Do you have a love for the classic Head Tube Badge? Here’s a look at a few we really like…
In a world like BMX, there’s a lot of details that can make a world of difference from a riders style to products. When it comes to products, there’s no denying that we have seen quality of BMX frames greatly improve for instance. With that being said, a lot of the biggest changes have come to the aesthetics of the frame. Smaller tubing, cleaner welds, integrated pieces like seat post clamps and brake mounts, investment casting for cleaner and stronger joints, tapering, butting, CNC machining and more all make a world of difference. However, there is one piece that we don’t see all too often these days that, personally, we feel can really give a frame that little extra look that can remind you that frame building is an art; the head tube badge. We started digging around to see where we could find the classic head tube badge these days and compiled a few for you to check out! Let’s do this!
Initially, what got us thinking about this was a photo we came across of FBM‘s badge that’s found on their Steadfast and Hardway frames. The photo below is another version of the badge that, if I remember right, they ran on the original Steadfast frame a few years back. FBM are known for being one of the few brands that still make their frames here in the U.S.A out of their warehouse in New York. They have always taken pride in the quality of their work and I think, even though the head tube badge cuts into margins and can raise the overall price of their frames, is a nice touch to remind people that time and effort went into making that frame.
Another perspective of the head tube badge, is that it seems to appeal to trails riders more than anyone else. Is it because they understand and appreciate the value of putting in work to create something? …Maybe! You can find the head tube badge on Kink‘s trails inspired Mudrunner frame that features the Kink logo, two pick axes and a spade shovel. Badass to say the least.
Although none of the S&M frames don’t come with the head tube badge standard, they still make a badass one that you can drill and tap yourself. This badge, similar to the FBM badge, reminds us that their frames are made right here in U.S.A out in their warehouse in California! Can’t go wrong with quality! That’s for sure. By the way, you can pick this badge up for $15.99 in the S&M Bikes webstore.
Back in 2013, to celebrate Source BMX’s 10 year anniversary, S&M collaborated with them on a signature ATF frame for The Fids that had these crazy pirate head tube badges. The Fids is a badass, so we would have been pretty bummed if it didn’t have a head tube badge! More on this frame can be found on The Merged.
We haven’t heard much from Skavenger in a little while and in all honesty, I’m starting to wonder if they are still producing new products? Anyone with any info on that one should drop us a line in the comments! Either way, Tom White’s signature El Blanco Loco frame featured a rad head tube badge that paid tribute to the famous Love Park statue in Philadelphia. This frame is a good example of how good a head tube badge can make a frame look.
For 2015, the majority of Stolen‘s complete bikes feature a few different versions of head tube badges that use their crest. Above is a look at Sean Morr’s signature complete. You can actually pick the badge up for $5.99 on Dan’s Comp in three different colors and two styles.
Subrosa are another brand that feature a head tube badge on their 2015 complete bikes! This is a more basic badge that features Subrosa’s inverted rose logo. Still a nice touch!
Canadia’s BMXfu crew produced a limited run of these FuMan head tube badges that turned out real good. Not sure if these were ever for sale or if it was just something you had to be apart of the crew to get, but I have a feeling they could have sold a lot of these.
Everyones favorite Youtube sensation, Adam LZ makes these BMX head tube badges that look like BMW logos. Although these aren’t as fancy and just stick on, it’s a pretty cool touch.
So, that about wraps it up! We want to see more head tube badges. If you can think of some classic old school ones or maybe some more current ones we missed, post up a photo or link in the comments! Are you digging this? Hit that “Share” button up top or pass the link along!
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