Made in America | Evolving Consumer

Made in America: Veteran Bicycle

David Lewis has launched an Indiegogo project with the goal to get an American made bicycle company off the ground. This disabled U.S. Army veteran served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He noted that hassle with building bikes in China and is looking to make Made in America mean something again.

To that end he’s looking to raise money, not just to start the project but to use the funding to buy other American made equipment. Those investing $10 will get his thanks, and those investing $2,500 or more will get a handmade, veteran made complete bicycle!

We wish Lewis the best of luck with this project.

Veteran Bicycle Company Indiegogo Site

Chrome to the Rescue

Chrome Industries has probably saved many a bike commuter by providing durable bags that can carry a lot, but the company is truly the rescue with its line of durable BLCKCHRM bags. These are made form hypalon, material originally used to make U.S. Coast Guard rescue rafts. These bags feature liners with tightly woven nylon, while the trim is full grain leather and hardware is coated with rubber.

These American made bags are guaranteed for life.

BLCK Chrome Official Website

Made in America: Bowie Returns

The Bowie knife has a long and colorful history, and American knife maker The Ontario Knife Company has had a long history producing various blades. Introduced 20 years ago in its SPEC PLUS Line, the SP5 Bowie Knife was a favorite – even when it was removed from the line of products.

Now the OKC SP5 Bowie Knife is back. As the company noted, it is a fighting knife, a hunter’s companion, and an all-purpose wilderness survival tool. The OKC SP5 features a sturdy, full-tang construction designed for serious cutting and chopping power. Its 10-inch blade is constructed from 1095 Carbon Steel with a 57-59 HRC.

Welcome back Bowie!

The Ontario Knife Company Official Website

Made in America: Magic Mushroom

We’ve seen a lot of efforts to make surfboards a whole lot greener, and this has included boards made of recycled and reclaimed materials, but the guys at Mushroom Surfboards are growing boards – via mushrooms. In other words Mushroom Surfboards by Ecovative Design isn’t just a clever name, it is actually what the boards are made from!

The company has created a Myco Foam technology that was first developed in 2007 and uses shroom-based materials for its structure. This means the surfboard “blanks” are entirely biodegradable but also produced from what would otherwise be agricultural waste, such as plant stalks and seed husks, and mycelium. Video after the jump

Made in America: Back to Nature

Go old school with the Natural Log Skateboards, which are hand crafted in San Diego from either vertical grain bamboo or recycled oak with two internal layers of tri-axial fiberglass for added strength. An Entropy Resins Super Sap epoxy will provide protection for the deck and add some bounce.

While these look vintage these boards should endure the test of time.

Natural Log Skateboards

Made in America: Bow It Up

While a bow can bend that doesn’t mean it should have to be forced to fit a case. Plano’s new Parallel Limb Bow Case (Model 1144) is a case the offers plenty of room for storage for a bow, and adjusts to its shape as well. The plastic injection molded case is American made, and features cam-action type latches that secure the lid for a tight fit. An O-ring seal around the full perimeter insures that water and dust won’t get in.

The interior is seven inches deep and can accommodate multiple bows and quivers, and can hold six arrows. The black construction with yellow latches also has a serious look for those who take their archery seriously.

Plano Parallel Limb Bow Case

Made in America: Detroit Bikes Are Rolling

While Detroit rusts away, the once proud Motor City still produces some fine products – and that includes the new line of bikes from Detroit Bikes. These durable steel bikes look ready to handle the mean streets and more. The 3-speed A-Type comes with coaster brake and fenders, but takes a page form the Henry Ford Model T playbook, and are available in any color you like – as long as it is black.

If you want one you’ll have to head Michigan as the company is looking to sell locally before rolling out nationwide.

Detroit Bikes Official Website

Made in America: Up and Pull

With summer soon to give way to fall we know that you can never have too many hoodies, and the Dirtball Pullover Hoodie offers more but uses less. It is made in the USA of 50 percent recycled cotton and 50 percent recycled plastic water bottles. So in other words it is almost like wearing a whole lot of nothing.

Dirtball Pullover Hoodie Official Website

Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

American-made Swiftwick compression socks will be at next month’s Interbike trade show. The company will look to show off its SUSTAIN sock line, which is made from post-industrial recycled nylon. The SUSTAIN line, which runs $12 to $17, offers compression and moisture-wicking capabilities, without the use of chemicals. Continue reading Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

Made in America: Wet Bag

While any plastic bag can be used to haul your wetsuit there are better ways of transporting it post dive. The American made Baggu Wetsuit Bag is designed to carry the soggy gear and keep it apart from things you’d rather stay dry.

Originally designed for surfers it is made from water resistant 18 ounce vinyl and offers an exterior pocket for plenty of extra storage. Unlike canvas or other bags this one can be hosed down and hung out to dry.

Baggu Wetsuit Bag Official Website

Made in America: Wooly Jersey

Female cyclists can look forward to a new line of Merino wool cycling gear from Cedar Cycling. This American made line of attire is aimed at the high end of the market, and smartly tailored for women riders.

The company called in 12 females to determine what they liked and didn’t like about cycling clothing, and the result is something that is bound to please most cyclists. The standard jersey is made from their proven StandardWool, which is a blend of Merino wool and nylon. This results in a breathable, anti-microbial, abrasion resistant and shape retaining fit.

The jersey was designed in Oakland, California and sewn up in nearby San Leandro. It will be ready to ride later this summer. The company is now offering it for pre-sale.

Cedar Cycling Women’s Standard Jersey Official Website

Made in America: Cargo Container

Chrome knows a thing or two (or a lot more) about backpacks, but the Barrage Cargo is ready to haul a lot of gear. This made in the USA pack features compression bucks on the side of the bag, a cargo net that can be used to strap down even a helmet, and includes plenty of room in the main waterproof compartment.

It features 600 denier truck tarpaulin, with fully welded seams inside a 1000 denier CORDURA brand grade nylon shell. There are even pockets for U-locks and water bottles, and it is guaranteed for life.

Chrome Barrage Cargo Backpack Official Website

Made in America: Pedal Pushers’ Jersey Speaks the Truth

With the words “Know Your Enemy NYC” this cycling jersey from Pedal Pushers is one we’d say has a hardcore look to it. Anyone who has ridden the mean streets of Sixth Avenue pre-bike lanes can understand this one. While New York City may be far more bike friendly, it still isn’t for the faint of heart. And while this one was made in California we still see it has that Big Apple attitude.

This jersey is for those who can handle a bit of traffic.

Pedal Pushers: Know Your Enemy NYC Jersey