As someone who grew up in a country that constantly promoted Australian Made and Australian owned it's something that I have always felt proud of. In recent years, I have noticed a growing trend towards North American made mountain bikes and components, and I believe this is a positive development for the industry. In this article, I will explore some of the reasons why buying North American made mountain bikes and components matters, and highlight some of the top North American brands in the industry.
Why It Matters
North American made mountain bikes and components have been gaining popularity in recent years, as more and more consumers are looking to support local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint. The mountain biking industry is constantly evolving and growing, and with that, comes different opinions and debates on various issues. Here are a few reasons why buying North American made mountain bikes and components matters:
Supporting Local Businesses: By buying North American made mountain bikes and components, you are supporting local businesses and the economy. These companies are creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the local community. Supporting local businesses helps to keep money circulating in the local economy, which can have a positive impact on the community as a whole. Additionally, supporting local businesses can help to ensure that the products you are buying are of high quality, as they have a vested interest in maintaining a good reputation.
Quality Control: North American have a vested interest in producing high-quality products that will stand the test of time, which can ultimately save you money in the long run. Buying a bike or components that are made in North America can give you peace of mind knowing that you are getting a product that has been built to a high standard, with quality materials and precise engineering.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Buying North American made mountain bikes and components reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. These products do not have to travel as far to reach the consumer, which helps to reduce pollution and minimize the impact on the environment. Additionally, buying locally made products can help to reduce the impact of international trade on the environment, as it eliminates the need for long-distance transportation.
Brand Loyalty: When you support North American made mountain bike companies, you are supporting brands that are passionate about the sport and are invested in the community that you love. This can lead to a better customer experience. When you buy from a local brand, you are investing in a company that is working hard to keep money and jobs in your local community.
Here are some examples of North American made mountain bike brands that we like and work with, although there are many more out there:
We Are One Composites
Starting with our very own Canadian brand, hand built in Kamloops BC, We Are One Composites (WR1) is known for their carbon fiber rims, they are considered one of the top carbon wheel manufacturers in the industry. They offer a wide range of options for different riding styles and preferences, and they use advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure that their wheels are lightweight, stiff and durable.
Recently, WR1 has also entered the frame market, with a new Arrival frame that features cutting-edge carbon fiber technology and advanced design features. The frame was designed in Kamloops and like all of their products uses North American sourced raw materials.
Guerrilla Gravity
This Colorado-based brand is known for their innovative designs and high-quality frames. With their Modular frame platform they give you a unique opportunity to transform your bike without having to purchase a whole new rig. They offer a variety of different models to suit different riding styles and preferences.
Guerrilla Gravity also uses a unique carbon manufacturing process called Revved Carbon that the company uses to create their carbon fiber bike frames. It allows Guerrilla Gravity to create frames that are much stiffer and stronger than traditional carbon fiber frames. This makes the frames more durable and resistant to damage, which can be especially important for riders who are tackling the most demanding trails.
One of the key benefits of Guerrilla Gravity's Revved Carbon technology is that it is completely recyclable. This means that at the end of a frame's life, it can be broken down and the carbon fibers can be reused to create new frames. This helps to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
Industry Nine
Industry Nine, based in North Carolina, is a company that's all about pushing the limits of what's possible when it comes to wheels and hubs. But what really sets Industry Nine apart is their commitment to customization – they offer a huge range of colors and configurations for their wheels and hubs, so you can create a setup that's truly unique to you. Whether you're a cross-country racer or a downhill shredder, Industry Nine has a wheel or hub that will meet your needs and help you take your riding to the next level.
Onyx Racing
Onyx Racing Products is known for their unique sprag clutch design, which is featured in their high-performance hubs. The sprag clutch is a type of one-way clutch that uses a set of "sprags" or wedges to transmit torque in one direction while allowing free rotation in the other. This design offers several advantages over traditional pawl-based freehub designs.
The sprag clutch design allows for faster engagement and a more immediate transfer of power to the wheel. This is because the sprags are constantly in contact with the freehub body, so there is no delay in the transfer of power as there is with traditional pawl-based freehubs.
Wolf Tooth
They are known for their innovative designs and attention to detail. The company is based in Minneapolis, USA and they are known for their unique solutions to common problems faced by cyclists.
Wolf Tooth Components prides itself in being a leader in the industry for developing products that solve real-world problems for cyclists, and their reputation for quality is well-established among enthusiasts and competitive cyclists alike.
Push Industries
Push Industries, based in Colorado, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance rear shocks and fork conversion kits for mountain bikes. Push Industries ensures that their products can withstand the toughest trails and deliver unparalleled performance. With a commitment to innovation, Push Industries push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of suspension performance. By choosing Push Industries, riders can experience a smoother, more comfortable, and confident ride on any terrain.
Honorable Mention
One Up Components is a Canadian brand that specializes in high-performance components, including pedals, dropper seat posts, and other drivetrain components. They are known for their innovative designs and high-quality products. The company was founded in Canada with the goal of creating unique and functional products that improve the riding experience. Although they don't manufacture their products in Canada, One Up Components still employs a large staff in Squamish. One Up Components is a great example of a Canadian company that has made a name for itself in the mountain biking industry with its commitment to quality and innovation.
Shop Local
North American made mountain bikes and components is a great way to support the environment, the economy, and your overall riding experience. But it's also important to think about supporting small, local businesses in your area. By doing so, you can help build a stronger community and keep your dollars circulating locally. Not only will you have access to high-quality, customized products, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you're supporting the hard work and dedication of small business owners. So, as you consider your next bike purchase, think about choosing a brand that not only aligns with your values but also supports your local community.
Note: This post only covers a few of the North American made brands that I have had the pleasure of interacting with. There are many more great brands out there creating high-quality, durable mountain bike products. So get out there and explore! Whether you're looking for a custom-built frame, a high-performance fork, or some flashy new wheels, there are plenty of options available. And remember, by choosing North American made products and supporting local small businesses, you can make a difference in the industry and help to create a more sustainable future. So have fun, ride hard, and keep supporting those local brands!