which small cycling companies do you respect?

mcewan13 · 10-09-09, 02:42 PM

Which small cycling related companies do you know and respect?

The reason I ask is that I have recently created a rep agency covering the Pacific NW that focuses on small cycling and overland 4x4 companies. There are literally tons of rebranded crap being imported into this country and I'm attempting to sift through much of it to find the few products that are useful, made with care and are things that I would want to use myself.

I ask this question here bc most everyone on this board is levelheaded, practical and isn't afraid to seek out an obscure product if it moves their hobby/addiction/whathaveyou forward.

Thanks,
.matthew
www.mangai.rollin.com

JohnnyC · 10-09-09, 02:53 PM

wald makes great stuff...an old and reputable company.

Wald Bicycle Baskets, Training Wheels, Fenders, Racks, and Accessories - Home

i used alot of their stuff in the past and it's always been quality.

is that what your looking for ?

mcewan13 · 10-09-09, 03:06 PM

Thanks JohnnyC. While they are already well established and well represented nationwide, Wald is a good example. I just happened to randomly win a Madsen Bucket bike last week and the first accessory I mount on it will be a basket. Hmmm, make that the second accessory. It will get a coffee/beer holder first.

Drofen · 10-09-09, 03:09 PM

Not sure if Surly qualifies as small, but they make a solid product.

http://www.surlybikes.com/

nat · 10-09-09, 03:25 PM

Rock Lobster

Santa Cruz Bikes

bagh33ra · 10-09-09, 04:00 PM

If Jericho is still around somewhere...

A Company You Should Know, But Possibly Don?t

Don't think he is tho, shame too, he did good work.

Unarce · 10-09-09, 04:59 PM

For me, any that exclusively build in-house and don't cut corners would qualify.

Seven
Serotta
Turner
Moots
Aegis
Foes
Rocky Mountain
Lynskey
Litespeed
Merlin
Yeti
Ellsworth
Intense
Eriksen
Ventana

I'm sure there are a few others I missed. Hope that helps!

Fast Eddy · 10-09-09, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagh33ra

If Jericho is still around somewhere...

A Company You Should Know, But Possibly Don?t

Don't think he is tho, shame too, he did good work.

Josh is alive and well, but working on a bit more expensive machines nowadays:

Evosport EVO3 Mercedes C63 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Enthusiast at Automotive.com

To the original list I'll add:

Retrotec
Sycip
Soulcraft
Kelly http://www.kellybike.com/
Vanilla
Phil Wood

Look around in here:

http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/

bagh33ra · 10-09-09, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Eddy

Josh is alive and well, but working on a bit more expensive machines nowadays:

Evosport EVO3 Mercedes C63 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Enthusiast at Automotive.com

That's awesome, hadn't heard much but I only knew of him through folks in a couple circles I don't really hang out in any longer. Good to hear he's putting those skills to good use.

emes · 10-13-09, 04:36 PM

i'm a seven man myself, but independent makes sweet bikes, too.

FirstToy · 10-13-09, 04:42 PM

Can you rep any of these brands? Usually cycling reps have exclusive rights to certain areas and shops. I think Portland, being a popular cycling area, would have a lot of stuff covered.
My friend is a bike rep.

There are some popular independent builders in that area but I don't think they deal with reps.

KELLY makes great stuff.

Fast Eddy · 10-13-09, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagh33ra

I only knew of him through folks in a couple circles I don't really hang out in any longer.

I'm guessing getting out of those circles was a good thing.

Josh is doing well!

Fast Eddy · 10-13-09, 07:59 PM

I have to add Kuat (koo-aht) Racks to my list. More info in another post later.

kuat

Robert LaDuke · 10-13-09, 10:12 PM

Felt and Santa Cruz

For components, Chris King and Thomson

bustanutley · 10-14-09, 11:13 AM

Santa cruz is not small

My IRO is cool

hawkeye · 10-14-09, 11:15 AM

Another vote for Retrotec and Inglis cycles Inglis & Retrotec Cycles: Home Curtis is a real cool guy and the bikes are top knotch, and one of a kind.

tcb · 10-14-09, 12:58 PM

waltworks.

tacoma73 · 10-14-09, 04:16 PM

Waterford, Ellsworth, Vicious, Brooklyn Machine Works, Ventana, Seven, Merlin, Independent, Surly, Cove, etc. Chris King for bearing bits. Race Face has been totally stand-up to me, can't say enough about how decent they are.

Michael Hanson · 10-14-09, 04:27 PM

Small shop in downtown Little Rock has hand made custom bikes for years,several Holywood customers. Mike

mcewan13 · 10-14-09, 04:59 PM

Hey all. I must not have been clear enough for most in my original post. I have a rep agency and am looking for young companies that would possibly be seeking representation. The large majority of the names mentioned in this thread so far are either well established brands w/ solid distribution and representation networks or small custom builders who wouldn't want multi-frame orders.

FastEddy - Kuat Racks is one of my clients & I'm the one who set up the contest that you won the new NV through.

Cheers,
.matthew

PRAYN4U · 10-19-09, 08:06 PM

How about IBIS ? I'm not sure about their new stuff but their "Alibi" and "Mojo" sure used to be sweet!

Ibis Cycles

koop · 10-23-09, 03:46 PM

how about Spot bikes? Spot Brand Bikes

I was talking to a guy that works there and they have some neat stuff. Pretty small too.

notaf-ingjeep · 10-25-09, 07:08 PM

I ride a Colnago on the road and an Ellsworth in the hills. Both are great lightweight frames from smaller companies, expensive. Colnago out of Italy, Ellsworth usa. Campagnolo components on the road, record all the way. My Ellsworth is mostly Shimano saint components, Shimano isn't small though.