Vertical bikes are made by Dynacraft; the Vertical name appears on models like Gauntlet and Alpine Eagle sold by major retailers.
Buying a bike with the word “Vertical” on the frame can be puzzling. You’ll see the logo in big box aisles and online listings, yet the frame badge doesn’t spell out who builds it. This guide clears that up fast, then walks you through how the brand works, what to expect on specs, and where to get parts and help.
Who Makes Vertical Bikes?
Short answer: Dynacraft builds the bikes sold under the Vertical label. The name is a model line used by the distributor, not a stand-alone factory brand. You’ll find Vertical bikes such as the Vertical Gauntlet 24-inch and the Vertical Alpine Eagle 24-inch in listings that cite Dynacraft in the title or description. Older models even show up in recall notices that name Dynacraft as the company responsible for the affected Vertical bikes. See the CPSC recall notice and the Vertical Gauntlet 24-inch by Dynacraft for direct references.
Here’s a quick snapshot of common Vertical models you’ll see in stores and resale listings. Use the maker column to confirm the connection.
| Model (Examples) | Wheel Size | Maker/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Nitrous 18″ | 18″ | Dynacraft (kids BMX-style) |
| Vertical Gauntlet 24″ | 24″ | Dynacraft (mountain style) |
| Vertical Alpine Eagle 24″ | 24″ | Dynacraft (mountain style) |
| Vertical XL2 | 26″ | Dynacraft (older model; recall notice) |
| Vertical Spy Girl 20″ | 20″ | Dynacraft (girls model; resale) |
| Vertical Nitrous 18″ (Walmart) | 18″ | Dynacraft (retail listing) |
| Vertical Gauntlet (Walmart) | 24″ | Dynacraft (retail listing) |
Who Makes Vertical Bicycles — Retail Sources And Specs
The Vertical line targets budget shoppers. Sizes run from 18-inch up to 24-inch for kids and young teens. Frames are steel in most cases. Many models pair a suspension fork with linear-pull brakes; some kids’ sizes add training wheels. Sold mainly through big retailers, you’ll see the maker listed as Dynacraft on product pages and manuals. Many listings show the maker under specifications or in the manual. Check both. Always.
How To Prove Your Bike Is A Dynacraft Vertical
You can verify the maker in a few minutes. Start with the retail page or the carton. The seller often prints “Dynacraft” near the specs or warranty block. Next, check the frame for a decal near the bottom bracket with a serial number and a small brand block. If you still need confirmation, look up the owner’s manual on Dynacraft’s site or search for the model name plus “Dynacraft.” Older models may appear in safety notices; those list Dynacraft as the responsible company. For historic models, the CPSC recall notice is a helpful cross-check.
What Quality To Expect From A Vertical Bike
Vertical sits in the entry segment. You’re paying for a ride that gets kids rolling, not a pro parts list. Expect a steel frame, basic suspension on some sizes, and simple drivetrains. Assembly and tune matter a lot with this tier. A careful setup of brakes, shifters, and wheels makes the difference between a harsh ride and a smooth neighborhood spin.
Specs That Tend To Repeat
- Steel frame with bright paint and graphics.
- Linear-pull rim brakes; coaster brakes on small sizes.
- Suspension fork on many 20–24-inch models.
- Basic wheels with wide tires for comfort and grip.
- Kickstand on larger sizes; training wheels on some 18-inch models.
Vertical Vs. Other Budget Labels
Dynacraft sells other lines too, such as Magna and licensed kid themes. Retailers also stock Huffy, Kent, and house labels. The ride feel and parts tier across these groups are close. Warranty terms, store assembly, and local service often matter more than tiny spec differences at this price.
Sizing And Fit Tips For A Vertical Bike
Fit is the first check. Use wheel size as a rough guide, then set saddle height so the rider has a slight knee bend at the bottom of the stroke. If the rider is between sizes, pick the smaller wheel for control and add a longer seatpost later.
Common Size Targets
| Wheel Size | Rider Target | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| 18″ wheels | Riders about 45–56 in tall; often training wheels | Coaster plus caliper brakes are common |
| 20″ wheels | Riders about 47–60 in tall | May add a suspension fork |
| 24″ wheels | Riders about 56–66 in tall | Often 18–21 speeds with rim brakes |
Setup Tips That Save Headaches
Inflate tires to the midpoint of the range. Align brake pads square on the rim. Shift through each gear and tweak cable tension a quarter turn at a time. Lube the chain after assembly. Recheck bolts after a week. Keep tools handy.
Parts, Warranty, And Help
Dynacraft supplies replacement parts and manuals for its lines. You can match pads, cables, tires, and tubes by size at any shop. If a model shows up in a safety bulletin, follow the steps on the notice and contact the company for service kits or replacements. Keep your receipt and the bike’s serial number handy when you reach out. Keep emails from the seller as well. Also.
Proof Points You Can Check Today
Look for “Dynacraft” in any of these spots:
– The product page listing the maker.
– The owner’s manual or quick-start sheet.
– A safety bulletin naming the company for a Vertical model.
– The box label or warranty card.
– A small decal on the frame near the bottom bracket.
Why The Vertical Name Exists
The label helps retailers sell a group of models under a single theme while the actual maker stays the same. Dynacraft handles the sourcing, assembly specs, manuals, and support. The shop floor then promotes the model names—Gauntlet, Alpine Eagle, Nitrous—so parents can match a size and style fast. That is why the badge says “Vertical” yet the service line and warranty point to Dynacraft.
Buying Checklist For A Vertical Bike
Use this quick checklist when you’re in the aisle or clicking online:
- Pick the wheel size by rider height first, not age alone.
- Scan the parts list for the basics: working brakes, free-spinning wheels, and a straight handlebar.
- Choose a model with a kickstand if storage space is tight.
- Confirm that pedals, reflectors, and a manual are in the box.
- Ask the store to true the wheels and set the brake tension before pickup.
Where To Buy And What To Ask
Big retailers stock the line daily, and seasonal sales are common. Ask the store to build the bike and keep the carton so you get all the hardware. Request a quick parking-lot test so the rider can try saddle height and reach. If you order online, plan enough time for assembly and a short shakedown ride near home.
Upgrade Paths As Skills Grow
Start simple. Swap to grippier pedals if shoes slip in the rain. Add wider tires within the rim’s printed range for a softer ride on gravel. Fit a nicer saddle once the rider starts taking longer spins. When the rider outgrows the size, pass the bike down and move up to a larger wheel or a brand with lighter parts.
What This Means For The Question
If you typed “who makes vertical bikes?” into a search bar, you were likely trying to match a logo to a company for service or parts. The maker is Dynacraft. That single fact lets you find manuals, reach support, and read any safety bulletins tied to older Vertical models. It also helps you judge specs and set expectations for price and maintenance.
When A Different Brand Fits Better
If the rider wants lighter weight or hydraulic disc brakes, look beyond the entry tier. Local shops carry models with aluminum frames, cartridge bearings, and wider gear ranges. That step costs more but brings easier climbing, crisper shifting, and simpler long-term care. For many families, though, a Vertical model is a fine starter bike that covers school runs and weekend loops.
Final Word On Maker And Model Line
When you see the Vertical badge, think “model family” under the Dynacraft umbrella. That’s the clean way to answer the maker question and move on to sizing, setup, and safety checks that get a new rider rolling. If you still wonder who makes vertical bikes, the proof sits on the product page, in the manual, and in past safety bulletins that name Dynacraft.