Are you trying to figure out what the (absolutely!) best BMX brands are out there?
I’ve been in the game for WELL over twenty years and tried pretty much everything over my career.
Some brands are better. Some brands aren’t that qood.
But which are the BMX brands/companies that stand out from the crowd?
Picking the right BMX brand isn’t just about looking cool or following trends – it’s about trust.
- Trust that your bike and parts won’t let you down mid-manual.
- Trust that your frame can handle that sketchy 12-stair.
- Trust that your grips, pedals, forks, and cranks are built for real-world riding – not showroom flexing.
Over the years, I’ve tested and trashed A LOT of parts.
(Some were sick, others? Meh.)
But the brands below? They’ve earned their place on this list.
At least I haven’t had any issues with them.
Whether you’re just starting out, getting back into riding, or already grinding daily, the BMX scene has never had more dialed options.
And it’s not just about performance.
These brands bring style, heritage, and rider-owned energy that keeps the culture alive.
So, if you’re looking to build a new setup, upgrade your current ride, or just stay in the loop with who’s killing it this year – this list is for you.
Let’s dive into the best BMX brands right now — the ones I trust, ride, and recommend to anyone serious about shredding.
Best BMX Brands List (Tested & Trusted!)
1. Kink BMX
- Who it’s for: Street riders, beginners, park dudes, big bike lovers
- Why it stands out: Solid completes, durable parts, good for all levels
- My favorite product(s): Drifter 26″, Pillar cranks, Imprint sprocket
- Who rides for Kink? Nathan Williams, Jacob Cable, Casey Starling, Anthony Perrin
- Quick history or fun fact: Started in the ’90s in Rochester, NY – rider-owned and still pushing
Kink BMX was founded in 1994 by Zack Phillips – while he was still in high school – out of pure frustration with broken parts and bad service.
What started as a small pegs company in upstate New York grew into one of the most respected rider-owned brands in the world.
Still based in Rochester, Kink handles everything in-house, from design to distribution. That means every product has actual riders behind it – not just suits.
They were also one of the first BMX brands to make full-length, rider-focused web videos (like the Safety First DVD) that truly captured street riding’s raw energy.
Shop Kink at Dan’s Comp.
2. Cult Crew
- Who it’s for: Street-focused riders, style-heads, mid-to-pro level
- Why it stands out: Strong brand identity, top-tier completes, big pro team
- My favorite product(s): Biggie frame, Cult X Vans tires, Cult Dak pedals
- Who rides for Cult? Devon Smillie, Corey Walsh, Trey Jones
- Quick history or fun fact: Founded by Robbie Morales after leaving Fit – CULTure over hype
Cult Crew was born in 2010 when BMX legend Robbie Morales left Fit and decided to start something that felt raw, real, and rider-driven.
What made Cult different from day one was the tight connection with street culture, music, and style – not just riding. (There aren’t many BMX brands that do it like this – or it might just be that Cult’s the online one, actually.)
They launched with a stacked team, clean product design, and instantly set a new standard for what a modern BMX brand could be.
Their early video drops, especially Let ‘Em Talk and Small Talk, helped shape the identity of a whole generation of street riders.
And they’ve been collaborating with Vans since 2014, creating some of the most iconic BMX-specific shoes in the game.
Still based in SoCal, Cult is more than a brand – it’s a movement built by and for BMX lifers.
Shop Cult at Dan’s Comp.
3. The Shadow Conspiracy
- Who it’s for: Street & tech riders, protection gear seekers
- Why it stands out: Innovation kings – half-link chains, featherweight helmets
- My favorite product(s): Interlock V2 chain, Shadow Featherweight helmet, Shadow Finest cranks
- Who rides for Shadow? Matt Ray, Simone Barraco, Joris Coulomb
- Quick history or fun fact: Part of the Sparkys Distribution fam, est. in 2002 – changed the game with their first chain
The Shadow Conspiracy launched in 2002 with one mission: bring a darker, more creative edge to BMX – both in product design and brand vibe.
