It’s a new year, and we’ve seen some shake ups with sponsorships, but here’s some news we weren’t expecting to be talking about this morning. Steve Crandall has just announced that FBM will be closing its doors after 18 years of riding, manufacturing BMX bikes in the U.S.A and plenty of partying. This news is definitely a bummer since it’s one of those brands you just feel good about. They put in a lot of work to put out a good vibe and make BMX look fun. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to keep the sales going and the lights on. It’s a bummer to hear this news, for sure. Check out the official word from Steve down below…
“FBM started out as a crew.
Just some friends stoked on bikes. Through our curiosity and bike riding fueled smiles, we ended up as a full fledged bike company.
Unfortunately, we have closed the machine shop and FBM will no longer manufacture bikes.
This has been an unbelievably tough decision and we explored multiple options to maintain business as usual but we simply aren’t able to keep moving forward under existing model. That being said, we can’t thank everyone enough for being a part of FBM and helping us get this far in the world. The FBM Machine Shop opened in 2001 and built some of the best parts in BMX for 18 amazing years. You helped us build fun and share the message of community, positivity and DIY good times and we appreciate the support more than I even know how to express.
And since we started as a a crew, some day we will finish as a crew.
At it’s core FBM is built around friendship, and the spirit of FBM will live on forever, in our hearts, as a lifestyle and as an idea.
The heart of FBM is the people and that will never change. But FBM isn’t just for the people, it IS the people.
What we’ve all done collectively has been pretty powerful and inspiring.
The Road Goes on forever and the party never ends… (We jam econo!)
With the utmost gratitude.” – Steve Crandall
After re-reading the statement a few times, it sounds like FBM might still exist on another level, just not through manufacturing bikes. Maybe they’re going back to where it got its start just making t-shirts? We’ll keep you posted once we hear more.
What’s your favorite FBM memory? Let us know in the comments down below!