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BMX General => BMX Chat => Topic started by: generallee on January 14, 2011, 12:02 PM

Title: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: generallee on January 14, 2011, 12:02 PM
Thought this would make an interesting thread...
I was remembering my old local bike shop from the 80s - I lived in Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, and I seem to remember going to the bike shop in Chalfont St Peter with my two older borthers [ both of whom rode], and I think the shop was called SPOKES.
It had a fair few bikes and parts - it seemed like heaven to me.
Id love to hear about what your old local bmx stockist was - and if they are still going today/still stock bmx/have closed down etc.
SPOKES has sadly disappeared by the looks of it.
Weirdly, I think Stodgy Dave used to ride in my area in the 80s too - Denham Common, Hazlems woods etc etc - though we didnt meet til a few years ago!
Come on then - what was your local BMX shop ?
steve
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: pickle on January 14, 2011, 12:07 PM
my old local bike shop was called MOORES CYCLES at the Glebe shops in Stevenage.  It was a Raleigh shop so sold copy gear mostly but i always remember a lovely redline f+f hanging above the back of the counter  :daumenhoch:

It's still there now but called something else.

also used to go to the motobike shop in Knebworth high st for JT Racing stickers and decent grips  :daumenhoch:  Saunders i think it was called  :-\
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Swivel on January 14, 2011, 12:07 PM
We never really had a shop as such, there was a guy in a massive van used to drive about (mobile shop) and show us on his warez lol. Used to be ram packed with decent stuff and his son had the best bike around by us, TA loaded with everything lucky git. That guy used to drive all around hertfordshire and essex so probably took a good few quid. Bit I remember the most was all the mushroom grips in all those colours, superb  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: wildon on January 14, 2011, 12:09 PM
We used to use Ladypool Cycles in Birmingham .. it's actually still there although not been in there for a long time.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: SaMAlex on January 14, 2011, 12:10 PM
HOTSHOT. First it was about 8 miles from me and we'd cycle there (on BMXs) just to LOOK at stuff. Then it moved to a bigger shop that is right next to where I live now. Shame HOTSHOT went ages ago. I used to love it in there.  :shocked:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: stu27 on January 14, 2011, 12:10 PM
stechford cycles in birmingham was the main one for me,sadly not there anymore
always worth a visit as it was quite near birmingham wheels
complete builds upstairs,with all the parts downstairs,but what i really remember is all the landing gear forks hanging up behind the counter
also halfords and roberts cycles in ac0cks green(got me first z rim there) :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Robbo on January 14, 2011, 12:13 PM
They had a Raleigh specialist in Hatfield which is still there now and wasnt much good so we used to jump on the train to Stevenage to visit Custom Riders, was a much smaller shop than it is now and Mason had hair!!!  :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: sharp767 on January 14, 2011, 12:14 PM
superbike in ilford, essex...i used to stand in there drooling.  ;D
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trasher on January 14, 2011, 12:18 PM
Bunny's bikes in nottingham

Had all the top spec gear , I can remember getting
Some Christmas money , and going in there , and coming out
With a red set of tuff 2's , a pair of vdc monkey bars
And a pair of Oakley grips , was a magic moment

They were a bit gob smacked though when I took my Curtis back
After snapping it , gave me a new one , no problem

There still trading aswell I think


Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: rollin72 on January 14, 2011, 12:38 PM
suntal cycles in Oldham which i just remember the gooses, then when i moved b.p cycles in Tyldesley which had some pretty choice stuff, got my d.b prostar from there it had red z'ds,  mushrooms and gt bars on it, he stocked quite a few firebirds, both sadly closed down now
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Spen69 on January 14, 2011, 12:42 PM
Halesowen Cycles in the outskirts of Birmingham was the place where my shattered rear Tuff 2 was hung behind the counter for years as I was the first idiot round our way to bust one and Dave who ran the place couldn't believe the mess I'd made of it miss-judging the hieght of a set of concrete steps. The shop is still there now but has moved a few doors up the road and still sells BMX.

Also we had 2 wheels in Stourbridge which was the bigger shop full of dreams like TA's and Curtis. I still remember the day my brother saw his Tange-framed mk1 Cromo Burner in there next to my Mongoose Cali and the Supergoose your parents could never afford like it was yesterday. He still has the Chromo today and the story of how we ended up with those two bikes is still my happiest ever christmas day memory. I can only hope to make my kids as happy as our parents did in 1983 one day. It was 2-wheels and Halesowen Cycles that made it all possible and we went down there everytime we had enough money saved for something - GT Pro bars for £25 took months to save up for!

Fond memories those 2 shops indeed....
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: poolysheriff on January 14, 2011, 12:54 PM
Johnson bmx in Stockton  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Peter J on January 14, 2011, 12:55 PM
J.E James Cycles and Veron Bakers (I think thats what they were called) in Dronfiled  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Dannywhac on January 14, 2011, 01:02 PM
We never really had a shop as such, there was a guy in a massive van used to drive about (mobile shop) and show us on his warez lol. Used to be ram packed with decent stuff and his son had the best bike around by us, TA loaded with everything lucky git. That guy used to drive all around hertfordshire and essex so probably took a good few quid. Bit I remember the most was all the mushroom grips in all those colours, superb  :smitten:

We had a similar deal - bloke in his late 50's called Percy Bolton sold bmx components from his garage - loads of stuff ranging from Iron Horse all the way up to Skyway. Was like an alladin's cave - used to go there just to browse......

We also had Cliff Pratt's in Hull, only downside was they were a Raleigh dealership ;)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: southern andy on January 14, 2011, 01:25 PM
Hot wheels and Strongs cycles, both were in Bournemouth and used to take their shops to the race meetings which was handy.

Local shop in Southampton which we only used for an emergency were Peter Williams. This was actually a motor bike shop but he did a few decent BMX parts.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: steve69 on January 14, 2011, 01:43 PM
My weekly hang out was Edwardes and if we fancied a change it would be Youngs or Alpine Sports/Action.

Happy days :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: stidds on January 14, 2011, 02:14 PM
Main place near me in Bristol was either SR Cycles (who ran the Bristol BMX club SR Jets) or Rollermania.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: pickle on January 14, 2011, 02:28 PM
They had a Raleigh specialist in Hatfield which is still there now and wasnt much good so we used to jump on the train to Stevenage to visit Custom Riders, was a much smaller shop than it is now and Mason had hair!!!  :LolLolLolLol:

Rob that cycle shop in Hatfield is cack!  they never have a thing in the shop that need!   >:(

as for Custom Riders, i think they were in Hitchin rather than Stevenage fella..........i grew up in Stevenage and we never had a shop like his (unfortunately) although it was great when Mason popped into Bowes so we could all drool over his Gen1  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Dannywhac on January 14, 2011, 02:38 PM
Hot wheels and Strongs cycles, both were in Bournemouth and used to take their shops to the race meetings which was handy.

Local shop in Southampton which we only used for an emergency were Peter Williams. This was actually a motor bike shop but he did a few decent BMX parts.

Got good memories of Hot Wheels from around '95 to 2001 - used to get most of my bmx stuff from them, would always pop down for a chat (even to Pod when he was being a miserable bugger ;) ) and a butchers at some of their old stock from the 80's.

