What did Skyway team ride pre-T/A?

[kennyhunter6061]

I'm just curious to know what frames the Skyway factory riders rode prior to Skyway making the T/A.  Guys like AP, Medrano, Shobert and Esser.  From the pics I've seen Bottema forks look quite popular with them, but there don't seem to be any stickers on the frames, which look quite generic.  I quite fancy building up a really oldschool Skyway factory replica bike if they're relatively easy to come by.  Unlikely I know but worth a try.  Can anyone shed any light on what frames they used?  Thanks guys.

[kirk]

They Rode various frames GT ect, but using Tuffs, sort of a co sponsorship deal wheels only.

[kennyhunter6061]

Thanks Kirk, I seem to recall of pic of Esser eating Redditch mud in an old copy of ABMX with a GT lying next to him, but didn't know if it was his or not.  If anyone has a pic of the team riders on a clearly identifiable frame that would be great.  I'd like to 'get it right' if I did try putting a replica together.

[Bigplinky]

[kennyhunter6061]

Well that's a Bob Horne replica out the window.  Can't afford a looptail PK just yet!    Didn't any of them ride a Burner or somthing else a bit cheaper?     Those were the days eh, even the bleedin Novices got a factory ride!

[kennyhunter6061]

Just done a bit of digging on the BMX Plus site and found a pic of AP on the cover.  It says he is riding a "Ralph's Hustler" frame.  Shouldn't be too hard finding one of those then!    I've also found a pic of Bob Medrano on a black JMC frame - a bit easier to find but, like the looptail PK, deep pockets required 

[Bigplinky]

Kenny try these for a couple of cheaper alternatives

Greg Esser MCS Magnum





and misc advert circ 81 (possibly a Thruster?)



Also saw a bad pic of a USA Factory Skyway rider (no idea who) from 81 riding a GT with graphite tuffs and what looked like early profiles can copy that if you want as well

Cheers

Andy

[billstup]

I used a Gen 1 for a while before I got my T/A, sorry not a lot of help I know 

[Flaz]

I used a Gen 1 for a while before I got my T/A, sorry not a lot of help I know 

did you all get graphs  as standard on ya ta's ?

[billstup]

Nope, we used the white tuffs on our freestyle bikes 

[kennyhunter6061]

Thanks Andy for the pics.  An MCS does seem a bit more affordable 

[RATTY]

I have an MCs frame that I will be selling in the near future

[bmxmatt1974]

Thanks Kirk, I seem to recall of pic of Esser eating Redditch mud in an old copy of ABMX with a GT lying next to him, but didn't know if it was his or not.  If anyone has a pic of the team riders on a clearly identifiable frame that would be great.  I'd like to 'get it right' if I did try putting a replica together.

you got that pic from redditch? love seeing old pics of my home track 

[kennyhunter6061]

I don't think I do sadly.  I sold all but a few of my old '80's BMX mags several years ago on fleabay