While the vast majority of the bike industry buys carbon frames and parts from Asia, the new brand Allied Cycle Works set up shop in the southern US state of Arkansas. Today, the new brand announced its second bike, a custom 800g frame called the Echo.
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Allied Cycle Works was recently formed by former Orbea USA head Tony Karklins and former Specialized engineer Sam Perkins. The company's first bike, the Alfa, launched last month.
The carbon frames are designed, built and even painted at the company's headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The $3,800 Echo frameset uses tube-to-tube construction of American-sourced Mitsubishi MR60H intermediate modulus and HR40 high modulus carbon.
“Our monocoque composite frame ALFA generated a lot of excitement and we feel the Echo will be the answer for those wanting a fully custom frame option,” said Karklins, founder and managing director of Allied."We’re proving it’s possible to offer a bike that’s competitive with best in class for performance and price, all while being designed and built entirely under one roof here in the US.”
Riders can configure their Echo bikes on Allied's website, selecting geometry as well as components. Once final design is confirmed, Allied claims the custom frameset or complete bike will be delivered to the rider's door within 60 days.
The 800g claimed weight is for a 56cm frame, which can handle up to 28mm tires. The fork is 340g, Allied says.
