Category: Made in America

Made in America: Aero Tech Designs

Descente, Bike Nashbar, Terry Precision, Head and Giant are familiar names in cycling apparel, but a name you may not be familiar with is Aero Tech Designs, Inc. of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. For over 25 years these companies, along with many others, have contracted with Aero Tech Designs to design and manufacture cycling apparel – all happening from their facility in this Pittsburgh suburb.

Founded by Cathy Schnaubelt Rogers, an avid cyclist and former racer herself, Aero Tech Designs prides itself on not only producing cycling apparel in the U.S.A., but also sourcing all of the raw material from domestic suppliers. The 10mm Italian inspired chamois is American made; the fabric is knit domestically in South Carolina; the thread is from American company Efrid of North Carolina – even the paper labels are printed locally in a domestic paper facility. Materials are brought together and assembled in Coraopolis by American workers. The company then sells the goods under the Aero Tech Design name.

(Video after the jump) Continue reading Made in America: Aero Tech Designs

Made in America: Hard Core CrossCore Training

There is no denying that the men and women in the American military get regular workouts. Basic training and regular training makes them lean, mean fighting machines in their own right. But once they’re deployed what are they to do? The same question can be asked for those who travel a lot, or just don’t have the time to hit the gym.

This fitness product was specifically designed to deliver Rotational Bodyweight Training to our troops and keep them in combat ready condition no matter where they go. Weighing less than five pounds, the result is a versatile, total body, fitness tool. So whether you work out of an office or (as the video below shows) out of a tank, you can still get a hardcore workout for your core.

Continue reading Made in America: Hard Core CrossCore Training

Made in America: DiEM Sportsgear

Name one company that gives away 30-percent of its profits. There aren’t many out that that would dream of such an act, but DiEM Sportsgear is not a normal company. They are a company that was launched earlier this year to supply a non-profit fund with money to achieve its main goal of giving back to the community. The non-profit, David’s Fund, was started by the family members of the young athlete, David Scott Mueller, whose life was cut tragically short in 2009 by a drunk driver in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

DiEM Sportsgear, the name derived from David’s initials, not only is unique with its goal of giving back, but they also pride themselves on making their apparel in the U.S.A. Currently the line only consists of athletic t-shirts for both men and women. Every shirt except for the ‘Basic T’ utilizes fast-dry fabric technology, are tag-less and are 92-percent polyester, 8-percent spandex. All T’s sold by DiEM Sportsgear are made in America.

Video after the jump Continue reading Made in America: DiEM Sportsgear

Made in America: Chris King Precision Components

With Interbike kicking off next week, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to feature one of our favorite brands in our weekly Made in America spotlight. Since 1976, Chris King Precision Components of Portland, Oregon has been making what is arguably the best bicycle components available today.

What started off with bearings and a single headset design has evolved into a company that produces bearings, headsets, bottom brackets and hubs for every type of bike on the market. Chris King products are ridden by amateurs and professionals alike due to the high level of quality and craftsmanship that is put into every single product.

Chris King so strongly believes in the quality of their products that they stand behind their headsets with a 10-year warranty and their hubs and bottom brackets with a 5-year warranty – easily double of any other component manufacturer in the market. Continue reading Made in America: Chris King Precision Components

Made in America: TriActive America E-Line

Chin up bars, parallel bars and sit -up platforms are all items that you might have seen on your local walking or running path. These stations of yesteryear are typically constructed of steel pipe and wooden posts which work perfectly fine and shouldn‘t be replaced unless they are worn out. At some point, these fitness stations will deteriorate and once your community or company is looking to replace tired equipment or install a new fitness path with stations, there is an alternative to the steel pipes and wood. TriActive America offers a line of heavy duty, outdoor stations that are designed to keep people fit and stand the test of time all while offering many more choices of fitness activities.

TriActive America designs and manufactures this unique line of outdoor fitness equipment for use exclusively outdoors. TriActive America offers a few different product lines: the original TriActive Fitness products, premium E-Line equipment, Wheelchair Accessible equipment, and the E-Shade Line. All products are designed in the U.S.A. with components that are made of powder-coated steel for high durability against damage and the environment. TriActive America is so confident in their equipment that they stand behind every piece with a 10 year warranty. Not all lines are manufactured in the U.S., but the E-Line is all 100-percent American made. Continue reading Made in America: TriActive America E-Line

Made in America: Kontrol Wheels

Skateboarding was born in America, but the sad truth (at least for purists) is that many of the parts are now made overseas. Fortunately there are still a few companies out there that are producing products to let boarders grind it and show some American made pride.

Based in San Diego, California, Kontrol Wheels is still producing skateboard wheels in America. The company was founded by Dan Eager in 2004, after he and few other engineers came up with a new technology to mold urethane wheels.

This new urethane-molding process not only eliminated much of the physical labor, but also created a superior skateboard wheel. It even reduced the amount of waste that came with conventional manufacturing.

