People of Oregon BMX: Eric Roth from Northwest BMX

By White Lotus Media on March 5, 2016 • ( 0 )

Name:
Eric Roth

Bike Shop:
NW BMX
1697 25Th Street SE, Salem Oregon 97302 (Google Maps)
Phone 888-983-6381
Website: http://www.northwestbmxshop.com
Facebook
Instagram

Brands that you carry:
• Bicycles – KHS Bicycles, Verde Bikes, Cult Bicycles, United Bicycles, Strider Bikes, Raleigh Bicycles, Redline Bicycles, DK Bicycles, Haro Bicycles, & Free Agent Bikes.
• Scooters – Phoenix Scooters, Rad Scooters, Grit Scooters, Crisp Scooters, & Envy Scooters.

BMXOR:
First off I would like to thank you for doing this interview.

NWBMX:
Anytime. Thank you for taking your time.

BMXOR:
How did you first get involved in the world BMX?

NWBMX:
I’ve rode bikes all of my life, I got into motocross and then came full circle back into BMX and started racing with my daughter. I’ve always had a passion for bikes and riding.

BMXOR:
What led to you buying a bicycle shop?

NWBMX:
Previous to owning my bike shop, I was a motorcycle tech for 20 plus years. As a love for riding and bikes I saw a need for bmx parts and bikes as no shops in town carry much if any. I’ve always loved riding and as my daughter and I got into BMX racing a few years ago now , I just developed my love for BMX and the sport again!

BMXOR:
If I was to walk into most bike shops. BMX would be a very small minority. Then if they did have BMX bikes. The break down is usually 90% street/DJ bikes. The other 10% might be race bikes. But those race bikes usually fill a price point. So they are usually on the lower end. They are a product that fill floor space to get someone on a bike. Yet they aren’t super exciting bikes. Yet you support racing, have product that is very race oriented, & are a vendor at BMX nationals. Why is that?

NWBMX:
Really it just comes down to the passion for the sport. I’ve enjoyed racing with my daughter and seeing what a great family sport this is. I want to help support the sport and keep it alive for years to come. I myself before the shop was a consumer and couldn’t find good quality service and race bikes. That is what we strive for at Northwest BMX quality service and product.

BMXOR:
Being a racer yourself. Do you race the races you are vending at?

NWBMX:
I would love to race all, however my family owned business and customers come first. When I can get a chance, I do race all that I am able.

BMXOR:
Why do you support a local race team? What are the benefits of this towards your business?

BMXNW:
Again it goes back to the love of the sport, and to help and support our riders to succeed in racing and take it to the next level. It also helps to promote our shop.

BMXOR:
Besides supporting the local race scene. Are there any other local programs that you are involved in?

BMXNW:
We sponsor bmx freestyle competitions, scooter events and help out at local tracks, and give donations when we can.

BMXOR:
What currently is the “HOT” BMX item you sell? What fad has fallen out of favor?

BMXNW:
You name it, Bicycles to number plates. As far as what’s fallen out is the pink bikes and accessories for guys. LOL

BMXOR:
Always a hot button issue. Clips vs. Flats. Haha

BMXNW:
It really just varies depending on the rider but most common of course it to have clips. It gives you that extra power to go faster. But the old school riders flats are defiantly most common for them.

BMXOR:
In the mountain bike world carbon fiber is taking over. Almost ever bike part now has a carbon equivalent. It’s durability has been proven on the very demanding, & abusive World Cup Downhill circuit. Yet in BMX it’s been mostly frames, forks, and kids parts. With a few companies doing cranks and wheels. Do you see BMX following MTB’s direction? Since a MTB equivalent of a top drawer BMX Bike is $10,000. Do you think it will every fully catch on because of fear of pricing people out of the BMX market?

BMXNW:
Yes, I think the higher end product bikes with all of the carbon fiber will get there, but I believe they will always keep an in-between mid level pricing to keep it affordable.

BMXOR:
As a big supporter of BMX racing. What do you think the biggest problem getting kids out to the races is?

BMXNW:
I really think it just comes down to the lack of kids knowing about the sport itself. Many times when I’ve talked to new riders about tracks often their parents are like we didn’t know there were tracks around here, they hear about it from there kids classmate or a friend. More tracks I believe should be making flyers and getting them out to schools and kids around, that would help a lot.

BMXOR:
On the other side of that equation. What do you think tracks or USABMX are doing correctly to get kids out to the races?

BMXNW:
I think at the tracks, track bucks really help and special events at the tracks with barbecues, prizes etc…

BMXOR:
This kind of ties into the last two questions. Where do you see the sport of BMX going in the next 10 years? What can bike shops do to help push this along?

BMXNW:
Hmmm the next 10 years I just see the sport evolving even more, and progressing. Especially now that BMX is starting to also be known as an Olympic sport. As to what we do, we try and educate people that come thru the door to let them know more about the sport and how it is growing. If all bike shops help to make more awareness about the sport and work together that would be even better yet.

BMXOR:
If you where to look a few years down the road. Which Oregon riders do you see making it to the Pro ranks and why?

BMXNW:
I see a lot of potential in Oregon riders that could make it to the Pro ranks.