There’s a been an increasing number of 22″ Bikes popping up…
Faction Amero 22″ BMX Bike
A few years ago when we personally first started hearing about 22″ Bikes we didn’t quite know what to think or if it would ever actually take off. The guys at Faction BMX were the first to start trying out this unique size that fit right between 20″ and 24″ bikes way back in 2002. It was a very small niche in the BMX industry that was geared toward riders that wanted something a little bigger than a traditional BMX bike, but didn’t want to go for an all out cruiser bike. It wasn’t a huge change, just slightly bigger wheels, fork and frames, really. This story of the rise of 22″ bikes originally started 15 years ago.
If you didn’t already know, there tends to be a bit of resistance to “new” things in BMX. Just like the first set of 8″, 9″ and 10″ rise BMX bars, there were a lot of people that were pretty hard stance. Either you like it and you are down to try it out, or you have zero interest at all and don’t see the point. Why change things if it already works the way it is, right? I still have friends that absolutely refuse to get bigger bars and I cannot for the life of me understand why they’re so against it. But, that’s why frames and parts come in so many different sizes; everyone has their own preference for a size that feels right.
In reality, that’s probably one of the hardest parts about innovation in BMX. You could have an amazing idea that works, but unless you convince enough people to try it, understand it and see the benefits, it will likely fail. I mean, how many times have we seen bash guards on the bottom bracket try and fail? The idea is great and it does work, but not enough people are into it to really see it become a “normal” part of BMX bikes. So, the idea goes back on the shelf and collects dust until somebody else decides to take a crack at it. Another example would be when Odyssey released their Twisted PC pedals. They were available for a few years before they actually started selling a notable amount of these plastic pedals compared to their metal options. Now the Twisted PC pedals are undoubtedly one of Odyssey’s most popular products and plastic pedals are more commonly found on a BMX bike than metal, but there was definitely a period of time where there was a weird rivalry between the two. The same could be said with plastic pegs… That was a weird time, too. Now it’s just a regular option for riders.
A prototype build and the S&M 22″ Holmes kit from 2012
Just like the Twisted PC pedals, the 22″ Bike wasn’t exactly something that gained traction over night. After the Faction guys started working on 22″ designs and ultimately went on to release a frame, fork, tires and rims, it was close to 10 years before S&M Bikes decided to see what all the hype was about. In 2012 S&M designed a frame and fork to test out, which lead to the 22″ Holmes Kit that offered rims and tires being made under their sub-brand Revenge. The options for 22″ frames, forks, rims and tires have have remained a part of their line up ever since. Even after S&M and Revenge also threw their hat in the 22″ ring back in 2012, we didn’t see a big surge in the 22″ BMX bike category. I will admit having a notable brand like S&M getting into it did probably help make it a little more appealing and a little more known. But it still wasn’t something that really got much attention.
Even though S&M and Faction were offering kits to build your own 22″ bike, it didn’t seem like we were seeing a ton of riders rushing to pick up a kit to try out the larger size. A kit from Faction goes for around $750 and a frame from S&M is in the $349.99 – $419.99 range, so it’s hard to spend that kind of money just to see if you’re into the bigger size.
UPDATE: Apparently we have been out of the loop! There’s another company based out of Austin, Texas called Indust that have been making 22″ frames, parts and some custom build bikes since around 2011 that we had never heard about until now. Shout out to Max Krauss for tipping us off. Crazy how we missed that! Technically these guys were doing 22″ before S&M.
After another few years had passed with a few 22″ options but nothing really new being added, we saw something starting to happen in 2016. We started seeing some serious interest being put into these bigger bikes. The guys at FBM started offering a 22″ Steadfast Frame to give riders another option that could also be customized to your preference. Shortly after that it was announced that United Bike Co. were releasing the first 22″ complete, the 2017 KF22 Complete Bike and Fit Bike Co. were working on the Brian Foster signature 22″ complete. Some of you might be able to connect the dots with S&M, Fit, Revenge and United since all four are pretty closely related. S&M, Fit and Revenge are owned by Chris Moeller and The Building Distribution, which also distributes United Bike Co. in the United States. So now, we now have Faction, S&M, Revenge, Indust, Fit Bike Co., FBM and United offering 22″ products. Still, a fairly small circle of brands when looking at the overall number of brands in BMX.
Sneak peek QBMX posted of a 22″ tire that Wethepeople are working on…
Things have started happening and it would appear that the wheels on the 22″ bikes are really starting to turn (pun intended) and the guys at Faction weren’t so crazy after all. If you have picked up a 22″ bike or you have been interested, it looks like 2017 might just be the year to jump on the train, because your options are about to grow. In the past few months we have seen or heard of a few other brands that are joining this “revolution” of sorts. We have spotted a prototype 22″ tire from Wethepeople, which leads us to believe they will be offering a complete bike or aftermarket frame and parts for 22″ bikes. We haven’t heard exact details yet, but we could see Wethepeople or their sub-brand Salt Plus having 22″ parts options. The guys at Deluxe BMX are working on 22″ frames now that they’re building frames in-house in Pennsylvania, so there’s another American made option.
