collecting to the present day.
At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Jason Eley: Probably most people would think If only they had started earlier, but these things just happen. I started when things were more affordable, so think I was lucky in a way.
Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Jason Eley: Definitely, I hope the next generation appreciates where BMX started and enjoy the History. Hopefully my son George who has been travelling the old school scene with me from the beginning and who loves BMX as much as I do will keep my collection and the History alive.
What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Jason Eley: Haro plate and decals from 1983, Bob Haro’s freestyle moves.
When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Jason Eley: Haro Freestyler or Master, although when I went to buy one in '84, they were sold out and ended up with a PK Ripper which I ended up swapping that year for a Haro Master at the local track, so it turned out OK in the end.
Do you have that bike in your collection today?
Jason Eley: I have had a few freestylers through my hands and own my Signature VIP Anniversary model for work I done with Dom Phipps at Haro. I also have my favourite 1984 Master.
Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
1) Jonathan Hearn
2) Dom Phipps
3) Chris Daly
Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Jason Eley: I started out as a car mechanic and I’m currently a technician. I have a lot of mechanical skills. From an early age I enjoyed building my own bikes, even build a side hack using a stick welder in the mid/late eighties.
What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Jason Eley: I find that you can’t beat a tin of WD40.
How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Jason Eley: I used to look non stop, I’m always on the look out, but no where near as much now as I’m pretty much happy with what I have .
What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Jason Eley: I think $1500 for a set of 2nd generation Skyway team silver hubbed graphite’s which I have on my Mike Dominguez Haro Sport replica build, they were worth it. I love those wheels and they were a big part of the build.
Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Jason Eley: No, but I have plans to do it, it kills me having all my stuff packed away in boxes.
Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Jason Eley: There’s always room, but for now I’m happy with what I have, but you never know.
What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Jason Eley: Has to be the prototype Haro Sports, probably long gone now, but still hoping they are out there somewhere.
Where can people reach you when they have that part available?
Jason Eley: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks to: All those great people I’ve met through BMX. Radbmx.co.uk for putting on awesome Oldschool events. Stephan Prantl for his amazing work putting on the World’s in Cologne where in 2009 the Best Oldschool show in the world happened with good friends, Dom Phipps, Chris Daly, Xavier Mendez, and Bernd Diegelbe, our great German host and all round crazy guy.
Previous Episodes on FATBMX:
Episode 1: Christophe Detandt (BEL)
Episode 2: James White (GBR)
Episode 3: JT Freestyle (USA)
Episode 4: Ben Murphy (IRL)
Episode 5: Rainer Schadowski (GER)
Episode 6: GAry Sansom (USA)
Episode 7: Michael Gamstetter (USA)
Episode 8: Grant Stone (GBR)
Episode 9: Steve Blackey (USA)
Episode 10: Shannon Gillette (USA)
Episode 11: Woody Itson (USA)
Episode 12: Oliver Kienzle (GER)
Episode 13: Kelly Swanson (USA)
Episode 14: Pat A Lar (GBR)
Episode 15: Billy Mills (GBR)
Episode 16: Steve Brothers (USA)
Episode 17: Aykut Hilmi (GBR)
Episode 18: Alex Leech (GBR)
Episode 19: Mike Janssen (NED)
Episode 20: Brian Gutierrez (USA)
Episode 21: Chad Powers (USA)
Episode 22: Alessandro Barbero (ITA)
Episode 23: Chris Daly (GBR)
Episode 24: Ian MacArthur (GBR)
Episode 25: Steve Strong (GBR)
Episode 26: Stephen Joseph (GBR)
Episode 27: Paul de Jong (NED)
Episode 28: Jon Western (GBR)
Episode 29: William "LaRock" LaRoque (USA)
Episode 30: Johan Janssens (BEL)
Episode 31: Darren Chan (USA)
Episode 32: Frank Lukas (GER)
Episode 33: Jason Teraoka (USA)
Episode 34: Shad Johnson (USA)
Episode 35: PJ McKenna (USA)
Episode 36: Henry Sarria (USA)
Episode 37: Jonathan Sherwood (SAF)
Episode 38: Trevor Henry (GBR)
Episode 39: Daniel Purcell (GBR)
Episode 40: Mark McCorkle (USA)
Episode 41: Tom Sustarich (USA)
Episode 42: Adam Cox (USA)
Episode 43: Perry Wills (USA)
Episode 44: John Buultjens (SCO)
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.