The BMX Craze...

Early days - above and below, a two page advertisement featured in "Look-In" magazine, 13/12/1980.

THE RACE IS ON

BMX is the bike-racing sport that has swept across America. The action-packed event that's tougher, faster and more exciting than anything you've ever seen before.

Now Puch Murray and Halfords bring BMX to Britain. And there's never been a better time to take off with a brand-new sport.

Bicycle Motocross is no place for toy bikes or tame riding. You race on a dirt-track downhill course that really separates the men from the boys.

On the left [ABOVE] is an artist's impression of a typical BMX track. It can have as many jumps, bends, hairpins and fast straights as you want.

Thunder down the straights, slam round the bends.

Fly over hair-raising jumps at full speed.

It's a real test of your skill and courage.

No other bike ride has the thrills of BMX.

ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH

If you thought any old bike would do for Bicycle Motocross you'd be wrong. Because most BMX courses are enough to shake any ordinary bike to bits.

When you race a motocross course you need a bike that's really hot.

That's why Puch Murray bikes are made for the job. Prices start from £79.95 for the 5310 model shown here. They have 20" wheels with track-grabbing racing tyres.

Cross braced handlebars for extra strength.

Even frames and forks are specially designed for competition riding.

And you'll find that every model is as tough as steel and lightening quick.

ALL GEARED UP

BMX is a hard sport. And a BMX course is no place to take risks.

That's why the top track stars always wear crash helmets and protective clothing when they're racing.

When you get your bike, make absolutely sure you've got the gear to go with it.

Not only will you look good, you'll be a whole lot safer too. There's trousers at £8.95, Jerseys at £7.45, Helmets at 12.50 and protect your bike with Pad sets at £4.15.

We're sure you'll agree. If you're going to win at BMX it's best to win in style.

STAY ONE JUMP AHEAD

Don't miss out on the incredible BMX action.

Get into Bicycle Motocross today.

Nobody knows more about BMX and the range of Puch Murray bikes than your local branch of Halfords. You'll find they're experts. They'll tell you which BMX bike is best for you.

And who knows, if you've got what it takes, you could soon be Britain's first BMX star.

DAREDEVIL ON PEDALS 

Daily Star, 19/5/1983

Britain's top motor-cycle rider, Eddie Kidd, has switched to pedal power... on a BMX bike.

And after his first crack at the fast-growing kids' sport, daredevil Eddie said: "It's a whole lot of fun."

He was put through his paces by five-year-old [is this a printing error?] David Maw, one of the country's most promising BMX starlets.

BMX stands for Bicycle Moto-cross, and youngsters race round obstacle courses on special rough-rider bikes.

Crash helmets are a must and so is a good sense of balance.

The craze has already swept the United States and is now taking off in a big way here too.

David, of Barnetby le Wold, South Humberside, has competed in five national events so far this season - and won them all.

But he found that Eddie could teach him a few tricks when it comes to leaping off ramps.

Said David: "Motorbikes or BMX, I think Eddie is the greatest in the world."

ET merchandise, including a BMX, on sale in the Brian Mills spring and summer mail order catalogue, 1983.

More from the Brian Mills spring and summer 1983 catalogue - some very excellent Raleigh Burners.

The bikes weren't exactly cheap in that day and age, thank heavens for mail order catalogues - a great way to spread the cost!

The BMX craze swept the country like wildfire.

Macho seems a good name for a BMX. I was a bit too old to take part in the craze and preferred Stella Artois, but there were many young lads, teeth firmly gritted, determined not to disgrace themselves by crying after taking a tumble and grazing knees and/or elbows.

From the John Myers Home Shopping catalogue, autumn and winter 1983 - the Burner GS BMX and Burner GX.

If you're a BMX fan, then this site comes highly recommended.

Raleigh BMX 'Aero Burners' - as featured in the Janet Frazer catalogue, autumn/winter 1984/5.