With no brakes and no limits to what you can do with them, 90s BMX bikes were all the hype in the 90s. In fact, these bikes have been popular since the 70s when the term BMX was born. Today, they’re still among the most popular forms of cycling in the US.
Here, we’ll take a ride down memory lane and explore the 90s BMX bikes, their riders, and the best models during that time. So jump on as we explore the wonderful world of 90s BMX.
Table of Contents
Why Were 90s BMX Bikes So Popular?
BMX bikes were still being developed in the 70s, so they hadn’t gained their insane popularity yet. However, when the 80s came around, it became the heyday for BMX bikes. Kids and adults were riding them, and suddenly they were everywhere. Their fame kept rising until the 2000s.
The reason for the ever-rising fame is simple. Before BMX bikes, there were no off-road bikes. If you wished to go off-road, you’d have to buy a motorized bicycle. Or, you’d have to get a knockoff motocross motorcycle for racing.
The BMX came to change that with its rugged, brakeless design.
It presented itself as a reliable bike that can take quite the beating and that can tackle any terrain you can think of. In no time, most kids were taking it to school, and the rest were racing over jumps in the dirt.
The Best 90s BMX Brands
Whether you were a hardcore fan of BMX bikes in the 90s or a 2000-born rider who wants to explore the past decade’s bikes, here are some of the best 90s BMX bikes brands. If you’re lucky, you may manage to find one of these beauties for sale in the used market, it’s not easy when hunting for the best bmx brands.
Haro Bikes
Haro Bikes, founded by the “Father of Freestyle” Bob Haro in 1978, dominated the 90s BMX scene with their innovative designs and high-performance bikes. You can’t talk about bmx bikes from the 90s without talking about Haro! The brand became a favorite among freestyle riders, and their bikes like the Haro Sport and Haro Master are considered iconic symbols of the era. Besides producing quality bikes, Haro also sponsored many professional riders, contributing significantly to the progression of the sport.
GT Bicycles
GT Bicycles emerged in the late 70s and quickly established itself as a leading BMX brand. Known for their robust build and distinctive design elements, GT bikes became synonymous with both racing and freestyle BMX. The GT Pro Performer was one of the most coveted bikes of the 90s. The brand’s commitment to the sport extended beyond just manufacturing, as GT sponsored numerous events and top riders during this era.
Mongoose
Mongoose, a brand that started its journey in the 70s, maintained its popularity throughout the 90s with an array of BMX bikes catering to various styles of riding. Known for their quality and durability, Mongoose bikes were widely available, making them a popular choice for riders of all levels and they have a deserving place amongst the many 90s bmx bike brands. The Mongoose Supergoose was a standout model from this period, highly regarded in the BMX racing scene.
Hoffman Bikes
Hoffman Bikes was established in 1991 by none other than the legendary BMX rider Mat Hoffman. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the sport, Hoffman Bikes introduced models that could withstand the increasing demands of high-flying tricks and stunts. The Hoffman Taj and Hoffman Condor are two of their most renowned bikes from the 90s, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and performance.
Dyno
Dyno, a subsidiary of GT Bicycles, was a popular BMX brand during the 90s. Known for their value-for-money bikes, Dyno offered reliable options for beginners and intermediate riders. The Dyno Compe, in particular, became a favorite among freestyle enthusiasts. The brand’s connection with GT further enhanced its reputation in the BMX community.
Redline Bicycles
Starting in the 70s as a manufacturer of lightweight BMX frames, Redline Bicycles continued to be a significant player in the BMX industry through the 90s. Known for their high-quality components and attention to detail, Redline bikes were favored by both professional racers and freestyle riders. The Redline RL 340 was one of their standout models from the 90s, admired for its rugged construction and excellent handling.
Some of the Best 90s BMX Bikes
Whether you were a hardcore fan of BMX bikes in the 90s or a 2000-born rider who wants to explore the past decade’s bikes, we’ve got you covered! Enjoy our rundown of the best bmx bikes of the 90’s, all of these were widely recognised as the most popular bmx bikes.
