Bikes Aren’t Retro, They Seem To Be Timeless
When I was a kid there were few things more important to me than my bike, and there were few things I’d rather be doing than riding my bike. Just up the road from me was an empty dirt lot known as “the Jumps”. All the kids in the neighborhood went to the Jumps to jump our bikes. The local streets and driveways were where we attempted the tricks we saw on TV and in freestyling magazines. This was when freestyling was just getting popular, before the modern era of X Games and multi-million dollar stunt riders. The names of pros were known only to the dedicated few who spent their allowances on freestyling and BMX magazines.
I remember there was an older kid a few blocks over who was the hero of all the younger kids. He just seemed cooler, ya know? And his bike was better than ours. He rode a Redline. Nobody else I knew had a Redline. Redlines were the ultimate bike in my mind. It was the brand legendary freestyler R.L. Osborn rode. That cool older kid a few blocks over had a Redline and he was the best rider I knew. Now that I think about it, though, I have no recollection of having actually seeing him ride. I just remember him sitting there on his gleaming Redline, just being cool. That’s what cool’s all about. Another bike company which was popular at the time was Haro. Haro had all the best riders like Ron Wilkerson and Dennis McCoy. Then there was Hutch. Know anyone who had a Hutch bike? Know anyone who still has one? It could be worth something because Hutch is no longer in business. Other popular brands when I was a kid were Mongoose, Diamondback, GT, Dyno, and CW. The fact that I can still list these brands at my age is a testament to the impact this period had on my life.
I’m talking about 80′s, that halcyon decade when BMX and freestyle riding was just getting big but it wasn’t the huge deal that it is today. These days you can see riders on television hawking everything from deodorant to mobile phone companies to video games. Heck, a bunch of riders have video games named after them. Dave Mirra comes to mind when I think of such mega-popular ridres. Another superstar is Matt Hoffman. Hoffman has his own bike company. I remember when he was the young gun. Dennis McCoy, who I mentioned earlier, was another young up-and-comer who exploded on the scene, took over, and has since become one of the old guys. Time flies, doesn’t it?
If you’re interested in learning more about BMX and freestyle history, there are some excellent web sites which will jog your memory and take you back to the days when doing an “endo” was the coolest thing to do, when riding in circles in your neighbors driveway was a way to pass an afternoon. If you’re in the market for a bike today, there’s also plenty of info online for that. Most of the companies I mentioned are still in business and continue to lead the market and sponsor the top riders. All of them have web sites providing more information on their history and their current product lines.
About the Author
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as
cycling news
at http://www.cyclinggearplus.com
ABA BMX 1992 Fall Nationals Main Events
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★ 1988 DIAMOND BACK WOODY ITSON STRIKE ZONE F&F SET – REDLINE HARO SKYWAY GT SE★ $369.99 |
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★ NOS BMX RARE BLUE SHIMANO DX SEAT POST PILLAR – REDLINE HARO SKYWAY GT SE ★ $259.99 |
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DIA COMPE BRAKE LEVER gt haro hutch dyno redline bmx se $15.00 |
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DIA COMPE 80s seat post clamp gt hutch haro se redline $69.99 |
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KASHIMAX AERO PADDED SEAT 1980s gt haro bmx hutch se redline dyno $55.00 |
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BMX 1980 SEATCLAMP TUF NECK ERA NOS SKYWAY HARO HUTCH REDLINE OLD SCHOOL BMX $1.56 |
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BMX 1980 SEATCLAMP TUF NECK ERA NOS SKYWAY HARO HUTCH REDLINE OLD SCHOOL BMX $1.56 |
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FIBRAX BMX FREESTYLE POWERSTANDS NOS SKYWAY HARO HUTCH REDLINE OLD SCHOOL BMX $1.56 |
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FIBRAX BMX FREESTYLE POWERSTANDS NOS SKYWAY HARO HUTCH REDLINE OLD SCHOOL BMX $1.56 |
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VTG OLD SCHOOL BMX PIT BIKE GT REDLINE ASHTABULA CRANKS NOS MONGOOSE HUTCH HARO $9.99 |
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87 dyno d-tour Team Model decals set. GT haro redline pk ripper se master $23.00 |
