Bell All-Stars: American Mountain Bike Legend John Tomac

John Tomac and Eli Tomac on racing, family, and the meaning of achievement.
The Bell All-Stars campaign focuses on the rich history of the athletic and racing pursuits of some of its “All-Star” athletes who have competed in Bell helmets and inspired generations to pursue greatness. The campaign, consisting of feature videos and accompanying written stories, has profiled some of America’s first and finest champions in road and track cycling, including Craig Schommer, Mike McCarthy and Leonard Harvey Nitz, and now expands from the road into the dirt with a rider who is considered among the greatest mountain bike racers of all time- 1991 World Mountain Bike Champion John Tomac.
“Anyone who followed mountain bike racing through the 1990s likely remembers not only John Tomac’s versatility across a wide number of disciplines, but also that throughout nearly his entire career he competed in a Bell helmet,” said James Hibbard, Marketing Manager for Bell Helmets. “This made John a natural fit for the All-Stars campaign, and after spending some time with him at his ranch I was impressed not only by his results on the bike, but also by who both he and Eli are as people.”
To learn more, go to:
Videography: Mind Spark Cinema

[@n.martin5202]

I still remember the grundig MTB world cup contest in Madrid in 1994. I was only 15 and John tomac was my hero, the rider and the person I wanted to be. His bell helmet with the troy lee paintwork with an american eagle was just great. The sound of his rear tioga disk drive wheel made us go crazy, he flew in the downhill and he won the race. John Tomac is the best rider ever!

[@Sixty4Fifty7]

John Tomac for President. We need someone with a work ethic and morality like him.

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@GeoAce777]

Amen to that

[@GeoAce777]

mountain biking, open water swimming and trail running....all very pure

[@donnovicki9771]

The greatest rider of all time. He,Ned, and Julie made the sport what it is today.

[@dank3823]

No one will win a xc and downhill title in the same year again. Ever. I was flattered to meet Johnny T on his final dual slalom race at sea otter. He is the mountain bike legend.

[@yeti575lt]

My childhood hero that I still try to imitate on my bike everyday 25 years later

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@ltdanyj]

One of my childhood idols! Not just because of his career, but because of his character!

[@theskillets]

Tomacs have been winning championships in Bell helmets for decades. It has been great to follow both John's and Eli's careers

[@MikeSwartz]

I idolized John Tomac as a kid. Watching this video I can see I chose wisely, standup guy. Good on ya Mr. Tomac!

[@rgamble69]

Johnny T was one of my hero's growing up. I'm 41 now and I own one of his original Tomac taos hartail mountain bikes designed by him and Doug Bradbury from Manitou. I still run Odi Attack grips and tioga bar ends on it.

[@daz_the_cyclist8961]

Tomac legend he was the coolest man on a bike 🤘

[@martin.B777]

Tomac is the coolest man on a bike ;)

[@donnovicki4918]

Agree 100%

[@deviantsurfers]

Still the coolest at the moment man!! :D cheers

[@twotwentyswift]

The entire Tomac family are great people. Incredibly talented, hardworking and humble. It's refreshing to see such down to earth people that have accomplished so much. John was an inspiration to me and Eli's been an awesome example to my sons.

[@stevebrown8760]

I remember John Tomac. When I raced, starting in the early 90's through to 2000, but only at the lowest level, Tomes was my inspiration. Through all of my problems at work and personal life (off the bike) I would always look to John Tomac to help keep my head in the game, I'd swing a leg over the bike and just ride. I don't want to sound like a fan boy, I mean we're about the same age, but I'm not sure I would have carried on with mountain biking and cycling in general if he hadn't been around. A genuine legend, and it's great to see him talk with nostalgia for the early days. I feel it too.

[@iangraham5320]

Congrats to Eli and John on the 2020 supercross championship! They are both world class athletes and I couldn't imagine a better mentor and father figure.

[@antonroux6737]

what a legend and excellent human being

[@DurianriderCyclingTips]

Who remembers Tioga Farmer John tires?

[@mattm00ey]

Durianrider Cycling Tips Mustav been my first memory of choosing an ATB tyre. Then to have a Cousin for the front :)

[@almas1stchild]

who remembers 2 1/2 hour mountain bike races? all natural courses, and 26ers.

[@donnovicki4918]

My 1989 Diamondback Apex came with FJ cousins both front and rear. I changed the back tire to a regular Farmer John ( billed as the tractor tire) and that was the only modification I ever made. I still have that bike and ride it today. I didn't worry about my stem being too long, or that I needed to change my crankset from 170 to 175 or any of the other garbage today's rider worries about. We rode the same bike both uphill and downhill with zero suspension and somehow we survived. My point is that all we really cared about was being out there enjoying ourselves. Oh and we never took a ski lift to the top of the mountain just so we could downhill. It's not the bike, it's the rider.

[@SurferJoe71]

Love those tires 🥇😎🇺🇸👍

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@iteleski2]

John Tomac was an idol to me growing up and the huge motocross fan that I am Eli is now. Truly a top notch team those 2 make. I smell a supercross title!!!!

