1998 GT Pro Series
Rolling Thunder, aka "Thundersmack"
This was the first 20" bike of my middle-aged BMX comeback. I traded member Sekotd720 my ELF Cruiser for this and have been all about the class bikes ever since. He did a great job with the build, although I later replaced the 48-spoke wheels with a much lighter 36-spoke set, and put on a straight post so I could slam the seat. That didn't look right to me for the longest time, but it's pretty much a necessity on modern tracks.
I started my racing career on this bike ... at age 41. I'll always remember and appreciate it for that.
It's not the lightest racing bike on the track most days, but it is stable, strong, and a blast to ride. It goes where you point it, and provided you do your part, it will get you there in a hurry.
I admit I've crossed over to the Dark Side and have embraced low-slung, sub-20 pound New School bikes for racing. Still, for making me feel like a kid again, and drawing a crowd of dads at the track, it's hard to beat a chrome GT.
* * * Update: Feb 2014. Sold. I'm sad to let my first real BMX racing bike go, but I'm psyched it was bought to be used as a rider. Long may it roll. * * *
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Race - Company: GT Bicycles
- Model: Pro Series
- Wheel Size: 20"
- Toptube length: 20.5"
- Headtube size: 1-1/8"
- Details GT/Profile cranks w/sealed BB; Profile Widowmaker chainwheel; Eastern Sealed Magnesium pedals; GT handlebars; ODI Longneck grips; Tektro brake w/Odyssey Slic Cable & Odyssey pads; DK retro stem; Chrome Z chain; FSA The Pig headset; Dyna Viscount seat; Redline laid back seatpost [later changed to Origin 8 straight post]; GT seat clamp; Sun Ringle Black Label 48-hole rims laced to DK high-flange sealed hubs w/Danscomp stainless spokes; Maxxis Max Daddy tires [later changed to Sun 36-hole, 25 mm rims laced to GT Mohawk hubs w/IRC Siren tires].