That’s what I like most!
What started under the Sparkys Distribution umbrella quickly evolved into one of the most innovative and respected BMX brands out there.
Shadow made waves early with their Interlock chain, the first half-link BMX chain ever. (My favorite chain!)
It wasn’t just hype – it solved real problems riders had with gear ratios and chain length.
From there, Shadow kept dropping gear that pushed boundaries – from Invisa Lite pads and featherweight helmets to forged Supreme chains and sick signature parts.
They’ve always stayed close to the culture – filming raw edits, backing underground scenes, and supporting riders who actually ride hard.
It’s not just about product – it’s about preserving the soul of BMX.
Shop Shadow at Dan’s Comp.
4. BSD BMX
- Who it’s for: Big dudes, street destroyers, full-senders
- Why it stands out: Burly builds, solid frames, UK vibesbsd
- My favorite product(s): Substance cranks
- Who rides for BSD? Alex Donnachie, Kriss Kyle, Reed Stark
- Quick history or fun fact: David Grant’s Raider frame = tank status
BSD (which stands for “Bike, Suspension, Design”) was founded in 1998 by Grant Smith in Scotland, with one mission – to create hardcore street-ready BMX parts that don’t quit.
And he nailed it!
What started as a one-man operation in a small workshop has turned into one of the most respected rider-owned brands globally.
BSD was among the early pioneers in bringing that raw UK street energy to the global scene, and their parts have been trusted by heavy hitters like David Grant, Reed Stark, and Kriss Kyle.
They’re known for designing parts that take abuse and still keep rolling – with a no-BS attitude and clean aesthetic.
Fun fact: BSD’s “Forever” motto isn’t just branding – it reflects their commitment to long-term product durability and loyalty to BMX culture.
From Glasgow streets to skateparks worldwide, BSD holds it down for the real ones.
Shop BSD at Dan’s Comp.
5. Sunday Bikes
- Who it’s for: New riders, trail dudes (stree & park, too!), those who love smooth geometry
- Why it stands out: Beginner-friendly completes, rad colorways, easy upgrades
- My favorite product(s): Darkwave forks, Brett bars, Knox V2 sprocket
- Who rides for Sunday? Broc Raiford, Brett Silva, Aaron Ross
- Quick history or fun fact: Created by BMX legend Jim Cielencki – OG vibes with modern tech
Sunday Bikes was founded in 2005 by pro rider and innovator Jim Cielencki, with a clear vision – to bring original ideas and fresh engineering into BMX.
At the time, most brands played it safe, but Sunday came out swinging with features like 41-Thermal heat-treated chromoly and removable brake mounts before they were industry standards.
They shook things up with wild colorways (!), ultra-strong frames (that wavy downtube is epic!), and beginner-friendly completes that didn’t suck.
Even today, Sunday’s commitment to geometry, strength, and fun design keeps them a go-to for everyone – from first-timers to next-level pros.
Fun fact: The Sunday Soundwave frame has been one of the most consistently praised frames in BMX for over a decade – and still holds up against anything else on the market.
Shop Sunday at Dan’s Comp.
6. Subrosa Brand
- Who it’s for: Beginner to intermediate riders, fans of creative design
- Why it stands out: Affordable but stylish, clean look
- My favorite product(s): MR2 frame, Street rail, OM bar
- Who rides for Subrosa? Bjarki Hardarson, Coco Zurita, Jiri Blabol
- Quick history or fun fact: Subrosa means “under the rose” – a symbol of secrecy and trust
Subrosa was founded in 2006 by Ron Bonner (of Shadow Conspiracy) and pro rider Ryan Sher with a mission to blend BMX performance with creative design and strong lifestyle branding.
From the start, Subrosa felt different – clean aesthetics, wild graphics, and bikes that didn’t just ride well but looked unique, too.
They’ve always pushed to keep things fresh, both in their product line and in how they represent BMX culture.
Subrosa hits differently!
Whether it’s through full-length edits, signature completes, or unique collabs – Subrosa continues to stay true to its motto: “Nothing but love.”