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@Pmckean4115]

Amazing. Imagine a rider today winning both downhill and XC titles simultaneously.

[@lukepbriggs6225]

What a legend. Was definitely my hero in my teen years 😎😎😎

[@mitc0185]

Certainly knew of John when I was a kid into mountain bikes, but had no idea what an upstanding person he was in a troubled sport. Cool video thanks for putting it up.

[@PatrickMorris-IndochinaTravel]

I was lucky enough to ride with John when he was started out. There were a lot of pros around the LA cycling scene at that time, but even as a new rider, he was the strongest I've ever seen.

[@sjion]

Such a good guy. We need more sports people like him!

[@MtbCultit-Official]

Thanks BellBikeHelmets for this great video

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@nickvasiliades4537]

John Tomac...legendary!

[@josephjelinek1841]

I lived just down street from John and his sister when we were teenagers. I use to watch him Ride at local neighborhood track called spar . Everyone knew he was going to Be Top Dog some day and they were right !

[@martin.B777]

Tomacfor President!🚀

[@JackJenkins]

Thank you, John. This is why I still love mountain biking and the people in it. You state the deal right on target.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

So Awesome to see T-MAC enjoying life with his family in a beautiful place!!!

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@farcinue]

Tomac is a legend!

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

What a class guy. He and Ned cut from the same cloth, from a different era. True champions.

[@sueneilson896]

Used to have a Tomac Mongoose pro bike. Tange prestige, hand fillet brazed joints. Wish I still did.

[@davidmoore9385]

What a champion

[@barryclark2947]

I remember John being a driven kid when he was just starting in the 70's He was all about racing back then. When I'd go to House of Wheels bike shop in Owosso the talk was always about Johnny, the kid was a sensation right from the start. I think his upbringing had a lot to do with his dedication and work ethic.

[@rosshopkins4175]

i never would've known this dude is eli's dad. super cool.

[@jemen1709]

John Tomac inspires me since 30 years. What a humble sportsman. I´m happy i could talk to him getting shuttled up to the starting area in Kaprun/Austria. I will never forget.

[@gobikeyourself]

Great video, and I am stoked to see a side of John Tomac I didn't know as of yet. He was an idol to me when I was young. I still remember buying those ridiculously expensive time XC shoes, because he was riding them. And I don't regret doing it, they were great! It was hard to get insights like these into mountainbiking in Austria in the early 90s, you read about the international scene on one or two pages in our mtb magazines. It's great to somehow be reaffirmed that at least one of your childhood heroes was and is a humble, honest down to earth guy. And I am happy that I rediscovered the fun side of mountainbiking for myself over the last few years. That's what this sport is and should be mainly about.

[@michellesmith6259]

John...I (Michelle Wells) my husband is Jerry.... grew up in Henerson on Delaney Rd....I was friends with your sister's!! Your father took us racing BMX...I got to race because of him!!

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@renaissanceman8564]

1989 Mammoth, we ere there racing and admiring , hill climb 11000 feet , cross country at 8500 feet , trials and of course the kamikaze down hill on a ridged stump comp,,,best time on my bike with my friends. Hey Mike Kennedy

[@SurpriseMeJT]

John Tomac is a hero. There is a reason why the Europeans are always dominating in cycling and it isn't because of the water.

[@reapanomin899]

I can only say that he is a legend,very capable in the main few disciplines of cycling,and a real man in terms of his morals and train of thought.

[@markgrotefeldpaadmin5121]

Love this guy ... Old Skool Style and Values. Love you JT !

[@rmichaelgolinski]

An amazing rider and a great guy. Enjoyed the short time that I got to work with Johnny T!

[@fabiobertinipaes7122]

Amazing...miss Tomar Bikes.

[@AndreSilva-ef8bv]

👏👏Jhon tomac thes best MTB

[@jpsgamboa]

My childhood hero too!! I use to call myself Farmer Jai and always wanted a cowboy hat like Farmer John..

[@Malleluxusgirllarissa]

Tioga disc wheel!

[@Marchand848]

Saw John in 1993 Bromont Quebec!

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@the.communist]

All top athletes dope, tomac included

[@johnvickers6028]

Big fan of Tomac and I am British. JT was a superstar at the time. So many talented guys and girls who did XC and Downhill. A great era to be Mountain Biking and this guy is Legendary.

[@jameskellogg1162]

I have a John Tomac titanium Raleigh mountain bike hand made in England . It's a 93 model that I restored

[@otteirad]

One of my Heroes. Mighty JT!!

[@artloyj]

Great video - Great Cyclist, Man and Role model. Thanks for all the years Tomac -

[@priscillacaldwell2588]

Thanks for your honesty

[@gifa01fly]

Wow, He is Legend!

[@Malleluxusgirllarissa]

Farmer John and Tioga Disc wheel! Legend!

[@ajjack5269]

Genuinely think JT is the still the best mtb rider to date plus the nicest guy ever .. my man 🙏

[@theBidon]

Legend!

[@susanacarrera6330]

Great Tomac!!

