About RedLine Legacy BMX

RedLineLegacyBMX.com is owned and operated by me, Curt Kastan. I’m the son of Linn Kastan (Legendary BMX innovator and co-founder of RED LINE) and I was the lucky recipient of the first ever RedLine bicycle over 50 years ago. This site is dedicated to adding a perspective to RED LINE history that has seldom been seen - The FAMILY perspective. Also, I'll showcase original RedLine machinery and tooling as I use it to faithfully re-create the early RedLine classics, detailed in video and still frame, from start to finish. You'll have a real and unvarnished view. Only AFTER completion, will they be offered.   

Basically, that's it. If you don't need to know any more, thank you for your interest. I hope you enjoy the rest of the site! 

For the extended version of the who, what, why and how associated with this endeavor, read on. It happens to be my favorite subject! 

Not surprisingly, I’ve always had an unbreakable connection to the RedLine brand. The more time passes, the more I realize how much it shaped my life and I wish I truly understood how lucky I was at the time. I guess I knew on a “kid” level, but I didn’t really get it. Looking back through the decades, I think about all my conversations with new acquaintances, and if the small talk lasts long enough, the subject of childhood comes up. If I have time for what I know will happen, I’ll say, “Hey, does the name RED LINE ring a bell?” The bell ALWAYS rings!

Few things in life can instantly transport you back 30, 40, 50 years in such a profound way, or establish an immediate bond with a total stranger. BMX does that. RED LINE does that. This is for paying tribute to a very impactful time for all of us.  

THE PURPOSE

First: Everyone has a calling. This is mine

I spent my childhood riding and racing RedLine bikes, touring the country with the RedLine stars and working (hanging) at RedLine headquarters. In my twenties, I worked as a manual machinist/fabricator and TIG welder for job-shops doing commercial and aerospace work. I welded a lot of bike frames for my dad and even worked for a mountain bike component company. I loved manual machining and welding, but as my own family took shape I needed to better provide for them and at the time, I wasn't able to accomplish that in the bike business. I had to leave it. Ever since, I've kept a very well appointed personal machine and welding shop.

Through my dad's talents, I've lived a unique BMX perspective. Through genuine interest and practice, I've built an applicable set of skills. Finally, through a priceless and unexpected gift, I had an undeniable calling. A bit late in life, but still a calling. I spend very long days in the shop, usually seven days a week, but I promise this… not a second of it feels like work. If I won the lottery tomorrow, my shop would have better climate control and more old tools, but I’d still do this. That’s a blessing! 

Second: To honor my dad, all of you, and RedLine

And I'm talking past, present and future. But, the early years are the ones that cemented this brand's place in BMX history and those years are my focus and passion. RedLine had transitioned from top tier motorcycle race frame builder to BMX company, almost overnight. The experience and talent crossed over seamlessly to quickly elevate the level of BMX sophistication. The Squareback, the chromoly uni-crown fork, the double clamp "gooseneck", the tubular crank, the Proline. THE MONO-SHOCK!

Third: To showcase THE MOST AUTHENTIC re-creations of RedLine classics

 That's an ambitious statement, I know. But, it's true. Unless otherwise stated, I'm doing everything but the plating with my own hands, in my own shop, using actual manual machinery and tooling owned by RedLine in the 1970s. This takes feel, attention and a lot of time. A LOT! It’s harder and slower than modern ways, but it's how things were done back then. It gives the pieces soul and brings them to life. Also, consider this… My father made the very first RedLine bike for me as a Christmas gift. Now, I’m using much of the same machinery and methods to re-trace his steps. The experience is surreal. The result is authentic RED LINE!

"LEGACY" DESIGNATION

In addition to my own work, I am collaborating with my dad and my son Connor to produce mid-quantity runs of the most popular RedLine selections from 1974-1980. These will be numbered groups of extremely high quality products. Material is sourced in CA, fabrication is by my dad's trusted long-time friend and genius craftsman in Mexico (mine, too!), plating/powder coating is by a spotless "laboratory" like shop in Mexico and finally, QC, decals and shipping are completed in East Texas. If it's offered, it's ready to ship. There will be no pre-sales. 

"CUSTOM SHOP" DESIGNATION

Small quantities made in my own East Texas shop carry the "RED LINE CUSTOM SHOP" designation. They are completely hand made by me alone using original RED LINE machinery, right here in East Texas. Offerings include: Custom commissions, ultra-rare models, larger wheel sized interpretations, "RedLine IF" creations and other small quantity projects to be decided. Your Custom Shop piece is distinctively marked, visually documented, accounted for in the Custom Shop Registry and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For those who require every bit of RedLine mojo possible, this is how to get it!

LINN KASTAN

He's at his shop In El Cajon, CA, bright and early every day. He's busy with his aviation business, some Kastan BMX offerings and what we have cooking together here and there. We have a lot to talk about other than bikes, but I don't hesitate to ask for his advice when I need it and he's happy to oblige. He does know a thing or two about this stuff, if you recall. If it's RedLine and I'm involved, his influence is there. How could it not be?

IN CLOSING

As you can tell, this is from the heart. My earliest memories include RedLine, so this is a very personal endeavor. Plus, I'm just a regular guy with a passion for this brand and my dad's creations, just like you. I didn't create the memories that we all have. He did that did that, but I can sure as shit keep them alive! So, this site and everything I do will be REAL! No Photoshop. No AI. No BS. Just 100% pure RED LINE.

Special thanks to my wife, kids and mom for putting up with me. Also, Mike Konle, Robb Lane, Tommy Yaley, Kevin Cleveland and Tyler Collins. You know how much I value your input and support. 

And of course, Linn Kastan. My dad. 

Curt Kastan 

RED LINE LEGACY BMX and RED LINE CUSTOM SHOP

REDLINE trademark under license agreement with Alta Cycling Group LLC