Darrell Gillespie

For some of us, the day we learned to ride a bike is where it all began. It was the first day we really started to live. The freedom of steering your own course with the ability to move at faster speeds than ever, all while keeping balance on two wheels was simply euphoric. Riding is beyond that of just a sport. It is the ultimate feeling of freedom that takes us to new heights every time we throw our leg over that bike. In the late 1960s Jim O’Neal found himself at the forefront of the two-wheel movement. A local racer from LA County, Jim pushed himself on modified machines to race on the dirt across America. It wasn’t long before Jim realized the need for better equipment to battle against competitors, as well as the harsh conditions the rugged tracks and terrain brought forth. Thus, passion led to innovation and in 1970 the brand O’NEAL was born. Building protective equipment, apparel, helmets and accessories soon became more than a company profile, but in fact, a life’s mission statement. Simply put, when you build product with passion there is no compromise. At O’NEAL there are no cutting corners in production of protective equipment. The product development has been non-stop for 42 years and under no circumstance is there going to be a cut back in quality this year, or any year, ever. O’NEAL products are still painstakingly designed and developed in Southern California, just outside of LA, using the finest in materials and craftsmanship.