About JMC
This information is taken directly from the JMC website that is no longer up.
1969
We started restoring old bikes in 1969 out of our home. We sold restored bikes and new bicycle parts & equipment. Mostly for road bikes. The JMC was for Jim Melton Cycles. The JMC Logo was designed by a good friend of mine and my son.
1974
In 1974 we moved our shop to Azusa, CA. We named it JM CYCLERY. We specialized in building wheels. We also got involved in BMX in 1974. Mostly selling Fenders, gas tanks, grips, number plates and all that good stuff to make your bike look like a motorcycle.
1975
We really got involved in BMX and organized a Bike shop team. John Begin talked me into organizing a team. John was the first member of the team along with Harry Leary, Ronnie West, Don Malone, Lisa Webb, Dennis Foster, Steve West, Clint Miller, Adam Cox, Greg Frechette and David Wilson. The Team rode Webcos, FMF, Pedals Ready GT and Race Inc. We sold a frame made by Race Inc under the name of JM Special.
1976
With the help of my great friends Larry Barker, George Erhart, Harry Leary and Dennis Foster we designed and built the first JMC Prototypes. JMC XP1 was a short frame that Ronnie West rode. It was also the first bike to use Sew-Up tires in BMX. JMC XP2 was a long JMC Frame that Harry Leary rode.
1977
We started production in March of 1977. Dave Wilson got the first production short frame JMC1. Clint Miller got the first production long frame JMC20. At that time we called them short and long.
1978
We started production on the JMC Tear drop forks.
1979
We sold the bike shop and went full time into the production of JMC frames and forks.
1980
In Feb. 1980 we introduced the JMC Mini. It was designed for the really small kids. We then started calling the short frames Short Standards and the long frames Long Standards. In March 1980 we introduced the JMC Black Shadow. It was designed for Kim Jarboe, one of the most powerful riders I ever had. The first ones were all painted black. The first chrome shadow was made in November of 1980. That is when we started putting the K starting the S/N. In May 1980 we made another frame the same size as the Short Standard, only with smaller and lighter tubing. We called it the Special or Mystery frame to begin with. We ran a contest along with Bicycle Harbor of AZ in the ABA paper to name the frame. A kid in OK by the name of Matt Raymer came up with the name 3.1-XL. The frame weighed 3.1 pounds and was eXtra Light.
1981
We made the first red JMC Shadow for Darrell Young July 1981. Jason Wharton wins #1 ABA Amateur Title.
1982
First JMC 16″ Pit Bike P16-1 went to Jason Wharton. Only 110 of these made. We also started production of the JMC Shadows in other colors in 1982. JMC was the IBMXF World Champion Team in 1982. Introduced the 24″ JMC Cruiser. 9/15/82 introduced the JMC JR Mini. The JR was for Justin Roos.
1983
Made first nine Darrell Young Design F/F sets 10/24/83.
1984
JMC Micro Mini April 1984. This was for the smaller then small rider. Only 85 made. JMC Andy Patterson Series introduced 8/2/1984. Only 333 made.
1985
JMC closed it doors in July 1985. Couldn’t compete with Taiwan.
1989
In November 1989 I was inducted into the ABA Hall Of Fame. I joined Harry Leary who got inducted in 1986.
2001
JMC was awarded the 2001 Roost Nora Cup for Number One Bike at the Mid-West ABA Nationals in Rockford, IL. I met the greatest bunch of Old School BMX Guys I ever met. Solan Foster who use to be on our Factory Team was there also. Special Thanks to Bill Curtin, Hal Marshman, Paul Smith, Tim Lillethorup and RoostBMX.com.
2003
Attended the ABA Mid-West Nationals once again. I met some of the same guys and more from vintagebmx.com. Best of all I got to see Lisa Grossman who was also on our Factory Team. I had not seen her in almost 20 years. Even got to see her race. She still has it. A special thanks to Ken Pliska and all the guys from vintagebmx.com. May God Bless all of you and America.
~ Jim & Vera Melton
JMC Racing 
To Jim Melton-
Please bring back JMC Racing. It’s driving me crazy just to find a JMC DY or AP frame. It’s the best frame i know untill CW,Revcore,Brakens made the same design as the JMC DY and AP frame. Way too many people all over the world wants a JMC. I know for sure if you bring it back the sales would go through the roof like the 2002 azusa frame.So Mr. Jim Melton please give your JMC fans what they want.
