The History and Evolution of GT Bicycles and the 1996 Dyno Compe
From its inception in 1972, GT Bicycles has been a trailblazer in the world of BMX and mountain biking. The brand's innovative designs, such as the "triple triangle" hard-tail mountain bike frame, have made it a staple in the cycling community for over half a century1. But what led to the creation of this iconic brand, and how has it evolved over the years? Let's dive into the fascinating history of GT Bicycles and one of its standout models, the 1996 Dyno Compe.
A Legacy Born from Racing
The story of GT Bicycles began in a garage in Fullerton, California. Professional drag racer and skilled welder Gary Turner crafted a bike frame from 4130 chrome-moly tubing for his son Craig to use at the BMX track. Turner's design, which was stronger and lighter than other frames available at the time, caught the attention of other racers, and soon he began making frames for other kids1.
In 1976, Turner started producing frames for Pedals Ready, a pro shop at a BMX track in Orange County, California. These frames, marketed as Pedals Ready/GT, were the first commercially distributed frames produced by Turner. The next year, Richard Long, a bike shop owner in Anaheim, California, approached Turner about supplying his shop with frames. This partnership laid the foundation for GT Bicycles1.
The Rise of an Iconic Brand
The GT brand officially took shape in 1979 when Turner and Long incorporated into GT Bicycles, Inc., with the initials GT standing for its founder, Gary Turner. Richard sold his bike shop and took on the business and marketing aspects of the company, while Gary headed up engineering and production1.
In 1980, GT Bicycles released their first bike, the GT Pro, and started sponsoring BMX racers. Over the next few years, the company expanded its range with five models, and in 1984, they introduced their first freestyle bike, the Pro Performer1.
This period also marked a key partnership for GT. In 1983, they enlisted freestyle BMX riders Bob Morales and Eddie Fiola to design and eventually ride the Pro Performer. This unique bike, with its instantly recognizable bent down tube, became a game changer in design and marketing for GT1.
The Birth of the Dyno Brand
Bob Morales went on to start DYNO in 1982, a company initially known for BMX racing apparel and number plates. By 1985, Morales agreed to sell DYNO to GT due to financial challenges, negotiating a contract to design bicycle frames and components and consult on GT's marketing strategy2.
Spotlight: The 1996 Dyno Compe
One standout model from this era is the 1996 Dyno Compe. This freestyle BMX bike, with a steel and chromoly frame, was available in colors like black, green, and chrome-plated. It was released at a cost of $264 brand new and estimated to weigh around 20 pounds3.
The 1996 Dyno Compe, released at a price of $264, was a freestyle BMX bike with a steel and chromoly frame, available in colors such as black, green, and chrome-plated. The bike's frame materials and other factors led to an estimated weight of around 20 pounds, making it a light yet sturdy option for BMX enthusiasts. It was a single-speed bike that came with skinwall GT tires (20in x 1.75in) and Weinmann 4019 rims.
One BMX enthusiast restored a 1996 Dyno Compe using parts from the '93 model. The finished bike had the '96 frame, forks, bars and mags, the '93 stem, seat post, clamp, and brake calipers. The chain ring was a Dyno of an unknown year, the levers were Polygon brand, and the grips were ODI Tec 7s.
Conclusion
The 1996 Dyno Compe was a hallmark of its time, embodying the spirit of BMX biking and freestyle culture. It was a bike that thrilled riders with its performance and style. Even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to ride it.