If you’re looking for a frame that stands out from the crowd, Stranger BMX frames are where it’s at!
Designed with street riding in mind, they’re anything but ordinary – modern, edgy, and versatile enough for any riding style.
Whether you’re tall, small, into nose tricks, or love spinning like crazy, Stranger has a frame that’s perfect for you.
Founded by Rich Hirsch in 2009, Stranger takes a unique approach to BMX.
It sets itself apart from the rest of the industry in the best way possible.
If you want a frame with personality and performance, Stranger is the way to go.
Don’t just ride – make a statement!
Best Stranger BMX Frames
Note: Frames are listed in no particular order. (The 1st one is not necessarily better than the 8th one – they’re all bomb!)
1. Royale
The Royale frame from Stranger is Eric Lichtenberger’s signature frame and has a low geometry for stability as well as longer top tube options.
The frame is constructed of straight gauge Japanese chromoly tubing and has a low bottom bracket height which definitely adds to the stability of the frame.
There is an integrated seat post clamp built-in as well as integrated chain tensioners in the 6mm dropouts.
This is a fully brakeless frame meaning that there is no option whatsoever to install brake mounts.
Royale specs:
- Top Tube Length – 20.8” – 21” – 21.4”
- Head Tube – 75° / 5”
- Seat Tube Angle – 71°
- ChainStay Length – 13.25”
- Standover – 9”
- BB Height – 11.5”
- Price: $384.99 (may vary)
2. Honest
Here is the Honest frame from Stranger. This is the Stephan August signature frame and it has a 10” standover height to “keep it OG.”
This is a longer frame with both a 13.6” chainstay and the only top tube options being 21.1” and 21.69”. The frame is completely brakeless with no mounts or options for them and has an integrated seat post clamp.
At just $315, this is definitely an option for the budget-conscious who are looking for a taller and longer frame.
Honest specs:
- Top Tube Length – 21.1” – 21.69”
- Head Tube – 75° / 5”
- Seat Tube Angle – 71°
- ChainStay Length – 13.6”
- Standover – 10”
- BB Height – 11.6”
- Price: $314.99 (may vary)
3. Piston
The Piston V2 frame from Stranger is the second version of Connor Keating’s signature frame with the company.
This frame has an interesting geometry with a very short rear end at just 12.8” combined with a low bottom bracket height of 11.5”. According to the Stranger site, this combination is done “for the perfect pop.”
With an aggressive street geometry all the way around except for this lower bottom bracket height, this is definitely a unique option in the category.
The Piston V2 has top and bottom tube external gussets, built-in chain tensioners, and is completely brakeless.
Piston specs:
- Top Tube Length – 20.75”
- Head Tube – 75.5°
- Seat Tube Angle – 70°
- ChainStay Length – 12.8”
- Standover – 9”
- BB Height – 11.5”
- Weight – 5 lbs 2 oz
- Price: $284.95 (may vary)
4. ISM V2
The ISM V2 frame from Stranger is their offering for the modern street geometry category featuring a 75.5° head tube, 11.6” bottom bracket height, and 13.01” chainstay length.
Where this frame differs from other frames in this category is in the standover. The ISM V2 has a 9.5” standover which is taller than most other modern street frames.
The frame is fully made from straight gauge chromoly and Stranger worked with ISM Cycling on the design.
This is a brakeless frame and at just $285 it is an extremely affordable entry into this category.
ISM V2 specs:
- Top Tube Length – 20.75” – 21” – 21.25”
- Head Tube – 75.5° / 5”
- Seat Tube Angle – 71°
- ChainStay Length – 13.01”
- Standover – 9.5”
- BB Height – 11.6”
- Weight – 4.72 lbs
- Price: $284.95 (may vary)
5. Churchill
The Churchill frame from Stranger is the signature frame of legendary BMX rider Stevie Churchill. This frame has some specific geometry with a 75.3-degree headtube angle which isn’t generally a common headtube angle seen on BMX frames.
