Spectrum Bikes

     Bikes Are A Magical Means Of Mobility. Name any other form of self-propulsion that is more efficient and with the advent of ebikes – AMAZING!  SPECTRUM BIKES could be built domestically. As owner and developer, I would like to discuss our future, import tariffs, and the Domestic Bicycle Production Act Legislation.​

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    In the 70's and 80's bike manufacturing moved overseas. I personally built numerous bikes, two were HUTCH BMX’s. The first frame was made in the USA, and the second in Taiwan. I am a proud American Citizen and Veteran. Our bikes are built in China with some Taiwanese components: not ideal, and nearly impossible to sidestep. Even Taiwanese companies have opened manufacturing facilities in China - further blurring a bikes origin. 98% of bikes imported to the USA originate from the Orient. For all intents and purposes: US bicycle manufacturing is virtually GONE. 

    

     It is IMPORTANT to differentiate component manufacturers from bicycle manufacturers. Most bicycle manufacturers build bikes utilizing other manufacturers' components on their frame. The United States comprises 4.25% of the world population, and while we have a notable demand for bikes domestically, the US pales in comparison to the world as a whole. In my opinion it would take seismic measures for component manufacturers to set up shop in the USA – tariff or not. What is the remedy? LEGISLATION combined with tariffs = a powerful approach. As such: the Domestic Bicycle Production Act could recapture  domestic bicycle manufacturing and lead to seeding domestic component production: a STEPPING STONE approach.

 

   The ugly truth. A TARIFF IS A TAX, and as such an additional expense is imposed on the US import company, NOT the export country. This tax is passed to the consumer. At the time of this writing, there is a 25% tariff on ebike imports from China with a tariff storm looming. Stiff tariffs on ebikes may be increased or likely extended to other countries. The issue I see, as it pertains to the bike industry: there is NO PLAN beyond tariffs. Some companies are playing cat and mouse, changing manufacturing countries to avoid tariffs, ultimately dodging investment on US soil. I understand the use of tariffs to protect established businesses in the US; but on bicycles? If the US government is truly trying to promote domestic bicycle manufacturing stimulated through tariffs, our legislators should seriously consider the Domestic Bicycle Production Act. This Act maintains tariffs on manufactured bicycles but gives an exclusion when it comes to the components. THIS IS KEY. Additionally, it is stipulated for 10 years, which should provide some stability for growth. THIS IS A PLAN.

 

     The politics. Maybe this is a rosy outlook, but this bill seems bi-partisan. Bikes and ebikes are green and domestic manufacturing is what is being touted through tariffs. If the Domestic Bicycle Production Act passes, manufacturing can swing back in our direction. It is unlikely that the US will dominate, but we can compete again.

 

     Before this bill, I pondered building bikes on US soil. As it stands now, it does not matter if we IMPORT completed bikes or components, the tariff is the same. US employees and manufacturing are expensive. SPECTRUM BIKES would like to provide competent capable reasonably priced bikes built domestically; hard to achieve, under the present conditions.

 

     The Challenge. The initial production bike order was five times the cost of our first house. It has been a difficult and exciting endeavor. I DEEPLY thank my family for their support. SPECTRUM BIKES is in its infancy: yet to be molded. We have never asked for donations. We pay our way. Unfortunately, our pockets are not deep in relationship to the scope of our objectives. Crowdfunding was considered but would increase the price 15% to pay for that service: not our vision for REASONABLE pricing. If you are interested in supporting our journey, we are accepting donations in our grassroots approach. We think of this as a pay-it-forward campaign and will be good stewards of your contribution in an effort to produce quality bikes that are competitively priced. Your support is GREATLY appreciated. THANK YOU.

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