Fun fact: The name Subrosa comes from the Latin “sub rosa,” meaning “under the rose” – a symbol of secrecy and trust used in ancient times.
Fitting for a brand that’s built such a tight-knit, loyal crew around the world.
Shop Subrosa at Dan’s Comp.
7. WeThePeople (WTP)
- Who it’s for: Tech riders, tall riders, park beasts
- Why it stands out: German precision, lifetime warranty on frames
- My favorite product(s): Logic cranks, Pathfinder frame, Battleship forks
- Who rides for WTP? Felix Prangenberg, Jordan Godwin, Murray Loubser
- Quick history or fun fact: Based in Cologne – some of the cleanest bikes on the market
Founded in Cologne, Germany, in the late ’90s, WeThePeople quickly gained a rep for pushing engineering quality and design precision in BMX.
They weren’t just making parts – they were solving problems most riders didn’t even know they had.
What really sets WTP apart is how much R&D they pour into every detail.
From custom-forged dropouts to hydroformed tubing, their frames and parts are designed to be lighter, stronger, and cleaner – without sacrificing performance.
And let’s not forget their lifetime warranty on frames, which says a lot about their confidence in what they build.
Fun fact: WTP isn’t just about frames – they also launched Éclat, Salt, and Fuse Protection, creating a full eco-system of trusted BMX gear from head to hub.
Shop WTP at Dan’s Comp.
8. Odyssey BMX
- Who it’s for: Riders looking for top-notch parts (wheels, stems, cranks, forks, pedals, etc.)
- Why it stands out: Known for quality control and innovation in components
- My favorite product(s): Big-Boyd rims, Twisted Pro PC pedals, Clutch V2 hub, Thunderbolt cranks
- Who rides for Odyssey? Boyd Hilder, Dennis Enarson, Mike Aitken
- Quick history or fun fact: Making BMX parts since 1985 – legendary status
Odyssey BMX has been holding it down since 1985 – long before Instagram edits and plastic pegs were a thing.
From day one, they’ve focused strictly on high-quality BMX components, helping shape the very gear we ride today.
They’re the minds behind some of the most iconic parts in BMX history – like the Gyro detangler, Twisted PC pedals, Thunderbolts cranks, Hazard Lite rims, and Vandero hubs.
What’s wild is how long their parts last.
I’ve had Odyssey parts on multiple setups over the years, and they’ve always delivered – smooth, consistent, and built for real-world riding.
Fun fact: Odyssey was one of the first BMX brands to back lifetime warranties on select products like their 41-Thermal forks and bars – which says everything about their commitment to riders.
Shop Odyssey at Dan’s Comp.
9. Éclat BMX
- Who it’s for: High-performance, innovative part lovers, street and park combo riders
- Why it stands out: Next-level design and R&D, buttery smooth
- My favorite product(s): Shift hub, Spire cranks, Venom pegs
- Who rides for Eclat? Bruno Hoffmann, Lewis Mills, Kilian Roth
- Quick history or fun fact: Éclat is the premium parts brand from the WTP crew
Launched in 2008 as the high-end parts division of WeThePeople, Éclat was created to push BMX component design further than ever.
While WTP focused on bikes and frames, Éclat zeroed in on innovative hardware – hubs, cranks, stems, sprockets – built for modern street and park riding.
What makes Éclat stand out is how deeply they test every product before release.
No rushed drops, no gimmicks – just slick engineering with feedback from a stacked team of global shredders.
Their Cortex hub, Spire cranks, and Storm forks have become go-to choices for riders who demand flawless performance and long-term reliability.
Fun fact: Éclat doesn’t just design for today’s riding – they often release tech that ends up becoming industry standard years later.
Shop Éclat at Dan’s Comp.
