What the Future of Bicycle Manufacturing Look Like According to Experts

"It's hard to answer, as the industry is constantly evolving. We see brands come and go as the circle of time continues to spin, and it's common knowledge that 2025 was not an easy year for the bike industry. However, this conversation between Aaron Stinner, Adam Sklar, and Bradford Smith explores the realities of American bike manufacturing, examining both the pros and cons of being a small frame builder and the differences between imported frames and in-house production."

"These experienced framebuilders, who have a deep well of industry knowledge, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working alone versus in a shop environment, while considering the challenges of growing a bike brand without compromising quality or identity. The discussion also addresses the broader outlook for the U.S. bike industry and the future of domestic manufacturing, and is well worth a listen if you are curious about where the industry is going."

"Adam Sklar of Sklar Bikes and Bradford Smith of Afterhours Framebuilding sit down with Aaron Stinner of Stinner Frameworks to dissect and discuss current and future trends in the bike industry and examine the direction of bicycle manufacturing. Coming from three authorities in framebuilding, all with deep industry knowledge, this is an incredibly organic and honest look at what it means to be so dedicated to the craft, sport, and culture of cycling in all its forms."

American bicycle manufacturing navigates a shifting landscape, with brands rising and falling and 2025 presenting significant industry difficulties. Small framebuilders weigh the benefits of domestic craftsmanship against the economies and scale of overseas production. Builders consider whether to work solo or in a shop, balancing hands-on craft with business realities and growth pressures. Growing a bike brand often risks compromising quality or identity if scaled improperly. The future of domestic manufacturing depends on addressing tradeoffs between quality, cost, and capacity while preserving the cultural and technical aspects of framebuilding.

Read at BikeMag