GT Bicycles
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycles |
| Founded | 1972 in Santa Ana, California |
| Founder | Gary Turner, Richard Long |
| Products | BMX, mountain, road bicycles & bicycle parts |
| Parent | Pon Holdings |
| Website | gtbicycles |
GT Bicycles, Inc. was a U.S.-based manufacturer and designer of BMX, mountain, and road bicycles. As a subsidiary of the Dutch multinational Pon Holdings, GT operated alongside brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, and Mongoose, with production facilities located in Asia.
Established in 1972 by Gary Turner and Richard Long in Santa Ana, California, GT quickly emerged as a frontrunner in BMX bike innovation, notably earning acclaim for its patented "triple triangle" frame design. The company also undertook a prestigious project creating a $30,000 carbon fiber "Superbike" for the 1996 Summer Olympics. GT enhanced its industry standing by sponsoring elite athletes like Rebecca Twigg and Juli Furtado.
GT went public in 1998 through a merger with Questor Partners, then owners of Schwinn. Following the parent company's bankruptcy in 2001, Pacific Cycle acquired GT, which was subsequently purchased by Dorel Industries in 2004. In October 2021, Dorel divested its entire bicycle division—including GT—to Pon Holdings for $810 million.
On December 18, 2024, GT declared it would halt the introduction of new products and implement indefinite workforce reductions. Pon Holdings confirmed there are no intentions to divest the rights to the GT brand.
Early Years 1972-1979
In 1972, Gary Turner—a drag racer and welder—crafted a BMX frame from sturdy 4130 chrome-moly steel tubing for his son Craig in Fullerton, California. These frames outperformed the heavier Schwinn Stingrays that were commonly adapted for BMX racing at the time. By 1976, Turner began commercial production of frames under the name Pedals Ready/GT through a BMX specialty shop based in Orange County.
In 1977, Richard Long approached Turner to supply frames for his Anaheim-based bicycle store. Their collaboration culminated in founding GT Bicycles in 1979 in Santa Ana. Turner oversaw engineering and manufacturing operations while Long concentrated on business strategy and marketing efforts, rapidly expanding distribution networks throughout the United States and Europe.
GT Bicycles Inc.
GT Bicycles Inc. introduced their inaugural complete bike model, the GT Pro, in 1980 and initiated sponsorships of BMX racers such as Lee Medlin and Denny Davidow. Their first advertisement appeared in Bicycle Motocross Action magazine in January of that year.
By 1981, GT’s product range included five models: Junior, Expert, 24, 26, and Pro. This lineup remained consistent until 1984 when they launched their first freestyle BMX model, the Pro Performer. In 1983, GT enlisted freestyle BMX riders Bob Morales and Eddie Fiola to design and promote the Pro Performer, which featured a unique bent down tube—a design element that became emblematic and offered significant marketing leverage. Morales eventually departed to concentrate on DYNO Designs while Fiola rose to prominence as a major BMX figure until his contract concluded in 1987.
In 1985, GT acquired Dyno, a company specializing in BMX accessories and apparel that had been facing financial challenges. Morales continued his role designing frames and components for GT while Dyno expanded into clothing and footwear lines. That same year marked GT’s entry into the burgeoning mountain bike sector.
During the late 1980s, GT expanded further through acquisitions: in 1987 it purchased Robinson Racing from founder Chuck Robinson, who subsequently joined GT to lead promotional activities and oversee sales in South America. In 1989, GT acquired Auburn Cycles, co-founded by Bob Morales and Todd Huffman; Auburn operated under GT’s umbrella until 1997 with Huffman managing brand operations and marketing. Additionally that year, GT bought Powerlite, a BMX frame manufacturer established in 1977 by Steve Rink. Powerlite was later reestablished independently in 2002 as Powerlite Bicycles USA, focusing on BMX racing bikes and related accessories.
Ownership Transition & Public Listing
Confronted with a downturn in BMX market demand and sales, founders Long and Turner transferred majority ownership to Boston-based Bain Capital in 1993. Subsequently, GT went public in October 1995.
In 1996, GT introduced the aerodynamic "Superbike" as part of Project '96, developed in partnership with the U.S. national cycling team. The bike featured a carbon graphite frame incorporating cutting-edge design elements aimed at minimizing air resistance; however, it was ultimately prohibited under Olympic regulations. Despite its technological advancements, prominent athlete Rebecca Twigg departed from the team, citing discomfort with the Superbike’s fit.