Late 90's Hot Wheels sticker (think Troy designed it):

(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff443/dannywhack/hotwheels.jpg)

There was also a shop in one of the indoor arcades at the time that had Phil Bray? working there - sold Addict clothing etc....
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: PRO THUNDER on January 14, 2011, 03:04 PM
HOTSHOT. First it was about 8 miles from me and we'd cycle there (on BMXs) just to LOOK at stuff. Then it moved to a bigger shop that is right next to where I live now. Shame HOTSHOT went ages ago. I used to love it in there.  :shocked:

Same as me Alex. Hotshot used to be in Kidlington near Oxford. It's where I got my first bmx in 1981 (HUFFY PRO THUNDER PRO 1) Then it went to a big shop above a womens clothes store in the Cowley centre, again just outside Oxford. My grandma used to live 100yds from it. Great times, just like being in a candy shop, just looking at all the stuff you could never buy, but I would always came away with just a couple of stickers. :) How I miss those days and wish I could go back. :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on January 14, 2011, 03:46 PM


40p return on the train to alpine action nottinghill, get a free beating from big erol, was the tops  :smitten:

or if we was really brave a good 5 hour journey to surrey skates to get some vans
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: thecrooch on January 14, 2011, 03:48 PM
if you were a south east essex boy there was only one place to go.... the legendary RAD CITY in South Benfleet - an absolute jumble sale of a place but he had it all in there....
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: monkian on January 14, 2011, 04:03 PM
Braggs in Abingdon.
Raleigh supplier but also had loads of cool accessories 8)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: HEYWOOD BMX on January 14, 2011, 04:28 PM
 :) Hills Cycles in Muswell Hill,Rainbow Racing in Wood Green,Shorter Rochford in Finchley and Faze 7 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: skki3330 on January 14, 2011, 04:42 PM
Bell chambers Walthamstow
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Badbaldie on January 14, 2011, 04:53 PM
Alans bmx shop for me and still going strong, lowe mill lane hindley originally then wigan town centre. all the kids used to save up their pocket money till they had £20 for some Torker pro bars . we also had Winstanleys , bitd it was a toy shop with a bike dept up stairs , and last but not least Rogersons aswell bought my mike buff z rims from there £40 . :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: harris on January 14, 2011, 04:56 PM
mine was rad city benfleet
small but always had the latest parts instock.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dirtbro on January 14, 2011, 05:25 PM
Dave Kane cycles in Belfast.. he stocked mongoose ,redline and diamond back  i still remember going up on a friday night to pick up my first mongoose . and then we would cycle up on a sat morning just to look at stuff or get a magazine . its still there but no bmx now its mainly road bikes
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: markyp on January 14, 2011, 05:33 PM
weymouth had fook all to offer in the way of bmx shops,it was halfords or nothing pretty much.our nearest decent shop was hot wheels in bournemouth an hour away!!they had everything you could have wished for.they were big importers of cw hence the reason why every other kid around weymouth had a cw and so began my love of them god damn ugly bikes(check my next build sometime soon!) :D
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Rudeboy72 on January 14, 2011, 05:38 PM
Mine was "pedalrs" in South Harrow! ;D 
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Gashead on January 14, 2011, 05:39 PM
Main place near me in Bristol was either SR Cycles (who ran the Bristol BMX club SR Jets) or Rollermania.

Obviously the same for me, however Rollermania (skateboards) changed it's name to Bikeology, and is still there today, however back as Rollermania.

Tony who ran it is still in contact with Fiola, and was behind the 'Hutch Team Tour' when they came to the UK.

Sean, can you remember 'Spec's' from the shop and a black called called Shane ?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Dingobmxer on January 14, 2011, 05:52 PM
Bunny's bikes in nottingham

Had all the top spec gear , I can remember getting
Some Christmas money , and going in there , and coming out
With a red set of tuff 2's , a pair of vdc monkey bars
And a pair of Oakley grips , was a magic moment

They were a bit gob smacked though when I took my Curtis back
After snapping it , gave me a new one , no problem

There still trading aswell I think




I used to work in Bunneys on a Saturday and holidays too  :daumenhoch:

they still sponsor me to this day although its Matt (John and Sue's son) now

Dingo
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: mattfx81 on January 14, 2011, 06:02 PM
My local shop was Mills hardware in St.Asaph in north wales, all landar and formos but they had diamond back gear aswell cos my mate bought a brand spanking diamond back race frame off them late 90's that they found in the back (then part ex changed it in Westend cycles in Llandudno for a powerlite freestyle bike). We were still buying mx1000 copies until the late 90's and genuine dc cables as they had shit loads of the stuff.

Matt
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on January 14, 2011, 06:41 PM
Mine was "pedalrs" in South Harrow! ;D 

got my torker from them
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: andypug on January 14, 2011, 07:03 PM
Mine were Pedal Pushers in Guildford now a Fireplace shop and Surrey Skateboards in Woking a train ride away
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: PRO THUNDER on January 14, 2011, 07:06 PM
Braggs in Abingdon.
Raleigh supplier but also had loads of cool accessories 8)

monkian, I used to live in Abingdon. Where about did you live?  I remember drooling over Suntour pedals that were way exspensive in the glass cabinet in braggs. :D
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: ED209 on January 14, 2011, 07:07 PM
Junction Cycles in Mellis, near Eye, Suffolk.

Neal & Sue Jarvis ... I worked there in the summer holidays and loved it. They sponsored our team and we practiced in the street outside at lunchtimes.

Happy days  :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: aerostylie on January 14, 2011, 07:16 PM
Stetchford Cycles, place to go if ya lived in Brum (or Halfords in Chelmsley Wood shopping cente ;D )

then used to cycle up to H Craig cycles in Bordesley Green (great little shop with trick bits)

Im sure I got this YES cap from Ladypool cycles (that's me dad btw!) and all the other bits, bars, grips, levers were from those shops
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/s6/aerostylie/Dad2.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: wildon on January 14, 2011, 07:20 PM
They had a Raleigh specialist in Hatfield which is still there now and wasnt much good so we used to jump on the train to Stevenage to visit Custom Riders, was a much smaller shop than it is now and Mason had hair!!!  :LolLolLolLol:
Rob that cycle shop in Hatfield is cack!  they never have a thing in the shop that need!   >:(
as for Custom Riders, i think they were in Hitchin rather than Stevenage fella..........i grew up in Stevenage and we never had a shop like his (unfortunately) although it was great when Mason popped into Bowes so we could all drool over his Gen1  :smitten:

Yep Custom Riders was defo in Hitchin .. i remember my dad taking me there to pick up my Trickstar when i was 13 ... i remember that day .. thats where it all started for me  8)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: baldbmxer on January 14, 2011, 07:20 PM
BMX Specials was the LBS for me in Harrogate. Spent loads of time there on both sides of the counter.

Not far away was Melanie Vauvelle's Ultra BMX in Yeadon Leeds, had some nice stuff in there but didn't last long.

And a little further away was Cobra BMX in Bradford - this preceeded BMX Specials and Ultra BMX and was such a rad shop! It was like walking into BMX mecca, rows of the chrome shinney chrome frame and forks and bars and wheels and cranks and seat posts and stems, Vans, the trickest race kit..................oh I remember it like it was yesterday.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: simo27 on January 14, 2011, 08:15 PM
Armstrong's in Middlesbrough, he didnt get into BMX until a bit later so missed out a bit, another shop sadly long gone.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trasher on January 14, 2011, 08:20 PM
Bunny's bikes in nottingham

Had all the top spec gear , I can remember getting
Some Christmas money , and going in there , and coming out
With a red set of tuff 2's , a pair of vdc monkey bars
And a pair of Oakley grips , was a magic moment

They were a bit gob smacked though when I took my Curtis back
After snapping it , gave me a new one , no problem

There still trading aswell I think




I used to work in Bunneys on a Saturday and holidays too  :daumenhoch:

they still sponsor me to this day although its Matt (John and Sue's son) now

Dingo


superb ,,, we would all go there on sturdays ,,,,then cruise through notts and end up at broadmarsh bumps

can you remember a guy called jason slater ,,, he reckond he was sponsored by them  :-\
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: ED209 on January 14, 2011, 08:31 PM
Main place near me in Bristol was either SR Cycles (who ran the Bristol BMX club SR Jets) or Rollermania.

