Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

LixBMX RAWR Cobra Pro

Cobra Pro BMX bike by Lix Bacskay

Restoring an old bicycle can be an extremely rewarding project, especially when you finally get to roll around on it.

Of course, there are always going to be challenges, whether it’s sourcing a rare part or discovering a thread pitch is the wrong nationality. Lix Bacskay is a an expat Kiwi, currently living in Brisbane, Australia, who relishes every hurdle of restoring vintage BMX to a better-than-showroom quality. Her latest project, a 1980 Cobra Pro, is finished to an awe-inspiring level of detail.

Cobra Pro BMX bike by Lix Bacskay

The Cobra Pro was a frameset manufactured in Japan by Koizumi and rebadged as a Diamondback and the Centurion Force. In Australia, the Toowoomba Bicycle Company stickered it as their own, one of which was secured by Lix as her entry into the 2013 Pushies Galore BMX Build-off.

The criteria of the competition was that there were to be no brand names on the frame and no professional finishing. A budget of $100 was set. Thankfully, Lix loves a challenge.

Cobra Pro BMX bike by Lix Bacskay
The frame was completely stripped, brushed and polished, while Lix designed a tattoo-inspired decal set and re-upholstered a saddle in tanned tooling leather. The parts bin was raided for a pair of Sugino cranks, an SR stem and Dia-Compe brakes—all of which was mirror-polished.

Lix emulated a heat temper effect using Tamiya acrylic paint and an airbrush before assembling the ensemble with cola-colored pedals and Cult Vans grips.

Cobra Pro BMX bike by Lix Bacskay
Cobra Pro BMX bike by Lix Bacskay

This is an extremely concise history of the restoration process. To truly appreciate the meticulous effort Lix went to, head to her website for a more detailed review and a well-edited video.

Cobra Pro BMX bike by Lix Bacskay