On October 11, 1996, GT entered into a sponsorship agreement with Nike, appointing Nike as the official sponsor for all GT racing squads in 1997. This collaboration encompassed footwear and apparel provision for GT’s roster of 57 athletes competing in mountain biking, BMX, and freestyle events, representing a strategic broadening of Nike’s cycling involvement.
Co-founder Richard Long tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on July 12, 1996. At that time, GT operated manufacturing facilities in Santa Ana and Huntington Beach, producing approximately 600,000 bicycles annually under the GT brand and subsidiaries Powerlite, Robinson, and Dyno. The company reported annual revenues of $150 million and distributed its products through the Riteway network.
In 1998, Bain Capital divested GT to Questor Partners—owners of Schwinn—for $175 million. After Questor filed for bankruptcy in 2001, Pacific Cycle acquired GT. Pacific Cycle was later purchased by Canadian company Dorel Industries in 2004 and subsequently by Pon Holdings in 2021. Production of the Robinson BMX line ceased in 2001, while Dyno manufacturing ended following Dorel’s acquisition in 2004.
Headquarters Return to California
On February 21, 2023, GT Bicycles announced its headquarters would relocate back to Aliso Viejo, California, reinstating itself as an independent entity while remaining under Pon Holdings. This relocation underscores GT’s renewed emphasis on its core market and Southern California heritage.
Teams
GT Bikes has supported competitive teams across BMX, mountain biking, and road racing disciplines to strengthen its association with high-performance athletics.
BMX Racing Team
Kye Whyte from Great Britain remains the only current factory-supported GT rider, having earned silver medals at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Championships. Nevertheless, in December 2024, GT discontinued sponsorship of its entire BMX racing team as part of a strategic realignment of its sports marketing initiatives.
BMX Freestyle Team
GT’s BMX Freestyle Team includes riders such as Izzy Aleman, Jill Alvarez, Sven Avemaria, among others. Together with Team Haro, GT was instrumental in establishing BMX Freestyle as an official sport. The company led innovation with freestyle-focused models like the Pro Performer and World Tour bikes and later introduced advancements including the Pro Freestyle Tour featuring mountain bike-style brake mounts. Additionally, GT pioneered early street riding frames like the Aggressor and flatland-specific models such as the GT Show.
GT’s impact extends into popular culture; its BMX brand and riders were prominently showcased in the cult classic film Rad. Former team members include X-Games legends Dave Mirra, Jay Miron, Jamie Bestwick, alongside pioneers Eddie Fiola and Brian Scura. Despite this rich heritage, GT ended sponsorship of its entire BMX racing team in December 2024.
Mountain Team
The Mountain Team consists of eight athletes competing internationally across disciplines such as downhill, four-cross, trials, freeride, and dirt jumping. Prominent members include Marc Beaumont, Hans Rey, Eric Carter, Roger Rinderknecht, Kevin Aiello, Tyler McCaul, and since 2012, Kyle Strait alongside Dan, Gee, and Rachel Atherton. Notably, Hans Rey has maintained a sponsorship with GT since 1987.
Road Team
GT Bikes had a brief sponsorship arrangement with the Jelly Belly professional cycling squad before the team transitioned to Focus bicycles following 2009. The Lotto professional cycling team formerly utilized GT frames crafted from Easton aluminum tubing but currently rides on Ridley carbon fiber frames.
Co–Factory Team
Established in 2008, the Co–Factory Team is composed of U.S.-based riders who represent GT Bicycles through regional dealer teams. This initiative supports the brand’s focus on grassroots market development.
Notable Past Factory Team Members
BMX Racing
- Lee Medlin (1978–80)
- Greg Hill (1981–83; Robinson 1986–91)
- Andy Patterson (1979–81)
- Tommy Brackens (1984–86)
- Gary Ellis (1986–98)
- Cindy Davis
- Dale Holmes
- Jeremy McGrath
- Danny Nelson (various periods between 1983–2001)
- Mike King (1994–98)
- Terry Tenette (1986–87)
- Randy Stumpfhauser (Powerlite 1993–95; GT 2004–08)
- Thomas Allier (1999–01; 2003–06)
BMX Freestyle
- Eddie Fiola (1983–87)
- Bob Morales
- Ron Wilkerson (1984)
- Martin Aparijo (1985–89)
- Dino Deluca (Dyno)
- Josh White (1986–88)
- Dave Voelker (Dyno 1987–2002; GT 2023–Present)
- Dave Mirra (Dyno 1989–92)
- Jamie Bestwick
Mountain Bike
- Eric Carter
- Brian Lopes
- Hans Rey (1987–2025)