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OAKLEY RACING GEAR BAG BMX HUTCH GT SE PROFILE REDLINE HARO TORKER CW OLD SCHOOL $19.99 |
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NOS Drive Bmx Sprocket 43T Fit Haro Redline Dk Gt $59.99 |
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Nos XS Bmx Vert Handlebar fits Gt Haro Redline Se Dk Schwinn $49.99 |
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NOS Powerlite Bmx Seat Fits Haro Redline Dk Gt $33.99 |
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NOS Gt Piston 1″ Bmx Race Stem Usa Made Fits Redline Haro Dk Se Powerlite $64.99 |
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NOS Schwinn XS Bmx Pad Set Fits Haro Redline Dk Se Gt Powerlite $19.99 |
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NOS Tioga Comp 3 20″ Bmx Race Tire Fit Haro Redline Dk $79.99 |
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Nos Gt Bmx Handlebar “Vert” Handlebars fits Haro DK Redline Robinson Se Dyno $89.99 |
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NOS Gt Mohawk Bmx Race Wheelset Fit Haro Redline Dk $139.99 |
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NOS Gt Overdrive Bmx Sprocket 39T Fit Haro Redline Dk $49.99 |
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NOS Gt Bmx Spider Fit Haro Redline Dk Se $29.99 |
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NOS Gt 20″ Pacman Freestyle Fork fits Haro Redline Powerlite Robinson Dyno SE $189.99 |
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Vintage bmx stickers- kuwahara, p.k ripper, redline, haro….etc….. $20.00 |
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★ NOS BMX RARE RED ANODIZED SUNTOUR VX CRANKS – REDLINE HARO SKYWAY GT SE ★ $259.99 |
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► 2 BLUE BMX Bicycle TIRES Fit 80′s Schwinn Huffy Murray Haro Redline Trick Bike $29.95 |
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WE THE PEOPLE “ENVY” MINT gt, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $825.00 |
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NOS HUTCH TRICKSTAR STICKER SET gt, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $100.00 |
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NOS TUFF NECK FREESTYLE PEGS gt, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $25.00 |
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NOS VECTOR FREESTYLE PEGS gt, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $25.00 |
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HUTCH WESTERN H STEM gt, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $120.00 |
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NOS HUTCH CAGE SAVERS gt, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $50.00 |
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GT HUBS LACED TO UKAI RIMS hutch, haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, redline $225.00 |
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HUTCH DEEP “H” STEM CAP haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, gt, redline $75.00 |
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HUTCH HEAD LOCK haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, gt, redline $57.00 |
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HUTCH PAD SET haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, gt, redline $107.50 |
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LE FLICK TRIX ERROR Hutch JUDGE Retro BMX OLD SCHOOL TRICK STAR Redline GT HARO $16.69 |
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Spin wheels bolts & washer BMX Powerlite GT SE Haro VG JP Redline Specialized $12.00 |
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OLD SCHOOL BMX USA MACHINE WORKS SEAT CLAMP HUTCH REDLINE PROFILE HARO GT SKYWAY $99.99 |
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OLD SCHOOL BMX USA MACHINE WORKS SEAT CLAMP HUTCH REDLINE PROFILE HARO GT SKYWAY $99.99 |
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89 Dyno Detour Decal Set Gt Haro Redline Hutch $15.00 |
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Nos Old School BMX bolt for Redline Forklifter Stem haro gt freestyle $19.99 |
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nos old school bmx gt crank haro dyno profile redline sugino takagi shimano $19.99 |
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OLD SCHOOL BMX BLUE GT MALLET STEM VINTAGE DYNO HARO MONGOOSE SR WIN REDLINE $19.99 |
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TERRY CABLE (NOS) hutch, jmc, gt, sst, vdc, redline, haro, bmx $65.00 |
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UNI SEAT (NOS) hutch, jmc, gt, sst, vdc, redline, haro, bmx $25.00 |
