Gary Turner BMX

For anyone passionate about BMX in California, the name Gary Turner resonates with deep respect and historical significance. Gary Turner is not just a name; it's a foundational pillar of BMX history, recognized as one of the greatest influences of all time in the sport. Today, the legacy continues at Gary Turner BMX in Orange, CA, a place that transcends the typical bicycle shop experience to offer something truly unique: completely hand-built BMX bikes with a level of quality and craftsmanship rarely seen in this day and age.

In California, where action sports and innovation are deeply ingrained in the culture, the return of Gary Turner BMX to active bike building is met with excitement by enthusiasts. This isn't a mass-production factory; it's a workshop where passion, precision, and heritage converge to create bicycles that are not just rides, but pieces of art and performance. For local users, especially those who appreciate the art of custom craftsmanship and the rich history of BMX, Gary Turner BMX offers an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of cycling legend.

This article will explore what makes Gary Turner BMX a truly special destination for the discerning rider in California. We'll delve into its exclusive offerings, its unique operational model, the legendary figures behind the brand, and ultimately, why it's a must-visit for anyone looking for an extraordinary BMX experience that goes far beyond a conventional retail transaction.

Gary Turner BMX is located at 205 E Emerson Ave, Orange, CA 92865, USA. Situated in Orange, CA, this location places it within the heart of Orange County, a region with a strong historical connection to BMX and action sports. While it's accessible from various parts of Southern California via major freeways, it's important to understand that this is not a typical walk-in retail store.

As highlighted in customer reviews, the "place itself is huge but only three employees," and it's "not your run of the mill bike shop." This suggests a focus on production and custom work rather than open Browse. Therefore, for local users in California, it is strongly suggested to "contact someone to set up a time to visit the shop before heading down there." This appointment-based approach ensures that visitors receive personalized attention and that the team is ready to assist with specific requests, such as custom fittings or viewing bikes in progress. This controlled access enhances the exclusive and specialized nature of the experience, ensuring that each customer receives dedicated time and expertise.

Gary Turner BMX is highly specialized, focusing on the creation and customization of high-quality, hand-built BMX bikes and frames, rather than offering general repair or a wide array of accessories typical of a larger retail store. Their services are centered around the unique craftsmanship of their products.

• Hand-Built BMX Bikes and Frames: The core service is the creation of "completely hand built" BMX bikes and frames. These are crafted with "quality better than anything I've seen in a long long time," using premium materials like chrome-moly tubing, a testament to Gary Turner's original methods from 1972. They specialize in cruisers (e.g., 20", 24", 26", 29" frames).
• Custom Bike Fitting: As noted by a customer, they offer custom bike fittings (e.g., for a son) to ensure the bike is perfectly suited to the rider. This personalized approach is crucial for performance and comfort.
• Custom Bike Building and Progress Viewing: Customers can witness "the progress of the bike being made" for them or their family members, offering a unique insight into the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into each build. Craig Turner, Gary's son, builds the bikes in a unique "fashion we had never seen before."
• Direct Sales of Exclusive Products: Given the hand-built nature, direct sales of their custom frames and complete bikes are a primary service. These are not mass-produced, off-the-shelf items but highly coveted, limited-production pieces.
• Expert Consultation and Knowledge Sharing: The team, including Albert and Craig Turner, is "extremely friendly, professional, knowledgeable about GT," and provides "best customer service." They share insights into the history and specifics of GT bikes, offering an educational experience to visitors.
• Legacy and Heritage Experience: Visiting Gary Turner BMX is more than a transaction; it's an experience rooted in BMX history. Customers get to meet Gary Turner himself, described as "polite, reserved and very modest," connecting directly with an industry icon.
• Support for a Resurgent Brand: Customers are "Super excited they are back and building these amazing bikes again," indicating that supporting Gary Turner BMX means contributing to the revival of a legendary brand in BMX.

