Torker
 | |
| Industry | Unicycle Bicycle |
|---|---|
| Founded | California |
| Headquarters | Kent, Washington |
| Parent | Seattle (Accell) |
| Website | TorkerUSA.com |
Torker is a brand of bicycles and unicycles currently owned by Seattle Bike Supply, headquartered in Kent, Washington.[1]
History
The Torker name was created by Johnson Engineering in Fullerton, CA in 1977 for a BMX bike frame.[2] The first Haro bikes were made by Torker.[3] In 1982, Torker let go Bob Haro when he introduced his own line of BMX racing pants.[4] In 1984, the Torker Bicycle Company went bankrupt, and Seattle Bike Supply purchased the name.[5] BMX bikes with the Torker name were made from the late 1970s into the 2000s.[6][7] Torker's product line expanded to include beach cruisers, tandem bikes and even unicycles. Reader's Digest nominated Torker unicycles as "America's 100 Best" for 2006,[8] and Torker was awarded BEST OF 2006 in the December issue of Seattle Magazine.[9] Seattle Bike Supply was acquired by Accell in 2006.[10]
BMX team
Torker sponsored a BMX racing team that included such riders as:
- Mike Miranda
- Richie Anderson
- Tommy Brackens
- Clint Miller
- Eddy King
- Matt Hadan
- Steve Veltman
- Mike King
- Cheri Elliott
Kelly McDougal Jason Jenson
Products
The Torker line currently includes bicycles, unicycles, strollers, and trailers.[11]
Bicycles
The bicycles include adult (men's and women's), children, tandem, and cruisers.
Unicycles
The unicycles include ones with 16", 20", 24", 26", and 29" wheels, a 5' giraffe, and a 20" trail. Beginner Unicycles, CX Unistar: 16' 20" and 24" Intermediate Unicycles, LX Unistar: 20", 24", 26" Trials Unicycles, DX Unistar: 20" and 24" Giraffe Unicycle, TX Unistar: 20".[12]
References
- ^ "SBS Brand Websites". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "Torker Flashback: Our Company History In Advertising: 1977". Archived from the original on December 8, 2004. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "Haro Bikes: The real Haro story". Archived from the original on 2008-06-10. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "FATBMX: BMX Bizznizz : Interview with BMX guru Harold McGruther". Archived from the original on 2008-02-12. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "23mag memories of BMX: companies: Torker". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "BMX museum.com Bikes / T / Torker". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "BMXUltra.com Interview: Torker's Matt Hadan". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "Best Balancing Act". Reader's Digest. May 2006. Retrieved 2013-03-10.
- ^ "Torker News". Archived from the original on 2008-01-07. Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ Did you hear?… Accell Group buys U.S.-based Seattle Bike Supply
- ^ "Torker". Retrieved 2008-02-04.
- ^ "Giraffe unicycle". Graham Pinning. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
External links
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