Update: After we posted this Wethepeople confirmed that they will have a mid-range complete 22″ bike, along with aftermarket frame, fork, rims, tires and complete wheel sets coming soon. Wethepeople will be offering a frame and fork kit as well. Also, Salt will also be offering 22″ wheelsets at a more affordable price point.
FBM’s 22″ Steadfast frame”
2017 Brian Foster Signature 22″ Complete Bike
United’s KF22 Complete Bike
We also have 100% confirmation from Stolen Bikes that they are going to be offering a full line up of parts between Stolen and Fiction. Both brands will be offering a Stolen “Spade Pro” 22″ Frame, along with a Spade Complete Bike and the Fiction Troop Tire will come in a 22 x 2.30″ size. Those will all be dropping in June. Stolen also have 22″ wheelsets and rims that are already shipping to distributors worldwide as we write this. You can expect to see those popping up soon.
Stolen Rampage 22″ Wheels
Let’s go over this one more time. Faction, S&M Bikes, Fit Bike Co., Revenge, United Bike Co., Indust, FBM, Deluxe, Wethepeople, Stolen and Fiction are all either offering or will be offering 22″ bikes, frames or parts. That’s just what we’re aware of. If there’s one thing we know, it’s once something starts getting popular, it won’t take look for the rest of the industry to get in on the mix. That’s not a bad thing, though. It doesn’t hurt to have options, right? Competition leads to innovation and had S&M not decided to give Faction a little competition back in 2012, we might not be seeing the growth we are seeing in 2017 for 22″ bikes. We would imagine that list will grow in the coming year.
Update: Thanks to the guys at 22-Inch BMX, we were filled in on a few other options for 22″ bikes that we were unaware one. DK Bicycles have their 22″ Vega complete and Canadian brand Encore Bikes have their 22″ Anthem complete as well. Two bikes we were unaware of. Also, Laird Frames, Dave Harrison, Standard Bykes and Stout Bikes all offer 22″ custom frames. It turns out that there is A LOT more 22″ bikes popping up than we actually thought. We have also been tipped off that it sounds like Subrosa will be offering a 22″ complete bike in their 2018 range of bikes later this year. That means there are at least 17 potential options for 22″ bikes, frames or parts in 2017? Talk about an explosion of these bikes becoming available. Once again, big thanks to 22-Inch BMX for the heads up!
It’s kind of crazy to think that it took 15 years before these bikes really became a force in BMX. We give Faction big props for sticking it out and proving to all of us that there is a place for the 22″ bikes in this sport.
What do you think? Have you tried out a 22″ bike? How do you like it? Haven’t tried one? What do you think about this? Could you see yourself trying one? Let us know in the comments below!
Jeniffer Hooper says
My son weighs around 110kgs and was advised to ride a bike. What are the types of bikes which cater to that weight and also durability? Is BMX good for that too?
brian says
pegs on a 22?? yes or no?
Anonymous says
I can relate to you, Todd.
I’ve been on a road and mountain bikes during the past couple decades and am thinkin’ about BMX’ing again so I’m considering the 22 inchers.
Gonna do some more digging to see if this type of bike is right for me as I’m 5’6″ but prefer to have a more “adult” version of the BMX with few sacrifices as related to hopping and doing any tricks.
Andrew says
I’m a touch taller than you at 5’7″. I’ve recently purchased a WTP Audio. It is really good. I’ve flipped the stem because I’m not a fan of the high front ends. It’s good to jump and I can manual it better than my 20″. The parts are good too. I’m looking forward to heading out to more trails soon.
Todd says
Wow, was about to make a return to BMX after 10yrs riding MTBs, hopped on the 20″, felt so small.
Started researching 24″ thinking that would be the go and bam 22″ pops up on my search, I never knew, now i’m more confused than ever haha
Christian says
I have been watching the rise of 22″ bikes for some time now, waiting to see how much it would catch on. I am now more tempted to buy than ever.
Ldn22 says
Anyone reading this and wondering whether to make the switch: just go for it!
I picked up a KF22 and absolutely love it. As a 6′ 3″ older rider who enjoys tracks and bowls it is better than a 20 in every way.
