{"id":546,"date":"2019-11-01T18:16:51","date_gmt":"2019-11-02T01:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mtbikeprogress.com\/?p=546"},"modified":"2019-11-01T18:17:04","modified_gmt":"2019-11-02T01:17:04","slug":"which-mountain-bikes-are-made-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mtbikeprogress.com\/which-mountain-bikes-are-made-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Mountain Bikes Are Made in the USA?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bicycle manufacturing, like many of the products we now purchase, has been mainly moved overseas to decrease production costs. There are still a small number of mountain bike builders that choose to keep production here in the States, though it seems as though that number continues to dwindle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you’re a person that’s inclined to settling for nothing less than good ol’ American made, you’ve definitely got some options. However, if you’re expecting that bike to be 100% made in the USA, that’s going to be a bit tougher to find, because finding bicycle components (especially drivetrain and tires) that are American made, can be much more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vast majority of Mountain bike components are made overseas, with most of those being built in China and Japan. But, just as we find with frame builders, there are a small handful of companies on American shores offering up some solid bicycle components. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So I got ahold of my friends over at CyclePath PDX<\/a> and did a little brainstorming on what it would take to build a truly all American Made mountain bike. And we were able to come up with some solid options, that would afford us the opportunity for some great builds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minus a couple of key components; drivetrain and tires, we were able to find parts that were proudly made in the USA. Every one of today’s multi-speed drivetrain manufactures is from abroad, and the last American made bicycle tire was assembled on Feb. 28, 1987.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leaves us at an impasse unless of course, we flex the rules a little. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is possible, to assemble a single-speed drive train made up of only American parts. Not maybe the best option for a full-suspension trail bike, but you wouldn’t be the first trunk legged massagist to find glory in the simplicity of a single-speed ride. So if multi-speed ‘go parts’ are a must, it doesn’t look like it can be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for tires, we’re just going to have to settle for ‘American Owned’ manufacturers on this one otherwise, we’d be rolling on some NOS (new on shelf, new off the shelf, new old stock; etc.) hoops, that have been stashed away in the back corner of some warehouse since the early eighties. Mountain bike tire technology has come a long way since then, and I wouldn’t plan on trying to keep up with my buddies or win at EWS with a set of those on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And same goes with the chain, we’d have to settle for an American owned company, to pull off this build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of the mountain bike frame builders that still build frames inside US borders. And just to make it fun, we went with only full-suspension offerings. Not a slight against hardtails, there are numerous American Made hardtail manufactures in The States and some pretty sick HT frames as a result. But full suspension is the in thing right now, so we’re gonna focus on that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We found three mountain bike manufacturers that are manufacturing frames Stateside, and some damn good ones too. Every one of these companies has been in the game for a minute, and the quality and engineering show it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foes Racing<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
As a former designer and builder off-road trucks, for such manufacturers as Nissan and Ford, Brent Foes (Foes Fabrication) knew he could build a better full suspension bike than what was currently being offered in 1992. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then began Foes Racing Bicycle Division and their new head-turning Long Travel Suspension system. The first of it’s kind, in a sea of mountain bikes that featured the industry maximum of 2.5″ of suspension travel. With 6″ of squish and a radical design for the times, Brent was confident that his design would change the industry. And it has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foes currently offers 6 different models in their mountain bike offerings; including the <\/p>\n\n\n\n
H2 Hydro<\/strong>
210mm travel <\/li>
downhill race frame<\/li>
hydroformed aluminum<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Mutz<\/strong>
120mm rear travel<\/li>
