Re-Up: Preserving BMX History. Episode 87: Luke Haralambous (GBR)

May 29, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2764 times

Name: Luke Haralambous
Hometown: Birmingham, UK
Started riding BMX in: Around '81
Number of bikes in the collection: 9 left (8 VDC, 1 GJS)

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Luke Haralambous: Late '90s, it felt like I was the only one into old school BMX back then. Many friends questioned why I had BMX.

Is the focus on VDC, Vincent Frames and Vector Bikes for you mainly?
Luke Haralambous: Now it's just VDC freestylers I own, I have stopped buying BMX, don't get me wrong if I was offered another MK1/2 , VDC freestyler, it would be hard to turn down... I've collected Vector, Hutch, TRM and Vincent over the years

Where does the love for these brands come from?
Luke Haralambous: Good question, because the brands I have collected I had never heard of as a kid! Think it comes down to my love of quirkiness. The wackier the better. Rarity is also a big draw.

At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Luke Haralambous: Yes, feel like I missed the boat.

What's your take on companies reproducing bikes in the oldskool style?
Luke Haralambous: Honestly do not mind repop parts or framesets as long as they are clearly marked. A repop BMX made now should not wear old school parts in my opinion and a faked frameset is just sad.

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Luke Haralambous: '84.. (they're all '84).

When you started riding, what bike was the dream bike for you?
Luke Haralambous: Skyway TA, I wanted a white bike with CW bars..

Do you have that bike in your collection today?
Luke Haralambous: Must have had over 10, never kept any.

The Vector with all the carriers, have you ever used them to carry packages to the post office or strap a 6-pack on the back?
Luke Haralambous: Many times, usually crates of Coca Cola.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Hard to just name 3!
1) Jon Western inspirational to many, not just me.
2) Nik Kypreos legend
3) Steve Changa the voice of reason..
All 3 good friends as well.

Do you collect, or work on other things besides BMX bikes?
Luke Haralambous: Hmmm how long have we got?

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Luke Haralambous: Give me survivor finish any day! Sometimes it's not possible to find survivor so refinished is the only way. Daniel Purcell aka SBD always did a super job on paint or powdered stuff, rechroming is expensive and a lot of the time an OA (oxycillic acid) bath can bring chrome back to life, heard many horror stories of bikes being rechromed that have just melted away.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Luke Haralambous: Hardly ever these days, prices have gone stupid.

What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Luke Haralambous: Framesets generally cost the most, parts wise my og aerospeeds generally cost me between 2/3k

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Luke Haralambous: I am lucky because I have a unit where I keep my toys these days, my wife is not keen on having anything at home.

Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Luke Haralambous: If it's a VDC freestyler, maybe. Depends on price too, I won't pay stupid money.

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Luke Haralambous: Nothing, I have sourced everything I've ever needed. My advice is be patient.

Where can people reach you when they have that part available?
Luke Haralambous: Messenger, Whatsapp or Insta (lukeharibo)