Hi Jake, it’s an honor to speak with you. Let’s start from the beginning: who is Jake London? Tell us about your background and how your passion for bicycles came to life.
YoYo! Nice to meet you, I’m Jake from Toronto, Canada and my love for bicycles started at a young age, riding with friends along with my family. My dad is an avid road cyclist so I think his passion for cycling kind of rubbed off on me. Every summer we would watch the tour together then go riding after. I was always more interested in mountain biking apposed to road cycling, always trying to find the dirt trails throughout the city, building my own trails and features along with hitting shortcuts and single track wherever I could. I was always thrilled by the adventure of riding off the beaten path. By age 11 I was racing mountain bikes and continued to race until the end of high school.
How did the idea for BoneshakerMTB come about? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked it?
BoneshakerMTB sort of happened naturally, for years I had been riding with a group of friends and wanted to share that similar approach with a large group of people. I wanted to create a community and brand that could share a story globally but was also something that people could participate in. I was tired of seeing the roadie groups all lycra’d out with the whole “you gotta buy into the group” to ride with us (ie. team kits, memberships and expensive carbon bikes). I wanted to create a community where everyone was welcome whether you had a top of the line bike or a beater, whether you were experienced or not, I just wanted to get anyone and everyone out on their bikes and allow people to meet new people and experience the same joy I have when riding everyday.
What strikes me about BoneshakerMTB is how it blends creativity, culture, and adventure with sustainability and inclusivity. These are values I also hold close with Kole. I see us as kindred spirits in showing people there are alternative ways to live cycling and adventure—beyond the paths dictated by the market. How do you think BoneshakerMTB helps people break away from those conventions?
BoneshakerMTB helps people break from cycling conventions by emphasizing storytelling, inclusivity, and sustainability over performance and consumerism. Through creative events like the vintage mountain bike show, goldsprints, partswaps, group rides and other off bike events, it fosters connection and fun, making cycling accessible to all. The off bike events and products are how I want to reach all crowds because some people may not feel comfortable about riding with groups but are still able to appreciate the art in cycling itself. By celebrating pre-loved bikes, I think that challenges the market’s focus of strictly performance oriented products in the latest gear. Ultimately, it is inspiring the lifestyle of adventure and self-expression which I believe is what cycling is all about.
"...Their deep history connects riders to the roots of mountain biking, encouraging a sense of appreciation for the sport’s origins..."
Now, let’s dive into a topic that I think we both are deeply passionate about: 26-inch mountain bikes. These bikes are often seen as outdated by the mainstream market, yet both of us champion them as valuable, versatile, and timeless machines. What do you think makes 26-inch MTBs so special?
26-inch mountain bikes are just so versatile. Whether you’re riding city streets or trails, they are always so reliable and adaptable on any terrain. Their versatility allows them to excel on technical trails and even in the city for hauling/commuting. With the market shifting to pushing more performance based bikes, 26-inch bikes have become more affordable and accessible, which creates more opportunities for riders of all levels to join the mountain biking community. They also carry a sense of nostalgia and history which can connect riders of all ages. All of these pre owned bikes have a story behind them, can allow people to share a mutual connection, and spark up a conversation when on the trails or locking up to a bike-rack in the city. The craftsmanship and colours of old mountain bikes are nothing like today’s builds.
Many riders today are drawn to newer standards like 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. What do you think is the unique advantage of the 26er that newer bikes can’t replicate?
The unique advantage of 26-inch bikes lies in their history, playful handling and agility which these large wheel sizes can’t fully replicate. They also weigh a whole lot lighter than these full squish bikes. If you’re riding a fully rigid 26er you can feel how responsive they are, especially on tight turns and technical trails that give riders a more dynamic feel. That is great for creative riding, feeling all the bumps of rocks and roots rather than just powering over them like you would on a 29 or 27.5 inch wheel. I have no hate for 27.5 or 29 inch wheels, as a bunch of my friends have transitioned to this style of riding, but 26ers provide that fun, raw and versatile riding experience that these larger wheels can sometimes lack.
