Metal Bikes (2005 – 2015)
Metal Bikes was a legendary, hardcore rider-owned brand founded around 1999 by Joe "Butcher" Kowalski. Known for its raw, heavy-metal aesthetic and durable, no-nonsense frames and parts, Metal Bikes represented the unfiltered, rebellious side of BMX.
Metal Bikes Archive
Metal Bikes FAQ
Who or what was Metal Bikes?
Metal Bikes was a hardcore rider-owned BMX brand founded around 1999 by the legend Joe "Butcher" Kowalski. It was known for its "Made in the USA" components in the early days and its strong, rebellious, heavy-metal-infused image.
What did Metal Bikes stand for?
The brand stood for raw, unapologetic, and aggressive BMX riding. It was the antithesis of corporate polish, representing a hard-partying, "ride-everything-hard" ethos.
What makes Metal Bikes products special?
Metal Bikes' specialty was its authenticity and iconic branding. Their "Metal" logo and raw product names (like the "Butcher" frame) perfectly captured the attitude. Their products were known for being simple, strong, and built to last.
What did Metal Bikes primarily manufacture?
Metal Bikes focused on durable components for street, park, and trails:
- BMX Frames (e.g., "Kizz," "Butcher," "Moon Unit")
- Handlebars (e.g., "Gerry" bars)
- Forks, Stems, and Sprockets.
- Apparel (T-Shirts, Hoodies) with their iconic logo.
Who were Metal Bikes products suitable for?
Metal products were for hardcore BMX riders (Street, Park, Trails) who valued extreme durability and identified with the brand's raw, heavy-metal aesthetic and rebellious spirit.
Who rode for the Metal Bikes Team?
The Metal team was legendary, featuring a crew of hard-charging and influential riders including founder Joe "Butcher" Kowalski, Terrell Gordy, Gerry Smith, and Sandy Carson.
Is Metal Bikes still active?
Metal Bikes is defunct. The brand has not produced new products for many years and is remembered as an iconic brand from the early 2000s hardcore BMX era.