As we gather more information, a history of important manufacturers that have helped shaped the sport in Australia can be found here. Manufacturers play a very important role in the sport of BMX. They provide not only the tools of the trade, but also valuable support for talented riders. Sponsorship and factory team riders go right back to the beginnings of the sport here in Australia. It is every riders dream to be factory sponsored. We hope to shed light on the important Australian manufacturers, as well as the big overseas players, some of whom have been there right from the start, and still going strong today.Diamond Back
Diamond Back was one of the first manufacturers on the Australian BMX scene. In 1979, Diamond Back was picked up by Sydney based company Technicomps. The Technicomps company was actually started to exclusivley import and distribute Diamond Back BMX Bikes. Soon after, a Factory Team was established with hot shot Queenslander Paul Addams the first Factory Team rider. Australian Diamond Back Team Manager, Eric Munns had a keen eye for talent, and soon signed up more riders from around the country. Sydney sider Jim O'Neill, quickly established himself on the scene, winning the 16 boys National title in 1982, before Eric signed 7 year old Cameron Mitchell who went on to win 4 World Titles and numerous State and National Titles.
In 1985 Techicomps was taken over by Europa Cycles (Sydney) and the Diamond Back Team was effectively disbanded until Eric Munns again took control of the brand around 1987. In 1988 the Diamond Back Factory team started to make a comeback before the Australian Distribution was once again taken away from Eric Munns and moved to Repco Cycles, who managed the brand into the 1990's. The entire Factory team also changed at this time.
Diamond Back was famous for the Harry Leary Turbo and the Turbolite mini frames. Australia would sell more units per capita than anywhere else.
Factory Team riders for Diamond Back include:
1981 - Paul Addams, Jim O'Neill, Robert Moreton,
1982 - Paul Addams, Jim O'Neill, Robert Moreton, Tim O'Neill, Phil King, Leanne Rees, Steven Ellery, Jason Horley, Shane Fountain, Jason Lynch, Todd Easterbrook
1983 - Robert Moreton, Jim O'Neill, Tim O'Neill, Jason Lynch, Cameron Mitchell, Shane Fountain, Jason Horley, David Hancorne
1984 - Jim O'Neill, Tim O'Neill, Jason Lynch, Cameron Mitchell, Shane Fountain, Jason Horley, David Hancorne, Glenn Rawson, Jason Borg
1985 - Cameron Mitchell
1986 - Cameron Mitchell
1987 - Cameron Mitchell
1988 - Cameron Mitchell, Glenn Rawson
1989 - Craig Kellerman, Tony Harvey, Mark Sturt
1990 - Craig Kellerman, Tony Harvey....
1991 - Craig Kellerman, Tony Harvey....
