Due to popular demand I will do one page dedicated to the GT era of Powerlite. I dont have a scanner but will add photos as I can. I only have a couple Powerlite catalogs so getting specs will be hard. If you have scans or info, please leave a comment. Thanks.
1993 is the last year Powerlite is at 17800 Gothard St., Huntington Beach, CA. In 1994 Powerlite and GT move to 3100 W. Segerstrom Ave. Santa Ana, CA. They remain at that location thru 1997. In 1998 they move to 2001 E. Dyer Rd. Santa Ana, CA.
1991
1992
Aluminum Framesets – Double box front gussets. Sizes: Jr., Mini, Micro
P51 – 4130 Expert/Pro frameset. Slightly smaller then the P61. Available in Chrome Only. Made in USA.
P61 – 4130 Pro frameset. 3 piece cranks. Available in Chrome Only. Made in USA.
1993
P28 – Tri-Moly frame with 1″ headset. NO canti-mounts. Available in Anti-Freeze Green.
P61 – 4130 frame with 1″ headset. NO canti-mounts. Available in Chrome.
All bikes Made in USA. Decals are Power (White), Lite (Yellow) with Red checkers before PowerLite. P is stamped on the rear dropouts.
1994
1994 models had the same graphics as the 93 models.
P19 – New model for 94. Hi-Ten (Mild Steel) frameset. 1″ headset. NO canti-mounts. Available in Chrome, Grape or Gloss Blue.
P28 – Tri-Moly frame with 1″ headset. NO canti-mounts. Available in Chrome, Anti-Freeze Green. Dia-Compe Bulldog brakes and skinwall Comp 3 style tires.
P38 – 4130 frameset. Odyssey Pit Bull brake. Available in Chrome or Deep Purple.
P47 – 6061-T6 Alloy Junior frame. 1 1/8 rims, mini Uni seat. Availble in Ball Burnished or Purple Annodized.
P51 – 4130 Pro frameset. Odyssey Pit Bull brake, Double caged pedals. Available only in Chrome. Made in USA.
P61 – 4130 Pro XL frameset. 3 piece cranks, Odyseey Pit Bull brakes, Sealed hubs with Sun rims. Available in Chrome only. Made in USA.
Pro AL Frame – 6061-T6 frame with Canti Mounts. Availble only Ball Burnished. Weight 3 lbs. 5 oz.
1995
1995 models have same graphics, now without the red checkers.
P19 – Hi-Ten (Mild Steel).
P28 – Tri-Moly. 1″ headtube. NO canti-mounts. Assembled only in USA.
P38 – 4130 Expert frameset. 1′ headtube. Canti-mounts. Assembled only in USA.
P47 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Junior frameset. 1′ headset. No Canti-mounts. Made in USA.
P51 – 4130 Pro frameset. 1″ headset. Canti-mounts. Made in USA.
P61 – 6061-T6 Aluminum. Threadless 1 1/8″. Canti-mounts. Available in Ball Burnished. Made in USA.
Handlebar Specifications: Beastie – 8 3/8×28″ 37.4oz., Pro – 8 3/8×27″ 27.5oz., Expert 4130 – 7 3/8×26″ 25.5oz., Expert AL – 7 3/8×26″ 17.6oz.
1996
1996 has same graphics as the 1995’s.
P28 – 4130 Expert frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Canti-mounts. Only assembled in USA.
P47 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Junior frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Only assembled in USA.
P51 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset.
P61 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Made in USA.
1997
Expert – 6061-T6 Aluminum Expert frameset. Specifications: Top Tube = 19″, Chainstays = 13 5/8- 14 5/8″. Available in Candy Apple Red or Ball Burnished. Made in USA.
P51 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Ball Burnished or Gloss Black. Made in USA.
P61 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Ball Burnished or Yellow. Made in USA.
1998
P47 Thunderbolt – 6061-T6 Aluminum Junior frameset. Double box front gussets. Threadless 1′ headset (Not 1 1/8). Available in Ball Burnished or Red.
P61 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frameset. Double box front gusset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Shimano DX 636 Pedals. Available in Ball Burnished or Red.
1999
P51 – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. TT=20″. Available in Red.
