Where are Bikes Made?

[Owlie]

Other than the highest-end Treks, the rest are built in China. According to the owner of one of our LBSs whose primary line is Giant, Giants and Treks are made in the same factory.

Giant started out, according to my boss, making frames for other companies. Then they decided to get into the business themselves.

My Giant was made in Taiwan, but it's from 2009, so who knows how that's changed.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Can I just say, from working in the industry, that people working in bicycle manufacturing plants (for big brands) in China are probably not like sweat shop labour in clothing factories?

The prices the companies pay do mean wages are fairer and because skill is required especially in welding and carbon layups, they are not using children?

Collegues often travelled and visited factories every 3 months and they said that things were pretty good there. Yes factories often manufacture other brands, but different staff handle each to "preserve" technology (our major concern).

Of course it is upsetting that US and other countries jobs are lost which sucks.

[uforgot]

Mercian in the UK?

[OakLeaf]

@KiwiStoker - That's good to know, but what about the environmental regulation? Carbon and metalworking are both extremely toxic industries.

[Kiwi Stoker]

@KiwiStoker - That's good to know, but what about the environmental regulation? Carbon and metalworking are both extremely toxic industries.

Yes, I have to agree, environmental regulation is what the authorities say is required and probably isn't to western standards. However it is in the interests of the factory to protect their workers somewhat because training costs money and skilled labour isn't easy to replace. I know some cycling magazines (Bicycling Australia is one of them) that have been allowed to tour and photograph a few factories if you are interested.

[Chopalua]

Ellsworth mountain bikes are made in the USA.

[MojoGrrl]

Scott bikes are made in Taiwan too I think.

Santana is made in California.
Della Santa in Reno, NV.

[murielalex]

Calfee and Crumpton, USA carbon bikes.

[Owlie]

Charge--Taiwan

[PowerJunkie]

Hi Team Estrogen,

I'm looking to sell a Ruby Expert I bought in May 2011. It is red and beautiful. Barely used.
It sits shamefully in the garage.
If you're interested please contact me here.
I have the original receipt on day of purchase here in Mission Viejo. I love training both indoors and
sometimes outdoors. Alas, not enough outdoors to get full use of that beautiful Red Ruby. I welcome
an expert to look at it to reassure you that she has never been in any crashes or trouble. She justs sits
lonely in the garage...

You go, Team Estrogen!
Power Junkie