Really hoping that this isn’t a temporary fad and it becomes impossible to buy tyres etc in a few years down the line…
dfuse says
But what’s the reason for the bigger wheels? I’m about to buy my first bmx, I’m 6’5″. I’d guess a 22″ would be a better fit for me? Have to order online so can’t test 🙁
22-InchBMX says
Hey. Dave from 22-Inch BMX here. The 22″ size with bmx geometry is the perfect blend of stability of a bigger bike and being nimble like a 20″ bike. Plus, the larger diameter means there’s a better footprint on the ground which means more traction when you need it. As for your height, you are not going to be as cramped on your bike, and will feel like you’re on a “regular” size bmx bike that fits you. With being 6’5″ you’ll probably want something in a 21.75″ toptube or better. The 2018 Fit BF22, DK Vega and General Lee have a 22.125″ toptube. The STLN Spade will have a 22.25″ TT. All of them will be 100% chromoly.
Join us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/22inchbmx/ or the Instagram @22inchbmx.
Anonymous says
Aaaah! So we MTB guys aren’t the ones with new wheel sizes!
evi1joe says
Would the bigger wheels add any advantage for heavier riders? I’m 5’10” and 280lbs, but didn’t know if 22 helped absorb weight or if it was just for taller guys.
Any ideas?
Kurt says
Not 100% on that one. I would imagine it could help since the larger wheels would offer more surface area to absorb impacts better. That’s a really good question.
Xaveus says
Big props to BMXunion for giving twenty2s the coverage!
Arjan says
Salvo bikes from South Africa are doing 22’s for a while. I got mine from them in 2014.
Also Felt did the Catch 22 complete in 2014.
Based on Moeller instagram S&M is coming with a 22″ speedball tyre.
And then you have the race version of the 22″, the Tioga OS20. Minor difference in tyre size, but the same idea of an option between 20″ and 24″. Tioga, GT, Standard, Alienation and Meybo/SuperDuper are among the companies with offerings in that size. My Salvo frame accepts OS20 and true 22″ wheels.
Kurt says
Thanks, Arjan! I hadn’t heard of Salvo Bikes until now, which is pretty crazy. I’ll look into them for sure! I wasn’t aware Felt was doing much with freestyle anymore. I haven’t kept tabs on them since their team kind of disappeared.
I did see that Speedball tire. That should be an awesome addition since that tire is really good.
The race world is a whole different game. We have always tried to stick to the freestyle side since we don’t have much of a background in the race side of things, so that would make sense that I hadn’t seen those options.
Thank you!
Jane says
I am fairly new to BMX. I started racing cruiser class because my 3 boys are all big into BMX and we spend alot of time at the track. We also spend alot of time at skateparks and indoor bike parks but I found my cruiser a bit big for the tighter turns. I started riding my friend’s 22 and fell in love. Now I have the Fit BF22 and absolutely love it. The 20″ bikes are too small and reactive for me. The 22 is perfect and now I prefer it to my cruiser. And I can hang with my boys wherever we are riding!
Kurt says
That’s so good. I’ve been hearing that a lot since we posted this between the Facebook comments and here. It seems like it’s a size that is drawing a lot of riders back to the “small” bikes. Stoked on this. Thank you for commenting!
Nick says
I’m 6’8″, riding a fit bf22, just ordered a 22 lairdframe. 22 is the best thing that’s ever happened to me regarding BMX.
Kurt says
That’s so rad. I’m only 5’10” so I have no idea how it feels to be that tall, but it’s pretty awesome hearing how this size has made it more accessible / comfortable for taller guys like yourself. I would imagine that Laird Frame is going to be amazing.
Kristi says
Matt B. makes some awesome 22s in Houston! His company is Stout bikes! http://stoutbikes.blogspot.com
Kurt says
I wasn’t aware of Stout Bikes until we posted this, but we’ve been hearing nothing but good things about Stout! Thank you!
Anonymous says
Seriously, the DK Vega has been out for a while now. Do better research and give them some love.
Kurt says
Sorry we missed it. We had added it into the post to mention it. We clearly haven’t been doing a good enough job keeping up with everything DK is doing.
22-InchBMX says
Let me know if you ever need anything about what’s going on with 22s.
David at 22-InchBMX, @22inchbmx
Kurt says
Thank you, David! You have been a huge help in making sure we didn’t miss anything. Pretty crazy how many options there are either available or coming soon! It’s blowing up!
Anonymous says
I wasI. A 22″ front 20″ rear BMX in 1977 on my GRACO MX1000 .
Kurt says
That’s rad. We have heard of people doing that 22″ in the front and 20″ in the rear. I guess it works really well. Obviously you would know that!
Willard says
You guys didn’t mention the DK 22″ complete the vega? No ❤️ for DK?
Kurt says
Added it in there! We blanked on that one. Sorry about that! It’s crazy how many options there are popping up or have been available.