
Here’s this weeks Throwback Thursday from the Crazy Freakin’ Bikers series that Mat Hoffman has been uploading! This week we head to Pennsylvania for the Woodward stop of the contest series, get a look at the Roots Jam, meet a few of the ladies who were riding back in 2001 (and still riding today) and sit down for an interview with Taj Mihelich! So good!
“CFB Woodward, PA June 28 – July 1, 2001
Pro/AM Vert,, Park Dirt, Flat Contests
Another Perspective:
CFB Round 1 & 2 Recap
UGP 2001 Roots jam Video Preview
The Women of Freestyle (Nina Buitrago & Kim Klisiak)
Taj Mihelich interview“
The Albion – Issue 14 – Online
Have you seen issue 14 of The Albion yet? Well, you’re in luck because they just released it online for your viewing pleasure! Hit that flipbook above to take it all in!
“The Albion BMX Magazine Issue 14. Originally published June 1st 2013 Cover artwork by Taj Mihelich Featuring: Jason Phelan, Taj Mihelich, Fathead, Dale Armstrong, Troy Merkle, Interview with a Bike Thief, Baco”
The Taj Mihelich Interview
The Albion have released Taj Mihelich’s interview online for those of you who were not lucky enough to get your hands on a copy of the magazine. Click here to take it all in! Amazing read.
Daily Recap – March 24
Monday’s are usually pretty hectic with videos and everything since the weekend tends to get pretty quiet. Today was an exceptionally busy one that was loaded with dialed videos we had posted up in the Daily Section. We figured with 25 new posts today that we would go through and compile all of the best ones in case you missed a few or want to see them again! Let’s take a peek!
Product: Fairdale – 26 Taj Bike
Through The Lens – Company Check: Odyssey
Odyssey was started in 1985 so to say that they have a history in BMX is quite the understatement. They have created multiple innovative products, they have won design awards, they have continued to make products that have helped BMX progress to the level it is at today. Not only that but they have also put together an amazing team both pro and flow and they continue to set trends while the average company tries to keep up. Odyssey as a whole seems to be doing something right these days and it’s a company that has the respect of its fellow peers. They give back to BMX in the form of quality, trust-worthy parts and help support riding by putting on one of the best contests to date otherwise known as the Texas Toast Jam. I recently got the chance to head down to the main offices/warehouse in Norwalk, California and spend the afternoon hanging with Jim Bauer. Grab a drink, get comfortable and find out why Odyssey is one of the leading companies in all of BMX.
2012 Odyssey Texas Toast Explained
I’m slowly dying inside knowing that I’ll be stuck at work and not in Austin, Texas for the Texas Toast Jam…
“Several years ago, following an ongoing back injury, Taj Mihelich turned his focus from riding BMX as a pro to working for Odyssey BMX. Aside from spearheading a new project known as Faridale Bicycles out of Odyssey, one of Taj’s responsibilities was event planning. Odyssey, and Taj, wanted to channel the spirit of past BMX jams that were homegrown, progressive and outside the boundaries of the established norms, such as the Backyard and Metro Jams. Texas Toast was born. Last year, Texas Toast came to Austin and pitted pro riders against obstacle courses, custom-made rideable obstacles from a variety of brands, and contests in dirt and “park.” It was, for many a return to a simpler time in BMX, and this coming weekend, Texas Toast returns for its second year.
In the above video, Mihelich goes behind the scenes of the planning and discusses what to expect as 98% of the worldwide BMX scene descends on Austin, Texas. Video by Charlie Crumlish.” – ESPN BMX