Keeping it local… Australian made gear
We’ve spent a lot of time hunting around for Australian made bike parts and accessories. And it’s been successful. This post covers some of the gear available from the local market.
Ok so we know the benefits of local stuff… mimising transport requirements reduces emissions. And warranties are much easier. The products are better supported and with lots of these businesses we can give feedback on what we like and what doesn’t work. They will sometimes be able to incorporate this feedback into future designs and manufacturing runs. Anyway, local gear is good and we’re supporting it!
Ron D Swan
Ron D Swan is a small business based in Castlemaine (central Vic). Cathy and Chris use reclaimed and low impact materials and are a fantastic example of sustainable business. They make pannier bags, shoulder bags, reflective leg bands and high vis vests. Check them out at www.rondswan.com
Cycle Underground
Cycle Underground is based in Sydney. They produce a range of chainrings and specialist tools. They will cut custom rings to your specs – 3/32nd, 1/8th or even 3/16th inch, in a stack of different designs and whatever tooth count you need. It’s fantastic to see a local firm manufacturing such nicely machined parts at amazingly low prices.
Velocity
Velocity make some of the best bicycle rims and wheels available. What’s more, they offer awesome support and assistance and they’re willing to help out with difficult jobs. They’ve grown in popularity and export container loads of wheels and rims to the States and around the world. This is cool. But it does means it can take a while to get non-standard wheels delivered to Melbourne. Contact us and we can advise on availability and delivery timeframes.
See also more posts about Velocity gear at http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/?p=908, http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/?p=1913 and http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/?p=273
Visit Velocity at www.velocitywheels.com
Brisbane Outdoor Gear
Brisbane Outdoor are a really friendly crew in Brissie. Their sustainability policy is great and the gear is extremely well made. We started off stocking just the FRS Strap Ons (“an alternative to cleats, straps and cages”) but now also carry their tool and gear pouches. Probably not long till the BO Gear messenger bags are on the shelves too…
See also: http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/?p=1258
Inox
Lubricant, cleaner and degreaser.
Plus gear from Australian owned business manufactured offshore
KNOG
KNOG makes gear that’s practical and looks the part. The production is off-shore but it’s a locally owned business and still offers good value and good product suppport. The range of KNOG lights starts with the Frog mini lights, available in all the colours of the rainbow. The trusty Gekko and Skink models still come in a good range of colours and offer AAA batteries for better burn time and a brighter light. The Boomer is extremely popular and stock is low but it’s stunningly bright and, confusingly, offers good long battery life at the same time.
See also http://www.humanpowered.com.au/wp/?p=304
Visit KNOG at www.knog.com.au
Allegro Bikes
The Allegro range is designed in Melbourne for Melbourne conditions. Owner and designer Richard has engineered a mix of step through, hybrid, gear hub, fixed gear and single speed bikes to meet his requirements of sustainability. His bikes are of a quality designed to be maintained not thrown out. They are produced in Taiwan from parts sourced local to the production site.
See also: Allegro bikes, Allegro package deals
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