Mike Buff

Mike Buff is a BMX pioneer who helped introduce freestyle BMX to the world. As one of the godfathers of freestyle, he rode a PK Ripper in the early 1980s when he was a member of the legendary BMX Action Trick Team. His current signature SE is the Mike Buff Fast Ripper.

Which decades did you compete in?
I competed in the '70s and '80s.

Which BMX era was the best for you?
The '80s were the best. The growth of the sport of BMX was moving so fast and being part of introducing freestyle BMX to the world was amazing.

Are there some people that remember more about your BMX past than you do?
People remember my past more than me. I remember my past pretty good, but it’s amazing how other people can put a date on every photo or freestyle show they attended. And they can also remember every part was on every bike we rode.

What does it mean to you to have a signature bike with SE nearly 40 years after you were first sponsored by SE Racing?
It means a lot for me to have a signature bike with SE. It kind of represents that we did things right back in the day and we still get the support from riders.

Are big wheels the fountain of youth for an old school BMXer like yourself?
I think the big wheeled bikes are the fountain of youth because I believe you never lose the love of riding, but your body doesn’t always work like it used to. The big wheel bikes are easier on the body and keeps you riding and enjoying the love of riding.