Profile Racing, Inc. started in early 1968 when the firm was established as a racecar chassis shop in Flemington, New Jersey by Jim Alley. Profile Racing moved its operations to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1971. Then, in 1978 Jim’s son, Corey, and daughter, Justine had their first taste of BMX racing at a small track in St. Petersburg. The entire Alley family was immediately hooked on this sport. With Jim’s keen eye for innovation and competitiveness, a new venture into the bicycle industry was born. It was an easy transition for Profile Racing to make. Having its background in auto racing, chromemoly fabrication and lightweight, aluminum alloy components, Profile Racing was a “shoe-in” for the bicycle racing industry.
While BMX racing was in its early stages, it was hungry for durable, lightweight components. 1979 was the year Profile Racing produced its first 3-piece chromemoly tubular crank set with the 48-spline axle. Little did Profile Racing know that this crankset and its components would become the “standard” for the BMX bicycle industry and continue to be the “standard” a quarter of a century later.
Throughout the 1980′s Profile Racing continued its rapid growth. With the addition of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining centers and lathes, Profile Racing was given the edge over the growing industry competition. The focus was and continues to be on manufacturing the highest quality, state-of-the-art products available.
In the Mid-1980′s much of Profile Racing’s competition was going off-shore (Taiwan, China, Mexico) to have their bicycles and accessories manufactured. Profile Racing stood steadfast and continued to manufacture all its product line in-house in the USA. 100% American made! Even in the face of stiff import competition, Profile Racing continued to grow with the addition of more fabricating equipment, CNC machining centers and an extra 7,000 square foot manufacturing facility. This was added to the already existing 14,000 square feet of operations. With the Freestyle, BMX racing, Street bikes, and MTB racing fueling growth, Profile Racing’s staff was hard at work to keep one-step ahead in designing and introducing new products.
The mid-1990′s brought a significant change to the entire industry as the BMX sport matured with world-wide major network TV coverage of Freestyle, BMX racing, and MTB racing. The public was exposed to the BMX sport as well as its lifestyle. Now major sponsors were giving the industry the well-respected attention it deserved. While this was occurring, Profile Racing kept focused on expanding its advertising, sending its trucks and trailers to all major racing events and creating new innovative components while refining its established products. All this allowed Profile Racing’s share to grow a worldwide market.
The year 2001-2002 saw Profile Racing reach a major crossroads in its growth with another operations expansion of over 20,000 square feet of manufacturing area and warehouse space. And, today, Profile Racing is the single largest, most capable and sophisticated manufacturer of high end BMX/MTB bicycle components in the United States, boasting over 35 years of experience.
The longevity of Profile Racing in this industry can be attributed to its innovative product development, its contribution and support to the sport and, the true dedication of its very talented employees. Still, to this day, Profile Racing products are 100% made in the United States of America. Buy American!
We are taking precautions to protect our employees and follow CDC and state guidelines. In the meantime, our machine shop is still running, we're here to assist you and we'll be shipping product to help support bike shops during this difficult time.