Made in Indiana: Guardian Bikes manufactures thousands of bicycles each day in Seymour

SEYMOUR, Ind. (WDRB) – In the middle of Indiana cornfields, a company is cranking out thousands of bicycles every day — all made in Seymour.

Guardian Bikes, originally founded in Texas, has planted strong roots in southern Indiana. Spread across eight buildings, the company makes nearly 90% of every part that goes into its bikes right on site.

Inside the facilities, metal tubes are laser-cut into frame parts, welded together, painted and eventually assembled by hundreds of Hoosier workers. The company is now producing about 2,000 bikes per day — making it the only U.S. bike manufacturer building from the ground up.

But these aren’t just any kids’ bikes. About eight years ago, billionaire investor Mark Cuban bought into the company after seeing Guardian’s “SureStop” braking technology on national television.

“They have this unique technology called SureStop brakes,” Cuban said. “As a kid who went over the handlebars when I was a kid — and as a parent with three young kids at the time — the idea that there was a braking system that could protect my kids … that really attracted me to it.”

Guardian’s co-founder and CEO, Brian Riley, said the company has become the largest American bicycle manufacturer and one of the most technologically advanced in the world.

“We’re as advanced technologically as any bike manufacturer anywhere in the world, and we’re real close to being more advanced — and able to take advantage of it right here in Seymour, Indiana,” Cuban said.

Unlike most bike brands, Guardian doesn’t sell in stores. Instead, all sales are direct-to-consumer through its website. That allows the company to track everything from how often a customer visits the site to how long it takes them to complete a purchase.

The company’s biggest rush comes during the holidays. Cuban said the direct-to-consumer model makes Christmas shopping smoother for parents.

“When you manufacture yourself and ship direct right from Guardian Bikes, you have that personal relationship,” Cuban said. “The costs are lower … so while everybody else is trying to figure out what comes next, we’re way ahead of them. It’s going to be a great Christmas for us.”

Guardian’s bikes typically range from $150 to $350. Company leaders say tariffs on imported bicycles have also helped them stay competitive.

“This really gives us an edge, an advantage, and an incentive for us to bring more and more here and grow,” Cuban said.

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