Torker History

From the 1970's to the Present

Once upon a time, What seems like a long, long time ago (but was actually back in the 70's), our founding Torker father was born. He was a large fella. A bit awkward, with slow steering. Very tall. But he was a really laid back guy--especially in the seat tube and headtube angles. All things considered, granddaddy Torker was a really great guy, who stood for all the right things--American quality and chasing that dream of someday becoming a BMX star. And little did anyone know it--but he would begin a long lasting legacy in the bike world.

By the 80's, Great Granddaddy Torker's succeeded in his dreams, winning numerous races in the amateur and pros ranks, as well as a World Championship or two. It wasn't long before the Torker family grew, with the arrival of their first born, Lowboy. Soon after followed Expert and Mini. Their kids grew up to be fast, following in their fathers' footsteps. Soon, the entire Torker family was seen at BMX events all around the World, keeping up the family tradition of lookin' good and winning races. With their twin top tubes, it was always easy to recognize the family of frames.
As historians will tell you, it was an offspring of the Torker family who helped start the whole freestyle frenzy. Until manufacturers began constructing specific frames for freestyle, Torker was the original choice for the infamous BMXA trick team. Thanks to its twin top tube design, framestands were made easy. And when some guy named Bob Haro wanted to make his own frame, he modeled it after the bike he was riding -- a Torker.

Around '85, after some financial difficulties, forcing Grandfather Torker to file bankruptcy and sell the farm, the Torker family was adopted by a large and friendly Japanese family named Marui. It was here, that the Torker's were introduced to their freestylin' step brother; Torker 2. 

Years later, yearning to return to their roots, the Torker's finally settled in Kent, Washington, and became next-door neighbors with the Redline family. It was in the 90's that a new offspring of the Torker bloodline was born and once again, bred to rule the racetrack.  The third generation of Torker's came along, named 5.5, 5.7, 5.3 and their munchkin-sized little bro, 0.5. And keeping up with the times, they were bred with 6061 and 7005 Alloy. With some help from their loyal friends Matt Hadan and Clarence Perry, the Torker family restored the family name, honoring their Great Grandfather with podium finishes and No.1 plates.

Despite some illness in Torker's freestyle family; with Plague, Virus, Outbreak and Epidemic, they finally found the Syndrome and all was cured. By the end of the millinium, Torker was one big happy family; especially when cousins Jester and Wizard were around.

In the late-90's, the close knit Torker crew was at first shocked with the birth of "Scooter"--a baby that did not look at all like any of his ancestors. But being the good folk they are, they accepted him as one of their own and quickly discovered that there's more to a Torker than a twin top tube.

Recently, generations and generations of Torker's gathered in the Northwest for the 1st annual Torker Family Reunion. And even though Great, Great Granddaddy Torker was looking a bit laidback and rusty, it was a proud moment when he was introduced to all of his new kin--from Aunt Tristar and Uncle Boardwalk, to the little cousins Rocket, Sunflower, Blaster and little Tulip. The more radical city kids; like Ignition, Warpfactor, Wildflower and Torque were getting along great with their more upstanding cousins from the hills; Stallion, Appaloosa and Alpental.

Yes, it was a landmark moment for the entire Torker family. One that will not be forgotten in quite some time. All of the Torker's, together at once, for a huge family portrait. Intently listening to Grandpa Torker's wild tales of downhill BMX tracks and 6 inch tall wooden starting gates, it became clear to all that in years to come, this new Torker family is destined for even more greatness than just winning BMX titles.

The Torker's are, from this day forward, a larger and closer family that has set its sights on making a name for themselves in the whole Bicycling Universe.