Please bring back JMC Racing. It’s driving me crazy just to find a JMC DY or AP frame. It’s the best frame i know untill CW,Revcore,Brakens made the same design as the JMC DY and AP frame. Way too many people all over the world wants a JMC. I know for sure if you bring it back the sales would go through the roof like the 2002 azusa frame.So Mr. Jim Melton please give your JMC fans what they want.
+1
What if the serial number on the my jmc frame is # JMC125
I owned a JMC Shadow back in the mid to late 80’s that was chrome with darrell young forks and the seat, bars, brakes were orange and also had orange 5 spoke fiberglass wheels and I think it had white tires. I dont know where it went but I would like to know if you might remember such a combination and how hard it might be to find one? Thank you for your time.
Is there anyway to bring JMC back from the dead.Oh man that would be so cool JMCs comback after 30 years.Man I loved JMC so much still do I sure wish I could ride one again.It would feel so good you know Anyway thank you jim for all the memories and wins god bless you and your family.I will never forget my bmx days best times of my life by far.I am honored.
Azusa brought back JMC frames, on a limited production basis. I know that they all sold, but it couldn’t have been a huge financial success because it’s been years since they did the last batch. As I understand it, Jim Melton gave it his blessing but did not want the JMC name brought back.
Reviving a brand is a touchy subject. You have people who only want the latest, most modern, and those who feel like you’re raping their childhood if you mess with their favorite brand by bringing it back. Sorry to say it, but people who hang onto the past are often just children trapped in adult bodies. It would be fun to bring back JMC, but it would also likely be a lot of headaches thanks to people who would rather live in the past.
JMC was one of the coolest old-school brands. Wish I had one.
Jim, I have a JMC that my father purchased for me new in 1985, it is serial number K84389. We race motocross professionally, and were using it back then as cross training. It still has original grips, tires, brake pads and bearings. All the parts on it are what it came with from the shop. How do I know what it is worth? Thanks, Mike
I accuired a frame on ebay. The serial numbers are K84918. So is it a 1984 long standard? It has two small holes on each side of the drop outs and one on each side of the fork dropouts. Im guessing someone drilled it for some odd reason. What do you think? Thanks.
It is a JMC Shadow.
You can contact Jim Melton to find out its original color and where and when it was sold etc by buying a JMC Certificate signed by Jim himself, thru ebay.
Got a picture of yoru frame and fork mail them to me at bulletproof2000@live.com and I will post it so people can comment.
I miss my JMC, we had flooding here in PA in Sept. Found tons of picts. Have friends Paterson in basement so his wife doesn’t get it in divorce. Would love to find cruiser to start racing again at 42. Thanks for great bike and times.
HAD candy red DY and a chrome CR24 all loaded with the goods of the day-chrome everything-flight cranks. Regretibly I sold them years ago. Now the pursit to get one back. Had conversation with Jim about bringing JMC back and understand his position. If you have one of these fine pieces of BMX history hold to them or if you are willing let yours go let me know if can talk you out it. 🙂 And thanks Jim for making my youth fun and momorable.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone on here could confirm this to be a jmc mini. possible prototyped.
thanks
Shoot me an email with pictures to bulletproof2000@live.com
Hi just found this sight . I have a JMC shadow just not sure of the Year.. K881313 My last race on this bike was April 85.. Maybe looking to sell ??
Sorry had to look again the serial # is k831313
Easy its an 1983 model.
Dear sir ,
We have designed a new bmx site in Australia called .thebmxgallery.com.au
in where we have collected many builders in bmxs informations .We would like the JMC site permissions in directed my site viewers to this site ..Respecting copy rights we shall display your links direct in as follows ..
ie ….1985 jmc simply click here in advices ….
we have done this for these builders in word press as follows DG , AUBURN ,POWERLITE .
we cannot fill our void in your build without your help …our direct site link
http://www.thebmxgallery.com.au
thank you …..snap.
