The racing sport used special bikes — not the popular everyday banana-seat style kids’ bicycles — but equipment that had been reinforced to withstand bumps, dumps, and controlled turns. Take a look back here!
About the popular BMX (bike moto-cross) bikes (1982)
Article from St Cloud Times (Minnesota) – May 18, 1982
Breaking away from the multi-speed bikes, a new source of biking entertainment is becoming increasingly popular, especially for the youngsters.
BMX (bike moto-cross) features a sturdy bike, usually with 20-inch wheels, that has been reinforced to withstand the twists and jolts of taking a bike through a series of bumps, dumps and controlled turns while maintaining a rapid rate of pedaling.
A spin-off of cross-country motorbike racing, BMX bikes feature heavy-duty frames, extra strength rims and thick spokes to take the pounding.
According to Bill Walker, manager of Scheel’s Hardware, “The BMX bikes are becoming very popular. They constitute a large part of our bike sales.”
Vintage BMX bikes on the trail: Schwinn Phantom (1980)
Want to ride on uncharted trails? Explore the off-the-road pathways and still have a bike strong enough to stand up to the punishment of the BMX track?
It’s the Schwinn Phantom Scrambler with the exclusive BMX frame design, competition-style saddle, coaster brake, 20″ x 2.125″ knobby tires. At your Schwinn Dealer — now!
BEFORE BMX THERE WAS… So long, tricycles, the Big Wheel’s here now: Kids loved these retro ride-on toys
Mike Drew – BMX team – Bicycles (1982)
“WHen I BMX, I go with AMP.” – Mike Drew, AMF Factory BMX Team
Mike Drew’s been there — in the mud, the dirt. He knows what it takes to conquer any course. That’s why Mike rides an AMF BMX. Built for survival and designed to humble even the toughest track, the new AMF line is mean, rugged and baaaad!
And every AMF BMX model is backed by a one-year limited warranty that covers jumping, stunting, and participation in “Motocross” bicycle races and other competitive off-road use.
Check out the action at your local AMF dealer. And if you want to learn more about BMX, we’ll send you a free copy of our new booklet, “How to BMX like a Pro ” It’s filled with tips on racing. stunting, and bike repairs you can do yourself….
Speedy Wheeler with BMX bike racing tips (1980)
Safety tips comic from Schwinn: A special series on BMX racing
Merry BMXmas! Santa knows good thrash when he sees it. (1980)
Because whether you’re kicking up dirt or cruising down pavement, a Schwinn Phantom Scrambler is one honkin’ machine.
And you can’t get it anywhere except your round-the-corner Schwinn dealer.
ALSO SEE: How bicycle daredevil Diavolo looped the loop back in the early 1900s
For the ride of your life… Murray’s dynamic new BMX! (1980)
On or off the dirt track, these tough, exciting new BMX bikes perform like winners from start to finish.
With dynamic design features like (A) special slotted rear entry wheel clip for quick, easy chain adjustment; (B) raised hanger and 6-1/2″ crank for high torque power and extra ground clearance; (C) durable, but light, wide-flange hub; (D) 4″ head for custom fork assemblies; (E)fully gusseted frame, and much more! Whether you get your Murray for BMX competition or just for fun, you’ll have the rides of your life!
Welcome to the Big Leagues. (1981)
Every time you roll up on a Schwinn BMX, you get some special free extras. Like nods of approval. And envious glances. Even some oohs and aahs.
Because you’re not just riding the newest gizmo from some fly-by-night BMX outfit. You’re riding a Schwinn. Which automatically earns you a big hunk of respect.
Rightfully so. Over the years, we’ve been refining the art of building rugged, good-looking BMX. So you might just say a Schwinn BMX is your ticket up to the Big Leagues. Of course, it’s up to you to stay there. See the Yellow Pages for your nearest dealer. Schwinn.
Bicycles shown: Phantom Mag, Scrambler Mag, Scrambler
For your safety, be sure to pad your bicycle, wear a helmet, and cover your arms, legs, and feet. Racing pads extra. Note: Anyone using Schwinn bicycles in competitive events or in bicycle motocross, dirt biking or similar activities assumes the risk of any resulting personal injury, damage or failure of the bicycle.
BMX bikes just got bigger and badder (1981)
Make way for the BMX that grew up! The all-new Team Murray X24.
If you’ve been dreaming about a BMX bike like this, wake up! (1983)
You know the one. The bike you’ve dreamt about, but never could afford. A track-tested BMX racer that looks great, runs hot, and takes on the competition with style.
Well, now you can get that kind of bike for around $100. Sometimes even less.
Just pick one of the new Huffy Racing machines, a whole series of dirt-grabbing action from America’s largest-selling brand.
They’re all fully loaded with the kinds of components BMX pros demand. Features like two-finger levers. California Lite pad kit. Tubular fork. Viscount saddle. Competition tread gumwalls.
And every one’s so fast, the checkered flag is right on it. So stop dreaming about the great-looking bike you can’t afford. And start riding the great-looking bike you can afford.
Huffy – America’s First Choice
Awesome! (1983)
Team Murray. The hottest riders in BMX competition. They compete against the toughest top-level riders around…
Ride like a champ on the BMX bike with all the world-class racin’ speed and maneuverability built right in. They take all the punishment Team Murray can dish out.
SEE MORE: Vintage 10-speed bicycles from Schwinn, Murray, Raleigh & others
Stu Thomsen, the main man in BMX has teamed with Huffy, numero uno in bikes. (1985)
The result: The Stu Thomsen Series. Totally BMX. Totally awesome. With Competition Certified-monster frame and fork. Power Stem. Power Bar.
Every part of this bike has a part of Stu Thomsen built right in. Right down to those pinstripe pads. Go ahead. Discover the experience. The BMXperience of Huffy, Stu. And you.
Kuwahara BMX bike (1979)
When your shooting for the top, start with a bike that’s already there, KUWAHARA. This precision racing machine begins with a tough chrome-molly frame and fork.
It’s loaded with the hottest parts around, Sun-Tour stem, hubs, seat clamp and V/X crankset, Dia-Compe MX 1000 brakes with micro-adjuster and quick release, Redline V-bar, KKT Lighting alloy pedals, Ukai skinny-side box rims, alloy seat post and Taihei Elina nylon seat.
The KUWAHARA will make you look like a winner too, with a beautiful black, blue or white finish and super clean matching anodized alloy equipment. This dynamite bike sells for under $300 at selected BMX bike shops, check it out today. Put yourself on top of the pack with a KUWAHARA between you and the track.
NOW SEE THIS: 50 colorful vintage banana seat bikes for kids from the ’60s & ’70s
