The rise of BMX (short for bike moto-cross) started as a spin-off of motocross motorcycle racing. Instead of revving engines, though, kids used leg power to race over dirt tracks full of bumps, jumps and sharp turns. These bikes were made with rugged frames, 20-inch wheels and thick spokes that could handle all the rough landings and wipeouts. Riders didn’t need a license or a pit crew — just a helmet, a little nerve and the freedom of an open lot or a backyard ramp.
By the early 80s, the BMX craze had become a full-blown sport, with organized races, factory teams, and national magazines focused entirely on this new scene. Companies like Schwinn, Huffy, Murray and Kuwahara turned out models that were made to look fast even when standing still. Bikes like the Phantom Scrambler, Team Murray X24, and Stu Thomsen Series became instant favorites, packed with race-inspired features like gusseted frames, competition saddles and knobby tires ready for action.
These bikes were built to take a pounding. Whether kids were riding in empty lots, schoolyards or neighborhood trails, BMX offered a kind of freedom that traditional bikes couldn’t. It wasn’t about getting from point A to point B. It was about trying tricks, catching air, and seeing how far you could go before wiping out. And with every skinned knee or bent rim, kids got a little better — and their bikes showed the wear like a badge of honor.
Below, we’ve pulled together vintage ads, catalog listings and photos of some of the most popular BMX bikes from the 70s and 80s. Whether you’re remembering the one you had or spotting the one you always wanted, these snapshots offer a look back at a time when every sidewalk and dirt patch was a racetrack. Take a look back here!
About the popular BMX (bike moto-cross) bikes (1982)
Article from St Cloud Times (Minnesota) – May 18, 1982
Breaking away from the multi-speed bikes, a new source of biking entertainment is becoming increasingly popular, especially for the youngsters.
BMX (bike moto-cross) features a sturdy bike, usually with 20-inch wheels, that has been reinforced to withstand the twists and jolts of taking a bike through a series of bumps, dumps and controlled turns while maintaining a rapid rate of pedaling.
A spin-off of cross-country motorbike racing, BMX bikes feature heavy-duty frames, extra strength rims and thick spokes to take the pounding.
According to Bill Walker, manager of Scheel’s Hardware, “The BMX bikes are becoming very popular. They constitute a large part of our bike sales.”
Vintage BMX bikes on the trail: Schwinn Phantom (1980)
Want to ride on uncharted trails? Explore the off-the-road pathways and still have a bike strong enough to stand up to the punishment of the BMX track?
It’s the Schwinn Phantom Scrambler with the exclusive BMX frame design, competition-style saddle, coaster brake, 20″ x 2.125″ knobby tires. At your Schwinn Dealer — now!
BEFORE BMX THERE WAS… So long, tricycles, the Big Wheel’s here now: Kids loved these retro ride-on toys
Mike Drew – BMX team – Bicycles (1982)
“WHen I BMX, I go with AMP.” – Mike Drew, AMF Factory BMX Team
Mike Drew’s been there — in the mud, the dirt. He knows what it takes to conquer any course. That’s why Mike rides an AMF BMX. Built for survival and designed to humble even the toughest track, the new AMF line is mean, rugged and baaaad!
And every AMF BMX model is backed by a one-year limited warranty that covers jumping, stunting, and participation in “Motocross” bicycle races and other competitive off-road use.
Check out the action at your local AMF dealer. And if you want to learn more about BMX, we’ll send you a free copy of our new booklet, “How to BMX like a Pro ” It’s filled with tips on racing. stunting, and bike repairs you can do yourself….
Speedy Wheeler with BMX bike racing tips (1980)
Safety tips comic from Schwinn: A special series on BMX racing
Merry BMXmas! Santa knows good thrash when he sees it. (1980)
Because whether you’re kicking up dirt or cruising down pavement, a Schwinn Phantom Scrambler is one honkin’ machine.
And you can’t get it anywhere except your round-the-corner Schwinn dealer.
ALSO SEE: How bicycle daredevil Diavolo looped the loop back in the early 1900s
For the ride of your life… Murray’s dynamic new BMX! (1980)
On or off the dirt track, these tough, exciting new BMX bikes perform like winners from start to finish.
