Earliest Shimano Days – Winter 1975

A Photo Description

• Yarnell BMX downhill track, Sylmar, California.
• Byron Friday, sporting a brand new Shimano kit.
• Shimano America was just a few miles up the road.

In the summer of 1975, the Shimano team embarked on a cross country journey to race in Shawnee, Oklahoma, competed in the NPSA event in Florida and visited bicycle manufacturer Stromco to approve the prototype Trailmate frame.

That same year, Shimano showcased BMX at the annual bicycle trade show in Long Beach, California. At the time, the event was organized by BDS (Bicycle Dealer Showcase).

By 1976, the BDS bike show witnessed an explosion of interest as bicycle and component companies introduced hundreds of new BMX products. This growth was remarkable considering that just 12 months earlier, riders were competing on 20-inch Schwinn Stingrays with no BMX-specific parts.

I hope you all enjoy this glimpse into the early days of BMX history. It was a true blessing to be at the right place at the right time and witness BMX from its inception.

By Byron Friday