I have made the decision to stop buying products made in China. However I have a 5 year old who is expecting a bike from Santa this year. Can anyone point me in the direction of bikes not made in China?
2007-11-03 04:03:12 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Here is the problem...
Yes, it is easy enough to buy a frame built in the US or the UK. It'll be expensive but it is possible. You can even source spokes (DT) and hubs (Edco) from Switzerland, at a price. Purchasing an Italian (San Marcos) or British (Brooks) saddle should pose little problem, and a rear coaster brake from Germany (Rohloff) should be possible as well. There are also some US makers of stems and seatposts (Columbine, Funn), and you can get French tires (Michelin or Hutchinson). Rims, tubes, handgrips, and pedals might be tougherto do but I am pretty confident that our British, French, or Italian friends may be able to help.
Here is the hard part to swallow. It will likely cost in excess of $5000USD (2500GBP) to build the bike, and probably take about a year.
Trying to source a non-Asian bike is commendable and noble, but is something that is- if not impossible- very expensive.
Here is another option before you lose your ambition, it is what I did for my daughters- look for collector quality vintage Schwinns. These are 100% US made (prior to 1977) and are often available for less than a few hundred dollars. One of the models that are fairly easy to find is the Pixie. They are "convertible" bikes for boys or girls. My daughters, now 20 and 23, loved their vintage bikes and still have them to this day... I expect that their kids will one day ride the same bikes.
Other brands you might want to look for are Iverson (US), Tyler (US), Executive (Germany), President (Poland), and AMF/Roadmaster (US).
Good luck!
2007-11-05 01:42:07 · answer #1 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is next to impossible to not buy something from China. You'll have to go to a real bike shop and talk to them. Some bike frames are made in Taiwan...But buying a bike for a 5 year old is NOT going to be cost effective.
2007-11-03 05:04:38 · answer #2 · answered by Vinegar Taster 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have bad news for tecualajuggernauts . ALL Trek bikes ARE NOT made in the United States. Check the "Made In Taiwan" labels on the front of the bikes.
2007-11-03 15:45:44 · answer #3 · answered by McG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are having the same dilemma. It is obviously very hard to find toys NOT made in China which is such a disgrace. However, I hope that all parents will stop buying foreign made toys this Christmas to send a LOUD message to China and our government. Good luck!
2016-04-02 02:23:49 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be nearly impossible to stop buying products from China. I am guessing what you're sitting on and what you're typing with right now at least have parts that were made in China. Trust me, it can't be done.
And if you try, be prepared to pay a whole lot more for everything you buy.
2007-11-03 04:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by Reiko K 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
All Trek bikes are manufactured, painted, and assembled in the USA. I've provided a link to their kids' line of bikes.
Happy Holidays!
2007-11-03 09:35:38 · answer #6 · answered by tecualajuggernauts 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
There certianly is in the UK - Pashley is well known. I don't doubt there are others too, including Isla Bikes.
If you're a UK resident, you might consider joining the CTC. I hope there are similarly good organisations where you live, if not.
2007-11-03 04:12:35 · answer #7 · answered by Phillip B 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's all right to choose but hurting to mention names.
2007-11-03 04:08:15 · answer #8 · answered by rene c 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
probably none. ust be very careful of them lead paints.
God help us from flawed manufacturring processes!
2007-11-03 04:06:54 · answer #9 · answered by Ayo A 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