GT Bicycles: The BMX Powerhouse That Shaped a Generation

When it comes to BMX, few names carry the weight and legacy of GT Bicycles. Born in the golden age of BMX racing and freestyle, GT didn’t just build bikes—they built a movement. Let’s take a ride through their history, impact, and where they stand today.

🛠️ The Birth of GT: Welding Speed into Style

GT Bicycles was founded in 1972 in Santa Ana, California, by Gary Turner, a drag racer and skilled welder. It all started when Turner built a stronger, lighter BMX frame for his son Craig using 4130 chromoly tubing—a material typically reserved for race cars. The frame caught the attention of local riders, and soon Gary was making frames for others.

In 1977, Turner teamed up with Richard Long, a bike shop owner with a knack for business. Together, they launched GT Bicycles, and the BMX world would never be the same. The name “GT” came from Gary Turner’s initials, and it quickly became a symbol of quality and performance in BMX racing.

🔥 What Made GT Stand Out?

GT’s early BMX frames were revolutionary. They were tougher, lighter, and more responsive than anything else on the market. Riders loved them, and race wins piled up. But GT wasn’t just about racing—they saw the rise of freestyle BMX and leaned in hard.

They introduced the GT Pro Performer, a bike designed specifically for tricks, ramps, and flatland. It became an icon, with its unmistakable bent top tube and bold graphics. GT also innovated with features like standing platforms on the rear dropouts and reinforced forks for aerial abuse.

GT didn’t just follow trends—they set them. Their bikes were the canvas for a generation of riders who turned BMX into an art form.

🌟 Sponsored Legends and Cultural Impact

GT’s rider roster reads like a BMX hall of fame:

• Eddie Fiola – The “King of the Skateparks,” Fiola helped define freestyle BMX in the 1980s and was the face of GT during its rise.

• Martin Aparijo – Known for his flatland mastery, Aparijo brought style and creativity to the sport.

• Josh White, Dave Voelker, and Brian Blyther – Each brought their own flavor to ramps, street, and dirt, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a BMX bike.

GT also sponsored race legends like Gary Ellis, Mike King, and Greg Hill, dominating the BMX racing scene throughout the '80s and '90s.

Their influence extended beyond the track and park. GT bikes appeared in movies, magazines, and music videos. Owning a GT wasn’t just about riding—it was about belonging to a culture.

⏳ GT BMX Today: A Pause, Not a Goodbye

Fast forward to today, and GT remains a respected name in BMX. However, in late 2024, GT announced a pause in releasing new products for 2025, choosing instead to sell off existing inventory. The move surprised many, but it’s not the end.

GT is now part of Pon Holdings, a Dutch company that owns several major bike brands. While GT’s future product roadmap is on hold, the brand name is still alive, and its legacy continues to inspire riders around the world.

💬 Final Thoughts

GT Bicycles didn’t just build BMX bikes—they built dreams. From backyard ramps to world championships, GT was there, pushing riders to go faster, higher, and bolder. Whether you were racing on a GT Mach One or pulling tricks on a Pro Performer, you were part of something bigger.

(1988) GT Demo Tape

GT Bicycles CODE 4130 : BMX / Freestyle : Video from 1993

Dead Sailor BMX Freestyle Film 1997 Full Clip