Gary Fisher facts for kids
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Gary Christopher Fisher, born on November 5, 1950, is known as one of the people who helped invent the modern mountain bike. He started racing bikes when he was just 12 years old. In 1968, he was even stopped from racing because his hair was too long! But by 1972, that rule was gone, and Gary continued his racing career. He won big races like the TransAlp in Europe and a national title in cross-country racing.
In 1974, Gary started working on an old 1930s Schwinn Excelsior X bicycle. He added new parts to it, like strong drum brakes and motorcycle brake levers. He also put on special gears called triple chain-rings. He found many of these parts from old bikes at shops. The next year, Gary took part in the Repack downhill race. This race was on a tough downhill path near Fairfax, California. Riders used their brakes so much that the hubs (center parts of the wheels) would get hot and need new grease after each run. Gary Fisher still holds the fastest time on the Repack course, finishing in just 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
Gary Fisher has shared his story as a pioneer in mountain biking in two video documentaries. These are Full Cycle: A World Odyssey (from 1994) and Klunkerz (from 2007). You can see original video clips of Gary riding his early mountain bike in both films.
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Creating the Mountain Bike Company
Gary Fisher came up with the name mountain bike in 1979. That same year, Gary and his roommate, Charlie Kelly, started a company called MountainBikes. This was the first company to focus on making this new type of bicycle. The frames for their bikes were built by Tom Ritchey, who later started his own bike company. The first model they sold cost about $1,300. They made 160 of these bikes in their first year.
In 1979, they also started using Shimano bike parts. The company MountainBikes closed down in 1983. But Gary Fisher quickly started a new company called Gary Fisher Mountain Bikes that same year. In 1991, Gary sold his company to a Taiwanese company called Anlen. He stayed on as the president.
Gary Fisher helped develop the first full suspension bicycles that were sold to the public. These bikes were designed by Mert Lawwill, a former motorcycle racer. Gary's bike, the Gary Fisher RS-1, came out in 1992. Its back suspension used a design from sports car racing. This was the first time a "four-bar linkage" system was used in mountain biking.
In 1992, Howie Cohen helped Gary Fisher with his brand. Howie had experience importing other bike brands. About 18 months later, he helped arrange for Trek Bicycle Corporation to buy Gary Fisher's company. On June 16, 2010, Trek Bicycle Corporation announced the "Gary Fisher Collection." This new line of Trek bikes replaced the separate Gary Fisher brand.
Gary's Role After Selling His Company
Even after selling his company, Gary Fisher still helps with bike design and marketing. He also works as a scout and mentor for racers sponsored by the team. One of the most famous racers he helped was Paola Pezzo. She won gold medals in women's mountain biking at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
Awards and Recognition
Gary Fisher has received many awards for his contributions to mountain biking:
- He was added to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1988.
- In 2000, Outside magazine named him one of the "50 who left their mark" in the sport.
- Smithsonian magazine honored him in 1994 as the "Founding Father of Mountain Bikes."
- In 1998, Popular Mechanics recognized Gary Fisher for his new ideas in sports.
See also
In Spanish: Gary Fisher para niños
- Joe Breeze
- Klunkerz: A Film About Mountain Bikes
