Torker, the beloved BMX brand that dominated tracks in the 80s and late 90s is back and ready to continue it’s winning legacy with a new generation. Bill Ryan, owner of Supercross BMX and Speedline, has purchased not only the Torker brand, but also Torker’s sister brand – MAX, reuniting the two iconic Johnson Family brands for the first time since 1985. Throughout its 47-year history, Torker has come and gone several times. In 1976, Torker built their frame; then in 1980, MAX was founded. After several years of growth and success on the track, in 1985, both brands were auctioned off due to bankruptcy. In the sale, both brands were separated, with MAX being shelved indefinitely, and Torker being rebranded as Torker 2 after it was purchased by Tioga.
In 1995, SBS attempted to bring Torker back with USA-made frames and several options of complete bikes; however, in 2001, the brand was revamped to produce family-style bikes (beach cruisers, tricycles, unicycles, etc.), and Torker left the BMX world once again. NOW, with new leadership, passion, and the help of Torker/MAX enthusiasts and former Torker pros such as Hollywood Mike Miranda, Eddy King, and Eddie Fiola (and more!), Mr. Ryan is dedicated revive Torker and MAX by creating products that stay true to original beloved brands, while bringing the BMX community new items for the modern race world.
After having so much success with Supercross in 2007 and 2008 (2x British Cycling No.1 Team) it is with great pleasure that we welcome Supercross BMX back in to the fold. In that time both of us have grown and I feel together we can achieve take BMX racing to the next level. Our race team, ran by National Champion himself, John Bentley, has been expanded and we can’t wait to get out there on the tracks with the new bikes and kit moving into this new era. The team will be spearheaded by a British Cycling squad member, to be announced shortly.
Initial product is available now at ALANSBMX.COM in time for Christmas, with more to follow
With stock here in the UK- the time for UK flatlanders having to order from overseas - not know how long it is going to take and what the duty, vat and and handling fees will be - is hopefully over. Even frame options not in stock should be able to be supplied in a few days without any extra fees and a price close to the Euro. Heresy is such a great brand with an amazing team of course with the newly crowned UCI World Champion, Aude Cassagne.
Hopefully with the product here on hand, that the customer can get next day will help UK flatland grow. We have been supporting the UK Flatland League and it is Alex there that really made us look at flatland. The final straw was when I watched the Worlds in Glasgow and was blown away with the progression.
Raleigh , the British bicycle brand, is supporting Alans BMX and the charity Bikes4Ukraine - Alans BMX will be raffling off two one-off custom Raleigh Burner Bikes in Ukraine colours to raise funds for the charity so refugees can be supplied with bikes. So far, thousands of refugees have left their homes with next to nothing and public transport is under extreme pressure. With limited alternative ways to travel, Raleigh and Alans BMX understand the urgency to support a charity.
Bikes4Ukraine is raising funds to support the collection of second hand bikes and transportation of them to Ukrainian cities such as Lviv, where thousands of people are currently seeking refuge. In order to help the charity, formed by Mikael Colville-Andersen, an internationally renowned expert on cycling and
urban mobility, Alans BMX built one Mk1 and one Mk2 Raleigh Burner BMX bikes. The bikes are specced with Dia-Compe brakes and Tioga tyres supplied by Ison Distribution, special graphics by Delcals
Random Adventure meets Alan Woods of Alans BMX, a shop that has been on the Wigan BMX scene for over 40 years, and John Lee an ex racer who's love has been rekindled for the sport when his own kids got into it.
Adam shows you how to fit a BMX bottom bracket to a frame. Covers American, Mid (and Spanish) & Euro (threaded).
Shop name: Alans BMX
Location: Wigan, England
Years in business: 40 years coming up!
Best year yet: 2020
Worst year yet: 2020
2020 has been, well, different. When did Covid-19 turn up and start influencing your business?
Alan: Straight away in March really. Things just went crazy. We were having some work done separate our building and this gave us the opportunity to close our retail space to get this done finally.
Tom G: As soon as we went into lockdown things got mad busy, everyone was wanting parts to get back into BMX or even normal cycling (We also sell MTB bikes), we ended up furloughing a staff member as we were not sure how things would go and instantly regretted it.
Alans BMX went in big time for their VANS 'The Circle' entry and came through with a really solid mix of riding from their eclectic team. Featuring Chris Smith, Pawel Piotrowski, James Heyes, Sam Davies Bate, Andy Kay and Tom Cookson.
Vans ‘The Circle’ Meet The Teams - ALANS BMX
Founded in 1972 GT Bicycles is to license a line of ‘Heritage’ BMX products to Alans BMX, based in Wigan, England.
Alan Woods of licensee Alans BMX said, “I see GT BMX as one of the legendary BMX brands, and one that was crying out to recognise its heritage. The contemporary GT BMX line has made some great gains in the last couple of years and hopefully with the introduction of this GT BMX Heritage line will only enhance the entire brand. We know there are dedicated fans of GT out there, let’s try to produce something for them to be proud of.” Alan also spoke of the attention to detail, “I am conscious of how important it is to get the fine details right and I’m really excited to be working with CSG here in the UK on this and some associated events too.”
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.