aluminum bikes · ambassadors · cross-training · cycling community · gravel bikes · road bikes ·

Meet Jo Shimoda: Pro Motocross Racer Joins BlackHeart Bike Co.

We are stoked to officially welcome professional motocross and Supercross sensation Jo Shimoda to the BlackHeart family as our newest ambassador.

Professional motocross racer Jo Shimoda cross-training on a black BlackHeart Road AL aluminum bike on a paved road.

Hailing from Suzuka, Japan, Jo has become a massive figure in motorsports, recently crowning his ascent by becoming the 2025 SuperMotocross 250cc World Champion. He's the first Japanese rider to ever secure a professional AMA title. When Jo isn't ripping around on his Honda, he'll be cross training on his custom Road AL and Gravel AL aluminum bikes.

The Power of Cross-Training: Motocross and Cycling

2025 SuperMotocross 250cc World Champion Jo Shimoda leaning into a dirt corner on his Honda race bike.

For an elite athlete like Jo, cycling is more than just a hobby; it is a component of his physical conditioning and recovery regimen. Motocross demands extreme physical stamina and a Zen-like composure. Jo utilizes cycling to build his high-intensity aerobic base and mental endurance needed to handle the long SuperMotocross season.

Whether he is flying through tight corners on his road bike or exploring off-road limits on his gravel bike, the transition between two wheels is seamless. The predictable, "planted" handling of a BlackHeart aluminum bike provides the confidence Jo needs during high-intensity intervals, mimicking the responsive feel of his race motos while building the energy reserves required for the final laps on the track.

Uncompromising Performance: The Road AL and Gravel AL

Jo's training fleet is built to compete head-to-head with the latest carbon race bikes.

Detail shot of the iconic red heart logo on the black head tube of a BlackHeart bike.

  • The Road AL: Our performance-focused aluminum road bike is the Pulse of Speed. It features custom aerodynamic tube shapes and fully integrated cable routing, offering the prowess of a carbon fiber bike with the durability and immediate response of premium double-butted aluminum.
  • The Gravel AL: For Jo's adventure sessions, this aluminum gravel bike offers uncompromising off-road performance. Recently named the 2024 Gravel Bike of the Year by Bicycling Magazine, it features a race-inspired aero design and clearance for massive 700 x 47mm tires.

Ride Different: Your own Custom Colors

Jo Shimoda leaning against a wall in casual athletic wear next to his custom BlackHeart aluminum road bike.

At BlackHeart, we believe your bike should be an expression of who you are. Just as Jo values individuality on the dirt track, he is taking full advantage of our custom paint program. Both the Road AL and Gravel AL are available in an array of over 130 Cerakote colors.

Cerakote is an ultra-thin, highly durable ceramic coating that allows customers to select unique frame, logo, and fork combinations. Whether you want to match your motocross team's colors or create something entirely unique, our color configurator allows you to "Make it Yours". Best of all, for our V1 models, custom frame and logo paint is included in the price.

Artistic motion blur shot of a BlackHeart aluminum bike, highlighting its performance and speed.We are excited to see what Jo achieves this season with the "fighting spirit" that has made him a global icon. Be sure to follow @joshimoda and @blackheartbikeco on Instagram to see his custom builds in action!

Close-up of the BlackHeart logo in red Cerakote on a black aluminum bicycle down tube.

Back to Blog