Sugar Cayne
There’s a new BMX racing fork on the market called the TiQi Race Forks mad by Backyard BMX. Not only are they some good nice looking forks, I also like the story behind naming of them. Big shout out and thanks to Jeremy Stillson of Backyard BMX for reaching out to be about his forks. Now I’d like to feature his bike on Bike Of The Day. That bike looks sick!
First, I should give you a little background on the name, TiQi. The name is the brainchild of my good friend Steven Buehler. Ti, for the love of titanium BMX frames and parts. And Qi, “an alternate spelling for Chi(taichi) and figured it’d be a cool play on words with actual meaning instead of just a name”.
The Yin Yang symbol, also know as “Taiji” or Taijitu”, dates back to ancient China before the 3rd century BCE and represents the unity and duality of nature. The complementary forces interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts. Neither is static, and their interactions are thought to maintain the harmony and balance of the universe and to influence everything within it.
Tai chi chuan, also called tai chi, is designed to provide relaxation in the process of body-conditioning exercise and is drawn from the principles of taiji, notably including the harmonizing of the yin and yang, respectively the passive and active principles. It employs flowing, rhythmic, deliberate movements, with carefully prescribed stances and positions, but in practice no two masters teach the system exactly alike.
So, like in BMX, no one part is greater than the other. They all form the whole of the bike and become harmonious with the rider. The end result… a beautiful partnership of man and machine.
I know that was long winded, but I feel it’s important to give an insight to everything that has gone into this venture.
Onto the fork… made of heat treated 6061 aluminum with a tapered steerer tube, tapered legs and enclosed 20mm dropouts. Axle to crown comes in at 318mm and the fork can accommodate 20″ wheels and tires, along with OS20 wheels and tires (as you’ve seen in the previous photos I sent). It’s important to note that the TiQi fork is lighter than the Yess Reach, Hydrogen Atom and also the Answer Dagger. I currently have two versions available… powder coated gloss black and a limited number in raw finish. Pricing is $289.99 for PC and $274.99 for raw. They come with matte black leg decals, but I do offer alternate colors for an extra $15.
Steven, myself and a few others have put this fork design to the test and have had no complaints. They are light, stiff, strong and gorgeous!
Steven and I are extremely proud of what we’ve collectively created and hope you’ve enjoyed the story behind it. ~Jeremy Stillson
