As a guy whose first email address was ‘crujonesisrad@Hotmail.com’, you can bet I was happy to grab this article about GT Bicycles’ new Rad Pro Series BMX! The cult classic movie RAD was a must-see for BMX riders from the late ’80s and early ’90s, and GT (who has a deep BMX history of their own) has decided to honour the film’s 35th anniversary with this limited edition bike.
I was one of many BMX kids who loved watching Cru Jones skip an important test at school to battle his way around Helltrack, besting the world’s fastest pro racers. If you treasure those memories too, you’ll love how GT has paid homage to the old school days with their Rad Pro Series big BMX.
While the Rad Pro Series BMX has some modern touches, GT uses colors and aesthetics inspired by Cru Jones’ bike, race kit, and the iconic red Rad T-shirts. They’ve also included a reproduction of his Dyno number plate, a three-piece GT x RAD pad set, and a custom embroidered RAD saddle. Each bike comes with bonus decals so you can personalize your ride in a period-accurate way.
*Click to enlarge
As far as geometry and construction, GT has updated this bike to today’s standards to ensure functional and enjoyable riding. The frame is made from 6061 T6 aluminum, and up front you get a 100% Chromoly threadless 1-1/8th fork. GT uses a Mid BB, and sticks with 3/8th axles front and rear. Since these big-wheeled BMX bikes are built more for stunts than racing, GT includes a set of knurled rear pegs and removable detangler tabs on the head tube.
The Rad Pro Series BMX bikes come in one frame size, which is built around 29” wheels. The wheels feature double-walled alloy rims, sealed bearing hubs, and 2.5” Smoothie tires. Aside from the big wheels, another modern update is a mechanical rear disc brake with a 160mm rotor (because no BMX racer misses calipers).
Pedal power is handled by GT’s Power Series 3pc chromoly crankset, and 36/16t gearing. GT also supplies their Pro Series Cheat Code chromoly handlebars, a pair of Super Soft flanged grips, and a custom Cheat Code railed saddle. Final touches include a sealed headset, alloy micro-adjust seat post, and a chain tensioner.
*Images c. GT Bicycles
The limited-edition Rad Pro Series BMX bike sells for $790, and only comes in Gloss Red, White, and Blue. It is available now through GT Bicycles’ website.
How did I not see this coming?
Uh … no.
Let me know when GT brings back their Pro Series race bikes in a Pro XL size 20″ as an alternative to a Chase Edge, Meybo Clipper, or Redline Proline. The ones from eight or ten years ago were great.
Wish it had 26” wheels! That would have kept it at least period correct on that basic level. A chrome plated chromoly frame set I think is pretty essential as well. Would have made a really fun pump track/rip around the local BMX track bike. The 29er wheels relegate this thing to basic bar bike duties IMO.
“a pair of Super Soft flanged grips”. Don’t just crib from the manufacturer’s spec sheet; actually look at the photos.
29″ wheels. . . WHY. . . just WHY!?!
Probably because that’s what’s available; who makes 26″ rims and tires anymore?
You right a 26 or 24 inch wheelset would be correct. But we need to appeal to the masses
I get that they made this to honor the film, but at least make it in a 24″ like the old BMX cruisers were and have a chrome f&f as an option. To me it’s just a gimmick with a throwback sticker pack.
A normal size front sprocket instead of the baby size one would make it more appealing
the seats lame the sprocket is too small no layback post what? pads look nothing like org and umm I miss my old Dycomp
Basically a Big Ripper with stickers. Nothing like the mongoose Cru Jones rode in RAD