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.
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
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.
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.
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.