Re-Up; Preserving BMX History. Episode 51: Steve Firestein (USA)

Feb 17, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2436 times

Name: Steve Firestein
Hometown: Sepulveda Calif.
Started riding BMX in: 1969
Number of bikes in the collection: 12

What was the starting point of your BMX collecting madness?
Steve Firestein: 2008 or so. I came across a listing for a show at Peck park. That changed my focus on bikes.

Did you ever meet a pro and then rebuild his bike years later?

Steve Firestein: No not really… I am old enough I saw most of the early guys ride in person.

What websites do help you with info/advice when it comes down to BMX history and era correct bike tips?
Steve Firestein: BMX Society, BMX Museum, and a bunch of facebook groups.

Do you have any specific brand of BMX bikes that you like?
Steve Firestein: Yes, I started racing on a Schwinn, then I raced a Webco which was my favorite. Then I am a big fan of David Clinton so Kawaski’s.

Do you have that bike in your collection today?
Steve Firestein: Yes I have a Webco and a Kawaski. I actually have several of both.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
1) Donnie Baird
2) William Larock
3) Rick Gaytan

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Steve Firestein: I am not a restorer, I like bikes with patina.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Steve Firestein: Every day.

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Steve Firestein: Yes I have a room in the house my wife lets me keep a couple bikes, the rest are in the garage.

Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Steve Firestein: Yes I have plenty of room for more.

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Steve Firestein: 1st gen. Webco I would like to have.

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

Thanks to: My wife for putting up with me. Donnie and Larock for answering all my dumb questions. And Patti Twomey just because.

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)
Episode 45: Jay Eley (GBR)
Episode 46: Alvin Mullins (USA)
Episode 47: Scott Barrette (USA)
Episode 48: Ashley Little (GBR)
Episode 49: Bill Batchelor (USA)
Episode 50: Steve Firestein (USA)