Yes it is ok on all my sites lol, you dont have to keep asking me. Just make sure its link to site not image as I have permission from Bob Osborn for his images.
lol…i didnt know ….thank you ….are there others i missed out on and can i have directions permissions in those ?
can you list them plz…..:)..
I have a k3277 jmc that I bought in 1982 I couldnt wait to give it to my son today. When I did the nieghborhood kids made fun of him. I was crushed. It has the thin bottom frame what model is this
That sucked. It is a Shadow. I got my DB, in a similar story. I saw a guy riding it and he didnt want to sell it. Said he would give it to his son. I said “remember when we were 13? If your dad said ‘here son you can have my old bike or I can take you down to the bike shop to pick out a new one’ which way would you have gone?” He laughed and a couple months later sold me the bike. You have your original bike, save it for yourself. Maybe see if you can find some old pictures of you on it or of you riding anything. Maybe take your son to the nearest track and see if he is into it. Good luck. If you want me to post pictures of your bike email them to me at bulletproof2000@live.com
JMCs get older but they are still cooler then a frozen chocolate covered banana and those are tasty.
I have a vintage jmc serial #k4663 would love to know more about it year etc. Thanks Cris
Its probably a 1980 or 81 JMC Black Shadow. To find out all the details contact BMXJIM thru ebay. He has certificates for a small price that list who bikes were sold to and when, color and model.
Wow I just picked up a cool 82 JMC standard long and the chrome cleaned up so easy.I love it!!!what a cool piece of BMX history..
1984- JMC Micro Mini April 1984. This was for the smaller then small rider. Only 85 made. JMC Andy Patterson Series introduced 8/2/1984. Only 333 made.
I was co-sponsored by JMC and was given the JMC AP frame. It was at Waterford Oaks Michigan that I met Jim Melton and Andy Patterson. The serial number on my frame was something like 0004.
It was pretty cool having Andy walk up to me and ask if I liked the frame.
hi…guy’s.. . i’am new around here..from a small country Johore Baharu,Malaysia…sure very tiny who knew about it..but anyway i really proud after fall in love with jmc bike..just bought 1979 short standard frame & fork…have to wait so many year to deal with it.. keep on asking,asking and asking..bagging and bagging to anyone who want to let go their jmc to ship it to my place’s but always failed…thanks to donnerjulia who make my dream come true…now i’am started restoring it…haha…. sorry guy’s got to mix plenty of the parts, as you know JMC is one of super duper rares around here…. so thanks every one…
Wow great story. I have never been to Malaysia but was in Singapore and they had a nice BMX scene. JMCs may be ultra rare in your country but believe it or not they are rare even in the United States and Southern California. I have never found a JMC or any 70s BMX 20″ bike in 5 YEARS or so of collecting here in SoCal.
Most wont ship to other countries because of horror stories of fraud. My sister shipped a item to Japan. The person in Japan claims to have not received it. She was now out the money and the item. Stories like that keep most of us from selling overseas.
As far as mixed parts. JMC never sold a complete bike so usally people only bought the frame and fork. Then added parts from their old bike. Sometimes a bike shop would custom build a complete bike. But mixed parts are the rule for many BMXrs. I had just one complete non custom bike in all my years racing. (I had a brief sponsorship from Diamond Back and picked up a complete bike from a shop in San Antonio, TX)>
Hello everyone
I just picked up a 1979 JMC frame and fork from a local shop here in the central valley ( California ). It is JMC1194 and is a standard long with american bottom bracket and id in cherry red. I spoke with Jim ( a wonderful man, wish there were more like him) and he told me that this frame and fork were sold to S and L bike shop ( not sure of the location ) on 10/4/1979. I cannot believe the condition it is in as it looks as though it was a display only bike with no scratches, dings or any other blemishes except for the mounting of wheels……flawless and it came with a MX1 headset installed, pads and a set of JMC bars. I used to race a JMC back in the day and I can’t wait to put her back on the track since I recently made a return to racing due to the prodding of my son. I am not as fast….yet, but I sure enjoy it…..nothin’ like flying.
Rich
Cool find. Feel free to email me pics of it as you found it and once done and I will post them.
bulletprooof2000@live.com
Hi I have a JMC #M5302, It’s a mini bike. I’m not sure of the exact model from the list in the model guide, does anyone know? It has the flat front forks and I want to rebuild it if I can find parts. sun tour wheels etc. Thanks
Im pretty certain that the M is for Mini and that is the model.