Obviously the same for me, however Rollermania (skateboards) changed it's name to Bikeology, and is still there today, however back as Rollermania.

Tony who ran it is still in contact with Fiola, and was behind the 'Hutch Team Tour' when they came to the UK.

Sean, can you remember 'Spec's' from the shop and a black called called Shane ?

Nick - are you talking about Dave 'Spex' Haggerty ... he was a legendary skater  :angel:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: DML on January 14, 2011, 08:53 PM
Rad City for me  :daumenhoch: but i also used to use the shop at ROM as well
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Robbo on January 14, 2011, 08:54 PM
They had a Raleigh specialist in Hatfield which is still there now and wasnt much good so we used to jump on the train to Stevenage to visit Custom Riders, was a much smaller shop than it is now and Mason had hair!!!  :LolLolLolLol:

Rob that cycle shop in Hatfield is cack!  they never have a thing in the shop that need!   >:(

as for Custom Riders, i think they were in Hitchin rather than Stevenage fella..........i grew up in Stevenage and we never had a shop like his (unfortunately) although it was great when Mason popped into Bowes so we could all drool over his Gen1  :smitten:

Doh! Hitchin is what I meant used to love going there, had all the cool parts and bikes on display!!  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: CD17 on January 14, 2011, 09:13 PM
I lived in London so was a bit spoiled for BMX shops, my nearest was De Ver Cycles in Streatham, but he was a bit iffy, labeling up a silver Fox once as a Redline  >:(  so I didn't go there much, I used Edwards, Alpine Action, Waldens & there was a local-ish shop in Pollards Hill-Norbury area but I can't remember what it was called, I got a lot of bits like pedals, brakes, grips etc from there  :-\ I also once went to Surrey Skates to get a bolt in coaster for my Tuffs  8)


& just remembered the shop at Rom  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Gary72 on January 14, 2011, 09:34 PM
Mike Vickers in Barking, Got my Puch Rapier from there and my Torker. Eddy Gimstead was up the road in East Ham. And Superbike in Ilford. All gone now. Although Superbike the shop is still there I think with Redline and S&M stickers on the door.
Used Cycleone afew times when I got back into it, There gone aswell now.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: 58 delray on January 14, 2011, 10:38 PM
when i started there wasn't much around so had to travel a bit, then there was Alpine sports with the bmx down in the basement; later it moved and became Alpine action.
halfords of course (good for tange forks and MX 1000s)
a shop in Downham that sold Mongoose and Diamond back
In 1982 i got a job in Chris Compton Cycles in Catford, SE London and got most of my stuff direct from the distributors
then in 85 i became the manager of Youngs bmx in London, so again i got everything i wanted from the shop or the distributors  :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Dingobmxer on January 15, 2011, 06:12 AM
Bunny's bikes in nottingham

Had all the top spec gear , I can remember getting
Some Christmas money , and going in there , and coming out
With a red set of tuff 2's , a pair of vdc monkey bars
And a pair of Oakley grips , was a magic moment

They were a bit gob smacked though when I took my Curtis back
After snapping it , gave me a new one , no problem

There still trading aswell I think




I used to work in Bunneys on a Saturday and holidays too  :daumenhoch:

they still sponsor me to this day although its Matt (John and Sue's son) now

Dingo


superb ,,, we would all go there on sturdays ,,,,then cruise through notts and end up at broadmarsh bumps

can you remember a guy called jason slater ,,, he reckond he was sponsored by them  :-\

name rings a bell but there were so many bmxers in Notts at that time,

Supercyclers on North Sherwood st was a good shop too but the stairs and floor were a bit rickety lol

Dingo
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trasher on January 15, 2011, 09:00 AM
Oh yea I remember now , was it supercycle discount centre
Think I got my first bike , an ultra burner  :-[ from there

Or am I getting confused with a place near the race course  :-\

As you know a lot of burners in notts as it was home to Raleigh  :Great_Britain:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: MartyC on January 15, 2011, 10:10 AM
Early days it was Apline Sports in Nottinghill Gate, then Alpine Action, then Alpine Sports again in High St Kensington.  Managed to persuade Heff's Bike Shop in West Drayton to get some BMX stuff in around '81/'82, then got a job in there working Saturdays and school holidays, also managed to get him to sponsor me and a few other local riders.  would haveten go to Surrey BMX of Surrey Skatebaords fame in Woking too as one of my best mates lived not too far from the shop.

There were loads of bike shops selling BMX near us in the end though, Don McKellow's in Hayes End, Spokes in Ruislip and the Chalfonts, Stows in Slough, Ivor J Clarkes in Harefield and a few more that I can;t remember the names of LOL!
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Dingobmxer on January 15, 2011, 10:44 AM
Oh yea I remember now , was it supercycle discount centre
Think I got my first bike , an ultra burner  :-[ from there

Or am I getting confused with a place near the race course  :-\

As you know a lot of burners in notts as it was home to Raleigh  :Great_Britain:


yeah it was Supercvyle discount after it had been SC Racing,

I went on the launch of the Burner as raleigh approached Bunneys for some riders to ride the bikes onto stage  :daumenhoch:

If your a Burner boy no doubts you know Karl Russell't

Dingo
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Bob_Acid on January 15, 2011, 11:03 AM
OT cycles in Dartford and Wheelies in Northumberland Heath  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: louisdog on January 15, 2011, 02:39 PM
Saw my first bmx, in a small shop in my village,  called BIKE MAN, visited everyday and wanted a blue bike with yellow lester mags, then they got in the range of Diamond Backs including the Harry Leary Turbo... well....:shocked:  :smitten: , They moved to Royston and became SIGMA CYCLES
Got into racing, and used CUSTOM RIDERS in Hitchin, now in Letchworth... gen 1 hanging on the wall..
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: welsh denny on January 15, 2011, 05:14 PM
mine were tom martins and dragon wheels in cardiff. 2 shops on adjacent roads. 84- 86 ish. then valley bmx in caerphilly - 87- when dragon wheels moved there and changed name. tom martin emigrated.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: bigfatolly on January 15, 2011, 09:11 PM
Earliest bike shop i went in that had bmx was sanders in Parkstone,Poole,they made SRE race bikes.

Then it was Strongs and Hotwheels in Bournemouth before Strongs closed down.

But the most local was a shop called BT's bikes on the main road near Poole bmx track,which i lived opposite to.

Bernie the owner was a legend,he could order most stuff,and he could build bikes and wheels etc,we used to hang out in there all the time,happy days.

That closed down,and hotwheels outlived them all,lasting well into the 90s.

