Jon Byers: From Bully Bikes to BMX Legacy
In the world of BMX, certain names echo through time not just for their riding, but for the way they shaped the culture. Jon Byers is one of those names—less of a household figure, perhaps, but a foundational one whose influence ripples through the industry in ways that many riders unknowingly benefit from today.
🛠️ Early Life & Entry into BMX
Jon Byers was born and raised in the southeastern United States, though exact details of his birth date remain elusive in public records. What’s clear is that he came of age during the golden era of BMX—when freestyle was exploding, and riders were carving out identities not just through tricks, but through attitude and innovation.
Byers got into BMX like many of his generation: drawn by the raw energy of the sport and the DIY ethos that surrounded it. He was part of the early freestyle movement, riding for Bully Bikes—a brand owned by RL Osborn, another legend in the scene. Bully was known for its rebellious aesthetic and commitment to pushing boundaries, and Jon fit right in.
🔥 Riding Style & Signature Tricks
While not always front-and-center in the media spotlight, Jon Byers was known for his clean execution and technical precision. He had a knack for tables—those perfectly flat, stylish tabletop airs that seemed to defy gravity. His riding wasn’t about flash; it was about control, flow, and a deep understanding of bike geometry.
He wasn’t necessarily the guy inventing new tricks every week, but he was the rider whose style made you want to go out and ride. His approach was grounded, relatable, and quietly influential.
🏁 Sponsors & Industry Impact
After his stint with Bully, Jon’s trajectory took a sharp turn—not just as a rider, but as a builder of BMX itself. In 1996, alongside Mike Corley, he co-founded Eastern Bikes, a brand that would become one of the most innovative forces in BMX design. The name “Eastern” was a tribute to Corley’s late father, whose initials inspired the brand’s identity.
Eastern Bikes wasn’t just another company—it was a laboratory for ideas. From the iconic Grim Reaper frame with its skeletal cutouts to switchable LHD/RHD hubs and plastic hub guards, Eastern pushed the envelope in product design. Much of this innovation stemmed from Jon’s deep understanding of what riders actually needed, and his commitment to making BMX accessible across skill levels and budgets.
🎥 Video Sections & Cultural Footprint
Jon Byers wasn’t a media darling in the way some riders were, but his fingerprints are all over the BMX video landscape—especially in the early Eastern Bikes promos and product showcases. These weren’t just marketing tools; they were cultural artifacts that captured the spirit of late-'90s and early-2000s BMX.
While he may not have had a breakout section in a blockbuster video, his presence in Eastern’s early media helped define the brand’s tone: gritty, rider-driven, and unapologetically core.
💼 What’s He Up to Now?
Today, Jon Byers remains deeply embedded in the BMX world—not as a pro rider, but as a co-owner and driving force behind Eastern Bikes. He’s based in North Carolina, where Eastern’s sales office operates, and continues to oversee product development and customer relations. His day-to-day might involve anything from answering emails to tweaking frame designs, but the passion hasn’t faded.
Jon Byers // Run#1 // 2-Hip KOV Finals // Newport Beach // 1990
Jon Byers // Bully Slow Ride // 1990
Jon Byers Eastern BMX 1988 News Story Old School BMX Ramp Freestyle Super High Airs