Re-Up; Preserving BMX History #15: Billy Mills (GBR)

Dec 21, 2023

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3863 times

Name: Billy Mills
Hometown: Romford, Essex, UK
Started riding BMX in: 99’
Number of bikes in the collection: More than 10, less than 20…

When you saw that S&M x Supreme bike, what did you have to do in order to score one?
Billy Mills: I’ve been into Supreme before the brand became ‘hyped’ around 2010. I’ve always collected the brand, so once I heard about the S&M collaboration I had to have it, I put feelers out to some friends but it was too exclusive to have one set aside. I eventually got this one from eBay after some pestering.

Has the value doubled already?
Billy Mills: This is the question that everyone asks, it’s a strange one, because 99% of the owners of these bikes don’t actually ride or know anything about S&M, they just have a computer program that

purchases the hot supreme items - this bike being one of them. The resale market is not really there for these. I cannot find any sold prices, however people are asking up to 7/8k for one, a hard sell for sure.

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Billy Mills: I’ve always loved the old school bikes, especially race ones. Growing up at Rom Skatepark, I was constantly surrounded by them, I just love the simple design and engineering. 6 years ago I purchased an 83’ Profile Champ from a friend, I’d loved Profile as a current BMX brand, and always wanted that first frame they did. It’s still as good today in terms of quality. That extra tube in the frame may have been pointless in terms of strength but so cool in design. I was hooked since building that bike.

At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Billy Mills: Judging by the current prices, yes!

Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Billy Mills: 100%. The products I collect represent so much more than a BMX part, they reflect an era or a particular moment in time.

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Billy Mills: Probably my '79 Mongoose Motomag.

When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Billy Mills: When I started riding properly, it was definitely the first Kink Freebird for me. Trans Am Firebird Decals, gloss black and £499 in Cyclone Cycles! The Rolls Royce for sure!

Do you have that bike in your collection today?
Billy Mills: I do actually have 3 frames, all absolutely trashed and worthless! but love the nostalgia.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
1) John JP Paddick Aka Roast. - If it's reproduction, he won't let me live it down!
2) Brent Mckenzie (Sweden.) Fantastic collection and knowledge, helped me out with my bikes.
3) Darren Wood - 80’s Pro racer and a good friend

Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Billy Mills: I like to think I do, I’m an engineer for work and run a drag car with my dad.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Billy Mills: SBD (SuperBike Dan) paint and powder coat! Mothers polish, a citric acid bath is great for rusty chrome and carb cleaner!

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Billy Mills: I do look on these sites, but can’t warrant the prices. I use the facebook pages that have been fantastic over the years for building relationships with collectors.

What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Billy Mills: I’d say my '85 Slingshot frame and forks, that I had to have. A few £££ there, but I mean once you’re into £300+ for a plastic saddle you kinda know it's a bit of an addiction :)

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Billy Mills: My loving missus has let me take over a spare room currently that houses them :) plans to convert the loft are underway though.

Do you always have room for "one more bike”?
Billy Mills: Always. I've tried to keep my collection to one of each bike, but with a theme. I like early '80’s race bikes, but they have to have something whacky about them. I really like frames that are over-engineered with extra tubes, random gussets etc, even ones with cables instead of a downtube!

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Billy Mills: I’ve kind of ticked all my boxes in terms of bikes I’d like to own, I’d really like a Nomura race bike though. In terms of parts I’d really like an original Profile lockjaw stem.