Chad Herrington: The Crusader of BMX Innovation and Style
In the early 1990s, when BMX was evolving from its raw, rebellious roots into a more refined and technically daring sport, a rider named Chad Herrington emerged—not just as a BMXer, but as a visionary. While exact details of his birthdate and hometown remain elusive, Herrington’s impact on the BMX world is anything but obscure. He wasn’t just riding bikes—he was redesigning them.
From Dirt to Design: Chad’s Entry into BMX
Chad’s journey into BMX began like many others: drawn to the thrill of dirt jumps and the freedom of freestyle. But unlike most, he quickly became known not only for his riding but for his obsession with the mechanics behind it. His breakout moment came with a standout section in Eddie Roman’s legendary video Ride On, where his dirt jumping style—fluid, aggressive, and unmistakably his own—caught the attention of the BMX community.
Tricks and Style: What Set Him Apart
Herrington’s riding was marked by a blend of technical precision and creative flair. While he wasn’t necessarily known for inventing new tricks, his execution of classics like no-footed cans, turndowns, and stretched-out tabletops had a signature style that made them feel fresh. His jumps were big, his landings clean, and his bike control was surgical. But what truly set him apart was his ability to make every trick look like it belonged to him alone.
The Hoffman Era and Product Innovation
In late 1992, Chad joined Hoffman Bikes—a move that would define much of his legacy. He wasn’t just a team rider; he became a product designer, helping to shape the future of BMX hardware. One of his most notable contributions was Hoffman’s first clamp-style stem, which later paired with the iconic Super Forks. Herrington’s designs weren’t just functional—they were forward-thinking, influencing the direction of BMX tech for years to come.
The Crusader: A Frame and a Philosophy
Perhaps the most fascinating chapter in Chad’s story is the creation of the Crusader frame. Marketed through Turner Drive Systems, the Crusader was more than a bike—it was a statement. Herrington designed both the Crusader I and the all-wheel-drive Crusader II, pushing boundaries in frame geometry and drivetrain concepts. He even introduced the “sweet spot” pivot on the bottom bracket, a design element that would later be mimicked by other manufacturers.
His custom-painted frames—often featuring wild tiger stripes and bold color schemes—became legendary in their own right. Herrington painted them all himself, showcasing an artistic side that matched his technical prowess. At Interbike in the mid-90s, his frames drew crowds and admiration, with one attendee reportedly staring at a Crusader for 45 minutes straight.
Sponsors and Video Sections
Beyond Hoffman Bikes and Turner Drive Systems, Chad’s sponsorships were more niche and product-focused than mainstream. He collaborated with FBM to create a modern version of the Crusader frame, blending old-school aesthetics with new-school geometry. His video appearances, while not as frequent as some of his contemporaries, were always memorable—Ride On remains the most iconic, capturing his style and spirit at its peak.
Chad Herrington // Ride On // 1992