Where are Bikes Made?

[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