Very cool interview with several US based bike/component manufacturers. The part with Hans starts at the 35:40 mark. Goes into some depth about the challenges and rewards of US vs Asian production. He also teases a new higher volume bike that will be built in the their US factory. Worth a watch.
ripn
Very cool interview with several US based bike/component manufacturers. The part with Hans starts at the 35:40 mark. Goes into some depth about the challenges and rewards of US vs Asian production. He also teases a new higher volume bike that will be built in the their US factory. Worth a watch.
Of course I watched the video. There is a difference between higher volume (than the current US Exie) and truly high capacity production. I obviously don’t have any idea how popular a new Exie would be, but I’d guess very. The Hakka makes more sense to me. It hasn’t been updated in quite awhile and gravel bikes are very popular right now. It would likely be a higher volume production than the current Exie, but not a blow the doors off kind of deal. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out. I thought some of his insights on Asian production were really interesting.
It sounds like they might be gearing up to co-manufacture for other companies to optimize their facility's capacity. They would be using the same equipment, materials, and technology, just creating different molds for other frames and brands. This approach mirrors what’s commonly done overseas across the industry.
Wouldn't it be fantastic if they managed to increase production volumes enough to reduce overhead costs per item? Making USA-made carbon products as cost-competitive as outsourced options would be incredible!
Wouldn't it be fantastic if they managed to increase production volumes enough to reduce overhead costs per item? Making USA-made carbon products as cost-competitive as outsourced options would be incredible!
That is a really good video - especially the Ibis chapter. Hans was very honest and open about Ibis's production challenges and solutions. He even went as far as offering factory tours to competitors. Much respect.
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