With dynamic design features like (A) special slotted rear entry wheel clip for quick, easy chain adjustment; (B) raised hanger and 6-1/2″ crank for high torque power and extra ground clearance; (C) durable, but light, wide-flange hub; (D) 4″ head for custom fork assemblies; (E)fully gusseted frame, and much more! Whether you get your Murray for BMX competition or just for fun, you’ll have the rides of your life!
Welcome to the Big Leagues. (1981)
Every time you roll up on a Schwinn BMX, you get some special free extras. Like nods of approval. And envious glances. Even some oohs and aahs.
Because you’re not just riding the newest gizmo from some fly-by-night BMX outfit. You’re riding a Schwinn. Which automatically earns you a big hunk of respect.
Rightfully so. Over the years, we’ve been refining the art of building rugged, good-looking BMX. So you might just say a Schwinn BMX is your ticket up to the Big Leagues. Of course, it’s up to you to stay there. See the Yellow Pages for your nearest dealer. Schwinn.
Bicycles shown: Phantom Mag, Scrambler Mag, Scrambler
For your safety, be sure to pad your bicycle, wear a helmet, and cover your arms, legs, and feet. Racing pads extra. Note: Anyone using Schwinn bicycles in competitive events or in bicycle motocross, dirt biking or similar activities assumes the risk of any resulting personal injury, damage or failure of the bicycle.
BMX bikes just got bigger and badder (1981)
Make way for the BMX that grew up! The all-new Team Murray X24.
If you’ve been dreaming about a BMX bike like this, wake up! (1983)
You know the one. The bike you’ve dreamt about, but never could afford. A track-tested BMX racer that looks great, runs hot, and takes on the competition with style.
Well, now you can get that kind of bike for around $100. Sometimes even less.
Just pick one of the new Huffy Racing machines, a whole series of dirt-grabbing action from America’s largest-selling brand.
They’re all fully loaded with the kinds of components BMX pros demand. Features like two-finger levers. California Lite pad kit. Tubular fork. Viscount saddle. Competition tread gumwalls.
And every one’s so fast, the checkered flag is right on it. So stop dreaming about the great-looking bike you can’t afford. And start riding the great-looking bike you can afford.
Huffy – America’s First Choice
Awesome! (1983)
Team Murray. The hottest riders in BMX competition. They compete against the toughest top-level riders around…
Ride like a champ on the BMX bike with all the world-class racin’ speed and maneuverability built right in. They take all the punishment Team Murray can dish out.
SEE MORE: Vintage 10-speed bicycles from Schwinn, Murray, Raleigh & others
Stu Thomsen, the main man in BMX has teamed with Huffy, numero uno in bikes. (1985)
The result: The Stu Thomsen Series. Totally BMX. Totally awesome. With Competition Certified-monster frame and fork. Power Stem. Power Bar.
Every part of this bike has a part of Stu Thomsen built right in. Right down to those pinstripe pads. Go ahead. Discover the experience. The BMXperience of Huffy, Stu. And you.
Kuwahara BMX bike (1979)
When your shooting for the top, start with a bike that’s already there, KUWAHARA. This precision racing machine begins with a tough chrome-molly frame and fork.
It’s loaded with the hottest parts around, Sun-Tour stem, hubs, seat clamp and V/X crankset, Dia-Compe MX 1000 brakes with micro-adjuster and quick release, Redline V-bar, KKT Lighting alloy pedals, Ukai skinny-side box rims, alloy seat post and Taihei Elina nylon seat.
The KUWAHARA will make you look like a winner too, with a beautiful black, blue or white finish and super clean matching anodized alloy equipment. This dynamite bike sells for under $300 at selected BMX bike shops, check it out today. Put yourself on top of the pack with a KUWAHARA between you and the track.
NOW SEE THIS: 50 colorful vintage banana seat bikes for kids from the ’60s & ’70s
BMX bikes you can still buy today
- 【Entry Level BMX Bike】: Built with a durable high carbon steel frame designed to withstand the rigours of urban and stunt riding. Full freestyle BMX bike for park, street or dirt.
