General Cycling Discussion - Eco-friendly Bike / Company ?

I'm looking to buy a new bike. But would like to support companies that use eco friendly practices, parts, etc. (Recycled materials, sustainable energy sources, fair trade, etc.) Also prefer local companies, meaning not made in factories in China, assembly lines, child labor, etc. Also like the idea of worker owned companies like Burley. Anybody know what kind of options are out there? How does Cannondale fit for eco friendly practices? I couldn't find anything on their web site about it. Thanks.

Seems like the simplest solution along those lines would be to just buy a used bike- you've recycled the entire thing, without even burning coal to melt it down.

Ditto. Most bikes made in what, the last 10 years? would have been made overseas, in who-knows-what kind of impact to the enviroment. Unless if you go real expensive (so as to buy made in Italy or otherwise custom made on any continent really), it'll all be from the East.

Pick up what you can used. If it rides good and fits you well, then dump some money into it. Buy some good componets that won't wear out too fast, and then ride it for years to come. That is the best way to minimize your enviromental impact.

First get a welder . . . .

Calfee Bamboo with hemp lugs. As low of a carbon footprint as any bike I can think for a new bike.

www.bikefriday.com

Buy a used bike.

Ditto. Most bikes made in what, the last 10 years? would have been made overseas, in who-knows-what kind of impact to the enviroment. Unless if you go real expensive (so as to buy made in Italy or otherwise custom made on any continent really), it'll all be from the East.

Pick up what you can used. If it rides good and fits you well, then dump some money into it. Buy some good componets that won't wear out too fast, and then ride it for years to come. That is the best way to minimize your enviromental impact.

Bull. Lots of non far east bikes are available.

maddyfish ... outside of cannondale (and obviously custom builders), i can't think of a single company that makes all their bikes on this side of the globe ... especially bikes that are even somewhat affordable.

i would love to know which companies you are thinking of ... (honestly)

[this post could prove my ignorance when it comes to European builders, but for the most part, i just assume that such bikes would be somewhat cost-prohibitive for "general use" i.e. non-racing]

Companies such as you describe cannot survive in todays economy... just ask the former employees (owners) of Burley. There are many local small custom builders who come close to living up to your ideals but at a high price.