MelvinsArmy Posted April 3 Share Posted April 3 This was my winter project and I’ve been riding the hell out of it. Gary Turner and GT BMX did a run of 50 29er frames to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary. I had no plans to build another BMX bike but when they announced this project I had to get one and build it up. I’ve always been a GT guy. It’s probably clear by now but I am 100% converted to retro 29ers. They are true Old Man Flyers, at least for this old man. Also the size makes you feel like a 10 year old on a 20”. I haven’t done anything vintage in years. I can’t keep up with those prices or ahead of the reproductions. Both of those factors really took the wind out of my sails. I always rode my vintage bikes but being able to ride a bike without worrying about damaging it I find more enjoyable. (I know many don’t worry much about that, but I do) My last remaining vintage piece is on this bike, original finish Shimano DX pedals. f/f: Gary Turner x GT BMX 50th Anniversary bars: S&M Husky 4spd stem: GT mallet headset: Phil Wood cranks: Profile 175 spider and chainwheel: Profile bottom bracket: S&M pedals: Shimano DX hubs: Onyx rims: Velocity Cliffhanger tires: Tioga FS100 chain: Izumi brakes: Paul seatpost: Thomson clamp: Profile seat: Brooks C17 grips: Oury DH tensioners: JW With its sibling, a Gary Turner 29er disc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 26incher Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 Wow that is a great looking bike! This old man’s eyes suck! I can’t tell, is it blue or black? Regardless, I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelvinsArmy Posted April 4 Author Share Posted April 4 2 hours ago, The 26incher said: Wow that is a great looking bike! This old man’s eyes suck! I can’t tell, is it blue or black? Regardless, I love it! Thanks! It’s black. I was going for an old school black/polished/just a touch of gold combo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 Very nice bikes! The details are just right! Also your comment about the feel of the 29er making you feel like a 10 year old on a 20 inch is one I fully understand. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve bourke Posted April 9 Share Posted April 9 not to derail that sweet bike, but 50 years ? what was GT doing in 73 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelvinsArmy Posted April 9 Author Share Posted April 9 4 hours ago, steve bourke said: not to derail that sweet bike, but 50 years ? what was GT doing in 73 Per Wikipedia and several other sources online, Gary welded up some 4130 BMX frames for his son Craig (who made this frame) in the days leading up to what we would know as GT. Sorry for the long cut and paste, but I thought this was interesting, from wiki: Origins 1972-1979Edit GT bicycles began in 1972 when professional drag racer and experienced welder Gary Turner makes a frame for his son Craig Turner in his Fullerton, California garage to race at the BMX track. Most frames used during this period were modified Schwinn Stingrays which were heavy and broke easily under the stress of BMX racing and jumping. Gary Turner made his frames from 4130 chrome-moly tubing, the same tubing used in building chassis for dragsters which is stronger and lighter than regular carbon steel. Craig's bike gets noticed at the BMX track and Gary starts making frames for other kids. 1977 Gary Turner BMX In 1976 Gary Turner begins producing frames for Pedals Ready, a Pro Shop at the Western Sports-A-Rama BMX track in Orange County, California named and marketed as Pedals Ready/GT. These are the first commercially distributed Gary Turner produced frames and one of the first sponsored riders to use them was Greg A. Hill whose father owned the Pedals Ready bike shop. Aware of the popularity of Gary Turner’s BMX frames, Richard Long contacts Turner in 1977 about supplying his Anaheim, California bicycle shop. Turner agrees and the foundation of GT Bicycles is born. These early frames were not yet the GT brand, but were simply called "Gary Turner" as seen by the frame stickers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve bourke Posted April 10 Share Posted April 10 i have net Craig and been to their present shop. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
