TPC Museum Series 13: John Parker, Yeti Cycles - Video
Meet the maker of the original Yeti Cycles, John Parker. In this video, Parker tells the story of his life as a fabricator; from his background in Hollywood’s special effects industry to the birth, rise, and transition of Yeti, to his next bicycle venture. Yeti’s 1989 collaboration with Mountain Bike Action Magazine to build ”The Ultimate” mountain bike is documented with an exclusive interview with former MBA editor, Zapata Espinoza.
Stick around until the end of the video to discover how Parker secured athletes such as John Tomac, Juli Furtado, and Myles Rockwell, as well as a special appearance by Missy Giove!
The bike shown in this video, the 1991 Yeti Ultimate, is on display along with other notable vintage bicycles, at The Pro’s Closet Vintage Bicycle Museum in Boulder, CO.
MENTIONS: @yeticycles / @TheProsCloset
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Member since Feb 17, 2014
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20 Comments
- 13 0
pinnityafairy
(Jun 29, 2016 at 6:55)
Great article. Love to see all these OG mountain bikers. This is great history for all the up-and-coming Riders. Thanks so much for this post Pro's Closet
- 6 0
TheProsCloset
(Jun 29, 2016 at 10:30)
Thank you! Parker is a legend, for sure. We want our videos to act as a resource for both those who are already familiar with the history of our sport and those for who have never ridden 26" wheels. Watch for our next video starring Missy Giove.
- 3 0
pinnityafairy
(Jun 29, 2016 at 12:40)
@TheProsCloset: the Missile! www.pinkbike.com/photo/11914767
- 2 0
TheProsCloset
(Jun 29, 2016 at 16:45)
@properp: Oh wow!
- 6 0
troyleedesigns
FL (Jun 29, 2016 at 11:04)
Pass this around to the kids, todays History lesson! Thanks for posting!
- 2 0
Mabman
(Jun 29, 2016 at 21:59)
Missy went to world's in Durango and raced as a privateer on a Nishiki Ariel I got her through my shop. She got like 7th or 8th in the DH and raced the XC also. Parker called me at the shop (in VT.) after the race and asked me about her and she got together with Yeti shortly after that event. She didn't win world's until 94' in Vail riding for Cannondale.
- 1 0
WannabeMTBer
(Jun 29, 2016 at 21:04)
I almost skipped this article. I'm glad I decided to watch the video. Very informative, cool and entertaining. John Parker reminds me a bit of Randy Bachman - both are respected in their fields, and both are talented story tellers.
- 3 0
jakeguthrie
(Jun 29, 2016 at 5:22)
Awesome! pretty cool to be the guy that gave the legends of the sport a leg up! Would love to see more of those old pics and videos. Nice work!
- 2 0
Studer
(Jun 30, 2016 at 3:51)
That ending gave me chicken skin and an immense need to go ride. What a great guy!
- 5 2
CJ8TH
(Jun 29, 2016 at 5:15)
Thank you, for making the most overpriced, beautiful bikes on the market.
- 4 1
glasvagas
FL (Jun 29, 2016 at 4:27)
What a fucking hero.
- 2 0
Hendri
(Jun 29, 2016 at 6:36)
Now he's down to earth! Respect ????
- 2 0
fullbug
(Jun 29, 2016 at 7:36)
had a FRO with accutrax up front. it still lives.
- 2 0
Wanaber
(Jun 29, 2016 at 7:37)
Hard tail plus bikes, WOW WHO!!!!
- 3 0
mtbmaniatv
FL (Jun 29, 2016 at 10:13)
MISSY!
- 1 0
ferenooo
(Jun 29, 2016 at 14:49)
Love it!
Friend of mine had a yeti arc back in the days- was a differente but nice bike
- 2 0
Keith-Sweat
(Jun 29, 2016 at 15:31)
I think I was drooling more over all the motorcycles than the bikes.
- 1 0
donpinpon29
(Jun 29, 2016 at 11:29)
in this great future.... you cant forget your past
- 1 0
Earthmotherfu
(Jun 29, 2016 at 13:33)
I'm avin that..slash and a yeti
- 1 0
bochadex
(Jun 29, 2016 at 15:25)
Awesome! What a legend
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