I'm shopping for a road/road-like bike (road "comfort" and cyclocross bikes are in consideration) in the $1,000 range, most likely to come from one of the the big companies like Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, Jamis, etc. (I have several nice locally owned and managed shops to choose from, so I'm covered there). I'd like to know - aside from the bike itself - who are the better companies - companies I can feel good about doing business with? Who behaves responsibly from a global, people, environmental, community, etc. perspective... Of the big makers, whom is the "least evil"? (While I'd consider smaller makers - I know *nothing* about that space and I need to be able to purchase/have it serviced in the Twin Cities, MN area...)
2007-02-11 08:08:24 · 7 answers · asked by fcchambers 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
...And while I didn't call it out specifically, I'm also curious as to how much (if any) of the manufacturing is done in the U.S.
2007-02-11 13:54:57 · update #1
Great stuff... How should I interpret the total lack of comments about Specialized? I'm torn, because the LBS I favor is carries Cannondale and Specialized, my second choice LBS is a Trek dealer... On
*paper*, the Specialized Sequoia elite seems to have the most bang for the buck, followed by the Trek Pilot 1.2, with the comparable Cannondale Synapse Alloy model(s) 3/4 brining up the rear...
2007-02-12 15:47:35 · update #2
Trek is Family Owned and Operated and Gives $25 for everybike they sell to Bikes Belong coalition.
They get perks for riding their bikes to work as well
While most entry level bikes are made overseas to be competitive, rest assured that most likely, the bike will be from the states.
Trek supports rides like the Tour of Hope and Tour de Cure and as well, there are many national and local events the Trek Family Products are supporting.
About the China/Taiwan thing it's simple, they have the highest concentration of Cyclists per capita, it only makes sense that they know how to really streamline the process - and with them having socialized health care, they don't have to pay HIGH premiums for their employees - They can make bikes Sooo much cheaper - This is the reason your American made car is now averaging $20,000 !
**** THIS JUST IN *****
http://www2.trekbikes.com/us/en/News/2007_01_29_238298.php
Ooooh - Enjoy! - Aaaaah!
2007-02-11 09:10:19 · answer #1 · answered by bigringtravis 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
So, i cant attest to a eviro-concious, major bike maker. Ill leave that to the speculation of all of the previous posters. However if you want to get a real green warm fuzzy, take a good look at Chris King components. About three or four years ago, Bike magazine did an article about them and I was blown away. Natural lighting, total waste recylcling... It was truly amazing. I would never call myself a tree-hugging conservationist but I love to hear of people who use the resources they have in the wisest way possible.
2007-02-14 13:48:41 · answer #2 · answered by rockyguy97 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If this went to court, Obama would have to prove his legitimacy by producing a birth certificate. He has spent more than $900,000 to fight lawsuits trying to make him reveal his birth certificate. If he had one, he would reveal it and put this issue to rest, but even his own grandmother said he is not a US citizen. Barack Obama is an illegitimate president who can not produce a valid US birth certificate. This is why Major Stefan Cook's orders were revoked, and he will not face any type of Court Marshal or other penalties for refusing to follow his orders. The Obama administration does not want this to go to court. What he did took courage, and he was successful. Every soldier should do the same.
2016-03-29 02:28:16 · answer #3 · answered by Shirley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the Cyclocross hybrid bike you want get Kona's 'Jake the Snake' ( Most likely available at ADRENALINEBIKES.com ---1-800-579-8932) though you may find a cool Bianchi 06 full carbon frame 928 roadie w/ Ultegra gear for less than $2000 there!!! Consider KONA for donating single speed comfort bicycles to the African human race to the poverty-stricken and to assist them in hauling medicine,food and the sick----check their web----www.konaworld.com--- and contact them for details.
2007-02-12 11:32:41 · answer #4 · answered by hummerhead2002 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cannondale bikes are "Handmade In the USA". Only the carbon fiber Synapse bikes are sourced from Taiwan, not mainland China, so they make sure that the factory they source their bike from follows enivronmental and fair labor laws. They're quite active in supporting many various charity rides (too many to mention) for causes ranging from environmental causes to diabetes, muscular dystrophy, breast cancer, etc.
2007-02-11 15:16:51 · answer #5 · answered by Ben P 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Trek, without a doubt.
2007-02-11 12:22:32 · answer #6 · answered by crazydave 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
trek is the absoloute best and made in the U.S.A.!
2007-02-11 12:05:34 · answer #7 · answered by teachprek8 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