26″ x 4.0″ \/ 27.5″ x 3.0″(27.5+) \/ 29″ x 2.35″ compatible<\/li>
Full-suspension fat fun<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
FXR<\/strong>
6.3″ – 7″ adjustable rear travel<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Alpine Plus<\/strong>
5″-5.5″ of adjustable rear travel<\/li>
27.5″ x 3.0″ \/ 29″ x 2.35″ compatible <\/li>
convertible trail bike<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Mixer Trail<\/strong>
5.5″ – 6″ adjustable travel<\/li>
29″ front \/ 27.5″ rear<\/li>
mixed wheel trail bike<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Mixer Enduro<\/strong>
6.3″ – 7″ adjustable travel<\/li>
29″ front \/ 27.5″ rear<\/li>
mixed wheel enduro bike<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In Foes words –<\/strong> Brent Foes introduced the mountain bike world to long-travel suspension design in 1993 with the release of the 6\u2033 travel, monocoque-framed Foes LTS. In the years since, Foes has continued to redefine the industry with design innovations that have stood the tests of time, competition, and relevancy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ellsworth<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Tony Ellsworth began hand-building mountain bikes out of his garage. His focus was to build the highest level mountain available and do it in America. Ellsworth bikes are known for their outstanding ride quality, and it’s no wonder, their patented Instant Center Tracking (ICT) suspension has evolved in an even stiffer, well-mannered link, now called the Active Energy Efficient Suspension (AEES). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Ellsworth has your eye and Made in the USA you demand, you’re going to settle for one of their aluminum frame offerings, as all of their carbon-based frames are made overseas, except for the chainstays and rocker links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, the only frame they offer in aluminum is their 120mm travel, XC\/Trail bike called the Epiphany. It is capable of running either 27.5″+ or 29″ wheels, making it an even greater value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Epiphany Alloy<\/strong>120mm rear travel<\/li>
27.5″+ \/ 29″ compatible<\/li>
XC \/ Trail bike<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In Ellsworth’s words-<\/strong> Ellsworth Handcrafted has been designing and manufacturing bicycles for over 27 years with a heritage centered around the mountain bike culture that developed in Southern California in the late 80s. Ellsworth Handcrafted is known for its uncompromised full suspension mountain bikes that provide more Traction, Control, and Efficiency which translates into a riding experience like no other.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guerrilla Gravity<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
GG’s entire line of trail slaying beasts is made right here on American soil. Guerilla Gravity has made a big name for itself inside the mountain bike community. With four full suspension offerings and one hardtail, they’ve got a bike for most riders out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Smash<\/strong>
Surface to Surface missile<\/li><\/ul>
145mm rear travel<\/li>
29″ wheels<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
The Megatrail<\/strong>
Big Mountain Liberator<\/li>
155\/165mm rear travel<\/li>
27.5″ wheels<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Trail Pistol <\/strong>
Singletrack Flyer<\/li>
120mm rear travel<\/li>
29″ hoops<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Shred Dogg<\/strong>
Ain’t Nothin but A Trail Party<\/li>
130\/140mm rear travel<\/li>
27.5″\/27.5+ capable<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In Guerilla Gravity’s words –<\/strong> Guerrilla Gravity is a mountain bike manufacturing company. We believe businesses exist to serve their communities, so we’ve made it our mission is to make mountain biking more awesome. What does that entail? Improving trail access, increasing ridership, and of course making badass mountain bikes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are American Made Mt. Bikes any Better?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We don’t really know. There just isn’t enough frame builders in the US to make an accurate estimate as to which country produces the best frames. And certainly no algorithm for tracking that data even if there were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even so, how do you rate one frame better than the other? Stiffness, looks, geometry, paint scheme, warranty, weight, smell, taste?