What were your initial thoughts when you saw Ruben's/Garret's suspension BMX bikes? I think my initial thought was pretty much the same as most peoples': "Wow, this is pretty cool." In the past, I've had similar thoughts that Ruben has mentioned. I've ridden a few MTB parks (on suspension MTBs) and always thought it would be really fun to ride this stuff on a bike that I'm more comfortable on... a BMX bike.

Do you think it's a good thing for BMX?

I have no idea. Who am I to say what's good or bad for BMX? I do like seeing people think outside the box and try new things... especially guys like Ruben and Garrett- icons in our sport.

Could you see the whole thing taking off and becoming popular?

I think that depends on how available it is. BMXers usually don't like spending money. If the bikes are too expensive or access to the facilities to ride this type of terrain is unavailable, then I'll say no, it will not gain traction in popularity. However, on the flip side, you could have a a lot of interest from ex-BMX guys who went to MTBs for the suspension and the ease that it has on your joints... but these are usually the same guys who claim that bigger bikes are easier on their sore backs.

Would you ride one?

Like I said before, I've had similar thoughts to that of Ruben so yeah, I'd definitely ride one. I don't think anybody can deny that those guys, Ruben, Garrett, and Mike make it look really fun!

Is it still BMX?!

It's more BMX than probably 90% of the tic-tacking that floods my social media feed on a daily basis! Ha!

What did you think when you first saw Ruben’s bike?

A good while back, he showed me that very first one he worked on. I think it was 13 or 14 years ago. All I could do is just be amazed with how Ruben’s brain works. [He’d created a full suspension frame by] using the old aluminium GT box racing frame that had an American BB in conjunction with a newer frame that had a Spanish BB. The fact he figured out how to use the bottom bracket as the pivot point for the suspension blew my mind. And also, that he found a bearing in existence that fit both BB shells at the same time . . . simply incredible. Only Ruben!

Has your opinion changed much since then?

There has been nothing for me to chew on at all. Ruben has pioneered so much in his lifetime, it’s just what he does. His brain works on an entirely different level than most . . . I feel that if something interests you, then you gotta walk down that path and see it through. I’m really stoked for him.

Do you think that the kind of riding the Fingers Crossed guys are doing needs a BMX to be modified in that way?

They are just having fun with something that is slightly different. Small changes have made for a lot of fun for them. And for me, the real point of interest is that this slight change has made it so Ruben can ride longer in a day. He’s paid a heavy price physically, with how far he’s pushed riding through the years. He’s given himself completely to BMX, and has battled so much with back and neck pain. The fact that he hasn’t just accepted it and given up, rather he’s kept pushing; to figure something out that allows him to have the sessions he wants to have. . . he loves it, and can ride all day once again. He's got that little kid stoke that we all know. That’s just so damn good. Session extender for the win!

Have you had a go?

Haven’t tried one, but I’d love to go ride down some mountains with one.

Could you see yourself building one up?

I would for sure. Some of those mountain bike parks look like so much fun. But I’d much rather give them a go on something that rides more like something I’m used to. Not to mention that those big ol' knobby tires and disc brakes just make the bikes look so tough.

Can you see T-1 offering a Fingers Crossed frame?

We haven’t gone down that path when we’ve talked. I just told Ruben I’d help him in any way he needed if it’s something he wants to pursue beyond the one he has. That is all up to him; anything is possible.

Is it still BMX?!

Ha, ha ha, are you really asking this question? Does it even matter?

What are your initial thoughts when you saw Ruben's/Garret's suspension BMX bikes?

Stunned! I was able to see Garret’s bike in person last summer. I wasn’t surprised when Garret told me he and Ruben were working on the project together. They are both so creative in their riding and to see them adapt that creativity into a bike project didn’t surprise me. The amount of time and work that went into the project is pretty incredible.

Has your opinion changed much since then?

After watching the first two episodes I started to think, “Hey, I want to ride one of those down a mountain!” I’ve always wanted to ride the terrain that downhill mountain bikers ride, I just didn’t want to ride a downhill bike because of the size of it, and I’m thinking those guys and a lot of people feel the same way.

Could you see yourself building one up?

Possibly. Do I have enough room in my life for another bike? I’d have to travel to places to ride it, because it’s not designed for BMX trails, so I don’t see having the time for that, but it sure looks fun.

Do you think it's a good thing for BMX?

Can we even call it a BMX? I think of it as a 20” MTB, or MTBMX. I’m thinking it will be a bike that you would have custom built at first. If it becomes a subset of BMX, I see it being a good thing for the culture because it's cool to see BMX evolve and take a different direction. They’re designed for a specific style of riding - fast downhill riding. You’re not gonna see these at the local BMX trails or the skatepark. But I could see them being a thing at a mountain bike park or new types of trails being built for these bikes.

Would you ever see suspension helping on traditional BMX trails?

I can’t imagine that having suspension is necessary on today’s perfectly dialed sets of trails. These bikes need planked out jumps and BMX jumps are steep so I don’t see them working on most traditional BMX trails. But then again, anything is possible once you're used to riding a certain setup.

Could you see the whole thing taking off and becoming popular?

BMX is hard enough for some riders to afford so to have a custom MT-BMX would be a difficult trend to gain momentum. But with that being said. I see plenty of older riders wanting to try it out and taking the plunge, if there were an easy way to obtain a build.

Being that you own and run Circuit BMX in Rhode Island, an all-BMX shop, if you offered these style bikes, how would you handle carrying some of the non-traditional BMX parts, like suspension forks and tires?

Since Circuit is a specialty store, I think niche and unique bikes and parts like these would fit right in. I’d be stoked to put a complete build on the floor.