[@donnovicki9771]

Tractor tires as they were billed. Farmers John's, Farmer John's Cousin and Farmer John's Nephew. I rode a tractor tire in the rear and a Cousin up front. Always worked for me.

[@videofilters]

TOP! The greatest! I was in Italy at Il Ciocco just to see him in the cc and dh. What a days!

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@rahult13]

What a legend!

[@CyclingWorld1]

I've just seen this video too, great story indeed. Just to let you know my Channel "Cycling World" has a lot of rare footage of JT & I thought you might like, please watch them and share & subscribe if you wish! Thanks 👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@mattm00ey]

Thanks for the great video Bell!

[@brucevelo1]

One of the best cyclists the US ever produced.

[@jonienglish3231]

WOW now REAL FARMER JOHN

[@RobKidnie]

LEGEND!

[@davidkline4372]

Good on Tomac for speaking up about doping in cycling. I'm a huge, huge, huge fan. I can't remember when I first heard his name... Probably in one of my first MTB Action mags I picked up in high school, but he's party of the reason I bought a Raleigh as my first MTB. I was fortunate enough to cross his path a few times while living to Durango while he was in the height of his MTB career as well. Fort Lewis College! Sad to see a great sport like cycling go corrupt and hollow but so glad there are real cycling heros out there like John. Not like Lance.

[@Bob_Shy_132]

He also designed the nevegal tire with Kenda. The only tire I have used that didn't slide!

[@azeeproject]

Legend! Amazing video!!!

[@classiccarssp]

Legend

[@bennymanfrost]

GMBN recommended this video! Very solid and enjoyed it!

[@amdg2023]

This man inspires all of us who want to embody character and high moral value, would be interesting to know what his parents thought and believed?

[@nickerickson2719]

Legend! Work ethic is taught, and supported not genetic ;)

[@adi0malka]

Nick Erickson True! But it helps to have the genetic lungs of a walrus lol

[@rhythmtreble7311]

holy fuck that shot of eli at 6:13 is IMMENSELY sick

[@AntonioOrru21]

such a Legend

[@Uglioni]

Legend!!!

[@dahigiman4199]

Love to know the soundtrack also

[@albertoflora5402]

este é raiz do montanbike puro

[@jswong8200]

When I see the name "John Tomac" I think of Tioga. He was pretty much the main face of Tioga back then...

[@Sills71]

Andy Hampsten, John Tomac, Julie Fortado, Inga Thompson and Ned Overend represent what cycling should be....

[@garyuzzell5677]

G.O.A.T..... seriously.

[@xrstopherpopp120]

wow...he was a hero to me then, now he's a hero to me now.

[@pitibus4069]

My idol :)

[@oneilljryan]

Best cyclist of all-time.

[@cato5553]

Genio

[@billyjo1148]

nice man

[@oldschoolbikerider]

Every day is a result... measure your self against others by intent

[@andyjame8317]

Easy install!

[@furion..]

I like the music, may I ask who it is performing?

[@Nojikuzus]

No regrets! #mtblegend

[@CyclingWorld1]

Great Video thanks, always wondered what he's up to today. Please send him a link to my Channel as I have a lot of rare footage of him wearing Bell products. Thanks

[@deviantsurfers]

This is the kind of stuff you must NOT see on a rest day :D LOL you´re gonna go out to ride!!! +LOL

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

Anyone out there talking' bad about Tomes today? Is there an asterisk next to his name anywhere? Anyone raise an eyebrow when they talk about him? Why is it so hard for other people to live right?

[@drfasthousevonbrainstorm]

stealth is how we roll...

[@hoatam5213]

go to here

[@masterofbeastofgames]

I had bought a different helmet on Amazon at the beginning of this summer for my big headed daughter to wear while bicycling and scootering. kzbin.infoUgkx0ipcYkXV-2YCp_cBN3HLfzR_OoD0HQYx Well it was WAY too big and not adjustable at all. Previously we had really expensive but adjustable helmets from the local bike store and I didn't really want to pay $50 again for another helmet. I searched and was fairly sure from the reviews that this helmet was what I was looking for- and it was! The pads inside are comfortable, the rim in front provides a bit of shade, but most of all for me there is the dial adjuster in the back which allows for a really secure fit on my daughters head. It seems like it will fit for a few years too which makes me even happier! She loves the pattern and I might end up buying another one for her twin sister (who has a much smaller head!)I definitely recommend this helmet. My daughter is 5 but has a big head. Her twin sister could fit in this one as well but it's a bit big.

[@David-np4vo]

The Daddy

[@davidmoore9385]

F**kig legend

[@isaidgooddaysir2585]

Wow. A lot of incendiary stuff in there. Lol.

[@tmayberry7559]

Beats Lance the Liar any day

[@stevematthes4325]

John Tomac is holding back Eli's career. His training methods are archaic! 👎 👎 👎👎

[@RichHouseman]

Nothing like a year's worth of humble pie for you to snack on! Your new 450SX champ, adds another #1 plate to his already legendary career. Good call bud. ;)

[@Ditchmonkey]

Legend!