Are you on the hunt for the best, American-made S&M BMX frames?
Let me tell you, these frames are for EVERYONE who values quality, strength, and a brand that stays true to its roots.
I’ve been a fan of S&M for what feels like forever, and their frames (and parts) never disappoint.
(I was rocking ATF and Hucker frames for years.)
S&M doesn’t always follow the latest BMX trends, but that’s what makes them stand out.
They create their own style, blending timeless design with top-notch craftsmanship.
And now, YOU can, too!
Time to build your dream setup – are you ready?
This post covers:
You can imagine how stoked I am to bring you this review of S&M’s best frames.
In their offerings, they cover street, trails, park, race and cruiser.
Unfortunately (and fortunately!), their frames are selling like hotcakes. (Read: sold out quickly, so act fast.)
Fun fact: S&M was founded in mid-1987 by 19-yr-old Greg “Scott” Swingrover and 16-yr-old Chris “Mad Dog” Moeller. (The BMX company is as old as me!)
Best S&M BMX Frames
Note: Frames are listed in no particular order. (The 1st one is not necessarily better than the last one – all are GREAT!)
1. ATF
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve ridden the S&M ATF frame and it rocks. This frame was built to handle anything you throw at it.
Made in the USA with Super Therm tubing, the ATF frame is designed to take your riding to the next level.
You’re getting insane durability and a light feel that just rips on trails, parks, or streets.
It’s responsive, has a mid-bottom bracket with EZ-Out punch slots, and has tapered seat stays that keep everything sleek.
Plus, the removable U-brake mounts mean you can go brakeless or add stops if you feel it.
With top-notch geometry and rock-solid craftsmanship, it’s easy to see why the ATF is a rider favorite.
Fun fact: The ATF frame that I rode is now around ten years old and it’s still going strong. My friend ride it and it looks like the frame will last another ten.
22″ ATF specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20″, 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″, 21.25″, 21.5″, 22″
- Head Tube: 75°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.4 – 13.875″
- Standover: 8.5″
- BB Height: 11.7″
- Weight: 4.75 lbs
- Best For: All-terrain-frame
- Price: $519.95 (may vary)
2. ATF 22″
I know some of you also rock a 22″ BMX, so that’s why I wanted to add the S&M’ 22″ ATF frame in this collection.
By the way, do you know what ATF stands for? Alcohol, tobacco and firearms. Or is it all-terrain-frame?
I think the latter will be more suitable.
Everything is bigger on this frame, giving more stability, but you can still easily rock it for street, park and trails riding. Hey, it’s made in the USA by S&M, so you know it’s strong AF!
If you’re particularly a very tall rider, I’d advise going with a 22″ instead of a 20″.
22″ ATF specs:
- Top Tube Length: 21.625″, 22.125″
- Head Tube: 74.25°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 4.1″
- Standover: 9″
- BB Height: 12.25″
- Weight: 5.29 lbs
- Best For: Taller dudes
- Price: $519.95 (may vary)
3. BTM XL
The BTM XL Frame from S&M Bikes is essentially the normal Mike Hoder signature BTM frame, but with a taller standover height and a taller head tube.
The standover on the XL is 9.5” versus 8.75” on the normal and the XL has a 5” head tube, whereas the head tube size on the normal BTM is not listed.
Other than these two changes, the XL comes in the larger top tube lengths at 21” and above.
The original BTM has an integrated seat post clamp at surface level, with the XL accepting a traditional clamp.
This frame is built for taller people or riders who want or need a larger frame.
BTM XL specs:
- Top Tube Length: 21”, 21.25”, 21.5”
- Head Tube: 75° / 5”
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.05-13.5”
- Standover: 9.5”
- BB Height: 11.5”
- Weight: 5.4 lbs
- Best For: All terrain
- Price: $519.95 (may vary)
4. Tall Boy
Charlie Crumlish’s signature Tall Boy frame from S&M keeps the taller riders in mind with its geometry.
The frame has a tall standover height at 9.2” and comes in top tube lengths all the way from 20.75” to 21.5”. The frame also has a head tube that is over 5” tall, which takes up the room that headset spacers might otherwise take up.
It also has a unique brake mount set up with 990 mounts that are angled 5 degrees in order to improve braking.
The weight on the frame is also very reasonable at the longer top tube lengths, with the 21.5” frame coming in at just 5.1 lbs!
Tall Boy specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.75”, 21”, 21.25”, 21.5”
- Head Tube: 75.5° / 5.15”
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13”
- Standover: 9.2”
- BB Height: 11.8”
- Weight: 4.675 lbs / 21”
- Best For: Taller riders
- Price: $519.95 (may vary)
5. BTM
Mike Hoder’s signature BTM frame from S&M is available in two different spec options.
