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Seymour Today
By the People, for the People
Indiana Bike Maker Seeks Tariffs to Compete with Imports
Guardian Bikes aims to revitalize American manufacturing through automation and reshoring efforts.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:55am
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A precision-engineered American-made bicycle frame symbolizes the potential for domestic manufacturing to compete with overseas imports.Seymour TodayGuardian Bikes, a bicycle manufacturer based in Seymour, Indiana, is advocating for tariffs on imported bikes and components in order to level the playing field with overseas competitors. The company, which produces around 2,000 bikes per day and employs hundreds of local workers, has invested heavily in automation to offset higher U.S. labor costs and maintain competitiveness. Guardian's CEO, Brian Riley, believes that incentivizing domestic production is crucial for national security and economic resilience, though the tariff proposal has sparked debate within the industry.
Why it matters
Guardian Bikes' story is emblematic of the growing trend of reshoring, where companies are bringing manufacturing back to the United States. This shift is driven by factors like supply chain disruptions, rising overseas labor costs, and a renewed focus on national security. Guardian's success in Seymour, Indiana, demonstrates how automation and strategic investments can help American manufacturers compete with low-cost imports, potentially revitalizing domestic industries.
The details
Guardian Bikes was founded after CEO Brian Riley's grandfather suffered an accident, leading him to develop the innovative SureStop brake technology. Faced with the reality that nearly all bicycle manufacturing had moved overseas, Riley decided to bring production back to the U.S., establishing a vertically integrated facility in Seymour, Indiana. The company has invested heavily in automation, utilizing robotic welding and laser-cutting technology to offset higher labor costs and compete with imports. Guardian now produces approximately 2,000 bikes per day, employing hundreds of workers in the Hoosier state.
- Guardian Bikes was founded after Riley's grandfather's accident.
- The company secured funding through an appearance on Shark Tank.
- Guardian Bikes now produces around 2,000 bikes per day in Seymour, Indiana.
The players
Guardian Bikes
An Indiana-based bicycle manufacturer that is advocating for tariffs on imported bikes and components in order to revitalize American manufacturing.
Brian Riley
The co-founder and CEO of Guardian Bikes, who initially entered the bike industry after his grandfather's accident and is now leading the company's reshoring efforts.
What they’re saying
“We must incentivize domestic production for national security and economic resilience.”
— Brian Riley, CEO, Guardian Bikes
What’s next
Guardian Bikes' request for tariffs on imported bicycles and components is currently being considered as part of the Trump administration's broader trade strategy.
The takeaway
Guardian Bikes' story highlights the potential for American manufacturers to compete with overseas imports through strategic investments in automation and reshoring efforts. As more companies prioritize national security and economic resilience, the trend of bringing critical manufacturing back to the United States is likely to continue.
