Mike Allred: Not really. I started around 2008 or 2009 with the Minigoose and at that time I really only wanted to replicate my first race bike. Of course, it turned into more builds.
Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Mike Allred: For sure. I love learning more about the early bikes from the 70’s and early 80’s since so much was evolving at the time.
What's your take on companies reproducing bikes in the oldskool style?
Mike Allred: I’m OK with it as long as you can tell the reproduction vs original.
What's the oldest BMX product in your collection?
Mike Allred: Probably my 1979 SE DB IV
When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Mike Allred: I’m thinking PK Ripper. I remember seeing a blue set up with gold decals and components when I first started racing and that set up I’ve always remembered the most.
Do you have that bike in your collection today?
Mike Allred: No but some day I will add a PK Ripper.
Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Mike Allred: Really too many to list but to name a few.
1) Mike Clark (Local friend that builds killer 70’s bikes)
2) Matt Hanemann (Chromey)
3) Tom Sastarich (Keep_it_warm)
Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Mike Allred: Really just the skills I’ve used over the years. About the only thing I don’t know how to do is lace wheels.
What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again? How did the Ashtabula forks/cranks turn out?
Mike Allred: When I freshened up the Ashtabula forks and cranks I ended up just light weight motor oil on a rag. Kept the patina nicely. Other products I use are Blue Max on plated finished and Flitz on plated and polished parts. I’ve also had success with 0000# wool and WD40 on plated items to get the heavy rust and grime off. 
What's the story behind the Patterson with #3 plate?
Mike Allred: Nothing too spectacular. I got the f&f in a trade and decided to build it based on my liking and era correct parts.
How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Mike Allred: Mostly just the Museum. I use to look at all the normal sites but I kind of like to find local if possible or when the right thing falls into my lap.
What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Mike Allred: That’s something I try not to remember. LOL! Sometimes you just have to pull the trigger when you have to.
Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Mike Allred: I have 2 bikes ('79 Patterson and '82 BXC) hanging on the wall in the basement family room and a '83 GT Pro hanging on the wall in my son’s room.
Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Mike Allred: Sure, but I tend to part with something when I bring on a new build/bike.
What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Mike Allred: Not really anything. I do like BXC Racing stuff which I already have but it’s an item that’s hard to resist.
Where can people reach you when they have that part available?
Mike Allred: Mike Allred On Facebook
Thanks to: Bart de Jong for contacting me to have an opportunity to share this info and to all the guys that put the time and effort into building such cool and inspiring old school BMX bikes.
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)
Episode 51: Jon Hoffman (USA)
Episode 52: Peter Ashby (AUS)
Episode 53: Patrick Freitas (USA)
Episode 54: Mel Stoutsenberger (USA)
Episode 55: Martin Primentel (AUS)
Episode 56: Chino (USA)
Episode 57: Ely D. Thomas (USA)
Episode 58: Mickael Clerté (FRA)
Episode 59: Toby Henderson (USA)
Episode 60: Eddy King (USA)
Episode 61: Byron Friday (USA)
Episode 62: Lionel Eden (USA)
Episode 63: Donnie Platt (USA)
Episode 64: Brad Nash (USA)
Episode 65: Mohamad Al Amin (MAL)
Episode 66: Christopher Wesley (USA)
Episode 67: Sean Stiddard (GBR)
Episode 68: Tyler Collins (USA)
Episode 69: Rod Miles (USA)
Episode 70: Brian Britt (USA)
Episode 71: Sean Ewing (USA)
Episode 72: Jim Fisher (USA)
Episode 73: Òscar Pallarès (ESP)
Episode 74: Jeff Utterback (USA)
Episode 75: Timmy Williams (USA)
Episode 76: Tommy Yaley (USA)
Episode 77: Jason van Buskirk (USA)
Episode 78: Stu Thomsen (USA)
Episode 79: Scott Towne (USA)
Episode 80: Raphael Lawson (AUS)
Episode 81: Cash Matthews (USA)
Episode 82: Arthur Kourtis (AUS)
Episode 83: Maurice Meyer (USA)
Episode 84: Jeremiah Grimes (USA)
Episode 85: Karl Chalk (GBR)
Episode 86: Bill Ryan (USA)
Episode 87: Luke Haralambous (GBR)
Episode 88: FJ Weeks (USA)
Episode 89: Bob Lipsett Jr. (USA)
Episode 90: Brett Jackson (USA)
Episode 91: Six Pack To Go (USA)
Episode 92: Michael James (USA)
Episode 93: Ediz Tensi (TUR)
Episode 94: Mike Allred (USA)
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.
