GT bicycles was founded in 1979, and has since become one of the best known American cycle brands. GT mountain bikes are often readily identifiable by the unique "triple triangle" frame design present in most hard-tail designs. Early BMX frames were also easily identifiable as the top tube seemed to bisect the seat tube and protrude beyond it by approximately an inch-and-a-half towards the rear of the frame. This innovative idea was claimed to reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the seat from the rear wheel. Later versions would actually have the customary "GT" letters stamped on the end of the protruding tube.