Re-Up: Preserving BMX History. Episode 89: Bob Lipsett Jr. (USA)

Jun 06, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2348 times

Name: Bob Lipsett Jr
Hometown: Hamilton NJ, Mercer county, USA
Started riding BMX in: 1980
Number of bikes in the collection: 8 bikes

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: Exactly when! I bumped into my buddy 2 years ago that I used to ride with back in 1980. We were talking about his business and what I do and he made mention that he just bought a new SE racing PK Ripper. I instantly thought of my 1981 Super goose that I lost in my parents divorce when I was 12 so from that day until now I've been back involved with late seventies an early '80s BMX racers,

no freestyle.

What kind of bikes do you focus on?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: I like to focus on early '80s Chrome and alloy racers, I never got into freestyle.

Do you have a favourite BMX brand?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: Like I said my first bike was in 1981 Super goose Chrome with all blue accents and I loved that bike but if if I had the money and had the chance I would have bought a Hutch because I heard so many good things about them and I knew how expensive they were back then that was the bike R crew thought was top of the line.

At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: Absolutely! I will be 52 years old on June 6th so in 1980 I was 11 and we did not have smartphones or Xboxes we had outside and our BMX bikes. I was fortunate growing up to be a quarter mile from a 10 acre Park called Green acres and we made trails back there but I say that because it kept us all out of trouble and busy every day from the time we got up until dark. And it was good exercise!

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: I'm very close with Lonn Ishimoro, I like Alec Sitting and Brad Flaherty's. I know many more!

Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: I don't have great skills but my good friend Mike Sosna helps me with all my builds. Growing up his parents owned a bike shop in hightstown New Jersey for 30 years and he built and raced for Thruster. He has taught me a lot and I'm getting much better now at assembly.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: Evapo-rust, that stuff is very eco-friendly and not real toxic plus it's doesn't harm your pets because I have two dogs. I use WD-40 a lot but anytime I'm dressing them up I'll use 1000 steel wool and mother's chrome polish.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: As soon as I get up in the morning for work at 5:00 a.m. when I'm going to the bathroom, usually lunch time and then after dinner I may take another peek and that's every day.

What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: The most for a part that I paid was $750 for a pair of Araya 7x rims with Bullseye hubs that were period correct to my bike that I put them on. I own a 1981 Profile completely OG that I paid $4500 for complete!

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: Not yet, they are in my basement that is redone all in a bike rack that I purchased. But I am renovating my house within the next 6 months and I will have them on display for all of you.

Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: There's always one more bike, you know that! I told you I'm good friends with Lonn and I already have two 1978 Race Inc RA7's, but he has a 1980 RA7 with triple Chrome show bike that I would absolutely love to have.

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Bob Lipsett Jr.: That's easy, I have a 1980 MX1 Torker Eddie King that I have been trying to find a gold six bolt stem for! The one I saw that was in mint condition was $900 and I didn't pull the trigger because I thought I would find another one and I haven't yet! LOL