Foundry crafts tough carbon frames
Originally posted on June 24, 2011 at 17:25 pm
By Adam Newman
Carbon fiber isn’t just for risk-averse racers any more. That’s the ethos behind Foundry Cycles, a new brand specializing in hard-working carbon frames for hard-working riders.
"The brand is straightforward with no bullshit," said Brand Manager Jason Grantz, highlighting the subtle, understated graphics being finalized now. He also emphasized the durability of the frames and the quality of the third-product testing they have been subjected to. "You can ride it hard and treat it the way you want to."
Four frames are lined up for the launch, a road, 29er mountain and two cyclocross frames with disc and cantilever options.
"We’re predicting more and more will be jumping on the disc bandwagon," Grantz said.
Both ‘cross models – both named Auger – will ship with Whisky forks with a tapered steerer tube, threaded bottom brackets and 135mm rear spacing. A "pure race machine", it will not offer fender or rack mounts, Grantz said.
The road frame, the Ratchet, also features a tapered-steerer fork, but will be available with a press-fit bottom bracket.
The mountain frame, the Router, will use a press-fit head-tube for the most fork compatibility options and a press-fit bottom bracket. The disc-only frame will also have 135mm rear spacing.
Look for framesets to be available to consumers in December, and complete bikes following in February 2012.
The first preview rides will take place at SaddleDrive, the industry demo expo, in July.
The brand launch comes hot on the heels of another Quality Bicycle Products brand unveiled last week, Whisky parts, that will focus on carbon fiber forks and other accessories. The two brands will compliment each other, but will operate independently, Grantz said, which "gives us the freedom to do things differently as each brand evolves. Whiskey and Foundry are two separate brands and they have their own identity"