So we have this ever-expanding, intertwined and interdependent global economy thing, right. It gets complicated, even for something as simple as buying a bike. Some manufaturers wave the flag of their respective country, but then get their parts made somewhere in Asia for cheap. Well that's lame. Be upfront and don't try to hide/minimize where your product is made. Here's a nice guide to finding out where bikes are made in case you want to know:
http://allanti.com/articles/where-was-my-bike-made-pg328.htm
I admit, I like buying U.S. built bikes and parts. NOT because of quality, as Asian bikes and parts are top notch. Instead, I think there is something to be said for supporting manufacturing jobs here in The States. That's gotta' be a good thing in my book!
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2 comments:
Woo, Taiwan.
I'm less concerned about buying American (because let's be honest, that's a damned hard thing to do these days- that article you linked had what, three or four brands that do any production in the US, and that was primarily "hand-made", "custom" or "high-end") than I am about buying local. I was adamant about buying my bike from my local bike shop, rather than mail-order. It keeps the tax dollars in the local economy, and it keeps local businessmen in business.
I'm thinking more about the components. Chris King, Phil Wood, White Ind, Paul Comp... those are all California companies. And for me, with the type of frame I tend to buy, it's very easy to get a US built one from a small shop for cheaper than an Asain built frame (Curtlo for example).
Don't get me started on the LBS thing... you can seem my previous rant from a few months ago if you want to dig for it. I tried hard to give them my hard earned money, but they totally let me down. They either don't have what I want (often telling me it doesn't exist!) or are too incompetent to order it correctly or at all. Which is such a shame, as I WANT to support my LBS. Unfortunately they don't support me...
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