When Gary Turner struck up the tig welder in the 1970s, he thought he was simply building a BMX frame for his son to race in the budding Southern California BMX scene. Little did he know he was actually building the first frame of a BMX legacy that has yet to be matched.

Though crude by today's standards, the first GT was revolutionary because it used lighter-weight, thin-wall 4130 CrMo alloy tubing. It wasn't long after Garys son hit the track with his chrome-plated machine that the heavy frames which ruled the earliest days of BMX went the way of the dinosaurs. By constantly using competition as the testing ground, GT has become the biggest name in BMX. From the beginning, GT has had a reputation for superior equipment and the hottest team. Proof of this is our record of 14 consecutive national team titles and dozens of amateur and professional titles. GT currently sponsors an international field of BMX racers, including veteran pro, Gary Ellis and World Cup Champion, Dale Holmes.

As it was during the birth of BMX, GT was on top of the freestyle scene when it emerged in the '80s. Growing from a unique style of flashy trick riding, freestyle rapidly grew into its own sport. From the ramp riders that pull sensational backilips, to flatland masters that execute precise routines, freestyle riders are another breed with specific equipment needs.

Today, it is impossible to think of bicycle freestyle without thinking of GT and the GT Bicycle Air Show. In competitions and shows around the world, the Bicycle Air Show entertained well over one million spectators in 1997. With guys like Dave Voelker, Trevor Meyer, John Parker and Rob Nolli constantly testing and refining our bikes - its no wonder GT rules.

Over the years, GT has written and rewritten the BMX and freestyle history books. With each step, GT has taken 20-inch bikes to a new level. So, whether you are a world class racer, hot ramp rider or shopping for your first 20-inch bike, you can put your trust in GT to take you as far as you want to go.

Sometimes, the GT advantage is something you can't see. For 1998, all the pro-sized GT Speed Series, Power Series and Pro Series bikes incorporate "slammed" front end geometry. Slammed geometry features shorter fork blades for increased rigidity, better handling and quicker acceleration.

In freestyle, GT is pushing even farther ahead. The GT Show has literally rewritten the book on flatland bicycles. Using feedback from our factory riders, we have designed a bike that works better than any ever produced. Starting with a 100% aluminum frame, the Show adds a burly knurled bottom bracket shell, Pac Man dropouts and a beautiful CNCd headtube that actually has Oryg cable stoppers built in. Like all the top of the line GT BMX bikes, the Show is built in the U.S.A. All this is just a hint at our 1998 GT line.

One look and you'll realize that we ve done it again: we've pushed technology to the highest level. While other companies spend all year trying to catch up, if you're on a GT, you'll already be gone.

Pushing technology to the highest level. Ask any kid and theyll tell you, GTs are very distinct. For years, GT has made the best bicycles by constantly redesigning and improving.

From the GT-branded parts that adorn all GTs, to the unique frame features, the attention to detail is unmatched. Take the US A.-made Speed Series Team, ridden by GT pro Gary Ellis. Using precision CNC technology on the head tube, seat stay bridge, bottom bracket shell and seat tube collar, we chopped excess weight and gave the bike a factory look that no other bike on the planet can touch. The Box Series rear end screams "moto," but its not just for looks; it shaves weight and stiffens the rear end for better acceleration and control.

Add the classy ball burnished finish and you have the best looking race bike on the circuit, bar none.