P61 Coqpit – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frameset. Coqpit frame now has bold graphics on chainstays and no graphics on the downtube. Available in Black.
Expert – 6061-T6 Aluminum. Double box front gusset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. TT=19″. Available in Orange or Ball Burnished.
2000
Frames features seat stays that yoke above the top tube. PowerLite Industries graphics.
P17 – Hi-Ten (Mild Steel) Expert frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Gloss Black, Red or Chrome. TT=19.02″
P19 Falcon – Only 4130 tube is downtube. Coqpit like but not. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Large “P” graphic near headtube. Available in Pure Orange, Army Green or Chrome. TT=19.49″
P28 Intruder – Tri-Moly Pro frameset. Coqpit like but not. Threadless 1 1/8′ headset. Large “P” graphic near headtube. Available in Cold Steel or Chrome. TT=20″
P24 Cruiser – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro Cruiser frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Red. TT=22″
P38 Lightning – Tri-Moly Mini frameset. 1″ headtube. Alloy 3 piece cranks. Available in yellow. TT=17.15″
P40 Warhawk – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frameset. True Coqpit like front end, You can tell it apart from the real Coqpits as it has no raised area around the “P”. huge Powerlite graphics and “P”. Threadless 1 1/8″ 3 piece aluminum cranks. Available in Orange or Billet. TT=20.90″
P47 Thunderbolt – 6061-T6 Aluminum Junior frameset. 1″ headset. Available in White or Billet. TT=18″
P51 Mustang – 4130 Pro XL frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. 4130 tubular cranks. Available in Blue or Chrome. Made in USA. TT=20.60″
P61 Coqpit – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frame. True Coqpit front end. Available in Mars Orange or Ball Burnished. Made in USA. TT=20.90″
Spitfire – (No model number) 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Smoke Machine or Billet. TT=20.10
Expert – (No model number) 6061-T6 Aluminum Expert frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Red or Billet. TT=19″.
Coqpit – 6061-T6 Aluminum frames with Monocoque front end, machined chainstay and seat stay yokes. 3 sizes:Pro (TT=20.3″ CS=14.25-15.35″ Yellow or Ball Burnisehd); Pro XL (TT=20.9″ CS=14.38-15.48″ Orange or Ball Burnished) and Pro XXL (TT=20.9″ CS=15.5-16.6″ Red or Ball Burnished).
2001
P17 – Hi-Ten (Mild Steel) Expert frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Gloss Black, Yellow or Chrome. TT=19.02″
P19 Falcon – Only 4130 tube is downtube. Coqpit like but not. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Large “P” graphic near headtube. Available in Red, Sharkoal or Chrome. all with huge shark teeth graphic. TT=19.49″
P28 Intruder – Tri-Moly Pro frameset. Coqpit like but not. Threadless 1 1/8′ headset. Large “P” graphic near headtube. Available in Army Green or Orange both with huge shark teeth graphic. TT=20″
P24 Cruiser – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro Cruiser frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in White. TT=22″
P38 Lightning – Tri-Moly Mini frameset. 1″ headtube. Alloy 3 piece cranks. Available in yellow. TT=17.15″
P40 Warhawk – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frameset. True Coqpit like front end, You can tell it apart from the real Coqpits as it has no raised area around the “P”. huge Powerlite graphics and “P”. Threadless 1 1/8″ 3 piece aluminum cranks. Available in Red. TT=20.90″
P47 Thunderbolt – 6061-T6 Aluminum Junior frameset. 1″ headset. Available in Silver. TT=18″
P51 Mustang – 4130 Pro XL frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. 4130 tubular cranks. Available in Blue or Orange. Made in USA. TT=20.60″
P61 Coqpit – 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro XL frame. True Coqpit front end. Available in Mars Orange or Ball Burnished. Made in USA. TT=20.90″
Spitfire – (No model number) 6061-T6 Aluminum Pro frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Black and Silver or Black and Red. TT=20.10
Expert – (No model number) 6061-T6 Aluminum Expert frameset. Threadless 1 1/8″ headset. Available in Orange. TT=19″.
