Friday, February 15, 2008

Popular Mechanics Profiles Litespeed Titanium



Page 93 of the March 2008 edition of Pop Mechanics read like this :


At just under 2 pounds, the most feathery titanium bike frames made by the American Bicycle Group nearly float off the workbenches in the company's factory in Ooltewah, Tenn. "Asian Manufactures dont have the expertise with the titanium like we do, and they don't have the same grade of titanium," says part owner and CEO Peter Hurley. "The level of fabrication we have here does not exist anywhere else in the world."

Surprising clients come knocking when you've got Titanium-shaping chops : NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab buys tubing from the company. But ABG is, primarily, a bike company, whose Litespeed and Merlin bike frames are favored by the many triathletes, mountain bikers and road racers. In part, they have 22-year old welder Josie Greek to thank. "With welding, I thought I'd get a job somewhere smoky, dirty,"Greek says. "But this is clean. I love the work." And elite cyclists love the results.

Litespeed Ghisallo, 1.7 pound frame, made at the company's 85,000 sq-ft factory, is one of the lightest in the world.

* * *

No comments: