Early BMX

The popularity of BMX bikes began in California during the 1970s, when teenagers began imitating their motocross heroes. They would strip down Schwinn Sting Ray bicycles and fit them with knobby tires and motorcycle handlebars. This craze caused manufacturers to begin designing bicycles specifically for the newfound sport of BMX (which is an abbreviation for bicycle motocross). These bicycles typically have 20 inch wheels and are built for racing on sandy or hilly tracks as well as performing tricks on flat ground, ramps, or obstacles (known as BMX freestyle).


Some of the earliest manufacturers of BMX bicycles were R & R Racing Products, Mongoose, Webco, and RedLine. BMX bikes were initially constructed for durability, but as racing became more popular, weight became an important consideration. R & R Racing specialized in building strong, lightweight frames, most notably the first 3 pound frame. Lighter materials such as aluminum and chromoly became standard use for frames, and aluminum rims with freewheels and caliper brakes soon replaced steel rims, mag wheels, and coaster brakes.



Standard BMX bikes are designed for racing courses from 900 to 1,100 feet in length. These courses are designed after motocross tracks but are smoother. Races are typically divided up in classes depending on age and skill level such as Novice, Intermediate, Expert, "A" Pro, and "AA" Pro. The short, fast BMX races require a high energy level and good bike handling skills. BMX freestyle bikes are designed with extra places to position the feet while performing tricks and the ability to spin the front wheel 360 degrees without entangling the handbrake cable. In freestyle BMX events, points are awarded for execution of riding stunts.



BMX is a challenging sport and a good energy outlet for young riders, and the skills acquired in BMX riding apply to all types of cycling. However, extreme BMX riding can be dangerous, and BMX riders should wear appropriate safety gear.

Greg Hill

Gregory Alan Hill (b. October 27, 1963 from Santa Ana, California U.S.) is a former \"Old School\" professional bicycle motocross (BMX) racer whose prime competitive years were from 1977 to 1989. He retired from the top competitive \"AA\" pro circuit after the 1998 season. He was known to be very outspoken, a rider who had a bit of a temper on the track, and his nicknames were \"The Machine\" and \"The Businessman\", for his very serious, focused attitude toward racing[1] even as a young 14 year old amateur, and also his willingness to speak his mind including being critical of sanctioning bodies and their policies and rules. \"The Businessman\" moniker in particular was coined by Bob Osborn, owner and editor of Bicycle Motocross Action magazine.[2] Greg personally boycotted the ABA for almost a full season in 1980 beginning with the Winternationals and ending with the Vans 5000 Pro Spectacular. He later lead an informal pro boycott with numerous respected top pros against the ABA in 1983 over the method of how the ABA national number one was decided. Hill was also involved in a number of business ventures, such as motivational and how to books and video tapes; running a short lived BMX bicycle company, Greg Hill Products (GHP) during the 1980s which he later revived in the early 1990s and is still going strong, and teaching seminars instructing children on how to race. These are but a few examples of the drive to promote himself and BMX in the public eye. He is the brother in law of Stu Thomsen, who married Hill's sister, Tanya, in 1979. Greg Hill's first son, Gregory Jonathan Hill, was born five hours after his father won the ESPN Pro Spectacular Series.[3]