Made in the USA index

[Boedie]

Recently, I had the pleasure to spec a bike out with a "dream" build. As I sourced out different parts, I started to realize that you can just about build a bike out of all american parts these days. So then, I started to think about how cool it would be to have an "index" that gives a percentage to how much of the bike was made with US parts. Then consumers could have a better idea on how much was sourced overseas. Different parts would hold different percentages, etc..... thoughts?
-Boedie

[false_aesthetic]

I did this exercise about 4 years ago for kicks.
I started to go down to the level of tubing, flux, filler, etc. Like you said, it's pretty rad what you can do.

The things I couldn't get around at the time:
1. multi-speed drive train
2. race tires
3. race saddles
4. "aero" fork.
5. non-leather grips


Unfortunately the list I came up with is long gone.

[Too Tall]

Are you suggesting assigning this index to American Handbuilt bicycles?

Example: XYZ Amerikan Bicycle Company Boozu 29'r < 90/10 % american sourced.

...or am I missing something?

[Boedie]

To be fair, more of a country of origin percentage.

[Too Tall]

To be fair, more of a country of origin percentage.

Well....booo.

Make it your aspirational achievement, make it personal but man don't lay that trip on the industry.

[Boedie]

Not sure I understand what you're getting at. The food industry is going down that road. As a whole, it can be very confusing for the consumer to determine where the bike as a whole comes from. It might really enlighten folks to know....or is ignorance bliss?

[Gattonero]

I did this exercise about 4 years ago for kicks.
I started to go down to the level of tubing, flux, filler, etc. Like you said, it's pretty rad what you can do.

The things I couldn't get around at the time:
1. multi-speed drive train
2. race tires
3. race saddles
4. "aero" fork.
5. non-leather grips


Unfortunately the list I came up with is long gone.

One of the biggest problems is the finishing kit: stems, bars and seatposts of mid-range and price are always asian-sourced. I can't think of any sub-100€/piece manufacturer in Europe

[deano]

Politically, It would scratch the itch of anti globalists for a heartbeat, at least.... But most likely give people a barometer of what global exchange has gotten them. I love a US frame and eff builder but because the bikes is pretty, and pretty tricked out for what terrain I am going to ride. But gimme Shimano, Campy, Chinese carbon rims, no problem, etc.. Stuff is good. Those guys in Ghuangzhou is eating dinner as well as the guys at Chris King in Portland based on my latest MTB wheels. So is Frank at Frank's cyclery in Raleigh. It is all good. What would be an interesting tangent is an index of artificial price deflation based on VC money in e-bikes

[steve garro]

5. non-leather grips

ODI makes grips in the USA

I tried this with my 2008 NAHBS bike, which was a one-speed.

Still came down to seat (Brooks) chain (Whippermann) cable & housing (Yokozuna) rims (Velocity) tires (Panaracer) QR's (Hope) and little fiddly bits you don't think of.


I wasn't trying to make it 100% USA, I wanted it to include vendors at NAHBS but it was fun anyway and the resulting bike has been 100% maintenance free except for the bent front Phil axle where D kissed an Aspen tree just a little.

- Garro.