Rick Moliterno: The Blueprint of BMX Freestyle

If you’ve spent any time in the BMX world, chances are you’ve heard the name Rick Moliterno whispered with reverence. A pioneer, a craftsman, and a rider whose influence stretches across decades, Rick isn’t just a BMXer—he’s a cornerstone of the culture.

🏁 Origins: From Iowa Roots to BMX Royalty

Rick Moliterno was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa—a place not exactly known for its BMX scene, but one that Rick helped put on the map. His journey into BMX began like many others: a homemade Schwinn with a leopard banana seat and a hunger for adventure. What started as backyard tinkering and street riding quickly evolved into a full-blown obsession. By the 1980s, Rick was making waves in the competitive circuit, eventually becoming a paid pro for Haro Bikes.

🔥 Style & Signature Tricks

Rick wasn’t just good—he was versatile. He’s one of the few riders to have won in multiple BMX disciplines: AA race, pro vert, pro flatland, and pro street/mini ramp. That kind of range is nearly unheard of. His riding style was aggressive yet precise, with a particular flair for lip tricks and technical ramp riding. He was known for his mini ramp mastery, blending old-school flow with modern precision. If you ever saw him ride, you’d remember the way he made every trick look effortless.

🛠️ Sponsors & Standard Byke Co.

While Rick rode for Haro in his early pro years, his most enduring legacy is Standard Byke Company—a brand he founded in 1991. Standard wasn’t just a sponsor; it was a movement. Rick built the company from the ground up, focusing on American-made frames and parts with unmatched durability and design. He also helped launch Props Video Magazine, another pillar of BMX media that shaped how riders connected and shared their craft.

🎥 Video Sections & Media Presence

Rick’s riding has been featured in countless BMX videos, but a few stand out. His “Warehouse Session” video is a fan favorite, showcasing his skills in a raw, unfiltered environment. More recently, “A Day in the Life at Standard Byke Company” gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at Rick’s daily grind—coffee, welding, and of course, riding. His segments aren’t just about tricks; they’re about storytelling, showing the heart and hustle behind the handlebars.

🧠 Beyond the Bike: Innovator & Mentor

Rick’s impact goes far beyond his own riding. He’s mentored countless riders, helped shape the Midwest BMX scene, and even ran Rampage Skatepark—an indoor haven for riders during Iowa’s brutal winters. He’s also the force behind Goodtimes, a local shop that supports the community and keeps BMX culture alive at the grassroots level.

🚴 What’s Rick Up to Now?

These days, Rick is still deeply involved in BMX. He’s hands-on at Standard, overseeing frame production and pushing innovation. The company is undergoing a renaissance, with new models like the 125R race frame and updated versions of the iconic STA. Rick’s also riding more again, recovering from a neck injury and slowly rebuilding his skills. His days are packed—designing bikes, mentoring riders, and occasionally hitting the ramps when time allows.

Rick Moliterno // Standard Country // 2000

Rick Moliterno Interview

Raw Rick Moliterno BMX freestyle footy from a Midwest Standard Byke Company Roadtrip from May 2024