Video after the jump

Continue reading Made in America: Kontrol Wheels

Made in America: Vectra Fitness

Trying to get into shape or maintaining your fitness level is no easy task. For most people, it takes a few hours each week working out just to stay at a certain level. Going to the gym can add time to a workout that some people just do not have in their busy day. If you have the discipline to use one, a home gym can allow you to squeeze in a workout whenever you have the time.

For almost 25 years, Vectra Fitness has been manufacturing high-end compact multi-station weight gyms for home and institutional use. Founded in 1987 and based in Kent, Washington, three of the four original founders are still owners today and actively involved in the business. Doug MacLean, Bob Rasmussen and Buell Ish have combined their engineering principles with unprecedented and creative designs resulting in approximately 30 patents being issued to Vectra innovations over the years. Most of these innovations are not obvious to the user, but one that will please most people is the fingertip release lever. Available on most Vectra models, the feature allows easy adjustment of exercise handles with the flip of a lever – no more struggling with pins to adjust the arms of the machine. Continue reading Made in America: Vectra Fitness

Made in America: Cages Fit for a King

Not much consideration is given to a water bottle cage purchase by the average cyclist, the greatest importance is that there is at least one mounted to their new bike. It is not until they hit the trails and lose a bottle or have to wrestle with the bottle just to pull it out of the cage to get a drink does the thought of a well made water bottle cage come to mind. King Cage, based in Durango, Colorado, has been making water bottle cages the right way since 1991 and making them in America.

Ron Andrews has worked for a unique list of manufacturers in the bicycle industry including Fat City Cycles, One Off Titanium, Joe Breeze Cycles, Ted Wojack Cycles and Yeti Cycles. It was at One Off Titanium that Ran was asked by a customer if they could have a water bottle cage made from titanium. After he successfully made the titanium cage, he continued to produce them ever since Continue reading Made in America: Cages Fit for a King

Made in America: Swami Sportswear

Finding athletic apparel that is made in the U.S.A. is actually not too terribly difficult if you read enough labels. Yoga pants, cycling clothing and even t-shirts are still made in America, but most of these items are well over $20. Sometimes a simple pair of sweatpants or shorts to bike around town is all that is needed and not breaking the bank is a bonus. Swami Sportswear of Temecula, CA is manufacturing a line of pants and shorts for men, women and children that are all 100 percent Made in America and all for under $20 – even for custom made sweatpants.

The line of clothing includes Capri pant for the ladies, sweatpants, sports shorts and non-padded cycling shorts. The material is a fleece cotton and polyester blend with a fabric weight of 400 grams. Most of the adult bottoms are available in nine different colors and seven different sizes, all using the same thickness of fleece. There is one pair of sweatpants specifically made for the girls out there, but you only have the choice of two different colors. There is no specific section for boys, but the men’s wear is offered in some fairly small sizes. Continue reading Made in America: Swami Sportswear

Made in America: FITS Socks Co.

Last week was the Snowsports Industries America (SIA) Show in New York featuring a number of different manufacturers from all around the winter sports industry. With so many companies to choose from, it might seem odd that we picked a sock company to feature. There are quite a few sock companies that still produce their items in the U.S.A., but most usually on feature three sizes – FITS Socks manufactures five different sizes ranging from 3-½ to 15-½ for men and 5 to 17 for women.

Knitting socks in Niota, TN since 1902, Crescent Sock Co. endured the ups and downs that shaped the character of America’s people and her textiles industry. Today the company produces socks under its own FITS name in the oldest operating hosiery mill in the U.S. – leveraging technical expertise and long-held knowledge of fit and comfort. The family-owned company remains committed to its vision, its people, and to keeping jobs in the Tennessee Valley. Crescent manufactured socks for more than 30 other brands before deciding to market its own high-quality product. Responding to an industry-wide epidemic of ill-fitting socks, FITS leveraged over a century of experience to develop the world’s best-fitting sock using materials, processes, and quality controls that far exceed industry standards. The result: a product line that embodies the crucial connection between fit and performance.

FITS Sock has a different approach to sock ‘fitting‘. Instead of looking at the length of the foot, they base their sizing on total volume of the foot creating a precise sock-fit. FITS socks are constructed from two-ply, compact-spun, ultra-fine Merino Wool, providing the ultimate blend of softness and durability. Their F3 Technology™ delivers a unique form FIT thanks to a deep heel pocket, specialized toe seam, and contoured leg – which keep FITS socks firmly in place. This means no more bunching, hot spots, or friction, regardless of the task at hand – if you experience any of these issues, you will appreciate how important a good pair of fitting socks can make your sporting experience much more enjoyable.

At SIA FITS was featuring their winter sports sock – FITS SKI. The heart of the FITS SKI line is the FITS Ultra Light SKI, a minimalist’s SKI sock. Developed to be the thinnest high-performance Merino Wool ski sock, it features ultra-light construction with absolutely no cushioning; a vented instep for breathability and reduced material; and FITS’ signature SculptureKnit leg that conforms to your foot and leg and stays up all day.