Coqpit – 6061-T6 Aluminum frames with Monocoque front end, machined chainstay and seat stay yokes. 3 sizes:Pro (TT=20.3″ CS=14.25-15.35″ Yellow or Ball Burnisehd); Pro XL (TT=20.9″ CS=14.38-15.48″ Orange or Ball Burnished) and Pro XXL (TT=20.9″ CS=15.5-16.6″ Red or Ball Burnished).
Powerlite before GT 
thanks a lot, this clears up alot of my questions on the differences in the 90’s frames and TT lengths. awesome.
I have a mid 90’s Powerlite 20″ bicycle all original! before i sell it to just anyone i wanted to know if any one may be lookong for something like that!!! Thanks
Cheers for that, now I know what year mine is!
Is Powerlite still in business?!….just looking to see if they had a website if they were still around…
There are not in business I don not believe. GT/Schwinn and Mongoose were all bought by Pacific aka Dorel I believe. They decided Im thinking not to use the Auburn, Powerlite or Robinson brands. But I did see that someone had plans to relaunch Robinson. Im not sure the latest on that. This is just my 2 cents worth, maybe some one can correct me if I’m wrong.
Correction: Auburn, Robinson & Powerlite are in production. They can be seen & purchased at http://www.hurricanebmx.com. ABA team Hurricane is sponsored by them & many of our rider’s ride them.
i got a 1993-4 p 61 frame but i converted it to a bmx bike 3 piece cranks sealed bearings primo rims and their is no other frame like this one where i live
you are correct about auburn, robinson and powerlite. i know the guy the purchase the rights to these and he is manufacturing frames today here in texas. you can go to http://www.typhoonbmx.com i believe and see some the new frames
Hi,
I’m the tech/sales person for the “new” PowerLite. I wanted to make a correction: to see the new generation, go to http://www.HurricaneBMX.com. We’re their exclusive dealer. The above site, http://www.typhoonbmx.Com, is my personal team’s site. We’re a trophy team stemming from Hurricane. Any questions about Powerlite can be directed to me at: bmxstormfront@gmail.com.
Be blessed & BMX!
Maggie
Interesting posts here that bring me back.
I am the art director that designed the PowerLite logo and model year decals after they were acquired by GT in 1989. I also designed all the team uniforms of that era, until about 1990 and created the naming convention of WWII airplanes for each frame. It is amazing that the logo and model names have remained fairly the same after all this time.
I was employed in the GT Bicycles art department from 1988-1990, and freelanced with them until 1993.
I’m not entirely sure that the top photo is chronologically accurate. I know that Charles Townsend had to race a few races in the old PowerLite jersey until our new designs were finished and printed. I want to say that was more like 1990.
A little bit of trivia, I was also a test rider for many of the BMX racing frames and parts. The XL Pro PowerLite frame was very strangely configured in its geometry and came with a rather spindly fork. It was especially sketchy for large framed riders. So, the new Pro XL frame that was created for Charles was jigged off of the FreeAgent Limo frame that I was racing at the time. It was pretty much the same bike after that point.
Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.
I cant remember how I got the date of Chucks picture. Im sure it was in a magazine and I just new what race it was from.
Im really into graphics as well and started my first company around that time Jammer Designs, hoped to be the next Haro lol.
I love what you did with the Powerlite uniforms and art over the years.
Thanks very much for sharing all that insight.
PS the guy I started Jammer worked for GT a couple times (I was in the Navy those years) but I never even visited GT lol.
You’re welcome.
I’m glad you like the Powerlite uniforms, however I cannot take credit for them. I designed the first set after the GT acquisition. As you may recall, Robinson and Auburn also came under GT’s wing at that time. I designed those uniforms as well. Beyond that, the GT creative department handled them.
I do remember Jammer back in the day. The only thing I remember was the number plates and the print ads. Small world.
Hello,
we are looking for replacement parts for the p19GT. the front tire bearings need to be replaced. any suggestions on where to purchase them?
Thank you,
Carla Roybal
Carla,
That really depends more on what brand of hub your P19GT has been equipped with. Depending on the spec, it may have sealed bearings, or the less expensive sealed mechanism bearings. Without too much hassle, you can probably purchase the bearings at your local bike shop and even have them installed for you.
Hope that helps.
