[umphlove]

Hey everyone!

So I got into MTB'n a few years ago, and I have came to love this forum. I am a mechanical engineer currently working in the auto industry, but I would really love to design or do R&D type work for a bike company! Does anyone know of any mountain bike manufactures in the Detroit area?? Or even any companies in the area that make bike components?? I have a 2 year old daughter so moving out of the area is out of the question. I have searched the internet but not been able to find anything that really interests me. I have found a couple of small bike companies based out of Detroit, but they are mainly focused on the street cruiser style, which I have never really been into.

Any help/advice/enlightenment is greatly appreciated!

 

[car bone]

Hey everyone!

So I got into MTB'n a few years ago, and I have came to love this forum. I am a mechanical engineer currently working in the auto industry, but I would really love to design or do R&D type work for a bike company! Does anyone know of any mountain bike manufactures in the Detroit area?? Or even any companies in the area that make bike components?? I have a 2 year old daughter so moving out of the area is out of the question. I have searched the internet but not been able to find anything that really interests me. I have found a couple of small bike companies based out of Detroit, but they are mainly focused on the street cruiser style, which I have never really been into.

Any help/advice/enlightenment is greatly appreciated!

Isn't detriot almost dead? my advice would be moving out of there asap. when the kids are still young.

 

[umphlove]

Haha well I wasn't exactly expecting that kind of advice, but Michigan is my home, not leaving here anytime soon.

 

[asmolow]

Most U.S. mountain bike companies are going to be in the Southwest - CA, CO, AZ, etc. I get the impression they outsource most of their engineering work too.

 

[Harold]

Nobody I know of in Detroit.

SRAM has offices in Chicago and Indianapolis, with their Zipp Wheels facility I know there are some engineers in Indy because I've met a couple.
Trek is in Wisconsin
Hayes Group (Answer, Manitou, Sun-Ringle, Hayes, and Wheelsmith) is in Wisconsin
Kenda tires is in Ohio

There are probably some others, too, but aside from SRAM/Zipp I don't have much concept of who keeps engineers where. Trek probably has some if they still do their carbon fiber layups in Wisconsin.

 

[umphlove]

ahh bummer but thanks guys! I'll look into Kenda and see how far that is away, and also see if Trek has any because I actually have some experience designing carbon fiber components.

 

[Harold]

The SRAM/Zipp facility does all its carbon work in house, too.

 

[duke2b]

There are 3 bike makers in Grand Rapids

Slingshot, Quiring and 616. Here are their links:

Slingshot Bikes | Bikes for the Mountain, Cyclo-Cross, and Road
Quiring Cycles
Bike Frames, Hubs, Merch, West Michigan, Six 1 Six Bicycle Fabrication

They all make high quality products.

I'm a Michigander too, Great trails in our state.
I Love it! Good Luck!

 

[umphlove]

Wow thanks duke those companies make some sexy bikes. I may even have to look into those companies for my next ride!

 

[duke2b]

Wow thanks duke those companies make some sexy bikes. I may even have to look into those companies for my next ride!

You're welcome..:thumbsup: