By 1976, freestyle pioneers like Bob Haro, John Swanguen, Gary Turner, Scot Breithaupt, and Perry Kramer led the way, revolutionizing BMX. Haro, often called the “Father of Freestyle BMX,” founded Haro Bikes and formed the first freestyle team in 1979.

GT Bikes, founded by Gary Turner in 1972. Turner’s welding and frame design expertise led to some of the most innovative BMX frames, quickly establishing GT as a major player in the BMX world.

Then in 1978, Scot Breithaupt started SE Bikes with their JU-6. Then two years later, Perry Kramer made some modifications to the frame, creating one of the most iconic BMX bikes of all time – the PK Ripper.