Along with winter sports, FITS also produces socks for hikers, runners, hunters and even business or casual use. Ranging from $15.99 to $19.99, FITS Socks are available directly from their website or you can search their store locator page to find a retailer near you. If you order directly from FITS, rest assured that the socks will fit you properly. If you are not satisfied with your socks, simply contact FITS Sock Co. within 30 days and they will replace your pair with the correct size or refund your money.

FITS Sock Official Website

Made in America: Something to Jump Up and Down About

The modern trampoline is not as old as you might think. After observing trapeze artists performing flips and tricks on a stretched safety net below the trapeze, George Nissen had the idea to create a bouncing bed from a stretched piece of fabric to help him train for his gymnastics tumbling.

With the help of his coach, Larry Griswold, the two decided to experiment with stretched canvas, grommets and coil springs in the mid-1930s to create their own bouncing platform. Nissen and Griswold were both gymnasts and wanted to add some entertainment to their performances along with helping them train for competitive events. While touring with their new invention in Mexico, Nissen overheard the Spanish word for diving board, el trampolin, used to describe the apparatus and he decided to use an anglicized form as a trademark. Throughout the years, the trampoline has been used by entertainers, athletes, the military and even astronauts for everything from training to competition. Continue reading Made in America: Something to Jump Up and Down About

Made in America: Annin Flags

It is July 4th, the day that we celebrate our independence and reflect upon what it means to be an American. Overall, most of us are proud of who we are as a nation and though we are going through some tough times we still take pride in our country. This is often seen in a subtle ways through the display of our flag on our porches, businesses, sporting complexes and government buildings; but our patriotism takes a more predominant presentation through people running up a mountain in France next to a pack of cyclists, a rowdy crowd at a FIFA World Cup game or wrapped around the back of an Olympic champion. But who makes these flags? Though it is dishearting to find a flag labeled ‘Made in China’, most U.S. flags are actually made in America.

One such company still producing flags in the U.S. is Annin Flagmakers. Based in New Jersey, Annin is the oldest and largest flag maker in the United States. The American flag was scarcely 70 years old in 1847 when brothers Benjamin and Edward Annin founded Annin Flagmakers flag–makers on Fulton Street in New York City. The business had begun with their father, Alexander Annin who had been sewing flags and supplying them to merchant ships from his sail-making shop on the New York City waterfront as far back as 1820. Annin grew throughout the years and had their greatest surges in production during times of elevated American patriotism. The Civil War, World War I, World War II, the addition of Alaska and Hawaii, and 9/11 all saw times of increased pride in our country and ultimately increased sales. Unfortunately there were slower times for the flag company too, particularly during the Vietnam War, but that was drought in sales was ended by our nation’s bi-centennial celebration.

In 2005, Annin Flagmakers joined with other domestic flag manufacturing companies and became a founding member of the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA). This industry organization is dedicated to promoting the manufacture of U.S. flags in America by Americans with domestically made fabric.

In Annin’s two largest domestic factories, US flags are manufactured with advanced cellular production techniques; state, international and custom flags are digitally and screen -dyed to exact color specifications; the in-house research and the development testing laboratories, together with the art department are constantly monitoring dye formulas. Our Distribution systems are in real-time synchronization compliance with customer requirements.

Presently, Annin Flagmakers is still family owned and operated by the Beard and Dennis families. On January 1, 2011 Carter Beard became the President and CEO of Annin Flagmakers. Carter and his cousin Sandy Dennis Van Lieu, Sr. Vice President, are supported by a strong team of managers, many of whom have over twenty to thirty years of experience with the company. Annin Flagmakers employs over 500 Americans and prides itself on the quality of its products and the experience of its people.

Next time you are looking for a flag to purchase for a sporting event that you are attending, check out where it is made. Along with supporting your favorite American athlete, you will also be supporting your fellow American.

Annin Flagmakers Official Website

Made in America: Veteran-Owned Wiley X Celebrates the 4th of July

From WileyX:

Wiley X Eyewear, a leading provider of protective eyewear for U.S. soldiers and law enforcement, wants all Americans to pause on this Holiday to reflect on why it is and what it is we celebrate — the independence and freedoms we enjoy not only on this particular day, but every day of our lives.

As a veteran-owned company, Wiley X is keenly aware that our nation’s independence and our personal freedoms have been challenged and defended many times over the years — often by brave men and women far from home.

“We gather on July 4th to celebrate the birth of our great nation,” said Myles Freeman, Jr. Co-Owner of Wiley X Eyewear. “However, we tend to think of Independence Day as an historical Holiday, a celebration of events that happened more than 200 years ago. We need to remember and celebrate the uniquely American freedoms we enjoy today — and the sacrifices required to preserve them for future generations. As modern technology lets us see more of what goes on around the world, we’re reminded that freedom should never be taken for granted,” added Freeman.

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!