After a year-long hiatus, Boulder, CO’s VYNL Bikes is back. New ownership seeks to revive the company by adding two new frame designs but maintains the brand’s characteristic stripped-down approach. Ownership is also intent on keeping the company entirely U.S.-based, from fabrication to delivery.
Road and gravel disc frames join the original road rim design for the relaunch. Though the VYNL stable will expand, new co-owner Max Clauson says the company will maintain its strict manufacturing standards.
“The VYNL lineup may expand but one thing will remain,” Clauson said. “We’re absolutely staying committed to fast bikes with aggressive race geometry and careful, skilled manufacturing.”
Keeping it Local: VYNL Bikes’ New Virtue
According to the company’s PR, Clauson and his wife, Sabrina, intend to operate VYNL as an intimate shop in bike-centric Boulder. Though they don’t promise to source every part from inside the city limits, they commit to U.S.-based manufacturing.
With regional production, the brand seeks to keep development and delivery nimble. It emphasizes its goal of getting handmade frames to market with reasonable turnaround times.
“In the context of the world’s crazy current events, U.S. production also allows us to have bikes, in stock, [sic] and ready to ship without the restraints of the global supply chain,” Max said.
The localization strategy may also help engage VYNL Bikes’ community. “From our headquarters here in Boulder, we’re remaining committed to 100% USA-made frames and leveraging local talent as much as possible,” Max explains. “Not only is it great to support local craftspeople, but we can ensure quality and develop new prototype ideas on the fly.”
If the brand’s immediate expansion on relaunch is any indication, prototypes could fly relatively hard and fast — if VYNL regains its stability. Taking a year off is a challenge for any manufacturer, and the Clausons put their noses firmly to the grindstone by keeping it local. But they see their situation as an advantage.
“Boulder also has a great ecosystem of partners for us to leverage as we grow this business,” Max said. “We feel very lucky to be based here and are excited for VYNL to put down deep roots into the community.”
VYNL Availability and Options
The new VYNL Bikes website and ordering process is now live. Customers can choose from 21 paint choices and two decal options for each of the 3 frames.
As of this writing, the classic VYNL Road Rim was ready for delivery. The new Road Disc and Gravel Disc designs were an estimated six to eight weeks out. All frames start at an MSRP of $1750.
