Roadmaster manufactured two wheeled bicycles and children’s vehicles, sidewalk bikes, pedal cars, ride-on toys, tricycles, garden tractors, wagons and playground equipment. In the 1970’s as other types of bikes became popular, Roadmaster manufactured BMX bicycles, mopeds and stationary bicycles.
One of the brand’s most famous moments was when it was featured in the 1979 film, Breaking Away, in which identical Roadmaster track bicycles were used by competitors in the yearly iconic Little 500 bicycle race at the University of Indiana Bloomington.
After two decades of growth AMF started to struggle with management, profitability, and product quality issues and in 1983, AMF sold the assets to a group of employees who later in 1987 sold the company to a business investment group.
The new ownership changed the name to Roadmaster Industries, Inc. and positioned itself as the leader in the fitness equipment, toys, and bicycles and saw a rebirth of demand for its products. Due to the increasing popularity of mountain bikes, Roadmaster experienced an increase in sales in 1993 and a new factory was built in Effingham, Illinois.
In 1996, the Roadmaster bicycle division was sold to the Brunswick Corporation and in 2000 the Brunswick Corporation’s Bicycle division including the Roadmaster brand was sold to Pacific Cycle Inc. Pacific Cycle is headquartered in Madison Wisconsin, and has maintained distribution and sales of Roadmaster bikes and wheeled toys since.
Many years later, Roadmaster still exists as the beloved bicycle and toy brand enjoyed for generations. The Roadmaster brand means quality and value for those that are seeking outdoor fun.
Roadmaster, everyday value since 1935.