How do you see 26ers fitting into today’s cycling landscape, especially for people who want something affordable, sustainable, and adaptable?
In today’s cycling landscape, 26ers shine in all 3 of those words you mentioned. Thanks to garage sales, Facebook marketplace, eBay, pinkbike, word of mouth and more, their affordability makes them a gateway for newcomers and budget-conscious cyclists to join the community. Thankfully to these sites and groups there are a surplus of second-hand bikes and parts which is great for sustainability allowing people to restore and repurpose 26ers which battles the disposable culture of modern bikes. Their adaptability allows them to handle a variety of roles which I mentioned before, from ripping trails to commuting workhorses they are ideal for anyone seeking a bike for multiple purposes.
BoneshakerMTB embraces a lot of creative and cultural elements in its rides and events. Do you think 26-inch bikes, with their history and versatility, add a unique character to the experience of your events?
100%, 26ers add a distinct character to BoneshakerMTB’s events by embodying the cultural, creative and nostalgic spirit that the brand celebrates. Their deep history connects riders to the roots of mountain biking, encouraging a sense of appreciation for the sport’s origins. The versatility of 26ers aligns perfectly with the inclusive and open nature of BoneshakerMTB’s rides, allowing riders of all skill levels and styles to come out. 26ers are often conversation pieces that spark connections of untold and shared stories amongst the participants at the rides and events, which amplifies the unique and community focus vibe. I believe these older bikes enhance the community-driven atmosphere of BoneshakerMTB’s events highlighting that cycling is just as much about creativity and self expression as it is about the ride itself.
I feel that initiatives like Kole and BoneshakerMTB share a common goal: to encourage people to explore cycling in unconventional ways and celebrate older standards rather than discarding them. What do you think we can do as a community to further promote and preserve these “forgotten” bikes?
In order to do this we have to all work together. Educating people through events and rides can teach people the importance of older bikes and that they should be celebrated rather than thrown away or forgotten. By collaborating with like minded individuals, shops and brands we can continue to inspire a broader crowd for these timeless bikes. Welcoming environments and sharing our knowledge will only help to make these type of bikes more approachable to newcomers. Through sharing stories we can inspire more people to see how special these bikes really are.
Let’s talk about your personal collection. What’s your favorite bike? Why is it special to you?
My Favourite bike is my 1993 Merlin Titanium Mountain bike, I built this bike up last year from the frame up. I collected parts from friends, Facebook, eBay, pinkbike and shops around the world. This bike is special to me because when I was a kid my dad use to ride a Merlin Extralight road bike and I always thought it would be sick to have the mountain bike version of it. It is the first titanium bike I have ever owned and I built this bike exactly how I envisioned it, with used/new old stock and modern parts allowing it to be my daily commuter but also a bike I can hit trails and tours with.
What are your thoughts on giving old bikes a second life through restoration and modernization? Do you think this practice also ties into a broader movement of sustainability and conscious living?
By giving these bikes a second life we really promote the whole idea of sustainability. Restoring and modernizing bikes allows the individual to give their own spin on how they want their bike to be, collecting parts and building your bike how you want it to be can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge for bikes and express creativity. Not only do we reduce waste by using a mix of old and new parts we battle the throwaway culture, promoting the idea that vintage mountain bikes aren’t dead. Reusing these parts that were built much better than some of these modern day ones is another example why this is so important. Most of these older parts/bikes were built during a time where quality was at its peak and quality was prioritized over constant upgrades and the pursuit of the latest trends. By encouraging people to think more critically about how they purchase things it ties back to the movement of repurposing and sustainability. By restoring bikes not only can you educate yourself on the history of mountain bikes but you can preserve the past which can help you to make more responsible choices for the future, rather then going online to buy the newest part you can do some research online or through your community to find exactly what you are looking for which could be for a fraction of the price.