I actually went in there in the late 90s when i bought a secondhand MRD and bought a nos tuf neck stem for it,if i had known how big oldschool was to become i would have bought up everything they had!
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: the_wheelie_king on January 15, 2011, 09:40 PM
Before old school had fully dawned on me, I remember going into Hot Wheels in the mid 90's after a nice pair of wheels for a supergoose I had. It turned out that the old school option was cheaper than the new school one, so I walked out with a pair of brand new 7X's laced to a pair of Bullseye hubs - it was a wheelset that they'd built for someone but were never picked up - and I'm absolutely sure the pair cost me around £70. Literally no-one wanted them! It was mad.

A while later I began to realize just how collectible this stuff was becoming, so I decided to go back to Hot Wheels with the aim of getting a few more bits and pieces. When I turned up, the guy behind the counter told me that some yank called Jeff Haney (!) had bought absolutely everything a month or two earlier and had shipped the whole lot back to the states. This still haunts me to this day...I'll reckon he got most of his collection from that one shop alone. And it was all just sat there, waiting to be bought for next to fook all. The fact that it was all down the end of my road makes me want to weep. It must have been thousands worth.  >:(

 
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: energiza on January 15, 2011, 10:33 PM
blimey what a good thread.love it
i used to use superbikes in ilford(cant remember the ole ladys name in there) and also mike vickers in barking near the back of the old woolworths(goodtimes)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: TIMMO1966 on January 15, 2011, 10:38 PM
Mine was Holts Cyles in Derby who sponsored the Derby Greyhound team,now owned by Andy Pass who used to ride for them. Paid them a visit today for some bits for my road bike and a bit of reminiscing.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Pooch on January 16, 2011, 03:32 PM
Holdsworth on the lower Richmond rd putney. Bought my first red skyways from there.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: brettypeeps on January 16, 2011, 08:29 PM
I remember ravs in gillingham he would do anything on the never never for the kids can't recall what the shop was called but it won't be long until someone says it (No Softies rings a bell)  :4_17_5:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trickydeno on January 16, 2011, 08:55 PM
leedhams in leicester for me.they used to have some good gear.but for the better stuff had to go to a wharehouse type shop in notts on sherwood street,can't remember the name of the shop.i just remember the road name from the ad in action bike or freestyle bmx mag.you climbed some cronky old stairs and it was like aladdins cave......top place.i bought my dp from there,i went in with my wish list of parts from my £210 insurance money(from my knicked super burner) and they built it all up for me there and then.that day was 26 years ago......and i can remember it though it were yesterday.i utterly loved that bike  :smitten:

quality times  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: stevochb on January 16, 2011, 08:58 PM
My local was Jos Conways in South Shields, had everything that you would ever need.  I picked a goose up a couple of years ago and it still had the shop sticker on it :)
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/vv191/stevochb/SDC10148.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Dan73 on January 17, 2011, 10:27 PM
Cant beleive no-ones mentioned the crawling metropolis ......Lincoln.

Big up for F&J cycles, Ray Inkley, and Monks Road bikes. Many an hour spent drooling.

Them was the days. Train ride in after saving up just enough for a sh1te set of copy cw straight bars and a big mac.

Great thread.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: part time on January 18, 2011, 10:59 AM
Trents or Halfords for us, no proper shops  :-[

Got my Redline from a shop in Henley, think it may have been Ace BMX?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Biggeorge on January 18, 2011, 12:38 PM
Pedalers in south Harrow for me too, was sponsored by them in the early 90's. Used to love going in the a chatting with Dave Knight, the owner, top bloke with a grand sense of humour.
Used to go to Conways in South shields when I was back in the north east, and used to go to custom riders from time to time and also cyclone in waltham abbey.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: waza04 on January 18, 2011, 07:37 PM
mine was a little shop in a village just outside leicester, ran by a lil old man, he sold all top kit, bits and bobs, burners, lee chi, aeroyal seats, uni snake combi, and the list goes on! all top pucka items!   :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trickydeno on January 18, 2011, 08:08 PM
mine was a little shop in a village just outside leicester, ran by a lil old man, he sold all top kit, bits and bobs, burners, lee chi, aeroyal seats, uni snake combi, and the list goes on! all top pucka items!   :daumenhoch:

yeah i think i know the shop you mean.was it speedwheels in glenfield-leic?  the bloke was quality,can't remember his name.he produced his own spinner/gyro when they first came out.and he had a cool van with an adapted roof and a detachable quarter pipe up the side.you could pop out on top of his van onto the platform roof.he used to organise freestyle comps at the tarmac section at western park in leicester.oh what happy days  :smitten:  :smitten:  :smitten:  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Nigelb on January 18, 2011, 09:26 PM
Stechford Cycles in Birmingham was the place......All top stuff i remember the P.k Ripper hanging over the counter, the good old days.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: rhino_mac on January 18, 2011, 09:49 PM
First shop I got got my BMX from was Merry Cycles in Alma Road, Bournemouth which was run by a member of the Merry family who owned Hot Wheels in Pokesdown, Bournemouth. It closed down - I think there was a disagreement between the family members. The Hot Wheels store was always a smaller part of their business - their main business was the wholesale side of things, supplying other bike shops.

I liked the guys at Hot Wheels, particularly Neil Merry, who sponsored my Roller Hockey team a few years ago and generally supported us. Always had time to natter with us and talk about cars on a busy Saturday instead of helping paying customers. I think they closed the shop down shortly after they found out the shop was suffering from subsidence - I remember him saying the bill to repair it was thousands. They're still in business but only on the wholesale side of things. Neils brothers wife (if you follow that) sends their kids to the same school as my colleague. I think Neils brother sold his shares in the business but I might be wrong.

Good bunch of lads there!
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: antiquebmx on January 18, 2011, 10:00 PM
stechford cycles in birmingham was the main one for me,sadly not there anymore
always worth a visit as it was quite near birmingham wheels
complete builds upstairs,with all the parts downstairs,but what i really remember is all the landing gear forks hanging up behind the counter
also halfords and roberts cycles in ac0cks green(got me first z rim there) :daumenhoch:



yeah same here used to stop in stechford cycles on the way to wheels  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hunterdubber on January 18, 2011, 10:11 PM
Bikers , {KD Racing } ,local BMX only bike shop used to have a small ad in BMX Action bike, foookin heaven  :smitten:


I'd pay big money just to go back in time for a day ,very happy days  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Moza on January 19, 2011, 03:16 PM
Armstrong's in Middlesbrough, he didnt get into BMX until a bit later so missed out a bit, another shop sadly long gone.

I remember this well !!! it was a family run business and the owner Colin was an ex road racer. I remember a gold Raceinc frame in the window for ages !!! On a Saturday moring it was like a meeting place. You would get up to around 30 bikes of all types outside !!! It would be great to see a pic from back in the day, most of us would go to a place nicknamed the Arty afterwards, the name was taken from Art college which was near by. Those were the good old days lol, we did have Halfords selling their own brand and Raleigh and had Bobbys cycles (still going) which was a raleigh dealership.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: waza04 on January 19, 2011, 03:20 PM
mine was a little shop in a village just outside leicester, ran by a lil old man, he sold all top kit, bits and bobs, burners, lee chi, aeroyal seats, uni snake combi, and the list goes on! all top pucka items!   :daumenhoch:

yeah i think i know the shop you mean.was it speedwheels in glenfield-leic?  the bloke was quality,can't remember his name.he produced his own spinner/gyro when they first came out.and he had a cool van with an adapted roof and a detachable quarter pipe up the side.you could pop out on top of his van onto the platform roof.he used to organise freestyle comps at the tarmac section at western park in leicester.oh what happy days  :smitten:  :smitten:  :smitten:  :smitten:
[/qu

no but i remember speedwheels, he did awesome stuff, including the dp freestyler range!  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: moochalargo on January 20, 2011, 07:36 AM
Hot wheels or strongs were mine
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: fastlane on January 20, 2011, 02:22 PM
Winchester Halfords, late 70's then coming into the 80's Pete Williams Southampton, Hot Wheels Bournemouth.
Then Winchester got it's own BMX shop at the bottom of Romsey Road, this was ran by Chris Moxen and was my second home.

