BMX Brand
Federal
Federal Bikes is a UK BMX brand founded in the early 2000s, known for street frames and parts and for signature models built around riders such as Dan Lacey.
Updated 2 min read400 words
Federal Bikes is a British BMX brand started in the early 2000s by the people behind Seventies Distribution, a UK BMX distributor. It makes frames and parts for street riding, and it is best known for signature frames built around its team, above all Dan Lacey, whose riding and video parts defined the brand through the late 2000s and 2010s.
History
Federal was set up as the house brand of Seventies Distribution at a time when the UK scene was growing fast but almost all of its equipment came from American brands. The early range was small and aimed at street riders. The brand grew with its team, and by the late 2000s it had become one of the two leading British street brands alongside BSD.
Dan Lacey joined the team in that period and became its central figure. His signature frame and his video parts, which mixed heavy technical riding with big gaps and rails, gave Federal an identity that stood out from its American rivals. Through the 2010s the team expanded internationally, adding riders from Germany, Australia and France, and the range grew to include cranks, hubs, tyres and bars.
Federal remains active and still releases frames and parts tied to its riders, along with regular web videos.
Products
Federal's range is built around signature frames and street parts.
| Product | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lacey | Frame | Signature frame for Dan Lacey, produced in several versions |
| Bruno | Frame | Signature frame for Bruno Hoffmann |
| Perrin | Frame | Signature frame for Anthony Perrin |
| Boyd | Frame | Signature frame for Boyd Hilder |
| Stance | Cranks | Chromoly cranks |
| Motion | Freecoaster hub | Federal's freecoaster |
| Response and Command | Tyres | Street tyres |
| Drop and Lacey | Handlebars | Bar models |
The brand also makes forks, stems, pegs, seats and clothing.
Team and riders
Federal's team has been a mix of British and international street riders. Riders associated with the brand have included:
- Dan Lacey
- Bruno Hoffmann
- Boyd Hilder
- Anthony Perrin
- Stevie Churchill
Influence
Federal gave British street riding a brand built around its own riders rather than imported names. Dan Lacey's parts for the brand are among the most watched British video sections of their era and helped set a standard for technical street riding in Europe. Together with BSD, Federal showed that the UK could support core brands with international reach, and the two companies' rivalry defined a generation of British riding.
Related
Frequently asked questions about Federal
Where is Federal Bikes from?
Federal is a British brand started in the early 2000s by the people behind Seventies Distribution, a UK BMX distributor.
Who is Dan Lacey?
Dan Lacey is a British street rider whose signature Federal frames and video parts in the late 2000s and 2010s made him the rider most associated with the brand.
Does Federal make complete bikes?
Federal is primarily a frame and parts brand. Its range centres on street frames, cranks, hubs, tyres and bars.
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