Haro Sport
The Haro Sport, introduced in the late 80s and popularized throughout the 90s, was the epitome of a freestyle BMX bike. Designed by the BMX legend Bob Haro, the Haro Sport was admired for its innovative and sturdy design, featuring a 4130 chromoly frame, 20″ wheels, and Haro’s unique freestyle handlebars. The bike was adopted by both professionals and enthusiasts for its capability in performing both street and vert riding tricks. It remains an iconic symbol of 90s BMX.
GT Pro Performer
The GT Pro Performer is another iconic bike from the 90s, renowned for its versatility. The Pro Performer, with its 4130 chromoly frame and fork, was designed to handle the rigors of freestyle and vert riding. It was equipped with features like GT’s mohawk hubs, ‘Power Series’ cranks, and the characteristic ‘Pretzel’ handlebars. It was a popular choice among professional riders and also featured in many BMX movies and TV shows of the time.
Hoffman Taj
The Hoffman Taj, named after BMX legend Taj Mihelich, was one of the standout BMX bikes of the late 90s. Introduced by Hoffman Bikes, the Taj was designed for street, vert, and dirt riding. It featured a full chromoly frame and fork, making it both durable and lightweight. Its design, which included a generous top tube length and a steep head tube angle, was optimized for advanced trick riding, making it a favorite among professional riders.
Dyno Compe
The Dyno Compe, produced by Dyno – a subsidiary of GT Bicycles, was one of the most popular freestyle BMX bikes of the 90s. Known for its affordability and durability, the Compe was perfect for beginner and intermediate riders. The bike boasted a chromoly main frame and a number of features like GT’s ‘Mallet’ stem and freestyle handlebars, making it a standout in terms of style and design.
Mongoose Supergoose
The Mongoose Supergoose was originally popular in the 80s, but its popularity extended into the 90s as well. Known for its racing pedigree, the Supergoose featured a lightweight and strong chromoly frame, a durable fork, and high-performance components. This BMX bike was designed with speed and agility in mind, making it a favorite among racers and dirt jumpers.
Redline RL 340
The Redline RL 340 was another highly sought-after BMX bike in the 90s. Known for its rugged construction and excellent handling, the RL 340 was a versatile bike designed for racing and freestyle riding. It featured a sturdy chromoly frame, double-wall rims, and other high-quality components. The RL 340 stood out for its reliability and performance, securing its place as one of the top BMX bikes of the 90s.
1998 Powerlite P51
Kids used to spend all their savings to get a Powerlite BMX bike, and the 1998 P51 was the jack of all trades. Donning an aluminum frame, Retro-Tread tires, and a rigid tube, the bike was easily the most sought-after in the market during its prime.
1995 Standard STA 500
The 1995 Standard STA 500 was one of the most popular models in the 90s, mainly due to its geometrical design. It’s a heavy, sturdy bike that can handle rough terrains like a champ. At the same time, it’s designed to be lightweight on the road, cutting through mud without a hitch.
Standard bicycles were only made for proper riders who could handle some roughness, which explains the hype around them.
1995 Supreme S&M BMX Dirt Bike
The 1995 Supreme Dirt bike was a bit different from the Standard one, mainly thanks to its sleek frame and modern design. It didn’t carry the same retro aesthetic as its counterpart. However, it’s no less popular.
Riders loved the 1995 Supreme bike because of its clean style and lightweight frame. Not everyone could ride a heavy bike like the Standard, so the modern, lighter frame was welcomed with open arms.
The Legendary 90s BMX Bike Riders
To complete our trip down memory lane, let’s see some of the great riders of BMX bikes in the 90s. It’s an amazing list full of legends, tragedy and thrills.
Brian Foster, The Blue Falcon
Brian Foster’s prime years were between 1992 and 2000, which puts him right in the middle of the 90s BMX glory. He was called The Blue Falcon, which led to Schwinn making a signature bike for him with the same name.
