Allan Cooke Bike Check

FatTony

June 04 2009
8,660 views
14 comments

Name: Allan Cooke
Age: 27
Height: 5′10″
Weight: 155lbs
Location: Moving at the moment. (From Greenville, NC to Temecula, CA)
Sponsors: Haro, DC Shoes, Bell, Demolition, Rockstar Energy Drink

All photos by Jeff Zielinski.

Frame: 21″ Haro Convert
Fork: Premium Taperlight
Bars: Verde Cartel, 8.25″
Stem: Verde Cartel
Grips: Demolition Waffle
Barends: Demolition Plastic
Headset: Richey
Clamp: Haro
Seatpost: Demolition Johnson
Seat: Old Style Demolition
Cranks: Demolition Medial 2.0 with Ti Spindle
Sprocket: Demolition M2
Chain: KMC Light
Front Tire: KHE
Front Wheel: Premium, 36 Spoke
Rear Tire: Premium Refuse/Resist
Rear Wheel: Demolition Zero Rim, KHE Geisha Light Coaster
Pedals: Haro Recycled
Hub Guard: FBM
Pegs: Demolition

Modifications/Other/Extras: Dave Mirra powder coat, candy purple.

Which parts do you go through the most? Pedals, now that I use plastic ones.

Describe your bike setup and how you like your bike to feel…
I like a new bike. I like it to feel real crispy—when it doesn’t I build a new one. I am way spoiled when it comes to that. Setup is basic, bars even with the fork, 175mm cranks, seat not too low, and most people would feel comfortable on my bike. There are no surprises. One time at X Games Nyquist broke his spindle near the beginning of his run and finished it on my bike. Flip bars, 540 double truck, and many other tricks on my bike and a gold medal was the outcome.

What part are you most particular about or do you feel makes the biggest difference on your bike?
Nothing feels like a fresh set of wheels, fast and smooth is the way to be.

Do you remember your first “real” BMX bike?
16” Diamond Back Mini Viper, I got it when I was three. I broke it in half three times. My dad kept having to weld it back together. By the last time the thing had a gusset the size of my head. I loved that bike. I will never forget the good times I had on it.

How long ago did you take your brakes off and how has it been treating you?
I think I took them off in November of ‘08. I love it man, it’s the best. It shouldn’t be any different than riding a bike with brakes and not using them but it is—it can’t be explained. Get a 5mm Allen and some cable cutters; you will not be bummed.

How long have you been riding a Freecoaster and what made you decide to make the switch from a cassette hub?
I put one on the same time I took off my brakes. I just wanted a change. My bike was the same for so long I needed a change. It changed my bike from a tool to a toy in my eyes. I like toys and tools but toys are way more fun.

What are you most excited about riding for Haro now?
Being a part of a true BMX brand. I rode for Specialized for 11 years. BMX was always just something they did. Freestyle is Haro’s roots and soul just as much as Haro is Freestyle’s roots and soul. They have been there since the beginning and it feels good to be a part of that.