To make things cheap, it’s often assumed that they must be produced over seas. Handsome Bicycles isn’t down with that. Since their beginnings, they knew they wanted to move production and assembly back to the US eventually. That first step is now taking place. Handsome has found a way to assemble their Fredward frames back at HQ in Minneapolis, using local mechanics, and still keep the price shy of $800 by a nickel. A very limited number will be produced for this first run, so if you want one, pre-order it now through your favorite shop or the Handsome website. While Handsome isn’t the first to accomplish this step, they are the first to do so and still keep the price down. Good on them. For full details, hit the jump for the press release.
Press Release
Handsome Cycles announces a new way of providing complete bikes to its dealers. On a very limited basis, Handsome will completely assemble and ship its Fredward Complete from our headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, MN. Handsome’s COO, Jesse Erickson says, “We feel it is in everyone’s best interest to divert some of the added value of complete bicycles back to the United States. So, we figured out a way to spec and build all of our new Fredward Complete bikes here in the US and still retail them just under $800.” This is a great first step to bringing the entire process back home. He continues, “We are striving to bring more of the value chain to the U.S. The frame is precision fabricated at our Taiwanese factory and the parts and components are sourced with quality, aesthetics and cost as the driving considerations.” Everything is quality checked, assembled, and test ridden by our crack mechanics before being slightly disassembled and boxed for its journey to our dealers. However, although Handsome isn’t the first quality bike manufacturer to move their assembly back to the U.S., they are certainly the most affordable.
The Fredward Complete
The Fredward is a quick and nimble city commuter single speed with a slightly relaxed geometry, a city sweep back bar, sealed bearing flip-flop hubs and our Mud Butler fenders stock on every bike. The frameset is our standard high quality double butted 4130 main triangle and 4130 crowned fork and rear triangle. See the full complete build specs.
Versatility and Add-ons Galore
The Fredward Complete is available in 3 sizes (52cm, 55cm, 58cm) and 2 colors (Stovepipe – (shown at top) and REDRUM – (shown above)). As with most of Handsome bikes, it comes decal free with an extensive decal packet included. The frame has clearance for 700 x 40 tires without fenders and 700 x 35 with fenders (700 x 32 stock on the complete). What sets the Fredward apart from most single speeds on the market is its ability to morph into other styles of bikes. The frameset is set to take 3 speed internal rear wheels with it’s downtube and chainstay cable guides for the shift cable. Internally geared or single speed coaster brakes are welcome also with its built-in coaster brake tab. For those not running canti or linear pull brakes, the brake bosses are removable. It also has front and rear rack mounting capabilities for those wishing to carry heavy cargo.
Availability and Pricing
This first run of the Minneapolis built Fredward is available only as long as supplies last and is very limited indeed. We are only making 60 of these on the first run. Customers are encouraged to pre-order this bike through their favorite Handsome dealer or on handsomecycles.com right away. The Fredwards are expected to ship starting March 15th, 2014 with most Authorized Handsome dealers getting only 6 or less. MSRP: $799.95
