When it comes to SE Bikes’ OM Flyer, it’s actually better to dwell on the past rather than focus on the future. The re-issued classic doesn’t contribute anything to the visual landscape and given the significance SE Racing has to the BMX tradition, the latest interpretation is almost a travesty. Thankfully there are those who seek to preserve the modern classic for what it is.
Scot Breithaupt, founder of SE Racing, must be a very proud man, being the godfather of BMX racing and all. The Original Prankster, his true age is still unsure — he made a habit of filling in the ‘Age’ box of his race entry form with an ‘?’ — as he had grown too old to enter the races he helped create. In fact, the ‘OM’ in OM Flyer actually refers to his nickname: Old Man.
The proud owner of this original OM Flyer (and the Daschund) is Ali Goulet, former pro snowboarder, now avid cyclist. He assures us that the derailleur and hanger was standard on the early Flyers. Ali has upgraded most of the parts on his original eBay find, with some exquisite Campagnolo MTB and BMX components. The cranks are gold Campy BMX, as are the grips and levers. The rims are Campagnolo Mirox, and while not as sturdy as Sun Ringlé or Odyssey T1000 rims; they add a certain je ne sais quoi. An Azonic Shorty stem and gold Answer Pro Taper bars just complete the period picture.
Perhaps the new owners of SE Racing could take some style tips from Scot Breihaupt’s original and create an OM Flyer that could actually be considered as relevant today as the genuine article?
Many thanks to Dean Gray, Principal Photographer for Burton Snowboards. He loves shooting bikes too, check out his gallery of modern classics on his Blotto Photo site — including Ali Goulet’s Look 596 TT bike.
