Wraith Fabrications Offers New Source for Affordable, Made in the US, Columbus Steel Bikes

I’m continually confused by all these handmade, one-of-a-kind steel bikes with carbon fiber forks.

If the concern is weight, you shouldn’t be looking at a steel bike in the first place.

Good stuff Adam

Steel builds cities. I’m good with that. Good luck, wraith.

@Rico Thanks you. Thank you so much man, i appreciate that comment so much.

@Ripnshread: I could not care less if the frame is welded by Antarctic unicorns high on glue, as long as it is well made.

God people seem to be in a bad mood today. Well done to them for producing a Made in America bike. Yes they could have sourced tubing and forks made in the US but the frame and forks would certainly not be selling at $1100 if they did.

Columbus tubing is bloody good for the price and other carbon forks made in the US would be nearly double the price at wholesale levels. At the end of the day if you want to make a frame that will sell in good numbers then you have to hit the right price point. To do this you have to make compromises, thats just life.

Good on them for trying something different

@Jon, no kidding, people are just in a foul mood here it seems. Why do we have to nitpick every little detail. He should have used this tubing, he should have done this, done that. Guess what, he can’t make everyone of you happy. Don’t like it, don’t buy it, but you don’t need to be a bunch of jerks about everything. What cracks me up is I doubt most you ever really put this much thought into the products you buy, like your phones, computers, and food. Lighten up a little, it’s a bike!

For the love of the sweet baby jesus please plug those holes.

Plenty of US fabricated frames come in under $1000 for non custom production runs.

Waterford produces their Fleet Velo, and also Milwaukee Frames for under $1000 with OX Platinum Tubing.

I’m really excited to see what Aaron Dykstra at 611 Bicycles is going to do with his small run, non custom bikes (Hometown Mfg). They looked awesome at the handbuilt show.

http://www.roanokeoutside.com/six-eleven-bicycle-co-unveils-hometown-mfg

as far as the idea that the tubing and fork isn’t made here…at least it’s a start to bring manufacturing back to the states.

For me it doesn’t HAVE to be american made. But it needs to be a quality product designed AND manufactured in the country in which the company is based. German company-made in germany. Italian company-italy, you get the idea. That’s my stance for cars, motorcycles, snowboards, lawn equipment, knives, etc…

@Icycle Bay
Me too! Aaron and I have had lengthy discussions about US based manufacturing.

@ everyone

Thanks for all of the positive comments. Ultimately we’re trying to bring business back into the states for manufacturing vendors in the supply chain. Unknowingly this project began five years ago as friendships were solidified. My friend Josh is the Powder coater. My friend Dan helped us with the waterslides. My friend Antonio is suppling the tubes. My friend Mike is machining the head cups. We released the second wave today. It’s been a bit hectic over the last few days! We modified the geometry a bit to accommodate the vertically gifted by adding another size. Thanks so much.