I spent my later school years (Bunking off) working down stairs building bikes and drinking coffe with coffee mate, Steve wright would supply the sound track to all this... Happy Days and dam I even had a fringe... The shop later became Off Beat Sports in Southampton.
Cheers
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: ameobic dysentry on January 20, 2011, 06:39 PM
Scotts Cycles, Hall Green Birmingham
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: simo27 on February 11, 2011, 10:22 PM
Armstrong's in Middlesbrough, he didnt get into BMX until a bit later so missed out a bit, another shop sadly long gone.

I remember this well !!! it was a family run business and the owner Colin was an ex road racer. I remember a gold Raceinc frame in the window for ages !!! On a Saturday moring it was like a meeting place. You would get up to around 30 bikes of all types outside !!! It would be great to see a pic from back in the day, most of us would go to a place nicknamed the Arty afterwards, the name was taken from Art college which was near by. Those were the good old days lol, we did have Halfords selling their own brand and Raleigh and had Bobbys cycles (still going) which was a raleigh dealership.
It was a pity Armstrongs closed, they had some quality stuff.  My best pal at work used to build bikes there when he was a student bitd, funny small world!  Bobby's is still doing ok by the looks of it, have been in recently, sell Mongoose stuff if I recall.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hunterdubber on February 12, 2011, 05:31 PM
Aswell as KD racing , I mention earlier ,, and the Halfords in Blackburn precinct , which had the usual , full Burner range , BH, Halfords Turbos , Team Murrays

and later stocked Falcon's , not forgetting the Halfords and Trax Pro Race/protection gear  :crazy2:  :D ,, which I bought TWICE over  :LolLolLolLol:

There was Warland cycles which Scary Leary had some shop decals made up and look cool and add an extra personal touch on his builds , they had Piranha's and Iron horse Dirt burners and again Raleigh's

Me and a mate  also used to catch the bus over to Bolton BMX centre on Tonge moor road , which also had a small advert in BMX Action bike  :)

These only had a limited stock at first , until they moved across the road to their bigger shop called MK cycles

They stocked most of the high end stuff   8) Black chrome GT's  :smitten: , PK Ripper, Curtis and best of all they had a Black Hutch Pro Racer with the chrome decals

Just amazing to look around a shop like that when my ride at the time was probably my Ammaco   :shocked: :) 

Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: meticulous on February 12, 2011, 05:35 PM
one bus ride away from me too bolton bmx centre christian, its just that it took nearly 2hrs to get there....  still, all the way for 10p..... ;D
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: HUTCHMAN on February 12, 2011, 05:35 PM
Ace BMX in Henley on Thames,The BMX Pit in Reading,Hotshot in Kidlington and i always remember drooling over a rather nice Race inc in the window of Kings Moto cross in Didcot....good job i ended up with it !!!  :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hunterdubber on February 12, 2011, 05:50 PM
one bus ride away from me too bolton bmx centre christian, its just that it took nearly 2hrs to get there....  still, all the way for 10p..... ;D

It's still there Sammy

Just mainly roadie bikes stocked now though , I talked to the owner a couple of years ago , and told him, I was coming over here over 25 years ago  :D

Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: rick1970 on February 12, 2011, 06:34 PM
MK cycles tonge moor  :smitten: must have been around 85 ish because it was for us where it still is opposite that bloody dummy across the road with camo gear on :LolLolLolLol:
we used to ride up in droves from bury to spend our hard earned pennys, ;D  then 20 odd year passed and about 2 year ago went back and bought a mtb for work ,which was second hand but looked new a gary fisher thingy all the mods hydrolic brakes suspension etc!! haggled a while down to 300 quid from 350 ,then he told me they still sell new £699 online,bolox i thort,so i buy it any way cos it looks lush gets home gets on net and fook me hes right £699. hats of to yer mk bloody bargain :daumenhoch: :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Gtbill on February 12, 2011, 08:11 PM
Ashton BMX the guy who own it was called phil TOP GUY  he ran a freestyle team for a while they use to go round doing demos.
 :D
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: m5 paul on February 12, 2011, 09:01 PM
I used to live in Maidstone, Kent and there were a few okish bike shops but my dad was (well is but semi retired) sales rep and used to regularly take me to OT Cycles in Dartford. Loads of lovely kit there. Can still remember walking out from there with a DP Freestyler F&F in white for £75 in the mid 80s and a suprise gift a few days later of a set of Acorn mags in white from the same place 8) .
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: ron burgundy on February 12, 2011, 09:33 PM
Armstrong's in Middlesbrough, he didnt get into BMX until a bit later so missed out a bit, another shop sadly long gone.

I remember this well !!! it was a family run business and the owner Colin was an ex road racer. I remember a gold Raceinc frame in the window for ages !!! On a Saturday moring it was like a meeting place. You would get up to around 30 bikes of all types outside !!! It would be great to see a pic from back in the day, most of us would go to a place nicknamed the Arty afterwards, the name was taken from Art college which was near by. Those were the good old days lol, we did have Halfords selling their own brand and Raleigh and had Bobbys cycles (still going) which was a raleigh dealership.
It was a pity Armstrongs closed, they had some quality stuff.  My best pal at work used to build bikes there when he was a student bitd, funny small world!  Bobby's is still doing ok by the looks of it, have been in recently, sell Mongoose stuff if I recall.


Armstrongs was a great shop, we used to get the train from Hartlepool to Smog Land to look at the quality kit. It was no different from Church Steet Cycles in Pool, but the adventure was great.

Funny thing is, when they shut the doors all the stock went over the road to the DIY/Second hand stock shop. Most of it ended up in Hartlepool :shocked:

Tuckers in Guisborough... that was a cool shop :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dan-dare on February 12, 2011, 09:56 PM
Armstrong's in Middlesbrough, he didnt get into BMX until a bit later so missed out a bit, another shop sadly long gone.

I remember this well !!! it was a family run business and the owner Colin was an ex road racer. I remember a gold Raceinc frame in the window for ages !!! On a Saturday moring it was like a meeting place. You would get up to around 30 bikes of all types outside !!! It would be great to see a pic from back in the day, most of us would go to a place nicknamed the Arty afterwards, the name was taken from Art college which was near by. Those were the good old days lol, we did have Halfords selling their own brand and Raleigh and had Bobbys cycles (still going) which was a raleigh dealership.
It was a pity Armstrongs closed, they had some quality stuff.  My best pal at work used to build bikes there when he was a student bitd, funny small world!  Bobby's is still doing ok by the looks of it, have been in recently, sell Mongoose stuff if I recall.


Armstrongs was a great shop, we used to get the train from Hartlepool to Smog Land to look at the quality kit. It was no different from Church Steet Cycles in Pool, but the adventure was great.

Funny thing is, when they shut the doors all the stock went over the road to the DIY/Second hand stock shop. Most of it ended up in Hartlepool :shocked:

Tuckers in Guisborough... that was a cool shop :)


And don't come back.....I ffookin wont.    :fart:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: ron burgundy on February 12, 2011, 10:02 PM
Armstrong's in Middlesbrough, he didnt get into BMX until a bit later so missed out a bit, another shop sadly long gone.

