1980s GT BMX Freestyle Bikes - History, Culture and Collecting Tips

The History of GT BMX in the 1980s

GT BMX bikes were hugely popular in the 1980s BMX scene. Founded in 1972, GT quickly became one of the biggest names in BMX. Their bikes were known for their quality and innovation, helping launch the sport into the mainstream. In the 80s, GT had top pros like Eddie Fiola, Martin Aparijo, and Tommy Brackens riding their bikes. Iconic models like the Pro Performer and the Pro Series gave GT an unmistakable image and influence on BMX culture.

When Did GT Start Making BMX Bikes?

GT Bicycles was founded in 1972 by Gary Turner and Richard Long in Santa Ana, California. Their first BMX bike, the GT Scrambler, was released in 1974. It featured a forged fork, padset saddle, drilled crank arms and more. The Scrambler set the tone for GT's mission to make performance-driven BMX bikes. In the late 70s and early 80s, GT grew rapidly as BMX exploded in popularity, especially after being added to the 1981 Dew Tour.

What Materials Were Used to Make 80s GT BMX Bikes?

GT used high quality chromoly steel to make the vast majority of their 80s BMX frames and components. Chromoly steel was prized for its strength, durability and lightweight properties. GT also used innovations like tapered forks, reinforced dropout mounts and custom butted tubing. These design elements allowed GT bikes like the Pro Series to be both incredibly strong yet lightweight for racing and freestyle.

What Were Some Iconic 80s GT Freestyle BMX Models?

Some of GT's most iconic freestyle BMX models in the 80s included:

• GT Pro Performer: With its famous triangular frame, this bike was hugely popular in the mid-80s freestyle scene.
• Power Series: GT's flatland specific bikes like the Powerlighter and Powerseries 24 were designed for technical flatland tricks.
• Pro Series: A robust, street and vert-shredding bike used by pros like Mike Dominguez.

Who Were GT's Top Sponsored Riders in the 1980s?

GT attracted some of the biggest names in 80s BMX with their cutting-edge bikes and team support. Some of their top riders included:

• Eddie Fiola: "The Godfather of Freestyle" won over 50 competitions and pioneered difficult maneuvers like the no-handed backflip.
• Martin Aparijo: The creative Spanish rider brought flare and style to street riding in the late 80s.
• Tommy Brackens: Won the 1984 and 1985 SX series and helped popularize BMX Racing.

When Did GT Start Making Signature Pro Model Bikes?

GT debuted their first pro model bike, the Eric Rupe mini, back in 1975. But it wasn't until the 1980s that they began producing signature models honoring their top riders. Some of the iconic 80s pro models included:

• 1984 Eddie Fiola Kicks Pro: Featured Fiola's personal custom geometry preferences.
• 1985 Kevin McNeal Pro Racer: Designed for top racer Kevin McNeal.
• 1987 Mike Dominguez Pro Series: Made for vert legend Mike Dominguez.

How Did the BMX Freestyle Scene Change in the 80s?

Freestyle riding went through seismic shifts in the 80s. Early in the decade, riding was all about flatland tricks and originality. But by mid-decade, ramp riding took over, driven by contests, magazines and videos. Vert, street and park riding surged in popularity. Gear shifted to suit this, with sturdier bikes with more rear brake clearance becoming the norm. GT and other brands evolved to match rising difficulty of tricks, producing bikes tailor-made for huge air and technical street maneuvers.

GT's Influence on BMX Culture

It's impossible to overstate GT's impact on BMX culture in the 1980s. With their team of innovative pros and bikes engineered for progression, GT helped shape the look, riding styles and contest scene of the era. Their fingerprints can still be seen on modern BMX today.

GT's Influence on BMX Fashion

With their instantly recognizable bikes and factory team uniforms, GT had a major influence on BMX fashion in the 1980s. Their color schemes and logos became synonymous with young BMX rebels pushing the limits. GT team shorts, jerseys and pads were hugely popular. The overall GT 'look' of bright colors and edgy graphics became iconic BMX style.

Pioneering Freestyle Contests and Media

GT didn't just build bikes - they helped build the entire freestyle side of BMX. In the early 80s, GT created the Supercross series focused on ramp and aerial tricks. Their videos, contests and magazines promoted riders and grew the sport. GT's AeroDrome tours brought freestyle demos across the country. Promotions like the GT Bicycle Stunt Team took freestyle worldwide. GT helped freestyle go big.

Developing Equipment for Progression

As tricks got more dangerous, GT made bikes and safety gear to match. Stronger frames, components and geometry enabled bigger airs and technical street riding. GT pioneered equipment like the PowerBeam frame, hydraulic brakes and padding to protect riders. Without GT's constant innovation and quality, the rapid progression seen in 80s freestyle would not have been possible.

Cultivating Generations of Top Riders

GT's team and support infrastructure helped develop many young riders into future champions. Their factory team, contests and sponsorship deals nurtured talent and rewarded progression. Eddie Fiola, Mike Dominguez, Donny Atherton and more grew up with GT. Generations of young riders were inspired to push their limits on a GT just like their heroes.

Vintage 80s GT Bikes Today

Vintage 80s BMX bikes from GT remain highly valued and collectible today. Here's a look at the GT vintage scene:

Finding Spare Parts for Restorations

Restoring vintage GT bikes can be challenging due to lack of NOS 80s spare parts. Small specialty shops like BMX Museum sometimes carry limited old stock parts like decals, pads and tires. Otherwise, individuals buy/sell parts through forums, Facebook groups and eBay.

Most Popular Models to Restore

The most popular 80s GT models for restorations include:

• GT Pro Performer - The iconic freestyle bike.
• Power Series - Light and nimble flatland bikes.
• Pro Series - Durable street and vert models.
• Early 80s Race bikes - Such as the 1980 GT Pro Cruiser.

Finding 80s GT Bikes for Sale

Vintage GT bikes pop up for sale on sites like eBay, Craigslist and specialty BMX forums. Rare early and mid-80s bikes tend to be priced higher, while later 80s bikes are more common. Condition is a major factor, with excellent original bikes bringing well over $1,000. Freestyle and race models are most common, but even vintage GT pads or clothing have value.

GT Collectors Groups

Enthusiasts share knowledge and search for vintage GT bikes/parts through groups like Vintage GT BMX Restorations on Facebook. These groups provide a space to showcase restorations, ask questions and buy/sell GT history.

FAQs

What was GT's most iconic freestyle BMX model of the 1980s?

The GT Pro Performer is considered the most iconic GT freestyle model of the 1980s. Its recognizable triangular frame defined the look of freestyle in the mid-80s.

Who was GT's top freestyle rider in the 1980s?

Eddie Fiola was GT's biggest freestyle star in the 80s. Known as "The Godfather of Freestyle", Fiola pioneered difficult maneuvers like the no-handed backflip.

How did GT help grow freestyle BMX in the 1980s?

GT created early freestyle contests like the AeroDrome Tour and Supercross Series. Their videos, magazines and sponsorship deals promoted the growth of freestyle.

What materials were used to build 1980s GT BMX bikes?

Quality chrome-moly steel was used for most 1980s GT BMX frames and components. This steel was strong, durable and lightweight.

Where can I buy vintage 1980s GT BMX bikes or parts?

Vintage GT bikes and parts can be found on eBay, specialty forums and Facebook groups. Condition greatly affects pricing for these vintage items.