Rick Moliterno

Filed under Hall Of Fame on February 25, 2020 | Comment(s)

Like so many multi-talented BMX heroes, smilin’ Rick Moliterno could’ve easily been nominated in three other Hall of Fame categories. He’s been a racer, he’s been a freestyle pioneer, and he’s still an Iconic figure in the bicycle industry today. 

Hailing from Iowa, Rick honed his BMX chops at the many BMX tracks in the tri-Cities, and worked his way up into the Pro ranks when this new form of riding - called freestyle, burst onto the scene. Before he knew it, Rick was jumping cars and trucks and doing shows at the local shop - Bike & Hike, where he wrenched as a teenage mechanic.

On the thriving AFA contest scene of the 80’s, Rick’s competitiveness kicked in and he racked up plenty of wins and titles. Whether it was on flatland or ramps, Rick could shred - and he went undefeated as an amateur in 1987, before going Pro. 

By the end of the 80’s, things were changing in the freestyle world. Sponsorships like the Hutch and Haro deals he had, were drying up and the bikes and riding were evolving. Rick opened his own wooden-ramp paradise - the Rampage, in 1989, and unsatisfied with the cheap mass-market frames, he decided to start his own American-made, rider-owned BMX brand. 

Standard bikes was born - and still thrives today, as one of the last remaining American-quality, rider-owned companies. Moliterno has literally, done it all - a fact that was confirmed by Ride Magazine when they voted him as one of the Top-25 Most Influential Riders of the ‘90’s.