Re-Up: Preserving BMX History. #4: Jeff Tollefson (USA)

Nov 27, 2023

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 5627 times

Name: Jeff Tollefson, aka JT & The Torker Kid
Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota (USA)
Started riding BMX in: 1974
Number of bikes in the collection: Down to 25

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Jeff Tollefson: I actually started the day I got my 1974 Redline Squareback frame and fork 46 years ago. As a kid I traded and sold various parts yet by 1984 I had a basement full of vintage items then started JTFreestyle, my mini bike shop/mail order selling new school parts while doing Freestyle shows. So basically I was collecting from the start.

Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Jeff Tollefson: Yes, there are so many BMX innovations throughout the years and having those documented/displayed is key for all future generations to experience BMX. My daughter, Jemma (8), grew up with my vintage bike collection in our home. Seeing first generation Redline parts, Motomags, Addicks sprockets, various stems, one piece/alloy/chromoly cranks, into the crazy Freestyle parts she knows so much about the history of our sport before she became a National #1 BMX racer. When I bring vintage bikes to a BMX race the kids and adults all freak out on what we rode back in the day and have an opportunity to explain the history of BMX through the bikes.

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Jeff Tollefson: My original 1974 Redline Squareback frame and fork

When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Jeff Tollefson: In 1972 I was emulating Evil Knievel on my Schwinn Stingray but after seeing the movie On Any Sunday I inquired about BMX. Our bike shop had the Bicycle Motocross News newspaper and bought that to which I had to get a "real" BMX bike. Redline just came out with the Squareback and somehow convinced my Mom this is the bike I need to jump and have fun on. Back then there were no complete bikes so I had to earn money to keep adding better parts to it.

Do you still have that bike in your collection today?
Jeff Tollefson: Yes, it's changed parts over the years and for me has so much sentimental value.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
1) Jeff Haney
2) William LaRoque
3) Brian Gutierrez

Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Jeff Tollefson: Yes, I started wrenching at 5 years old, started working at a bike shop when I was 12, built tons of bikes, vintage bikes, wrench all my mountain bikes, and now my daughter's Box Components equipped Meybo racing bike.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Jeff Tollefson: I'm a purist and prefer to leave the parts their original condition. I've done one Oxalic bath for a rusty Mongoose frame I had, other than that just soap and water.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Jeff Tollefson: Since Jemma started racing BMX four years ago and having so many bikes/parts I rarely go online to shop for BMX stuff. I've actually been selling here and there to make space for her bikes.

What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Jeff Tollefson: $500 for a second pair of 1st Gen Redline V bars for my David Clinton Redline pit bike.

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Jeff Tollefson: Our home is a BMX museum so as soon as you walk in you'll see a formal dining room with vintage bikes. The basement is finished to which I have mounted jerseys, signed mounted posters/art, trophy cases filled with memorabilia, bikes, and awards from vintage gatherings.

Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Jeff Tollefson: Since Jemma started racing her bike collection is growing, five bikes, and I've been letting go of a few things to make space.

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Jeff Tollefson: Addicks front hub and black stem

Where can people reach you when they have that part available?
Jeff Tollefson: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Episode 1: Christophe Detandt (BEL)
Episode 2: James White (GBR)