Do you have any favorite 26-inch bike models or builds that you think are timeless classics? What makes them stand out to you?
I love handbuilt bikes, and it just so happens that two of my favourites were made in Massachusetts in the late 80s/early 90s, with two standout brands being Merlin and Fat Chance. The Fat Chance Yo-Eddy will always be a classic and timeless bike to me, and the Fat F*ckn’ Chance, strictly because of the name and the way the logo looks so great on the bike. I also have love for Dekerfs (a Canadian brand from Richmond, BC) along with Moots, and Salsa’s. These brands emphasized the joy of cycling—not just through their bikes, but also through their products and catalogs, which embodied a fun, laidback lifestyle within the sport while still producing top-of-the-line products. Today’s brands often lack this character, focusing only on performance and to me are missing the charm that made mountain biking in the 80s to early 2000s so special.
Shifting gears a bit, what are your favorite routes to ride?
I love riding singletrack with flowy trails, berms, and switchbacks! My favourite place to ride is in The Don Valley, located just outside downtown Toronto, it is a hidden gem for mountain bikers, offering a network of trails nestled within an urban forest. The area is known for its well-maintained routes that wind through lush greenery, along ravines, and over bridges, providing a refreshing natural escape just minutes from the city. The Don is perfect for riders of all skill levels as it has both friendly paths to more advanced technical trails.
BoneshakerMTB isn’t just about riding bikes; it’s about building a community and creating unique events. What has been the most memorable event you’ve organized?
One of the most memorable events we’ve organized so far was the Vintage Mountain Bike Show. It wasn’t just about showcasing bikes, it was a celebration of the culture and the history of mountain biking. We brought together people from all over who were passionate about the sport; riders, collectors, mechanics along with people just interested in witnessing bikes as a form of art. The turn out was much bigger than we had anticipated which really created a connection between everyone that went way beyond the bikes themselves. Seeing people of all ages able to appreciate the bikes displayed was really special to see. Gathering that community was truly unforgettable. We are in the midst of planning the 2nd annual vintage mountain bike show for 2025 and are teaming up with our friends at the Gremlins Bicycle Emporium to create another event for the books.
Looking ahead, where do you see BoneshakerMTB in the next few years? Do you have any new ideas, projects, or dreams for the future?
Looking ahead, I see BoneshakerMTB not only continuing to grow as a hub for creativity, inclusivity and sustainability but as a brand itself. I want to continue to focus on events, expanding all over the world bringing more diverse and accessible rides to new locations. It is always fun to meet new people and share the story with them and get out for a ride at the same time. I’m also excited about creating products, collaborating with likeminded individuals and artists is something really important to BoneshakerMTB. I want to make more components and hope to collaborate with established bike brands, I have a few in mind that have similar traits to BonshakerMTB, so it would be really cool to work together. I envision BoneshakerMTB to continue to inspire people to explore cycling in unconventional ways while staying true to our roots.
Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to people who are looking to embrace cycling not just as a sport, but as a way to explore, connect, and live adventurously?
My advice would be to approach cycling with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. You don’t have to be the fastest, you don’t have to have the best bike, don’t worry about keeping up with trends or having the best gear. Focus on the experience and the amount of fun you can have on every ride. Whether you are riding alone or with your friends just get out there and ride and try to find a new trail that you haven’t yet ridden. Use your bike as an escape from reality, join group rides, attend events and do your research on the sport because there is so much history and knowledge that I continue to learn whenever I open an old MTB magazine, video or catalog. Remember that it’s not about the bike and the best bike is the one you have right now.
Ride Bikes. Shake Bones.
Jake, thank you so much for sharing your story and the incredible vision behind BoneshakerMTB. You’re a true inspiration to me and many others. Like Kole, you show the world that there are endless ways to experience bicycles and adventure, ones that go beyond the mainstream and celebrate creativity, community, and individuality.
I hope one day we can ride together, whether in Toronto or somewhere else in the world, and continue to share our passion for cycling and its limitless possibilities.