I just bought a 2000 or 2001 p-24. very nice bike in excellent shape.
hey can anyone help me out I have a powerlite frame but have no idea what year it is. the serial on the frame is 0991 0262 MINI.
cheers chris
09 is the month September and 91 the year.
It is right around the time the 92s came out.
Probably have to compare the decals to tell.
Till then Im guessing 91.
perooo por k power lite ya no hace bicicletas para mi son 1000 beces mejores que las gt đŸ˜€
ablo español đŸ™‚
i really want a 2000 or 2001 p19 chrome hole bike or frame email me if you have one
I have a Powerlite Spitfire that says in the frame 7005 Aluminum, yet in the description above I cant find it. Spitfire is written in red in the top tube near the seat. Does anybody know this bike and its rarity/Value?
I mention 2 of them. 1 in 2000 and 1 in 2001. My guide stops at 2001, I’m not sure if that was Powerlite’s last year. All Powerlite’s were quality bikes, even their less expensive ones. I’m not familiar with this model but it isn’t old enough to be highly collectible. It looks like they may not have made that model in the 90’s
i have a 1981 jr that i need f/f stickers for , any idea where to get them.i would also like to know what the og was . the bike came with suntour cranks,kashimax seat 1976,sr stem.front araya 70s design ,and dia comp 890 1979
i have a powerlite i’m not sure of the year??? s0gk00611 its a weird coler redish looks like water ripples 24 inch man my son loves this bike, it had a aba state champ 2002 number plate on it . i wonder if the bike might have some history to it???
Im guessing its a 2000 model.
Glad he likes the bike. Was lots of State Champions. Look for a ABA Newspaper with coverage and it may have all the state champs in the US, then just narrow search to your area.
But remember they had state champions for like 1,000 classes in each state.
I have a bike that is 09990022 XL stamped. The logo on it says XL, it does nto say p-51 or spitfire or anything like that anywhere. Is there anyway of finding out if this is a unique frameset possibly that wasnt a standard setup?
[IMG]http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/resqd1/S3IS_0012246.jpg[/IMG]
I have a powerlite frame and gooseneck. The serial number is yc3e017. Any info would be awesome I would like to restore it. Also I have a gt with serial number 4870004 or 4870994. Can’t tell yet because it has layers of paint. It has fs stamped below the number on the dropout. Also any info to help restore it would be rad!!!
without pictures Im just guessing.
Powerlite could be a 93.
GT sounds like a 87. Not sure about the FS. Maybe a designation for a Pro Performer model or something. Or maybe not a GT. I had s similar model GT Performer but forget if it had the FS added.
I have a p61 from 1997 (I know that thanks to this post) I’m selling it on ebay but I figured that it makes sense to mention it here. cheers, Charlie
It’s Yellow
ye i own 1992 p28 almost mint there’s a nick in the saddle thats all cool stuff
Ian
I have purchased two powerlites for my kids to race .. One is a mini serial #05970165 , the second is a junior #02952693 .. I’m curious of what years these bikes are ?? Can you tell me off these numbers ?? Thank you Will ..
Mini is from ’97 and the Jr. from ’95. Great bikes built to last, your kids will love them, just make sure they are tuned up and I think old chains should be thrown out if you plan to ride and keep it safe and get a new one for each bike.
My expert has a very nice embroiders touch concerning the symbol and stripes. It also has power lite industries decal on the main tube. In addition to cook brothers cranks and a black pro dk stem. Can you offer any insight concerning the possible build year.
Also my serial is 08990768 Exp 6061. Thanks William! Plus, I’d have to go with Donny Robinson as my favorite. Where does he fit in to the power lite era?
Made in august of 99 so either a 99 or 2000 model. Expert size frame made out of 6061.
Have you heard of a POWERLITE FAST BACK,if so ,do you know what year and if its an ok bike…thank you..
IM not familiar with it but maybe some is. Sounds like the kinda bike they would have produced near the end in the late early 2000s.
Thank you,if I knew how to post a pic I would…
Yes sir i have a powerlite frame it’s aluminum then of course it has the p them u l m 09910754 just trying to find some info so if you could it would be great so tell then take care and God bless Dallas
it was made in late 99 so could be a 2000 model.The serial number wont help you with model Im sorry.
You forgot the Freestyle Expert and the FS Expert 2
1996-1997