There is the XL which has a taller standover and a taller head tube.
Then there is the original, which is what I included here. This original BTM frame is available in more top tube options than the XL and has an integrated seat post clamp.
The standover height on this frame is 8.75” and naturally, with less material in this and the head tube, this frame is lighter than the XL.
BTM specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.5”, 20.75”, 21”, 21.25”, 21.5”
- Head Tube: 75°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.05-13.5”
- Standover: 9.5”
- BB Height: 11.5”
- Weight: 5 lbs / 20.75”
- Best For: All-terrain
- Price: $519.95 (may vary)
6. Hucker
S&M’s Hucker frame is built for the wild dude that is Mike Hucker Clark. With awesome graphics and loud colorways, this frame always looks unique wherever you’re riding it.
With Mike being a very well-rounded rider and hitting everything from park to trails to the street, it’s no surprise that the geometry of the Hucker frame is somewhat middle-ground to lend to the versatile style.
This frame is also one of few from S&M that comes pre-drilled with holes for gyro tabs.
Hucker specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.75”, 21”, 21.25”
- Head Tube: 75°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.3”
- Standover: 8.8”
- BB Height: 11.7”
- Weight: 4.86 lbs
- Best For: Trail, park, street
- Price: $519.95 (may vary)
7. Dagger
S&M has a frame for everyone, including park machines. You definitely need to check out the Dagger frame if you like American-made products.
This is a super-responsive tool that comes in five top tube lengths, going from 19″ and up to 21″. I told you – something for everyone.
What’s unique about Dagger is the really short rear (spin it, baby!) end and low standover height (whip it, baby).
Also, the steeper head tube angle helps you get on the front wheel much easier.
Two of my dudes got back to me after using S&M Dagger for 6+ months – and love it!
Dagger specs:
- Top Tube Length: 19″, 19.5″, 20.5″, 20.75″, 21″
- Head Tube: 75.3°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 12.8”
- Standover: 7.75”
- BB Height: 11.6”
- Weight: 4.9 lbs
- Best For: Street, park
- Price: $419.95 (may vary)
8. Credence M.O.D.
The Credence M.O.D. Frame from S&M is James P. Nutter’s signature frame and is built for going fast in the woods.
With a mellow head tube angle, a longer chainstay, and lower bottom bracket height, this frame will take you through the trails.
The frame has chainstay brake mounts which are not only known for being used in the woods but also give better braking power than seat stay brake mounts.
The frame comes in top tube sizes from 20.75” up to 21.5”, another trait of trail/transition-focused frames.
If you’re trying to go fast and stay stable while doing so, this frame is sure to help!
Credence M.O.D. specs:
- Top Tube Length: 20.75”, 21”, 21”, 21.5”
- Head Tube: 74.5°
- Seat Tube Angle: 71°
- ChainStay Length: 13.6”
- Standover: 9”
- BB Height: 11.61”
- Weight: 4.78 lbs / 21”
- Best For: Trail, transition
- Price: $549.95 (may vary)
How To Choose The Right BMX Frame?
The frame is – yeah, I know that – the largest part on your BMX bike, thus making the biggest impact on how you’re bike will feel.
Choosing the right one will make all your sessions feel much better.
Still, your preference about the top tube length (or other frame geo) will likely change with time. In other words, the frame you pick today will likely differ from the one you would like to ride a few years in.
That happened to me: I went from a 20.5″ top tube length to now riding a 21.6″ frame.
Here are all the additional articles I prepared to help you pick the frame that suits you best.
Further reading:
- BMX frame size chart
- BMX Top Tube Length
- What BMX Chainstay Length Is Best?
- Why Frame Head Tube Angle Matters?
- Does Bottom Bracket Height Matter In BMX?
- BMX Standover Height (Does It Matter?)
FAQs About S&M Frames
Where are S&M BMX frames made?
All S&M BMX frames are hand-made in Santa Ana, California. By manufacturing each frame by hand, S&M guarantees extreme quality, which I experienced myself.
What does S & M Bikes stand for?
S is of Scott (Greg “Scott” Swingrover) and M for Moeller (Chris “Mad Dog” Moeller). But it’s Chris who owns S&M right now.
When did S&M BMX start?
Scott and Moeller founded S&M Bikes in 1987 with one aim: to create the strongest BMX bikes.
Are S&M frames good for all riding styles?
Yes. S&M makes frames for street, park, dirt, and flatland, so you can find one that fits your style.
Are S&M frames customizable?
Some models have multiple color options, and S&M also offers (some) custom options if you want something unique.
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Note: This article was originally published on August 19, 2021. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
