Framebuilders - Kelly Bike Co. Closing Doors

So sad to have heard this news today. Chris & Co. were an Oaktown institution before heading to the hills a few years ago.
I wish him luck in his next endeavor!

(From www.kellybike.com)
Kelly Bike Company LLC calls it quits.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 5/2/06

NEVADA CITY CA – Recognized worldwide as a high-end production steel bicycle frame manufacturer, Kelly Bike Company LLC decides to call it quits.

Kelly will continue to take orders for any “in stock” items until Friday, May 19th, 2006. Those last orders are estimated to ship by Friday June 16th, 2006, or once the last order is completed. Kelly will no longer take orders for any custom frame builds or assemblies.

If a person wants that special color & decal combination, or the popular “clear over decal” upgrade, this will be the last chance to get it like you like it. After the last order is completed and shipped the operation will be dismantled and every last item will be sold i.e. unfinished frames, tooling, equipment, raw materials, etc.

All remaining assets of the LLC will be sold on site and via online auction.

Anyone interested in purchasing the assets of the LLC feel free to give Chris & Robin a call at 530-470-8500 or via email chris@kellybike.com .

Making hand-crafted bikes is a labor of love. As the "sad but true" joke goes, the way to retire with a million dollars in the bike business is to start the business with ten million dollars.

I suspect this will cause owners of Kelly-made bikes to treasure their bikes even more.

Wow, that's too bad. I kept meaning to get up the hill and check out his shop.

WE WILL MISS YOU...
http://static.flickr.com/44/118254658_db42939834_o.jpg

Santa Cruz will buy their name and relaunch them in 2013 with a new range of 2.5lb carbon-magnesium nanotube full suspension bikes with CVT. Mark my words people!

Sad to see them go. Our world just got smaller and less interesting.

heh...wrong thread

Does anyone have any idea why? Is it just a business decision or something else?

I cannot say enough about how smooth and nice my bonestock is. I also liked calling the shop and talking to Chris about the frame.

It's better not to speculate on something you don't know of or are unsure of. At the very least and out of respect for others personal privacy, I wouldn't make Chris' business at Kelly public info for everybody to read.

My friend has a Kelly cross bike. Great bike.

Man, that stinks. I talked to Chris on the phone when I ordered my Take-Offs. He seemed like a very nice guy and we talked bikes for a few minutes. I wonder if someone will continue selling Take-Offs. I love mine.

The final build is on ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/Handbuild-the-Last-Kelly-Bike-Frame-with-Chris-Kelly_W0QQitemZ7244591085QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The liquidation of the Company's assets indicates either (a) creditors requiring payment on defaulted debt obligations; (b) the other shareholders for some reason decided they wanted to cash out of the enterprise, and Chris could not find replacement investors, requiring the liquidation in order to buy-back the shares; (c) given b, it would make sense that the enterprise may not have been as profitable as they required; (d) given c, Chris Kelly may have decided to pull the plus because he had other obligations (i.e. - family perhaps) that required him to find a new career.

It is sad, since the bike world (at least here in CO) seems to be full of cheap Taiwan frames with a Trek or Specialized taped to the down tube.

It is sad, since the bike world (at least here in CO) seems to be full of cheap Taiwan frames with a Trek or Specialized taped to the down tube.

So what? It's called a free country. Don't buy it if you don't like it so much. Can you not f'ing praise CK without having to take a nationalistic dig towards all things non-American? Didn't think so. Get in line with DW.

bellweatherman ~

it is not some nationalistic issue. It is a matter of putting money back into your own pot. I know that my job is not supported by Taiwan consumers or businesses, and they do not purchase our services. I do know that Americans purchase the services provided by my Company. So yes I care where products are made, because by putting my money in the American pot, it helps to ensure that that money comes back to my company and ensure my job security. What a crazy idea!!!!

I have no clue what you do for a living, but I am guessing that at some point, your job will be affected by the fact there is not enough demand (or tax dollars) because not enough Americans have decent paying jobs.

You unfortunately are myopic when it comes to international trade.

bellweatherman ~

it is not some nationalistic issue. It is a matter of putting money back into your own pot. I know that my job is not supported by Taiwan consumers or businesses, and they do not purchase our services. I do know that Americans purchase the services provided by my Company. So yes I care where products are made, because by putting my money in the American pot, it helps to ensure that that money comes back to my company and ensure my job security. What a crazy idea!!!!

I have no clue what you do for a living, but I am guessing that at some point, your job will be affected by the fact there is not enough demand (or tax dollars) because not enough Americans have decent paying jobs.

You unfortunately are myopic when it comes to international trade.


No. You are the one who is myopic. To say nothing of Chris Kelly, who I am certain is a f'ing fantastic builder from all those who have had a custom Kelly. You can use your own opinionsk, ideologies, and what not to buy or not buy the things you want. It IS a free country. So buy what you want, but quit preaching that others should do the same. Has nothing to do with this thread anyway.