Redline History

Redline is another company like Mongoose, GT, Diamondback and a few others - in that they have deep roots in the BMX industry and the sport. Alot of the major brands you see today, were the pioneers of the BMX industry back in the day. Companies like Redline, Mongoose and GT were started when there wasn't even a BMX industry. They created it. The sport existed, but the major bicycle manufacturers at the time were not making BMX specific product.

Redline was started by Linn Kasten - a genius in the fabrication business. Linn started Redline as a company that made motorcycle swing arms back in the early 70's. Then its the typical story, the owners son gets into BMX, and dad being in the fabrication business, starts making parts to improve his sons bike. Redline, more specifically Linn Kasten, set the standard for BMX parts as we know them today. The entire concept of tubular chromolly forks, the modern day stem, 3 piece chromolly cranks, good quality complete bikes at an affordable price, so many things - Redline was the first. Like I said Linn Kasten is a genius. His engineering skills and innovative ideas helped define the concept and components of BMX bikes.

Redline peaked in the mid 80's as did the sport of BMX, then the bubble burst and the whole industry hit a slump and high quality parts were out, cheap Taiwan junk was in. For many reasons, Linn decided to sell Redline.

Today like many of the BMX industry giants of old, the Redline brand lives on, but times have changed and now its just a brand name, just like GT, Mongoose and many others.
In the late 90's Gork, former editor of BMX Action magazine, went to work for Redline and I have to give him ALOT of credit. Since he has been at Redline things have gotten alot cooler, better quality, better concepts, he has really helped Redline be true to its roots and maintain its place as a true BMX company.

Though Redline cranks may never be the legends they once were, if you want a good quality BMX racing bike, Redline is still the place to go.