10. S&M Bikes
- Who it’s for: Riders who want USA-made quality, OG street and trails
- Why it stands out: Hand-welded frames, custom options, rich history
- My favorite product(s): Challenger stem, Hoder grips, Perfect 10 bar
- Who rides for S&M? Mike Hoder, Charlie Crumlish, Ryan “BIZ” Jordan
- Quick history or fun fact: Founded in 1987 by Chris Moeller – one of the last USA-made frame brands still kickin’
S&M Bikes was founded in 1987 by Chris Moeller and Greg “Scott” Swingrover with one mission: to build BMX frames that could survive real riding.
Born in Southern California, S&M helped pioneer the “rider-owned” movement long before it was cool.
Every frame is still hand-welded in the USA, something almost no other BMX brand can say today.
They’re the minds behind legendary frames like the ATF, Hucker, and BTM, and their Made in America attitude has kept them core for nearly four decades.
Whether you’re into trails, street, or full-send builds, S&M has a cult following for a reason.
Fun fact: The name “S&M” comes from the founders’ initials — not what you were thinking, ya weirdo.
Shop S&M at Dan’s Comp.
How To Pick The Right BMX Brand
Let’s be real – there’s no “one brand fits all” in BMX.
And that’s what makes this culture so sick.
Your setup should match your riding style, your vibe, and how hard (or chill) you plan to go.
So how do you figure out the best brand for YOU?
Pro tip: I don’t like mixing too many brands on my bike. Basically, I run a “frame” BMX brand and a “parts” BMX brand.
1. Start With Your Style
Are you all about street? Constantly filming clips, hitting ledges, and dialing in crankflips?
Look at BSD, Shadow, or Cult.
More of a park rider? You love smooth transitions, high airs, and technical lines?
WTP, Éclat, or Sunday got you.
Prefer trails or just want to cruise?
Sunday, S&M, and even Kink (Drifter 26″) are great picks.
2. Know Your Level
New to the game? Go for a brand that offers great complete bikes like Subrosa or Sunday.
Intermediate? Start mixing in some aftermarket parts to upgrade what matters most (cranks, bars, pedals).
Advanced? Build your full dream setup from scratch – frame, forks, cranks, hubs, grips – all dialed.
3. Fit Is Everything
I can’t stress this enough: Don’t just follow what pros ride.
Pick a frame size and frame geometry that feels right for your height, leg length, and how you ride.
Some brands (like BSD and WTP) offer taller frames with steeper head tube angles, perfect for big dudes and nose maniacs.
Take time to check specs – you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Don’t Just Buy What’s Trending
Hype fades. Quality stays.
Some of the best products I’ve used came from brands that didn’t flood my feed – they just delivered on performance.
Your favorite brand should EARN your trust through how their parts ride, not just how they look on Instagram.
Final tip:
Pick one brand that speaks to you – and start there.
Try a chain. A frame. Some grips. Feel it out.
Once it clicks, you’ll know.
And when your setup feels like an extension of your body – that’s when the magic happens.
Head over to Dan’s Comp and start exploring.
You’re one part away from discovering your new favorite BMX brand.
Let your riding do the talking.
The brand? That’s just your wingman.
Conclusion: Pick Your Favorite BMX Brand(s)
At the end of the day, BMX is about freedom, fun, and finding your own line.
And the brand you ride should support that, not hold you back.
The top-rated BMX brands on this list?
They’re not here by accident.
They’re trusted by street dogs, park killers, dirt lovers, tech wizards, and big senders all over the globe – myself included.
I’ve ridden their bikes, tested their parts, and taken hits so you don’t have to.
Still unsure?
Here’s the move:
Go with what fits your riding style AND your personality.
Maybe you’re drawn to BSD’s rugged street feel.
Or maybe the tech precision of WeThePeople fits you better.
Want something stylish and clean? Subrosa or Cult might be calling your name.
Or go classic USA-made and rep S&M.
Whatever it is – don’t overthink it.
Start with ONE brand. Try a part. Build trust. Then build the rest of your setup around it.
Hit up Dan’s Comp, dive into the gear, and figure out what YOU vibe with most.
BMX isn’t about perfection – it’s about progression.
And it all starts with the right setup.
See you out there. 🤘