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RAD KAPS (NOS) hutch, jmc, gt, sst, vdc, redline, haro, bmx $15.00 |
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HUTCH TIM JUDGE FORKS jmc, vdc, sst, haro, redline, gt $197.50 |
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HUTCH LAYBACK SEAT POST jmc, vdc, sst, haro, redline, gt $75.00 |
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NOS AME UNITRONS LIGHT BLUE/WHITE hutch, jmc, vdc, sst, haro, redline, gt $50.00 |
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NOS OAKLEY B1-B GRIPS hutch, jmc, vdc, sst, haro, redline, gt $68.00 |
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NOS OAKLEY B1-B GRIPS hutch, jmc, vdc, sst, haro, redline, gt $75.66 |
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Haro BMX racing pants vintage CW redline rl hutch skateboard bob haro GT race $120.00 |
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NOS HUTCH WOODY ITSON BARS haro, jmc, sst, vdc, gt, redline $203.50 |
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Haro BMX racing pants vintage CW redline rl hutch skateboard bob haro GT race $120.00 |
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HUTCH ALUMINIUM FRONT HUB haro, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, gt, redline $112.50 |
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HARO TIRES hutch, jmc, sst, vdc, wood itson, gt, redline $100.00 |
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FILA jersey shirt GT bmx redline skateboard CW HARO vintage redline powell GONZ $15.00 |
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vision street wear skateboard BMX gator mark gonzales GT HARO redline CW HUTCH $40.00 |
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S&M 20″ Bmx Dirt Bike Special Diamond Edition Haro Slim Bars Redline Hubs 3/8″ $119.00 |
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brand new peregrine master white mag wheel OGK GT SE BMX HARO REDLINE CW SKYWAY $237.49 |
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VINTAGE 80′s TANGE 1G TRX BMX FORKS redline cook bros haro takagi araya sugino $34.00 |
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1987 Old School BMX HARO FREESTYLER FSX MASTER Survivor FORKS GT CW Redline $76.00 |
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SHADOW CONSPIRACY CHAIN HALF LINK BMX BICYCLE FIT S&M HARO MIRRACO REDLINE BLACK $31.99 |
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NOS VINTAGE 80′s UKAI 20 x 1.75 BMX BICYCLE WHEELS redline cook bros haro araya $95.59 |
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Old School 80′s Hutch Haro Redline Forklifter Bmx Stem $39.99 |
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► 2 ORANGE BMX 20″ Bike Kenda Bicycle TIRES fit Schwinn Redline GT Haro $35.00 |
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OLD SCHOOL BMX SILVER GT MALLET STEM VINTAGE DYNO HARO MONGOOSE SR WIN REDLINE $20.99 |
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OLD SCHOOL BMX BLACK GT PADSET VINTAGE HARO GT MONGOOSE SKYWAY REDLINE $30.00 |
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OLD SCHOOL BMX RED GT PADSET VINTAGE HARO GT MONGOOSE SKYWAY REDLINE $20.51 |
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Chain Wheel Antix 44 Teeth Industrial Strength NOS BMX GT Redline Haro $18.00 |
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Pegs GT TRII Maxi NOS Chrome 26 thread Free Style Redline Dyno Haro Schwinn $27.00 |
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SKYWAY, REDLINE, HARO, GT, DK, HUTCH, BULLSEYE, OLD SCHOOL, ARAYA, DIA COMPE $1,795.00 |
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Old School BMX 1978 Mongoose Motomag Bike JAG/Hutch/Redline/GT/SE/Haro/Mongoose $850.00 |
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MOUNTAIN BIKE BMX FIT GT HARO REDLINE RED GEL GRIPS $12.95 |
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RARE NOS Hutch Decals Pro Racer Raider Trickstar Old School BMX Haro Redline Coo $95.00 |
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HUTCH AEROSPEED POWERDISC OLD SCHOOL BMX SUGINO TUFF NECK COOKS REDLINE CW HARO $249.00 |
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1987 Old School BMX HARO FREESTYLER MASTER ANLUM GROUP 1 STEM BLACK GT Redline $18.50 |
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1987 Old School BMX HARO FREESTYLER MASTER Black Bars UNCUT CW GT Hutch Redline $18.50 |
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1987 Old School BMX HARO FREESTYLER FSX MASTER SKYWAY MAGS OE CW GT Redline $50.00 |
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87 GT pro freestyle tour decal set haro dyno redline $18.99 |
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NOS Gt Flycutter Bmx Sprocket 34T Fit Haro Redline Dk $59.99 |
