Guardian Bikes Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 8
Brian Riley and Kyle Jansen pitched Guardian Bikes on Shark Tank Season 8. It’s a safety-first company built on innovation. From their patented SureStop braking system to a US-based factory powered by robotics, they’re proving that smart design and local production can go hand in hand.
Brian Riley and Kyle Jansen entered the Shark Tank Season 8 Episode 21 with Guardian Bikes. Featuring a patented SureStop braking system that prevents flipping and reduces crashes, Guardian Bikes caught the attention of the Sharks and viewers alike. Backed by a clear mission, smart engineering, and growing national sales, this pitch stood out as more than just a ride; it was a movement toward safer cycling for kids.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 8 Episodes.
About Guardian Bikes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Guardian Bikes |
| Founders | Brian Riley and Kyle Jansen |
| Industry | Bicycle Manufacturing / Kids’ Products |
| Product | Kids’ bikes with enhanced safety features |
| Funding | $500,000 (investment) |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Mark Cuban |
| Investment Asked | $500,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Outcome | $500,000 for 15% with contingency |
| Valuation | $5 million |
Brian Riley and Kyle Jansen introduced the Sharks to Guardian Bikes, the world’s safest kids’ bikes, on Shark Tank. The business is an offshoot of Riley’s SureStop business, which supplies bicycle brake components to other bike manufacturers. The secret to the brakes is that equal force is applied to both the front and rear brakes when you squeeze a hand brake. It reduces the probability of a wipeout and injuries.
Guardian Bikes launched at the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas in September 2015. Riley believed kids’ bikes were an underserved market. He realized this when his SureStop customers weren’t putting the brakes on kids’ bikes. Guardian Bikes has bikes for sale in dozens of shops nationwide and is also available online.
There are three models. A twenty-inch, single-speed bike costs $319. Twenty-inch 6-speed bikes are $399, and twenty-four-inch, seven-speed bikes cost $419. All models ship “99% assembled” and feature the SureStop braking system. The company likely wanted Shark’s help with ramping up production and getting into mass retail outlets.
Guardian Bikes Shark Tank Pitch
Brian and Kyle stepped into the Tank seeking $500,000 for 10% of their business. Guardian Bikes’ Shark Tank pitch was all about one thing, i.e., keeping kids safe on two wheels. They told their story and showed the Sharks how the braking system works. Their patented SureStop braking system, designed to prevent wipeouts, impressed the Sharks. Chris Sacca especially loved it.
But Kevin O’Leary questioned their strategy. Instead of building bikes, he thought they should have licensed the technology.
What Makes Guardian Bikes Unique?
Guardian Bikes is built around safety for kids from the ground up. The star feature is their patented SureStop braking system, which applies equal pressure to both wheels with one lever. That means no more flying over the handlebars or skidding out on the driveway.
A lightweight frame, kid-friendly geometry, and bikes that ship 99% are also assembled. The ride is easy to handle and its safety is simple, so parents worry less and kids ride more.
Did Guardian Bikes Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Barbara was the first Shark to go out, saying they needed a good salesman. Kevin offered $500,000 for 20% equity, but only if they discontinued the bike-building business altogether. When Brian and Kyle looked at the other Sharks, Kevin pulled the deal. Chris and Lori followed Kevin out, leaving the door open for Mark Cuban.
Mark made an offer of $500,000 with three contingencies: the technology is unique, they reach sales goals, and they hire an in-house PR person. The founders agreed, and just like that, Guardian Bikes landed a deal with Mark, $500,000 for 15% equity.
Guardian Bikes Shark Tank Update: What Happened After Shark Tank?
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. The deal with Mark did close, and he became an active partner, guiding marketing and business growth. Eventually, the Guardian Bikes team met their goals.
By 2019, they had sold over 35,000 units. Their innovative SureStop braking system gained attention, leading to features in various media outlets and positive customer reviews.
In 2020, supply chain issues with China caused the company problems. As a result, they decided to build a factory in Seymour, Indiana. The first phase of the factory rollout began in June 2022.
In December 2022, the company raised $3 million from Mark Cuban, Elevate Ventures, Digsbury Ventures, and others. The funds were used to fit out their new factory, where they assembled all their bikes by March 2023. Over the next few years, they also shifted the production of frames and all other components, which created hundreds of jobs.
Update Segment
Guardian Bikes received an update segment in Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 12. In the update segment, they discussed how all their bike parts come from China. The trade war with China caused their tariffs to increase from 11% to 36%, and the COVID-19 pandemic-related supply chain issues increased their container costs from $5000 to $25,000.
The founders mentioned the US factory was Mark’s idea, and they showcased the factory floor with employees assembling bikes and robots making bike parts.
The founders mentioned the US factory was Mark’s idea, and they showcased the factory floor with employees assembling bikes and robots making bike parts.
Brian and Kyle revealed that they had $33.5 million in lifetime sales, and the growth shows that there were no signs of slowing down. Mark said moving manufacturing to the US was a great thing because it created jobs and had set a foundation for more manufacturing in the US, which is what this country needs to do.
On a Zoom call with the founders, Mark said they were on the way to $100 million in sales. The guys said everyone in Seymour recognizes them because of the new factory, and they want to be an example for kids to chase their dreams.
As of April 2024, annual revenue is around $25 million. They still have not entered the adult bike market.
Given that the whole idea was sparked by a family member’s bike accident, it feels like a natural next step. There’s a real opportunity here—not just for kids, but for adults who’ve avoided biking because of safety concerns. If Guardian keeps innovating like they have been, expanding into adult bikes could be their next big win.
Read more details about Guardian Bikes – the Safest Bikes in the World on the Shark Tank Blog.
Where Can You Buy It?
Guardian Bikes are available for purchase on their official website and also on Amazon. Check out their social media for any recent updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Quick Summary
- Founders Brian Riley and Kyle Jansen pitched Guardian Bikes, seeking $500,000 for 10% equity.
- The business features a unique braking system that enhances safety for children and prevents accidents.
- As of April 2024, Guardian Bikes generated around $25 million in annual revenue and is committed to US manufacturing.
Curious about other businesses that are featured in Shark Tank Season 8 Episode 21? Check out the business updates!
