Robinson BMX Team managers

Chuck Robinson made a name for himself as the Team Manager for Webco and later DG.

But when he wore the big hat at Robinson he had to have help running the team.  If you can add details or bios on any of these guys please do.

Early 1980′s Team Manager – Mark Soria

Late 80′s Team Manager – Danny Nelsons Dad I think

Was Mrs. Hatfield a TM at one point?

 

 

1996 Catalog excerpts

Just a couple image from the 96 catalog. I will add more later. The MX, SST, Pro and Rebel were all the same exact size and geometry. But the Rebel was TriMoly I think and the other 3 4130 frames. I believe the Pro, SST and MX all had closed looptail, while the Rebel was not closed in 96.

The SST and MX appear to be almost identical. Perhaps one had a mild steel fork or different rims. But for the most part the same exact parts group.

Frameset Decals

Ok once you have the year figured out, should be pretty easy since most frames are date coded in the serial number. You may not have the correct decals or remember which ones were used. Remember bikes made late in the year were usually the next years model. So if your bike was made say 1089, it could very well be a 1990 model. You may have to look at survivors and their SN or tiny details in the frame or parts group to  be certain.

This list shows you the correct decals for the different year Robinsons. As always a work in progress.

Frame Specs (Race Models Only)

If you find a Robinson with no decals, this will hopefully help you ID the model or year.

First generation Robinson’s had a gusset with NO “R” stamp. (1978)

Second generation had the famous “R” stamp. (1979-83?)

Third generation had no gusset at all but were still looptails. (1984-88)

GT owned (made?)  Robinson’s had a plate welded to the frame’s seat tube with Robinson logo stamped.

Early GT owned Robinson’s were a full looptail and were made in 1987 and 88.

Second generation GT/Robinson’s had a semi looptail starting in 1989?

1987 Pro, Elite, Junior, Cruiser, Mini Cruiser

Pro [Top Tube = 19 1/2"]

1990 Pro, MX, JR

**Specs are from the catalog but I believe Pro,MX to be wrong**

Pro [Top Tube = 18 1/2"]

MX [Top Tube = 18 1/2"]

Elite

Junior [Top Tube = 16 1/8"]

Pro Cruiser

Mini Cruiser

1994 Amtrac, Pro XL, Pro, Junior, Pro Cruiser, MX, SST

Amtrac [Top Tube = 21"]

Pro XL [Top tube = 20 1/2"]

Pro [Top Tube = 19 3/4"]

Junior [Top Tube = 17 1/2"]

Pro Cruiser [Top Tube = 20 3/4"]

94 Notes* All frames USA made and 4130. SST frame fake looptail does not close.

1996 Amtrac, Pro XL, Pro Team, Pro, Junior, Pro Cruiser, Jr. Cruiser, MX, SST , Rebel (Tri Moly)

Pro Team [Top Tube = 20 1/4"]

Pro, MX, SST, Rebel [Top Tube = 19 1/4"]

Junior [Top Tube = 17 1/2"]

Pro Cruiser [Top Tube = 20 1/2"]

1999 Amtrac, Pro XL (Patriot, Missile), Pro (Defender), Junior (Patriot Jr.), Pro Cruiser (Patriot 24), SST, Rebel

Pro XL [Top Tube = 21"] Aluminum, USA made

Pro  [Top Tube = 19.95"] Aluminum, USA made

SST [Top Tube = 19.90"] 4130, USA made

Rebel [Top Tube 19.6"] Mild Steel

Junior [Top Tube = 18.13"] Aluminum, USA made

Pro Cruiser [Top Tube = 20"] Aluminum, USA made

1983 Product Info

1983 advertisement

May 1983 advertisement

Jersey Timeline

This is not 100% complete.

1978

Just a few tidbits from Robinson Racings first year, 1978. The advertisement of Gary Renteria is the first ad in a magazine for Robinson it appears. It was in the October 1978 issue of “Bicycle Motocross Action”.  The press release shows the first generation Robinson.  It does not have a R gusset stamp yet. This is the first Robinson frame. The first bike the Factory team was mounted on was LRV frames/forks. Most of the team came from LRV.

The color shot shows Robinsons “Flyin’ Okie” Jeff Ruminer at the 1978 NBA East Coast Nationals at Craigmeur in Green Pond, NJ. All photos on all my fan sites from BMX Action are used with permission from Bob Osborn. Do not republish without his expressed written permission.

July 1990 advertisement

Robinson Racing Team

The list below includes both Factory and Factory Support riders. Please feel free to add riders or information I may have missed.

Factory

Bill Anderson – Colorado (1978-?)

Duane Ballenger – Southern California (1978-?)

Craig Bark – Southern California (1982) Half season when he went to GT.

Tom Bednorz – (1982?)

Shawn Bone – Ohio (1990)

Chris Brito – Florida (1978-?)

Bill Brzenk – Utah (1983)

Larry Cambra – Southern California (1993)

Travis Chipres – Southern California (?-1986) would leave team after the ABA US Nationals mid season.

Scott Clark – Northern California (1978-80, 1986)

Dave Cullinan – Southern California (1990-91)

Frank Delgado – Texas (1990-93)

Gary Ellis – Washington (1980)

Richard Fleming – Colorado/California (1983)

Chad Hernaez – Southern California (1995)

Greg Hill – Southern California (1987-1991)

Tom Jacobson – Nevada (1983)

Don Johle – Texas (1981)

John Kovachi – Georgia (1979)

A.J. Lojek – Georgia (1979)

Lee Medlin – Southern California (1978)

Larry Meirsch – Southern California (1993)

Todd Mitchell – Texas? (1996-97)

Danny Nelson – Southern California (1983, 1989-91)

Willie Nelson – Unknown (1989)

Glenn Pavlosky – Southern California (1989)

Darin Peery – Utah (1983)

Jason Ream – ? (1995)

Gary Renteria – Southern California (1978-?)

Scott Robbins – Georgia (1980-81)

Greg Romero – Northern California (2000?)

Kevin Royal – Southern California (1993-94)

Larry Ruiz – Northern California (1978-?)

Jeff Ruminer – Oklahoma (1978-?)

Brian Schofield – Illinois (1982-83)

Jason Shegas – Unknown (1989)

Travis Spriet – Unknown (1990)

Todd Tompkins – Central California (1983)

Charles “Amtrac” Townsend – Northern California (1993-99)

Ryan VanDerVeen – Southern California (1993-94)

Bryan Webb – Florida (1978-?)

Mark Wegener – Georgia (1978-1979)

Paul Wegener – Georgia (1978-1979)

Factory Support Programs

Judd Underwood – ?  (1981-82) Brady Bros. Racing Team

Drew Bentz – New Jersey (1980) Langley’s Hobby Shop – Vineland, NJ

Kirk Herman – New Jersey (1978-80) Langley’s Hobby Shop – Vineland, NJ