Re-Up: Preserving BMX History. Episode 76: Tommy Yaley (USA)

Apr 14, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3859 times

Name: Tommy Yaley
Hometown: Mtn View. California
Started riding BMX in: 1974ish
Number of bikes in the collection: 9

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Tommy Yaley: About 7 years ago I decided I wanted to re-create the 1st Gen proline I had when I was a kid. I sold a bunch of my music gear collection and then, like everyone else, it took off from there. Just one more bike...

At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Tommy Yaley: Sure! Look at Jeff Haney... but for me it was more about recreating my bike... from an investment standpoint, hell yes!

Why the love for Redline in particular?
Tommy Yaley: Early on I had a converted Schwinn Stingray, then a Webco. My buddy got a '76 Redline squareback and it was love at first sight. When I finally got one in 1977, I was bummed they changed the rear chain stay. I got it anyway but it just wasn't a squareback. Then the Proline came out and I bought one of those. The V bars were so cool and the double clamp gooseneck was art. Red Line was my brand!

Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Tommy Yaley: Yes! I'm a musician and I feel that we can't forget about the music from the past (it's the best). It's the same with bikes. I hope people will still appreciate the works of art that they are.

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Tommy Yaley: I have a '76 Red Line squareback that I bought myself for my 50th birthday but the most valuable bike I have is the earliest known 1977 all OG Red Line Pro-Line. It's the only bike I don't ride.

How does it feel meeting the OG's at the bike shows and having a beer with them?
Tommy Yaley: I've been to Planet BMX Florida's Spring fling on a few occasions. Hanging out with Stu, PK, Eddie King, Bob Haro has been fun. Honestly I like talking about life more than what was their favorite bike or race. We have a lot in common.

When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Tommy Yaley: First the '76 squareback then the Proline.. happy I have both in my collection.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Tommy Yaley: 3? Crap...
1) Haney
2) John Dalingwater
3) Jonathan Hoffman

Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Tommy Yaley: Yeah but I can't build wheels.. I change my own guitar strings too

What makes Linn Kastan a special man to you?
Tommy Yaley: I reached out to Linn when I started the Red Line BMX Appreciation FB page. Wanted info and some serial numbers. Since then, Simon Slater (another Red Line nutcase) and I worked with him to re-issue the double clamp for members of our page and is working on other items as well including first gen V bars. I have the prototype of those. He's been a great help to us!

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Tommy Yaley: Daily... it's good to see what's out there

What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Tommy Yaley: That's a tough one! Probably my NOS Cook Bros slant stem. That set me back a few dollars but my '77 Proline frame/forks was several months mortgage payments.

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Tommy Yaley: I did in my old house. Now they are tucked away nicely in my garage.

Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Tommy Yaley: I'm working on my 2020 SE STR-1 20". That will be my last bike... lol

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Tommy Yaley: I almost had an OG quadangle, but the deal fell apart. Can't afford it now unless I sell my whole collection. Lol