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1984/1985 John Parker, Yetis founder, raced sprint cars. At the end of 1984, he had a big accident whilst racing at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix. After the accident, he could not pass the physical examination to return to his job working in the Special Effects industry. John Parker and Chris Herting work together for 'Sweetheart cycles'. In the Fall of 1985, John Parker sells his 1928 Indian Motorcycle 'Beulah Mae' and brought a Frame 'jig' and chromoly tubing. John and wife Linda left the world of special effects behind and started up a 'little bicycle company' Yeti cycles. Parker and partners Chris, brother Eric Herting and the now infamous Frank 'The Welder' Wadelton, Setup in the back of Matt Sweeney's special effects shop, in Agoura Hills in CA. Tinker Juarez rides on a borrowed Yeti, then later signs for General. Greg Dres rides single speed and is Yeti's first big racer .The original Yeti Man was created by Craig Stormon, The Yeti Man soon becomes one of the most instantly recognised company logos, as does the ice axe logo. FRO is made out of Patco Cro Mo tubing.
1986/ 87 Yeti produces its first catalogue.
The Yeti man gets a brush up he stays this way until 1991
1988 Yeti produces a 3 page fold out catalogue, featuring the now famous FRO, the FRO gets tested in Mountain Bike Action Magazine (MBA).It turns out to be a bomb proof race bike.
1989 MBA gets Yeti to build its project bike, the Ultimate, featuring elevated chainstays and a host of technological features. The Ultimate is made from Patco tubing, just like the FRO (For Racing Only), Its one of the first E stay bikes, E stays soon become very popular. Dr Al Farrell helps Yeti build on the business side
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