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1975 Redline Squareback (Stu Thomsen "Helicopter" bike)

Featured in the paper Bicycle Motocross News with the first ever documented "Helicopter" (360) by Stu Thomsen.

The Bicycle Motocross News was an excellent resource for a kid in Minnesota to see what the heck is going on out in California concerning BMX. Elaine Holt was running the show and had Bob & Windy Osborn as staff members.

Well in a 1975 publication I saw Stu spinning a helicopter (360) and was totally blown away! I could barely bunny hop so adding the spin was out of reach for a few years. After building the '74 Squareback I thought this would be a great bike to display due to the first documented "helicopter" by Stu.

I'll say this, for the size of Stu at the time this bike is tiny! Compared to today's bikes this would be very difficult for me to pull a 360 due to the short top tube length.

Stu thanks for all the crazy things you did on a bike and glad that I can return a favor of reliving this historical moment again. Everyone has enjoyed the bike!

Click second picture for more shots!

VEHICLE
Frame - Redline Squareback with original nickel finish and rare white decals
Fork - Redline with original nickel finish
Stem - Schwinn
Bars - Schwinn
Grips - Schwinn
Headset - Schwinn
Wheels - Skyway Tuff I's with Bendix coaster brake
Front Tire - Carlisle Aggressor MX 20 x 2.125
Rear Tire - Cheng Shin 20 x 2.125
Chain - Schwinn
Sprocket - Schwinn
Cranks - Schwinn
Bottom Bracket - Schwinn
Pedals - Union
Seat - Mesinger
Seat post - Schwinn
Seat post clamp - Schwinn
Pad set - Speedo
DIALED IN
Jeff "JT" Tollefson
www.JTFreestyle.com