- 【Smooth, Shock-Absorbing Tires】 : Wide 20x2.40” tires grip the pavement for a smooth ride (when their wheels are on the ground) and can cushion bumps, jumps, and cracks in their way.
- 【High-performance drivetrain】: Equipped with 170mm one-piece forged steel cranks, 32T chainring and 16T freewheel, making it easy to ride; The single-speed drivetrain eliminates the complexity of...
- L80 is a fully park, street or dirt worthy freestyle BMX bike, Hi-Ten steel 9 inch rise handlebar that will make you stand out at the bike park, Suggested rider height is 5’6” - 6'0".
- Ultra-durable Mongoose 4130 Chromoly front triangle, along with removable brake mounts and a mid BB shell, with a top tube length of 20.75 inches
- Drivetrain features 175 mm 3-piece tubular chromoly hollow spindle cranks with a 25T steel chainring and mid sealed bearing bottom bracket.
- 【Entry Level BMX Bike】: Built with a durable high carbon steel frame designed to withstand the rigours of urban and stunt riding. Full freestyle BMX bike for park, street or dirt.
- 【Smooth, Shock-Absorbing Tires】 : Wide 20x2.40” tires grip the pavement for a smooth ride (when their wheels are on the ground) and can cushion bumps, jumps, and cracks in their way.
- 【High-performance drivetrain】: Equipped with 170mm one-piece forged steel cranks, 32T chainring and 16T freewheel, making it easy to ride; The single-speed drivetrain eliminates the complexity of...
- cubsala Hi-Ten steel frame designed for versatility and performance, which gives you a comfortable, affordable bike for riding!
- Linear pull V-brake on the rear wheel offers excellent speed control and low maintenance.
- 85% pre-assembled, easy to assemble, free pedals, required assembly tools included.
- Stylish Design -The Syzygy is a stylish freestyle BMX bike that offers everything a rider needs to hit the streets and pop off curbs! Suggested rider height is 4'7" - 6'1".
- Durable Frame - The frame is made from strong Hi-Ten steel to give riders reliable support and long-lasting comfort and is perfect for the street, park or trails with 20.5" top tube length.
- Ride for Fun - The drivetrain features 170 mm three-piece crank with a 25T chainring. Aluminum U-brake and Hand-brake levers provide precision speed control. The forged head tube has higher strength...
- KIDS BMX BIKE: Endless fun awaits with the Legion by Mongoose. Featuring 16, 18 or 20-inch wheels, this kids BMX bike is perfect for riders from less than 3'6" - 6'0" tall. Built for beginners, this...
- BORN IN DIRT: Built for neighborhood or skatepark fun, the durable hi-ten steel frame is tough enough for young riders. With 25x9T, 36x16T or 40x16T gearing, this girls and boys bike provides a...
- COOLEST BIKE ON THE BLOCK: This Mongoose BMX bike is built to turn heads with upgraded aluminum mag wheels and sealed bearings. Designed for both durability and smooth riding, it delivers the perfect...
- PRO-GRADE DESIGN: Engineered with 3-piece CrMo tubular cranks and optimized 25x9T gearing ratio, this performance BMX bike delivers an optimal balance of speed and control for young riders
- SAFETY-FOCUSED FEATURES: Extra-long handlebars and a snag-free U-brake system give young riders confident control, while threadless steering ensures precise handling on this kids bicycle
- RUGGED STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty frame with reinforced dropouts handles intense riding sessions, making this boys bike and girls bike tough enough for mastering new skills
- Age & Growth-Adaptive Sizing - Designed for boys ages 8-12, available in 18-inch and 20-inch wheel options. The adjustable seat expands as your child grows, eliminating the need for frequent...
- Safety-First Braking System - Equipped with front + rear U brakesfor instant, reliable stopping power on hills, turns, or sudden stops. The easy-to-reach levers allow young riders to control...
- Durable Construction for Active Play - Iron Fork: Withstands jumps, bumps, and rough terrain for long-lasting use. 152mm One-Piece Crank + 32T Chainring: Delivers smooth...
