I know they are not tri bikes but I still think this is pretty cool. We still make all of our frames 100% here in the USA. We CNC machine the links, dropouts, bottom brackets, headtubes(even the aluminum bolts) etc, cut and miter the tubes, Weld, align, heat treat, face, chase and assemble all here in Temecula CA. I believe we are the last company of any decent size(4-5000 frames per year) to still do it all here in the USA in their own factory. If you are ever in the area and want to see how it all works, we are happy to give factory tours.
This is the first production video we just finished focused on our weld department.
Let me know what you think
http://vimeo.com/3062998
I know they are not tri bikes but I still think this is pretty cool. We still make all of our frames 100% here in the USA. We CNC machine the links, dropouts, bottom brackets, headtubes(even the aluminum bolts) etc, cut and miter the tubes, Weld, align, heat treat, face, chase and assemble all here in Temecula CA. I believe we are the last company of any decent size(4-5000 frames per year) to still do it all here in the USA in their own factory. If you are ever in the area and want to see how it all works, we are happy to give factory tours.
This is the first production video we just finished focused on our weld department.
Let me know what you think
http://vimeo.com/3062998
Now, I don’t know how many frames they make in a year, but…
The bicycle industry trend is to outsource, particularly when it comes to carbon fiber technology. Most of today’s bicycles are made by production workers who know very little about the product they are assembling. At Serotta, we are proud to buck that trend. Your Serotta is 100% handcrafted in our Saratoga Springs, NY and Poway, CA factories by craftspeople who understand high performance bicycles and are dedicated to making your Serotta perform brilliantly. In fact, we are obsessed with the performance, durability and styling of every detail of your bicycle. This obsession has led us to become more vertically integrated than any other bicycle manufacturer. We design and produce all our own small parts in our CNC (computer numerical control) facility. We butt and swage our own titanium tubes. In January 2007, we took over production of our composites to ensure unlimited access to the highest quality carbon fiber in the world.
Paul,
i cannot look at your road bikes (or frames) on your website. why not?
As a fellow welder (mig not tig) I think that rocks. If I could land a job building frames I think I could consider myself retired (if you love your job you’ll never work another day in your life)
So, when will we see a sub-5 pound (actual weight w/ shock) Spider FRO with next generation VPP?
Thats cool about Serotta. Its good to hear that someone else is keeping high end USA made bikes alive. As far as our road bikes go, we had planned on releasing a really cool Easton Aluminum model a couple years ago. A little market research lead us to the conclusion that there were very few people interested in high end aluminum road bikes no matter where they were produced. We had some carbon frames made by an off shore factory (same guys who make the frames for certain high end Italian brands). We sold them for about a year and they were really nice frames but they had nothing “Intense” about them other than the decals. We made the decision to go back to what we know best, high end MTB and USA production. We are in the proces of re-doing the site. The road frames will go away on the new one.
Kent, the welders here really love their jobs and most of them ride as well. They are a great bunch of guys and super excited about what they produce.
Its in the works but the big volume MTB markets these days are 5-6 inch do everything trail bikes and lightweight DH bikes for racing and bike parks like Whistler. Those are the priority on the design board right now
That’s a pretty cool operation you guys have going! The only thing I’d note is that I’d add Waterford to the list of volume producers in the states. I’d actually guess between their own Waterford/Gunnar stuff and their contract builds (Standard BMX, Milwaukee Bicycle, etc.), they’re making even a few more bikes than you guys. It’s also nice that they do reasonably priced, domestically produces bikes.
Again, not trying to rain on your parade–I borrowed a friends 5.5 for a week and it was one of the sweetest rigs I’ve ever had a chance to ride.
If you ever open a shop in Ontario Canada and are in the hunt for welders…lemme know.
Its in the works but the big volume MTB markets these days are 5-6 inch do everything trail bikes and lightweight DH bikes for racing and bike parks like Whistler. Those are the priority on the design board right now
I’m sure you’re right about the market…but I, for one (well, two if you coun Shawn), care only about XC racing and would love a 5lbs FS frame!
Serotta says (I asked 
they make under 3000 per year.
Merlin ?
Never heard of Intense till I saw it in your profile. Love the idea of frames made in USA. Do you guys make more frames than Litespeed factory in Chattanooga?
Don’t forget Seven. I have two of their bikes and one of the real pleasures was watching them weld my frames. They also used to do factory weekends where they went through everything from design, to material selection to bike building.
I think we all need to celebrate and appreciate the true craftsmen in the business.
I love your bikes and will contact you the next time that I’m in the area. While I’m a marketing person, I have always been a fabrication geek - it would be a kick to tour the facility.
Big fan of your bikes- great to have this inside storyline now- wow… can’t wait till you get road production out there. Awesome camera work and how fun! creative too- leaves me waiting for “what’s next”!
Independant Fabrications, Parlee, Vanilla, Zanconato, and Hot Tubes all out together bikes. Sure Parlee doesnt exactly weld the bikes since they are carbon fiber but the other companies do a good amount of welding.