ShinolaBrian

There are a lot of considerations to be made when companies like ours choose who to partner with; among other things, choice of materials, production capacity, trustworthiness, accountability. Believe me when I say our long-term goal is to source as many components as we possibly can from domestic sources. If we cannot source something that meets our stringent quality standard, aesthetic standard, and necessary delivery schedule from a domestic vendor, then really we have no choice.

That said, our hope is that our success (and companies like ours) can and will encourage a cottage industry that can help supply companies like ours with domestic components. If a domestic company wants to step up and can make a compelling case, and can meet or exceed our expectations, then there's no reason we wouldn't work with them.

Dahon.Steve

I figured Waterford knows more about retailing then anyone else. I'm sure Waterford told them to sell the bike with a 200-300 percent markup to stay in business. If you can sell a product with that much of a markup, you have a viable business.

flatlander_48

No, I think it is more related to their entire business model; not just the bikes. However, compared to some others:

https://www.bilenky.com/#!city/c1tan
https://www.co-motion.com/index.php/singles/cityview
https://strongframes.com/frames_&_pricing/road/frames/

Shinola's pricing is comparable to other boutique bikes.

MetalPedaler

I just don't "get" it....but then, I don't know sh*t from Shinola......

flatlander_48

Thank You!!

I appreciate your saving us the trouble of having to explain that.

Clarabelle

My last bike was "made in America," a conscience choice. In light of what has happened to manufacturing in this country over the past 50 years, I applaud the efforts companies like Shinola, Co-Motion, Bike Friday. We need more of them, and we need to support them when possible.

hotbike

hotbike

Saw this the other day on Facebook. Today, by pure serendipity, I was doing a Google Image search for "Fiberglass Bicycle" , just to see if my own bikes show-up in the results (they did), when I saw this image again. I dug a little deeper, and it turns out that this Cadillac bicycle was built by Robert Egger, the owner of Specialized Bicycles, inc.

Definitely looks Detroit-ish. Is this a 1959 Caddy, or a 1957? We can't decide.

I-Like-To-Bike

1959 Cadillac, definitely, the tail fin style gives it away. I once saw 3 59's on one block in South Philadelphia in the early 1970's

I-Like-To-Bike

Last two bikes I bought were $5 each at garage sales. Two Chicago made Schwinns, a 5 speed women's Collegiate and a Schwinn Varsity. I believe they will still be roadworthy long after most of the boutique bikes are relegated to the basement/garage or a junk heap, unless they have been mounted on their owners' wall as collector pieces.

GdHavenCyclist

I don't know... I like my 'Grand Haven Built' bike that I just finished. To top it off, it is my first bike build. Only needs the Rivendell back rack...

Cost me the same as the Runwell, and in the two times I have ridden it, I have gotten a ton of compliments. Sorry for the bad photos though, it has been non-stop rain for the past two weeks.

https://i.imgur.com/UKf7Y4H.jpg

Before I cut the steerer and cut the fender stays.
https://i.imgur.com/HaVNtOA.jpg

Before I installed the matching wheel set with 700x32 Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires.
https://i.imgur.com/fNiKwNI.jpg

chaadster

Ouch. I'm glad you like it, but that seems steep for a Surly Disc Trucker build like that, the frame itself which, IMO, comes up short on both Style and Coolness points compared to the Runwell.

big chainring 

Most unfortunate name ever. How could you pick that for the name of your company?

How do they fool their investors into this? Well, I have listened to one of those individuals speak, yap, yap, yap, yap, yap.
People listen to those who like to gab. Most people i know that can talk ad nauseam are successful. Why?, I dont know.

Ridefreemc

Not sure that I see the name as some of you are implying, that is, compared to or the same as s**t. It was a reference used to describe someone that doesn't know the difference between the two “substances,” not that the two were synonymous. It was a dig at the unknowing person – something we are good at around here.

I like the idea of employing these people to the best of their ability in Detroit and other industrial areas. Think about the steel coming in from the UP, being worked in the mills in Detroit (or somewhere else in the States), all the trains ships and trucks involved, the chemical manufacturers for the paint, let alone the people that work directly for Shinola. I’m sure I am missing a lot of workers in the supply line, but my point is that we are talking about a mostly made in America product. Compare that to most other bicycle companies, or for that matter GM. Last I understood it they were the biggest importer of foreign products in the country. Made in America is not what you think.

You go Shinola. I’d be proud to support you had I not just purchased a Salsa Vaya, but you are on my list. BTW – the Vaya with quality upgrades to rims, tires and other components approaches the price of the Shinola – and it was entirely made outside the country.

chaadster

I don't understand where people who think it's a bad name are coming from either, Ridefree. As you point out, Shinola is, according to the phrase, the antithesis of ****. **** = bad, Shinola = good.

Ridefreemc

Plus I have to admit that I take issue with the criticism. It's a new company in one of the toughest markets and areas in the country. As you know, being close by in Ann Arbor, the area has been hit super hard for way more years than the recent "downturn." Any criticism at this point should be weighed carefully and put out there with responsibility and only if really necessary or deserved - there is so much on the line for many people associated with this company.

BTW - unrelated to the thread, but to the area, I should be up your way this summer (BMW not Vaya). Will likely be coming into Michigan via Luddington and the ferry from Manitowoc, then down to Manchester (right around the corner from you). Across Canada to NY then round about back to FLA. See ya then!

Go Blue!

rekmeyata

Looks like Schitola to me

chaadster

Well considered statements.

I'm going for the tour that ShiBri offered earlier in the thread tomorrow, and looking forward to gaining better understanding of what they're up to, and reporting back here on it.

There is some nice riding out Manchester way; I presume you've been there before, no? It'd be an unlikely place to pluck off the map at random! Lemme know if you want to go for ride, or need a bike while you're here or anything.

chaadster

Now this is what "made in Detroit" really means: https://detroitbikes.com

rekmeyata

You can keep your Detroit bikes, Indiana is where they make real bikes, and this is what made in Indiana means: https://www.lugoftheirish.com/Shamrock_Cycles/Home.html

I hope you all know this is all tongue in cheek? I say stuff like this and someone always thinks I'm being a jerk.

ShinolaBrian

Good to meet you today, Chaadster!

rekmeyata

I thought it was funny.

chaadster

Cool bikes!

flatlander_48

And so did I...

Ridefreemc

Manchester area is nice, but not the best riding in Michigan. It's where my brother lives (we ride together a lot).

Thank for the offer. Still in the early planning stages. Let us know how your tour goes. I too may try to get on a tour of Shinola.