Eastern Bikes: A BMX Legacy Forged in Innovation

If you've ever dipped your toes into the world of BMX, chances are you've heard the name Eastern Bikes. This North Carolina-based brand has been a staple in the BMX community for decades, known for its relentless innovation, durable designs, and deep roots in rider culture. Let’s take a ride through their story—from humble beginnings to their current place in the cycling world.

The Birth of Eastern Bikes

Eastern Bikes officially launched in 1996, but its origin story goes back a few years earlier. In 1992, BMX enthusiast Mike Corley found himself frustrated with the poor quality of mass-market bike frames. So, he did what any passionate rider would do—he built his own. Using parts from a Schwinn and locally sourced chromoly tubing, he created the “Fatty,” a frame that would spark the idea for a new kind of BMX company.

Joined by fellow BMXers Jon Byers and Keith King, Corley helped incorporate Eastern Bikes in 1996 with a bold mission: to build the best bikes money could buy. Based in New Bern, North Carolina, the trio set out to challenge the status quo of BMX design and manufacturing.

Innovation at Its Core

Eastern Bikes quickly made a name for itself by pushing the boundaries of BMX engineering. From the legendary Hercules and Bandit frames in the late '90s to the iconic Grim Reaper frame in 2005, Eastern was never content with the ordinary. The Grim Reaper, with its helix tubing and signature cutouts, became a symbol of the brand’s commitment to lightweight strength and visual flair.

They also pioneered several game-changing components:

• The LB-9 9-tooth driver hub, which allowed for smaller sprockets without sacrificing performance.

• The Bidirectional Hub, the first hub that could switch between left-hand and right-hand drive.

• The Pop-n-Lock hubguard, a simple yet effective solution to protect hubs during grinds.

These innovations weren’t just clever—they were widely imitated and eventually became industry standards.

Sponsorships and Team Riders

Eastern Bikes didn’t just build bikes—they built a community. Over the years, they’ve sponsored a range of talented riders who helped shape the brand’s identity. Pro rider Leigh Ramsdell was instrumental in launching the Ace of Spades signature frame. Josh Perry, known for his powerful riding style, had his own signature frame called the Transcend. Adam Banton also joined the pro team, bringing his unique flair to the Eastern lineup.

Their amateur and international teams have included riders like Logan Dernberry and Australians Daniel Donges and Crystal Shepperd, showcasing Eastern’s global reach and commitment to supporting BMX talent at every level.

What Eastern Bikes Is Doing Today

While the BMX landscape has evolved, Eastern Bikes continues to adapt and innovate. They’ve expanded their product range to include complete bikes, frames, and a wide array of parts for riders of all ages and skill levels. Their E3 manufacturing process—borrowed from racecar and motorcycle frame welding—ensures top-tier durability and performance.

In recent years, Eastern has even ventured into the mountain biking scene with the launch of the Alpaka 29” Hardtail, a versatile rig designed to offer high-end features at an affordable price. This move signals Eastern’s willingness to grow beyond BMX while staying true to their roots in rider-focused design.

Still Rolling Strong

Eastern Bikes remains privately owned by its original founders, who continue to oversee product development and customer service. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and rider satisfaction has kept them relevant in a competitive market. Whether you're a seasoned BMX rider or just getting started, Eastern offers something built to last—and built to ride hard.

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