To be 100% sure you can contact Jim Melton on his eBay store and order a certificate of authentication. It will tell you model, color it was originally and where it was sold originally and even the date of sale. The certificate is suitable for framing even.
Used to own a JMC, looking for another 20″ to build for a project. Are there any frame/fork available? I see fully restored ones are upwards of $2000.00 probably because they are rare. I would prefer to build my own, if anyone has one that needs a loving home please let me know. Thanks
I want to buy a JMC Long frame and or fork. Don’t care if it comes complete or not. I want to reproduce the bike I built in 1979-80. Email Dan@IndySpeedway.com
How much money would it take from an investor like myself , to start pumping out product again?
You would have to contact his family for any interest.
Can some one please give me info on the where Justin Roos is
I’ve been watching this thread for years. I was racing in Michigan during the heyday of BMX, 1979-1985. I was on the JMC “Michigan” team sponsored by Curtis Beckman. Prior to, I was an MCS guy. He had connections to Melton and showered us with bikes and equipment. I was always grateful and never accepted anything I didn’t need. He was a wonderful person whom I recall to be a retired philanthropist. I believe I was 15 expert at the time sporting number #7. I should have been #6 but I broke my ankle at Crossroads in December of 1983. We used to call that place “Crashroads.” I was pretty strong and had a problem of snapping cranks and tweaking bottom-brackets. As the regular JMC frames were to short, I was using a MCS XL with JMC stickers. Anyway, Beckman found out about this and had JMC send me the new JMC Andy Patterson frame. It was a work of art and had serial number “004.” Shortly thereafter in 1984, I was at a National event at Waterford Oaks and I was informed that Andy Patterson wanted to see me. I was somewhat nervous. Some of the elite racers had tremendous egos. But not Andy. I recall that he was super tall and had real long blond hair. However, he was charming and engaging. He simply wanted to know if I liked the frame and if there were any concerns. However, the frame is really secondary as the best part was chatting with a legend. Andy possessed tremendous style on and off the track. The fact that there were 333 frames manufactured and my riding on 004 was quite an honor. if I recall, Andy had 002 at the time. I believe I placed 3rd in 15X. As a side note, at the finish line, I had a bit of a tussle with Mr. Eric Garcez. Those of you that remember, Garcez was racing for Redline at the time. Apparently, he was not happy finishing in 4th! – Derek
Hi Derek, great story, thanks for sharing. What is your last name? Who else was on the team with you? Do you have any pictures of anything you want to share, just email me at bulletproof2000@live.com Yeah Garcez was fast, had to be to be Factory Redline.
How many red flat frame bikes were made???. In Michigan,back in mid 80’s my uncle gave me a red flat frame JMC it had sewn on tires,red anidozide crank, petals, and rear brake components were all red anidozide as well. I rode that bike a lot even at the Pontiac Silverdome and a track that was built in Hartland Michigan for a national race I believe. They only used that track once or twice.
All the JMCs were pretty much ovalized or flat ovals. You had sew up tires so no doubt your frame was either a short standard, 3.1xl or a Mini
I have 3 jmc’s serial #’s P1612, DY84494, M8447
The micro-mini my dad bought for me for my 5th bday in 1984. My brother and I bmx raced for several years.
Hello .. it seems like yesterday that I was riding my JMC .. sure do miss those days of riding and racing.. I have a JMC that im try to Authenticate the serial numbers K84148 trying to find a year and where do I go to get authenticate
Try ebay or the website I think its http://www.JMCBMX.com
Dont forget NPSA’s David Pirkle & Joe Suma Both National No. 1 in Florida in 1976 Daves family had Largest BMX team in state!!!!
Dave thanks for letting everyone know. Where you NPSA #1 age group, if so what age. You can email any pictures you may still have from your JMC days to bulletproof2000@live.com I can put them on the site. Or of Joe of course. Man in 1976 i was still on my Kent racing thru the woods in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. No idea kids got to do organized races till 1978 when I met a kid who raced and shortly after made my first race. I will do a interview with you Dave if you have time.