Redline Bicycles

Replacement swingarms were Redline’s hottest commodity in 1974, when this new sport called BMX began to gain attention. With the owner’s son gaining interest, they began thinking of ways to make stronger bike parts. A local bike shop called Pedalers West bet Redline that they can’t come up with a stronger yet lighter fork for BMX. They’re up for the challenge.

According to BMX history, the first tubular chromoly Redline fork is created on this day. It’s safe to say that Redline forever changed the bicycle industry, as heavy, bladed forks would soon become a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, 1,115 miles north of the Redline factory, in Renton, WA., a man named Terry Heller begins selling bike parts out of the back of his Ford stationwagon. Seattle Bike Supply is started. Little did anyone know how these two companies would evolve.

Redline begins the very first production of BMX frames known as the ‘75 Squareback - due to its angled rear stays. The front end was very short and featured a small wedge gussett. Bike shop owner Rick Twomey and his team give Redline valuable input on the frame design.

Christmas sales of the first Redlines didn’t go too well, as many shops could not sell an $85 frame; an unheard of price back then.