Was wondering if anyone can give me brand names of bikes made in America? I have a 5 year old who wants one for Christmas, and a husband who will only purchase one made in the U.S. (Have searched TREK and found out about the price difference...kind of panicked.)
Thanks for any information!
2007-11-27 14:22:47 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
There was a question similar to this awhile ago. Being in the business, I thought it interesting to try and source a bike with parts made only in the U.S. or Europe, so I did.
Welp, it is possible. The COST of such an animal- a 16" wheeled sidewalk bike- is about $2,700.00. This means that at the retail level it would sell for about $6,300.00. Why so much more than an adult bike? It actually isn't if you did the same thing and sourced everything from the U.S. and Europe.
There are NO 100% non-Asian childrens bikes made, period, unless you want a full custom bike and want to wait 2 to 5 years.
NEVER FEAR, I have a solution. Find a Schwinn Pixie or Lil' Tiger built before 1977. They are relatively easy to find in near mint condition for about $100 on eBay or in some cycling websites.
2007-11-27 17:07:35 · answer #1 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Both are good answers. If there is a kid's bike made in the US (-which I strongly doubt exist), it will be a very small company that will charge you an arm and a leg for their product. When you're that specific with bikes, you get gouged because the makers know that they can charge you more for a product that is made in the USA that isn't any better quality than it's competitors because they know that many consumers will buy with that misconception in mind. Trek, Specialized, Giant, Felt, Schwinn- practically any kid's bike that you pick up at a bike shop will be good. My 5 year old rides a Schwinn Gremlin and it's made in Taiwan. Yes, it was a little over $100, but it has never broken down in the 21 months of abuse that he has put it through and the training wheels he used to ride on are still in fairly good shape. With modern bicycles, it's not where it's made anymore. However, you do get what you pay for when it comes to kid's bikes.
2007-11-28 00:48:34 · answer #2 · answered by Terrence B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably won't find one. It's simply not worth building such a bike in the US. Asian imports would kill it because of the labor costs. US made bikes are pricey in part because of the high cost of labor but also because you would be getting something that is at the top of state of the art. Look at the bikes that Trek does make in the US. Those machines are Tour material. The lower cost bikes are made in China by the same factory that makes half a dozen other brands. Literally, you are paying for the sticker. Don't kid yourself here. Go to Walmart and get the cheapest thing you can find. Your child will outgrow it and you will find it leaning against the wall in your garage collecting dust.
However, if you insist, you can certainly get a US made custom, made-to-measure machine by a frame builder. Some will do it but seriously, it's not worth it unless you are multi millionaires and don't know how to spend money wisely.
2007-11-28 15:51:03 · answer #3 · answered by christian_cyclist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the first guy is right. I doubt you would find an entry level bike made in the USA. It would just cost too much for a bike that will be used for one or two years and then outgrown.
2007-11-28 00:20:16 · answer #4 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even most Treks are not made in the US.
I don't think you can find an American made bike for a 5 yr old. I thought Huffy was left but they left too.
2007-11-27 22:31:48 · answer #5 · answered by McG 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
McG's answer is 1st, short, sweet and correct.
2007-11-28 11:59:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