Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

A museum-quality S&M Challenger BMX

S and M Challenger BMX bike

S&M are approaching their 25th anniversary of producing all-American-made BMX frames and accessories, a testament to Chris Moeller’s dedication to the sport and culture.

The number of dedicated fans S&M have generated over that time is astounding, due to the quality of their products and, possibly, the sexual allusions of their brand.

S and M Challenger BMX bike
Joe Stevenson is a connoisseur of old and mid school BMX and his latest restoration, a 1998 S&M Challenger, is a museum-quality showpiece.

S and M Challenger BMX bike
Every component has been selected with mid-90s period-correctness in mind, right down to the ‘rare as rocking horse manure’ NOS Big Shield saddle and the legendary Solid Bikes needle bearing headset. Joe sourced a pair of S&M Slam bars and RV forks have been specified, as opposed to the commonly used Pitchfork model.

The rims are Araya Super 7X which, in Joe’s opinion, are still some of the best 20″ rims ever made. Nota bene: the pads are not re-issued, but a NOS pad set.

S and M Challenger BMX bike
If you like your old school BMX, have a look at Joe’s Standard 125 and his Terrible One Custom, they’re both a homage to the glory days of mid-school BMX.

S and M Challenger BMX bike
S and M Challenger BMX bike