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NOS Gt Overdrive Bmx Sprocket 46T Fit Haro Redline Dk SE Robinson Auburn Cranks $49.99 |
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NOS Drive Bmx Sprocket 43T Fit Haro Redline Dk Gt $59.99 |
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NOS Powerlite Bmx Logo Grips Fits Haro Redline Dk Gt $24.99 |
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1987 Old School BMX HARO FREESTYLER FSX MASTER SPORT GT CW Redline Hutch $31.00 |
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Torker,Redline,CW,Hutch,PK,GT,Haro,Sugino,ACS,Tioga, Old school,bmx,vintage $415.00 |
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NOS VINTAGE 80′s SUGINO SUPER MAXY CRANK SET redline cook bros haro takagi araya $75.99 |
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1985 REDLINE 500 b FORKS bmx chrome Dyno GT Haro Torker old school vintage hutch $15.50 |
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Redline Frame decal kit stickers PL RL BMX GT SE Haro CW Hutch VDC 24 20 Carrera $17.00 |
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Redline flite 41t sprocket chainwheel chainring Cranks pedals BB BMX GT SE Haro $15.00 |
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Old School 80′s BMX Redline Proline RL-20B 20″ Chrome Frame w/ Haro Fork $79.99 |
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Vintage GT Snapback Cap Gary Ellis Old School BMX Trucker Hat redline hutch haro $9.99 |
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► 2 ORANGE BMX 20″ Bike Kenda Bicycle TIRES fit Schwinn Redline GT Haro $29.95 |
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► NOS WHITE BMX Bike Bicycle Brake PADS fit many GT Haro Mongoose Redline $9.86 |
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► “2″ YELLOW Kenda BMX 20″ Trick Bike Bicycle TIRES fit Redline GT Haro Mongoose $29.95 |
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NIB FLICK TRIX GREEN 1985 HARO MASTER FREESTYLER BIKE KIT SPORT GT HUTCH REDLINE $15.00 |
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DK, SHIMANO, TUFFNECK, HUTCH, GT, HARO, SUNTOUR, DIA COMPE, SKYWAY, REDLINE, AME $349.95 |
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NOS SR Custom-M Blue Pedals Old School Vintage BMX 1/2″ gt haro redline $79.99 |
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Peregrine Super Pro’s Old School BMX Wheel Set, GT,Redline,Haro,General Hustler $127.50 |
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BMX Backflip vinyl decal small $12.95 Cut from high quality vinyl that has an outdoor life expectancy of 5-8 years. The decal will be white, the background will be whatever you are putting the decal on. This is a single color decal. Each decal will come on clean transparent transfer tape (not paper)for very easy application. Can be applied on outside of any smooth, flat, clean and dry surface. Great on laptops, glass, car windows, use… |
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Unicycle Acclaim 20×2.5 Pro Black $189.99 UNICYCLE ACCLAIM 20X2.5″ PRO BLACK Acclaim Unicycle Pro – black wide alloy rim, 20×2.5in. Fat knobby tire, Quick release seat post clamp, 320mm seat post length, Alloy Platform pedals, not designed for heavy duty stunt riding…. |
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HELMET ACCLAIM SOLO BALLS BLUE XS/S $19.99 Acclaim Solo – Bonded shell technology, Dial-a-fit full ring retention system, 6 large vents, Built-in helmet visor. XS/S 48-53cm Balls/Blue each…. |
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Knog Boomer USB Rechargeable Front Light Recharge via USB. Water-resistant, superslim, flexible silicone body. Integrated lens and housing. Hold button down to ?turn off? in any mode. Low-battery indicator in lens. Smart battery saving storage mode. STORAGE MODE: The battery discharge feature has been integrated into the electronics to optimize battery longevity. This feature should be activated when the light will not be used for an ext… |
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Knog Boomer Bicycle Head Light/Tail Light Set I was lucky enough to be in Boomer’s frickin’ sweet frat-pack for spring break in Cancun last year. Not only did the little dude score the most beads on the party-porch (for his frickin’ sweet strobe flash!) but he can drink harder than our quarterback.. which is saying something frickin’ sweet! Boomer rear is Boomer front’s charming younger brother. He is loyal, passionate and more considerate th… |
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OLD SCHOOL STYLE BICYCLE SPEEDOMETER FITS 26-27in. WHEELS $18.08 … |
