Children rode Choppers, Grifters, and racers in the 1970s. In the '80s, a new age began. For kids and teenagers, the BMX bike was the must-have on any self-respecting kid's Christmas list. Nobody was exempt from this quickly spreading craze, which for many people began with their first glimpse of these bikes in the Hollywood glitz of Steven Spielberg's films E.T. and The Goonies. For the younger generations, binge-watching Stranger Things will work just as well.
BMX exploded onto the streets and was rapidly followed by a new sub-culture of tricks, outfits, and sounds which invaded homes, parks, and schools alike.
As popular as the Rubik’s Cube in '80s culture, the BMX managed to unite people of all ages, genders, and races regardless of social status or ability and to people of a certain age, the nostalgia overload of those seemingly never-ending days fills your heart with joy.
Fast forward 35 years and Raleigh, the iconic British bicycle brand and creators of instant cool back in the day, are bringing back one of their most exhilarating and highly prized BMXs. The legendary Super Tuff Burner limited edition.
The remake of the Raleigh Super Tuff Burner screams BMX pop culture and has me reminiscing on the memories of rushing downstairs on Christmas day in a year of the 80s long since forgotten, to see a bike wrapped in the living room, tearing it open to reveal those already famous and sought after blue and yellow colorways. Within minutes being out in the street attempting bunnyhops and bar spins in my pajamas and slippers.
The new Super Tuff Burner features the same vibrant color scheme with bright blue and yellow contrasts. The double-hole steel frame with looptail rear, Skyway mag wheels, and the three-piece BMX pad set complete a package of pure retro aesthetics.
The 1980s are still close to the heart of many, especially the We Were Rad collective, who Raleigh are partnering with on this project. Their book 'We Were Rad' documents those early days of BMX and together they aim to bring back the same excitement BMX cycling had then. Raleigh also aims to unite bicycle fans of all eras to experience the joy of cycling and inspire a new generation.
Raleigh hopes the new generation of younger riders will want to get their hands on the Tuff Burner not only for its old-school thrills, but also because of its looks with period details that will turn heads in any BMX park. For people like me, old enough to remember the first model, it'll be difficult to act your age on a bike like this, but you can always pretend you’ve bought it to share with your kids, you might even teach them some old school tricks too.
Be quick though as these limited edition Super Tuff Burners are sure to be snapped up rapidly. You can pre-order from Raleigh today!