I remember this well !!! it was a family run business and the owner Colin was an ex road racer. I remember a gold Raceinc frame in the window for ages !!! On a Saturday moring it was like a meeting place. You would get up to around 30 bikes of all types outside !!! It would be great to see a pic from back in the day, most of us would go to a place nicknamed the Arty afterwards, the name was taken from Art college which was near by. Those were the good old days lol, we did have Halfords selling their own brand and Raleigh and had Bobbys cycles (still going) which was a raleigh dealership.
It was a pity Armstrongs closed, they had some quality stuff.  My best pal at work used to build bikes there when he was a student bitd, funny small world!  Bobby's is still doing ok by the looks of it, have been in recently, sell Mongoose stuff if I recall.


Armstrongs was a great shop, we used to get the train from Hartlepool to Smog Land to look at the quality kit. It was no different from Church Steet Cycles in Pool, but the adventure was great.

Funny thing is, when they shut the doors all the stock went over the road to the DIY/Second hand stock shop. Most of it ended up in Hartlepool :shocked:

Tuckers in Guisborough... that was a cool shop :)


And don't come back.....I ffookin wont.    :fart:


Thraaaaaap (wet fart noise), fingers back in yoghurt ;D
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dan-dare on February 12, 2011, 10:10 PM
auld nissans and datsuns firin up, chasin over the transporter.  :shocked:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: kuwahero on February 12, 2011, 10:11 PM
Scotia BMX, Iona Street, Edinburgh. Me and mate used to ride there and back most weeks from Livingston. Approx a 40 mile round trip.
On BMX's :idiot2:
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/58942_153793627972579_100000258286157_389475_3148858_n.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: ron burgundy on February 12, 2011, 10:16 PM
auld nissans and datsuns firin up, chasin over the transporter.  :shocked:
auld nissans and datsuns firin up, chasin over the transporter.  :shocked:

I'm off to do a few endos outside Bongo International.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: lk_97 on February 12, 2011, 10:49 PM
My mates dad owns a cycle warehouse in aylestone, not far from my house, When his grandad owned it it used to have all sorts in there back in the 80's, if only it was still there now :(
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: bmxmatt1974 on February 13, 2011, 12:14 PM
Local bike shop was Supertune in Studley just outside Redditch. Was good as used to get a discount as my dad knew the guy who ran the shop.

Though i got my first bike straight from the guy making them, Steve Wilson. They were made just few miles from where i lived  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: lk_97 on February 13, 2011, 12:57 PM
Oh and my dad got his night burner from julies cycles leicester, and was there a bmx track near the leicester city ground? or is that western park? And another thing is There is a shop in south wigston that sells choppers,skyways and they have a re-issue pk ripper frame  :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: retrorider.u.k on February 13, 2011, 01:30 PM
Oh and my dad got his night burner from julies cycles leicester, and was there a bmx track near the leicester city ground? or is that western park? And another thing is There is a shop in south wigston that sells choppers,skyways and they have a re-issue pk ripper frame  :)

He should remember Speedwheels in Glenfield too...
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Tefore on February 13, 2011, 01:48 PM
supertune in studley..
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: monkeybat on February 13, 2011, 04:09 PM
I used Radcity in the early eighties then Superbike and Hotwheels when it closed down. What a shame , i loved that place they really seemed to care.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: northern dean on February 13, 2011, 09:03 PM
First local bike shop was kawasaki, Carlisle. A small shop that stoked all the latest parts. Through that shop i owned and rode  a Viceroy, a Dragon race frame, a Gt race frame, a Rickman freestyler and a Craig Campbell Prolite. Good memories. They sponsored a team and had a quarterpipe. The first quarterpipe i ever rode. They got out of BMX as soon as all the money left.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trickydeno on February 13, 2011, 09:44 PM
Oh and my dad got his night burner from julies cycles leicester, and was there a bmx track near the leicester city ground? or is that western park? And another thing is There is a shop in south wigston that sells choppers,skyways and they have a re-issue pk ripper frame  :)

hi mate,the track near the city ground was twin forks.it was a cool little track with a quarter pipe aswell.spent many happy days there in the early 80's.its a housing estate now  :( i remember julies well,they were a mongoose dealer.the shop in wigston is suppose to be pretty good but not been in yet.and where was the warehouse you mention in aylestone?.....as i've lived in aylestone all my life and never heard of it?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: SteveG on February 14, 2011, 10:01 AM
Was spoilt for choice in the Frimley area where I used to live. First I remember was one in Aldershot. It was there before many people knew about BMX and wasn't open long. Not sure what order they cam in but there were many others within cycling range.

Frimley green had 2 bike shops one called Camberley Cycles the other Deeks. Deeks were mainly a Raleigh stockist and didn't get too involved in BMX but Camberley cycles did but mainly sold lower end affordable stuff. They halped out the local BMX club by paying for a quarter pipe my father built.

Farnborough and Camberley had shops owned by the same person, Farnborough Cycles and Surrey Cycles. They had some nice part and bikes in. I bought most of my parts and Ripper frame from them.

Then there was Surrey Skatebords or Surrey BMX (think this is right) in Woking well known to many and probably the best shop in the area. I only got to go there on special occasions like my Birthday !

There was also Pedal Pushers in Guildford but I don't remember ever looking in there, and a few Halfords dotted around as well.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Moza on October 05, 2012, 01:48 PM
Dunno if this has been posted before ??? (http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y371/MozaGT/bmxshop.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Retrodan72 on October 05, 2012, 03:27 PM
Claude Crimes - Raleigh Dealer in Queensferry
Stevenson's Cycles - Buckley (where I bought my Piranha)
Top Gear Cycles - Shotton
Deeside Cycle Exchange - Shotton
Davies Brothers - Chester - Now La Tasca
Dave Millar Cycles - Chester - still going strong. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Prest1082 on October 05, 2012, 04:07 PM
Dunno if this has been posted before ??? (http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y371/MozaGT/bmxshop.jpg)
What is the bike in right hand window ?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: willo73 on October 05, 2012, 04:09 PM
Samways in Derby  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: region11 on October 05, 2012, 04:21 PM
OT cycles.  Plus Edwards, Youngs and Mud Machine  :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Tidelander on October 05, 2012, 05:16 PM
Sussex BMX, Queens Road Brighton - it was down in the basement of a locksmiths - had hard to get US parts
Sport & Cycles in Newhaven run by the legendary Mick
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: M5AT on October 05, 2012, 05:32 PM
Langstett cycles, Hillsborough, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Bloody ace it were.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Redline on October 05, 2012, 06:27 PM
Around 1979 it was Viking Sales and Spares in Davyhulme Manchester run by Denis Christian. It was originally a motocross shop before turning to BMX... early Redlines, Mongoose and Kuwahara and the early MCS Magnum stuff to name but a few.
After he had the Barton BMX track built Denis changed the name of his shop to DC Racing. The original building the shop was in is now long gone but Denis moved premesis up the road and named the shop Manchester Cycle Exchange which still runs to this day. Denis retired a couple of years ago.

For a short while we also had Alpine Sports in Manchester

Around 1983 we had a shop in Altrincham called American Connection BMX Centre who manufactured the Hustler frame sets which turned up on a thread here recently.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: alfie on October 05, 2012, 06:46 PM
bmx superstore in exeter & plymouth
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: not johndub71 on October 06, 2012, 07:51 AM
J E James in Chesterfield, JC Chambers in Hasland and el cheapo in Clay Cross.