Foster won his first professional race in 1991 at the NBL Christmas Classic, and the rest was history. He’s been awarded “Rider of the Year” by BMX publications and earned numerous X Games medals over his career. Beyond his personal achievements, Foster is admired for his humility and dedication to the sport. He remains an icon and influential figure in BMX.
Pat Casey, Young Gun
Pat Casey was a highly gifted and successful BMX rider. He was known for his unique style and pioneering use of the freecoaster in BMX. He began riding bikes at the age of five and was supported by his father. He was also known for his resilience, often getting back up after hard crashes to continue riding until he succeeded in his tricks. Pat Casey Bmx is a combo not forgotten any time soon.
Unfortunately, Pat Casey passed away in a tragic accident at the Slayground Motocross Park in Ramona, where he lost control of his motocross bike and crashed. He was 29 years old at the time of his death.
Mat Hoffman, The Condor
Mat Hoffman, also known as “The Condor”, is one of the most recognizable figures in the world of BMX. Born in 1972 in Oklahoma, Hoffman started riding at the tender age of 11. By 15, he was already a professional, known for his incredible high-flying vert ramp performances. His fearless style and pursuit of ‘big air’ led to him setting numerous world records, including the highest air achieved on a BMX. Besides his personal achievements, Hoffman contributed greatly to the BMX scene by starting his own company, Hoffman Bikes, in 1991, manufacturing BMX bikes and parts. He also played a crucial role in organizing the first X Games events.
Dave Mirra, The Miracle Man
Dave Mirra, often referred to as “The Miracle Man”, was another significant BMX rider of the 90s. Born in 1974 in New York, Mirra turned professional at 18 and dominated the BMX scene with his unparalleled talent and ability to perform complicated tricks. His skills earned him numerous X Games medals in his career, making him one of the most decorated athletes in X Games history. Besides his athletic career, Mirra was involved in video game development, resulting in a popular BMX video game series named after him. Unfortunately, Mirra passed away in 2016, but his legacy and influence in the sport continue to be felt.
Ryan Nyquist
Born in 1979, Ryan Nyquist is one of the most successful BMX riders of his generation. Known for his highly technical tricks and consistency, Nyquist began his professional career in the mid-90s. He quickly gained fame due to his ability to perform complex barspin combinations and his signature “Nothing” trick, where he lets go of his bike mid-air. Over his career, Nyquist has won several X Games medals and has consistently placed high in international competitions, making him one of the most respected riders in the history of BMX.
Jay Miron, The Canadian Beast
Jay Miron, known as “The Canadian Beast”, was a pioneer in the world of BMX. Born in 1971, Miron was the first rider to pull off several tricks, such as the double backflip and 540 tailwhip. His relentless pursuit of new tricks and aggressive riding style pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in BMX during the 90s. Miron retired from professional riding in 2004 but his contributions to the sport, including co-founding MacNeil Bikes and organizing the Metro Jam contests, continue to shape BMX.
Dennis McCoy, DMC
Dennis McCoy, often just called “DMC”, is a legendary figure in BMX, with a career spanning multiple decades, starting in the mid-80s. Born in 1966, he was already an established professional rider by the 90s, known for his skills both in vert and flatland riding. DMC was the first rider to pull off a 900 in a BMX competition, and his versatility and longevity in the sport are unmatched. Even after the peak of his competitive career, McCoy has remained active in the BMX scene, contributing to its growth and development.
Final thoughts on 90s BMX Bikes
The 90s were the golden era for plenty of products, including Doc Martens, Tamagotchis, and even yo-yos. And, of course, BMX bikes. Although dirt bike racing isn’t as popular now as in the 90s because there are plenty of similar sports, some people are still passionate about it.
If you’re particularly passionate about BMX bikes 90s, you can now go and look for the models above and see if you can get your hands on one of them!