The frame has a higher bottom bracket height at 11.7” which combined with the other specs such as the 13.25” chainstay definitely add to the originality of the geometry on this one.
Other features of this one include top/bottom tube external gussets, an integrated seat post clamp, and built-in chain tensioners.
This frame is another completely brakeless frame from Stranger and comes in at an affordable $308.
Churchill specs:
- Top Tube Length – 20.6” – 21”
- Head Tube – 75.3° / 5”
- ChainStay Length – 13.25”
- Standover – 9”
- BB Height – 11.7”
- Price: $362 (may vary)
6. Alley Cat
The Alley Cat V2 frame from Stranger was designed with Eric Lichtenberger and is a limited edition version that utilizes a new wishbone as well as features removable brake mounts.
The frame is also drilled for gyro tabs and has top/bottom tube external gussets.
The description for this one leans heavily on the fact that this frame is built for the streets with its steep head tube angle, short-ish rear end length, but there is no mention of the bottom bracket height.
In addition to all of this, the frame also has built-in chain tensioners and an integrated seat post clamp.
Alley Cat specs:
- Top Tube Length – 21” – 21.4”
- Head Tube – 75.5° / 5”
- Seat Tube Angle – 70°
- ChainStay Length – 13.25”
- Standover – 9”
- Weight – 5 lbs 3 oz
- Price: $378 (may vary)
7. Ballast EVO
The Ballast EVO frame and fork set from Stranger is a very unique option in the BMX world. The frame utilizes a tapered head tube for use with a 1.5” bottom headset bearing.
This means the fork is much much larger at the steer tube junction and all of this is done with increased strength/stiffness in mind.
The geometry of this frame keeps progressive street riding in mind with the steep 75.5-degree head tube angle and short 12.8” rear end length but also features a lower 11.5” bottom bracket height.
This is a common theme in Stranger frames and on other frame listings it says this combination gives the “perfect pop”. Ultimately, this is an extremely unique frame and fork set built for strength.
Ballast EVO specs:
- Top Tube Length – 20.5” – 20.75” – 21”
- Head Tube – 75.5°
- Seat Tube Angle – 70°
- ChainStay Length – 12.8” – 13.1”
- Standover – 9”
- BB Height – 11.5”
- Price: $585 (may vary)
8. RPG
The RPG frame from Stranger is a higher-end frame from the company that utilizes different frame building tech such as a hydroformed downtube and investment cast dropouts (similar to some WeThePeople BMX frames).
While both of these things add to the look of a frame, they primarily add to the strength/stiffness as well.
The hydroformed downtube eliminates the need for an external downtube gusset but there is still one present on the top tube. The frame also has an integrated seat post clamp and built-in chain tensioners.
One awesome part of the frame that cannot go without mention is the downtube decal which spells Stranger using some very recognizable video game letters.
RPG specs:
- Top Tube Length – 20.8” – 21”
- Head Tube – 75.5°
- Seat Tube Angle – 70°
- ChainStay Length – 12.8”
- Standover – 9”
- BB Height – 11.5”
- Weight – 5 lbs 4.1 oz
- Price: $426 (may vary)
How Do I Choose The Right BMX Frame?
First, understand you riding style. If you’re into street, then a more responsive frame will be your best bet. Meaning, pick something with a shorter chainstay length and steeper head tube angle.
On the contrary, for someone who prefers riding transitions, stability matters. Finally, park riders prefer lighter frames that offer responsiveness but it depends on the type of park riders are – do you do a ton of tricks or your prefer flowing?
Second, refer to this BMX frame size chart to find the right fit for your height.
Further reading:
- 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 Stranger BMX Frames
Are Stranger BMX bikes good
Yes, Stranger BMX is high on the list of quality BMX brands, but I haven’t tried all their products.
Who owns Stranger BMX
Rich Hirsch owns Stranger BMX (also founder of Primo and ex. Lotek).