Remember buying some Tange grips from my old shop bitd for £2.99, and down at James's a shop full of kids banging on for pegs cos of BMX Biweekly showing them. Kids today havnt seen BMX evolve like we have. And thats why I love BMX.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Spen69 on October 06, 2012, 09:23 AM
Langstett cycles, Hillsborough, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Bloody ace it were.

Still there today Matt. :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: rooski on October 06, 2012, 10:32 AM
Cycleworld(now Cyclegear) in Halifax,they had loadsa good stuff,GT,Skyway etc,my Falcon Pro and National pro came from there 8)

Also Ray's cycles(Halifax),he was a right dodgy bastard with a permanantly grimey face and loads of nicked bikes and moody parts 8)

visited Big Valley in Huddersfield,they had Hutch stuff,and Arnold Moores also in Hudds,they had Yamaha and Mongoose(was a motorbike shop)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: animal on October 06, 2012, 11:52 AM
I used

Steve Goode Cycles
(Nutty) Russells Cycles
J Perks cycles
Walmley Cycles
Stechford Cycles
Penkridge Cycles (Retrofit)
Hateley Cycles  :daumenhoch: great uncles family shop  :coolsmiley:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: CustardLips on October 07, 2012, 01:09 AM
Shepherds Cycles, Heywood - Local BMX/Bike shop
Raleigh Shop, Bury - 1st Bmx Raleigh Burner
Bolton BMX Centre - 2nd Bmx GT Pro Nora
We used to go on bus rides all over the Manchester area to look at bike shops. 10p bus fare, them were the days !  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: richboy on October 07, 2012, 12:24 PM
sixer in upminster,,and a shop in pound lane pitsea which for the life of me i cant remember the name of  :-\
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dancetothedrummersbeat on October 12, 2012, 12:30 AM
CMA Cycles, Chain Lane in St Helens. Bought my one and only bmx there. Would love to see a pic of the shop. Sadly, it's not there anymore
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: brass monkey! on October 12, 2012, 11:44 AM
RAD CITY in Benfleet
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dubstar on October 12, 2012, 08:17 PM
Hot Wheels and Strongs too. But our closest shop was called Les Scotts, a Raleigh dealer (long gone now) they had bmx's . I remember saving my pocket money to buy these short brake levers they had in the window. I got enough money and went in to ask for them, the son of the owner said " the brake levers in the window?" we both went outside  so I could show him, "Oh" he said "they are not brake levers!" I felt like a right goon, they were the old stylee gear levers that went on the lower tube on the old racers!
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: BMX1973 on October 12, 2012, 08:34 PM
Blackfen Cycles
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Prest1082 on October 12, 2012, 09:50 PM
Come on lads anybody know what the bike is in the window on right hand side ? They used to sell them at our shop but I can not find any trace of them on the museum ! I remember the drop outs ? Dyatron rings a bell ?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: nosher70 on October 16, 2012, 07:59 PM
No Softies cycles and skates of Mill Road Gillingham (previously Mr Wilsons). Geoff ""Mr know-it-all"" Wiles in Strood.


Oh and those nobbers at Larkfield cycles......
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: liddle145 on October 17, 2012, 02:28 PM
Come on lads anybody know what the bike is in the window on right hand side ? They used to sell them at our shop but I can not find any trace of them on the museum ! I remember the drop outs ? Dyatron rings a bell ?

Been bugging me too as I had one but can't remember exactly what it was ! I bought it second hand but it came from Phill at church street cycles originally
Diatron panther rings a bell but I can't find no pictures even though I had it for years.

I am waiting for some pictures of us racing at Teesside airport coming from an old mate, hopefully it will show my old bike
Cheers mick
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Prest1082 on October 19, 2012, 05:57 AM
Think that was it !!post the picks !!
Cheers Mick
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: JAY on October 19, 2012, 08:46 AM
For me living in Consett, Co Durham, I had to travel by bus and Metro to bike shops that were any good in the north east. We used to go by bus with our bikes in bin bags to get them on there. We would go to Newcastle for Kawasaki Newcastle and another shop further up the road, then jump on the metro to South shields for a visit to Jos Conways, I remember these Shops been packed out on the weekends and kids everywhere riding outside, great memories........Then some weekends we would go down to Sunderland and stay at my grans, we used to ride 26 mile to get there, stay overnight and ride back the next day, we had Kawasaki Sunderland, Hendersons, Halfords, Peter Darke Cycles and Kelly's.
Pic of Fiola Visit to Kawasaki Newcastle.
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/q66/harogenone/IMG_0001_edited-4.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: danny tomato on October 19, 2012, 06:48 PM
My brother got his first bmx in gravesend I think the shop was called JUST BMX
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: liddle145 on October 19, 2012, 07:26 PM
Think that was it !!post the picks !!
Cheers Mick

Nick
Can't find any pics or info on them on the net (diatron panther)  kev o'Connor raced one for a while I think ? it was supplied buy Phil at church street cycles..

I had that bike for 9 years, Won me many a trophy and also got me to the beer barrel to buy my first 4 pack  of special brew ::) which is probs why my memory of those years is a bit Woolley

Will see if I can get the pics of my mate
Cheers Mick
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dan-dare on October 19, 2012, 07:42 PM
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y31/dan-dare/cyclists.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: QUADROPHENIA on October 19, 2012, 08:40 PM
My brother got his first bmx in gravesend I think the shop was called JUST BMX

Remember getting some mx1000 from them from an advert in Bmx action bike, they did some pukka deals, remember seeing them selling the ripper frame on it own for the first time
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Tefore on October 19, 2012, 10:44 PM
Ours was super tune in Studley. After they packed up, my old man refitted out the shop for the new tenants. He chucked loads of old box bits in the skip. And only brought me home some black mushrooms.
Arrrrrrrgggggghhh
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: stuntmaster on October 20, 2012, 07:26 AM
for me choice was everywhere
i used waldens in kingston still there been well rinsed now tho
cyclecity raynes park  change owner`s a few times now  ,bought my first chrome 85 master
halfords in new malden had bits like redline flites  shop gone now
pearsons in sutton still there
surrey skates for bits and bobs gone now

did anyone every go to bike shop in cobham as i hear from the owner he had loads of old surplus stock of hutch stuff that never sold back in the day as was bought up by one person few years back now tho , never knew about shop bitd
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hunterdubber on October 20, 2012, 09:03 AM
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/y31/dan-dare/cyclists.jpg)

30 years ago to the month Dan  :4_17_5:

Is that your Brother with the Kuwi top ?  :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hotdog on October 20, 2012, 02:43 PM
For me it was Stockport Bmx Centre on Hillgate (Mike Chilvers did a demo on the opening day). Also Curbishleys Antique shop on the A6 for Redline and Kuwahara,Alpine Sports on Deansgate,Manchester plus various motorcycle dealers in town. Aaah,halcyon days :smitten:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Why isnt this working on October 20, 2012, 07:25 PM
Rad City. fook me cant remember where it was now.. :2funny:. Romford, Harrold wood, Upminster...Jesus Christ.. ;D

Si.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: TORKER mick on October 20, 2012, 07:35 PM
benfleet :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Prest1082 on October 22, 2012, 01:41 PM
Think that was it !!post the picks !!
Cheers Mick

Nick
Can't find any pics or info on them on the net (diatron panther)  kev o'Connor raced one for a while I think ? it was supplied buy Phil at church street cycles..

