Built in America, Connected to the World

By Hanna Scholz, President of Bike Friday
May 1, 2025

Dear Fellow Cyclists,

I’ve realized it would be valuable to share with you how this 33 year old American Manufacturer is experiencing the current trade tariff situation that is said to aim for supporting American Manufacturing.

For 33 years, Bike Friday has hand-built bicycles in our factory in Eugene, Oregon. While over 95% of the bike industry has moved production overseas, we’ve stayed committed to crafting bikes in the USA, one rider at a time.

That hasn’t been easy.

We’ve had to train our team from the ground up—because there’s no ready trained workforce of American bicycle builders. We’ve had to explain our business model to funders who are unfamiliar with manufacturing and often see us as too big or too small to fit the mold. And we’ve had to source parts like tires, chains, and shifters from abroad, because many of these simply aren’t made in the U.S. at all.

Still, we’ve done it. Why?

Because we believe the best way to serve our customers is to build in the USA. Keeping our factory directly connected to the people who ride what we build has kept us improving and insuring we offer products people want and need. We are committed to continuing to design and build personalized, durable, repairable bikes that truly fit the customers needs and last a lifetime. We believe in creating local jobs and offering unmatched service—before, during, and long after the sale.

But lately, we are being slowed down by a new challenge.

Trade Policies Meant to Help — Are Hurting

Recent U.S. tariffs have hit Bike Friday. The costs of essential imported parts (no domestic options available) have jumped to still unknown increases (we’re waiting for orders to enter the country and then see what the bill for tariffs are. We can’t forecast costs in an ever changing tariff environment). Meanwhile, some of our international customers face steep retaliatory tariffs on American-made goods, making our bikes hard to afford. We actually export bikes to China that we hand build in Oregon USA!

In just the last two months, we’ve felt the ripple effects:

• Overseas customers are delaying or cancelling orders

• Friends in other countries have told us they’re avoiding U.S. products altogether out of frustration

• U.S. customers are holding back, unsure of what the future holds, even though its spring cycling time

• Our material costs are up to still unknown levels

It’s disheartening. Are we the kind of small manufacturer these policies are supposed to support? If so, why are we being punished too?

Here’s the Bike Friday Facts:

• Bike Friday has built bikes by hand in Oregon for 33 years

• We pay living wages to American workers

• 30–40% of our bikes are exported over seas—spreading U.S.-built quality around the world

• We have customers, dealers and vendors in over 20 countries

• In 2024–25, 30% of our exports went to Asian countries

• Our bikes are only possible through a global supply chain—some bike parts simply have never been made in the USA, ever. Changing that will take many, many years and many millions of investment dollars, and will still have to import skills, knowledge and tools from outside the USA.

What would help grow domestic manufacturing: (From 33 Years of Experience)

If policymakers want to support American Manufacturing, here’s what I think would actually help:

• Trade schools that teach practical manufacturing skills in multiple industries

• Fair funding access for small manufacturers—not just big corporations

• Policy support for long-life, repairable products, like the ones we build

• Better tools for small exporters, through agencies like the U.S. Commercial Service or Export-Import Bank

• Smart tariffs—and reinvesting that money into training, innovation, and supply chain resilience

Let’s support what truly builds strength: quality, sustainability, and community.

A Bigger Perspective: Bikes Build Bridges, Not Borders

We don’t believe in adversarial divisions.

A person on a bike—no matter where they live—is a kindred spirit. Cyclists recognize each other across languages, borders, and politics. Riding is about freedom, adventure, and connection. We see our international community of cyclists as family. We always have.

That’s what makes this moment so painful—and so important.

How We’re Responding

Even with these challenges, we’re not standing still. We are:

• Weekly team meetings to problem solve, and flexibly respond to the changes in our customers needs and supply-chain availability. Communication, creativity and working together has always successfully brought us through challenges in the best way possible.

• Streamlining how we build, without compromising quality

• Continuing to offer custom-built bikes at the best value possible

• Helping international customers save with smart shipping options

• Innovating, with exciting products like our new Bosch All-Day e-bike, as well as responding to what customers are looking for in this changing environment.

We’re transforming tariff turmoil into compost for new solutions. We’re still here, still riding, and still building—with you.

How You Can Help

If you believe in what Bike Friday stands for please:

• Share the Bike Friday story with fellow cyclists – See our referral program

• Support small, values-driven builders with your dollars

• Reach out – ask questions, share you idea’s of how Bike Friday can turn these changing times into better ways to serve you in the future, tell your friends

We’ve made it through 33 years because of loyal Bike Friday riders and community. Thank you for believing in us and supporting bikes made in the USA. We couldn’t do it with out you.

Together, we ride.

Warm regards and Happy Cycling,

Hanna Scholz
President, Bike Friday
www.bikefriday.com