Gary Turner BMX possesses several unique features and highlights that set it apart dramatically from any conventional bicycle store, making it a truly iconic destination for BMX enthusiasts in California:

• Legendary Founders and History: The presence of Gary Turner himself, an "icon who will forever remain in BMX history," and his son Craig Turner, who builds the bikes, is the single most significant highlight. This direct connection to the founders of GT Bicycles and the original hand-built BMX frames provides an unparalleled sense of heritage and authenticity.
• Hand-Built Quality and Craftsmanship: The emphasis on "completely hand built" bikes with "quality better than anything I've seen in a long long time" speaks to an exceptional level of detail and durability. In an era of mass production, this dedication to traditional, high-quality fabrication is a rare and valuable feature.
• Customization and Personal Fitting: The ability to be "fitted for a custom bike" ensures that each bicycle is not just built by hand, but also perfectly tailored to the rider's specifications, offering a superior riding experience.
• Exclusive and Limited Production: These are not mass-market bikes. Gary and Craig build on a "much more limited scale," creating highly sought-after, collectible frames and bikes. This exclusivity adds to their allure.
• Personalized Customer Service: Despite being a production facility, the customer service is noted as "best customer service I have received in a long time," with staff like Albert being "extremely friendly, professional, knowledgeable." This personalized attention, especially during custom fittings, stands out.
• Unique Visit Experience: It's "not your run of the mill bike shop." The recommendation to schedule a visit suggests an immersive experience where customers might see bikes being built, meet the legends, and gain insights into the craft.
• "Super Excited They Are Back": The palpable excitement from customers about Gary and Craig being "back and building these amazing bikes again" underscores the brand's enduring legacy and the demand for their unique products.
• Focus on Core BMX: Unlike shops that cater to all cycling disciplines, Gary Turner BMX is dedicated solely to BMX, ensuring deep expertise and a product line designed for true BMX enthusiasts.

For those in California, particularly BMX enthusiasts, interested in connecting with Gary Turner BMX, here's their contact information. Remember, it's highly recommended to call ahead to arrange a visit.

Address: 205 E Emerson Ave, Orange, CA 92865, USA

Phone: (714) 222-2900

Mobile Phone: +1 714-222-2900

Connecting directly via phone to schedule an appointment will ensure the best experience, allowing the dedicated team to prepare for your visit and provide the focused attention that their unique operation demands.

Gary Turner BMX is not just suitable but essential for a specific segment of local users in California: the dedicated BMX enthusiast, the collector, and anyone who appreciates unparalleled craftsmanship and deep historical significance in their cycling equipment. In a state renowned for its innovative spirit and appreciation for action sports, Gary Turner BMX offers something truly unique and deeply resonant with the local culture.

Firstly, for Californians who are serious about BMX, the opportunity to acquire a "completely hand built" bike with "quality better than anything I've seen in a long long time" is a rare privilege. These aren't mass-produced items; they are meticulously crafted machines that embody a legacy. This caters directly to riders who prioritize durability, performance, and the unique feel of a custom-fitted bicycle over a generic off-the-shelf model. The presence of Craig Turner building these bikes, coupled with Gary Turner's iconic influence, provides an almost unparalleled level of authenticity and pride of ownership.

Secondly, the personalized customer service, including custom fittings and the chance to witness the building process, transforms a purchase into an experience. Locals appreciate businesses that offer genuine expertise and a personal connection, and the team at Gary Turner BMX—described as "extremely friendly, professional, knowledgeable," and offering the "best customer service"—delivers exactly that. This bespoke approach ensures that each bike is not just sold, but perfectly tailored for its rider, a service that is highly valued in the custom bike community.

Finally, supporting Gary Turner BMX means supporting a living legend and a piece of California's, and indeed the world's, BMX history. Their resurgence in building these "amazing bikes again" contributes directly to the rich tapestry of local craftsmanship and innovation. For those in California who understand and cherish the roots of BMX, and who seek a bicycle that is both a high-performance tool and a collector's item, Gary Turner BMX in Orange is not just a bicycle store, but a destination for genuine enthusiasts and a testament to enduring quality and passion.

Gary Turner BMX

205 E Emerson Ave, Orange, CA 92865, USA