I had that bike for 9 years, Won me many a trophy and also got me to the beer barrel to buy my first 4 pack  of special brew ::) which is probs why my memory of those years is a bit Woolley

Will see if I can get the pics of my mate
Cheers Mick
There must be someone out there who knows or has some pictures !
Mick I am sure you right with the name I think they also make a wild cat which was a low end starter bike , my mates had them !
Come on lads more info ?

Cheers Nick
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Toblerone on October 22, 2012, 06:35 PM
CS Cycles in Stroud, Gloucestershire. It was at the top of the High Street and now a Takeaway!

I remember passing the Mongoose Californian in the window for what seemed like weeks before it became mine one Xmas :)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hudu on October 24, 2012, 03:45 PM
A B Wheels in Sheffield. Long before James's and Langsett days.

You won't find it googling.

Once got shot in there by a staff member. With a gun.

A B Wheels was the dogs.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: darksunday on October 26, 2012, 12:21 PM
A B Wheels in Sheffield. Long before James's and Langsett days.

You won't find it googling.

Once got shot in there by a staff member. With a gun.

A B Wheels was the dogs.

london road?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: trixr4kidz on October 26, 2012, 06:49 PM
Scotia BMX. Iona Street Edinburgh.  A great place.

Or if I was at my grans it was Gala BMX in Galashiels
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Clean on October 26, 2012, 06:57 PM
Steve Goode Motorcycles
Sutton Road
Walsall

 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: stevesredvxr on October 31, 2012, 08:25 PM
This was mine......Halfords in Oldham. This ones gone now but not forgotten.

My mum and dad bought my Team Murray from here. We went in and my dad told me to get on it and see what it was like because his mate was thinking of buying his son one as a surprise and his lad was apparantly the same size as me.....my dad would then report back to his mate and let him know if it was going to be okay for him.

I believed this shit but it was just a ploy to see if I was gonna be big enough for it.  :idiot2:

Xmas day and it was mine.  :daumenhoch:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/cc63/stevesredvxr/78cb91e89429c923c577822b812988df.jpg)
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Rombloke on October 31, 2012, 08:50 PM
rad city.....benfleet

rad

Dave
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Bigbadsam on November 01, 2012, 12:37 PM
one bus ride away from me too bolton bmx centre christian, its just that it took nearly 2hrs to get there....  still, all the way for 10p..... ;D

It's still there Sammy

Just mainly roadie bikes stocked now though , I talked to the owner a couple of years ago , and told him, I was coming over here over 25 years ago  :D


how bizzare, i worked around tonge moor a few years back and went into that shop for a look around (asking for old school of course) the guy said they used to sell it years ago. I worked on Tonge school at the back of the army surplus shop, and down the road at the back of Matalan.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Bigbadsam on November 01, 2012, 12:44 PM
My local (ish) shops were CMA cycles and Bromilows in sthelens, Rogersons in Orrell, and Alans in wigan where my 84 Diamondback silver streak came from.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: neil on November 02, 2012, 10:12 AM
Ian johnsons in stockton ,but mostly Bates cycles in Darlington (I was sponsored by Sid bates ) church street cycles Hartlepool ,tuckers guisborough armstrongs in middlesbrough
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: teamsano on November 04, 2012, 11:55 PM
dales cycles, glasgow. it was absolutely rammed with all the brand new gear, i remember seeing candy red and blue trickstars, triple checker vans, action zone bars, and its where i got my first gt team series race bike.
also, glynn lewis used to work in it through the summer for some bizarre reason? :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: hudu on November 05, 2012, 09:59 PM
A B Wheels in Sheffield. Long before James's and Langsett days.

You won't find it googling.

Once got shot in there by a staff member. With a gun.

A B Wheels was the dogs.

london road?

That's the one Joe, were you around in them days?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: GavinDavis on November 05, 2012, 10:14 PM
Bike Pro in Kings Heath, Birmingham was my nearest dealer of decent bits and bobs.  Bought my first GT Performer back in '94 from there :) ....Wish id never sold it now, ill be on the lookout for another in the not too distant future if anyone has one they dont need  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: HUTCHMAN on November 05, 2012, 10:17 PM
Remember going to a little shop on the south coast that was an off shoot of Hotwheels(the guy that ran it often went to race meets with some of his stuff)....could it have been in Cosham?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: dancetothedrummersbeat on November 06, 2012, 08:42 PM
My local (ish) shops were CMA cycles and Bromilows in sthelens, Rogersons in Orrell, and Alans in wigan where my 84 Diamondback silver streak came from.

Do you have any photos of CMA cycles in St Helens?, That was my local bike shop where I got my first bmx
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Bigbadsam on February 26, 2013, 06:00 PM
No Andy. My mate lived over the back of there for a while before he came to billinge and he was int the local paper when they tried to get a race team going. Are you a chain lane'er ?
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: teamspicer on February 26, 2013, 08:45 PM
We had picketts in benfleet got my first goose from there. Then rad city opened where I got me haro. :4_17_5: But we also had Richardson's in Hadleigh. Les's cycles on convey. And also cycle king in pound lane. Awesome thread love it.
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: Wez on February 27, 2013, 11:35 AM
I forget the name but it was next door H.M.P Stafford, used to ogle the Team Aero Pro they had in there...
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: McQUEEN on July 27, 2013, 06:36 AM
Radcity was in Benfleet at the Tarpots roundabout, behind what is now a tesco metro store. Bought my 84 gt pro performer in chrome from there - wanted yellow, but it was all built up and the owner wasn't keen to break it up as the GT freestyle tour was coming to town with Fiola and I folded!

Also used to buy stuff from Sixar in Upminster. Anybody remember them. Thats were it all started. a 80 Prostar in blue and gold after my grifar was stolen!
Title: Re: What was your local BMX shop back in the day?
Post by: bmxband1t77 on September 19, 2013, 12:47 PM
I actually worked in Rad City BMX for a while, mostly summer holidays to raise funds to guess wot...yes...buy parts..haha. think it was summer 84' was that same year Fiola visited. man those fiberglass ramps were shite. wrong dimensions too from memory.

I worked alongside whispering Brian and Sid Salisbury, eventually ending up with his unwanted PK Ripper Factory blue frame and forks when he was signed up with SE Racing. I still have it but i bailed a humungous bail over at John Burrows park in Hadleigh. Broke seatpost clamp and bent (yes!) the landing gear. i replaced it with a GT Performer second hand from Rad City end of '84 early '85.

I also used to drool over stuff in Richardsons in Hadleigh too, where i lived and schooled at Deanes in benfleet.

Myself, Jon Eastoe, Adam Besley (BEZ), Howard Smith (Piff), Gavin Brewer (Hank) and various other 'Usual Suspects' used to hang outside Garstons shoe shop Hadleigh, John Burrows Hadleigh, Rayleigh Grove Road BMX track run in unison with Rad City BMX, and of course not forgetting Romford ROM Skatepark, every evening and all summer long, homework? Nah!

I was in Skate'n'Scoot in leigh recently and dropped in some of this, the guy there actually knew of Brian, Sid and Rad City BMX, he said Brians still with us! That guy now a distributor for one of the scooter companies, sorry forgot his name, yes, I also have a go at scooting, its a laff.

I still BMX tho not as nuts as back in the day....respectfully Rad Dad..heh heh.
Jon E
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