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if quality purposes were set aside, keeping our hard-earned dollar close to home is why many of us choose to purchase products with a domestic origin. I’ve met a few folks in my time that would go to great lengths to buy only made in the USA, and I mean ‘great lengths’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So to these folks, it becomes more than just about who makes the best product, but who their money goes to, and which companies they choose to support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We see many manufacturers stand behind their frames with a lifetime warranty for manufacturers defect, and a reduced cost option for crash incidence, from frame builders all over the globe, not just the US. So if you use that as an indicator, you might surmise that there are great bikes being built everywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Build an All American Mtn. Bike<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Now that we’ve got some options to choose from as far as frame builders, it’s time to find components to get that thing on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Handlebars and Stem –<\/strong> Enve Composites
available widths 780 – 810mm<\/li>
31.8 & 35mm diameter<\/li>
four different options for riding style
M5 – XC<\/li>
M6 – Trail<\/li>
M7 – Enduro<\/li>
M9 – Down Hill<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
stems available 35mm-80mm length<\/li>
the pinnacle of carbon bicycle component manufacturers<\/li>
Made in Ogden, Utah<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Bottom Bracket –<\/strong> Chris King
available in just about every configuration imaginable<\/li>
Lifetime warranty<\/li>
easily serviced <\/li>
multitude of colors<\/li>
Made in Portland, Oregon<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Chain Tensioner<\/strong> – Paul Components
‘Melvin’ Chain Tensioner<\/li>
mounts to the existing derailleur hanger<\/li>
works with full-suspension frames<\/li>
3 available colors<\/li>
Based out of Chico, California<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Grips –<\/strong> Oury
gobs of cushion and grip<\/li>
get tackier as they wear<\/li>
still my favorite grip<\/li><\/ul>
Made in American Fork, Utah <\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Suspension –<\/strong> MRP (fork)
80 – 190mm options available<\/li><\/ul>
Made in Grand Junction, Colorada<\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Push (shock)<\/li>
the MIGHTY Eleven6<\/li>
fully customizable<\/li>
lifetime warranty<\/li>
can be adapted to fit any of your future bikes<\/li>
Made in Loveland, Colorado<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Cables –<\/strong> Power Cordz
synthetic fiber Zylon or PBO<\/li>
stronger than steel<\/li>
75% lighter than steel<\/li>
will not rust or corrode<\/li>
Boise, Idaho<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Pedals –<\/strong> Twenty6 Products
CNC machined<\/li><\/ul>
from Bozeman Montana<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Brakes –<\/strong> Paul Components *no hydraulics available, just mechanical disc<\/em>
Klamper mechanical calipers<\/li>
CNC machined 6061 aluminum<\/li>
3 anodized color options<\/li>
Quite possibly the best mechanical caliper available<\/li>
Chico, California<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Crank Set –<\/strong> CaneCreek
eeWings Mountain Crank<\/li>
full titanium<\/li>
similar weight as carbon<\/li>
20% to 30% stronger than carbon<\/li>
10yr. warranty<\/li>
Made in Fletcher, North Carolina<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Chain Ring –<\/strong> Wolf Tooth
direct mount for Cane Creek <\/li>
builder of quality components<\/li>
Made in Minneapolis, Minnesota<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Chain –<\/strong> Vuelta
American owned<\/li>
not much on ‘bling factor’, but it’ll work<\/li>
Based out of Pacoima, California<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Hubs –<\/strong> Chris King
the hub which all others are compared<\/li><\/ul>
get that infamous BUZZZZZZZ<\/li>
Made in Portland, Oregon<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Rims –<\/strong> Velocity
multiple widths and profiles available<\/li><\/ul>
Built in Grand Rapids, Michigan<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Spokes<\/strong> – Wheelsmith
One of the top spoke builders in the world<\/li><\/ul>
Mequon, Wisconsin<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Tires –<\/strong> WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes)
HUGE selection of sizes, tread designs, and casings<\/li>
some of the top MTB tires in market today<\/li>
founded in 1982 in Marin, County<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
Sealant –<\/strong> Trucker Company
Natural latex-based<\/li>
non-toxic<\/li>
use with or without tubes<\/li>
corrosion inhibitors to protect rims & nipples<\/li>
Out of Boulder, Colorado<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
$\"\"$ <\/li>
Saddle – <\/strong>Selle Anatomica
traditional leather look<\/li>
chromoly steel or cast aluminum frame<\/li>
Poway, California <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
So here it is. It can be done. With some flexibility in our requirements, it is possible to build an All-American full-suspension mountain bike. We’ll call “All-American’ish”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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