Paragon Machine Works is shutting down. The California machine shop is the a core part of the custom bike business in North America. Paragon produces the dropouts, BB’s, head tubes and numerous other machined parts many custom and small-batch builders rely on to make their bikes.
“We understand this is shocking news,” a note thanking customers on PMW’s site reads, continuing “and appreciate your patience and support during this very difficult transition.”
43 years of tradition slows to a sudden trickle
Paragon’s closure, after 43 years in business, is sudden and unexpected. Just days ago, the shop was showing new products and production runs.
PMW says it will continue to sell through its existing inventory and continue to make parts until its inventory of raw materials runs out, though with reduced staffing. “Manufacturing priority will be given to parts in greatest demand. If we can justify another run of a certain part, we will.”
What’s next for custom builders?
Paragon’s closure will, as many builder have pointed out over the last 24 hours, leave a giant hole in the custom bike community. Many builders rely, to varying degrees, on parts from the machine shop. While there are some other options out there, this could be a significant problem for the domestic (North American) building community. At least in the short term, until some other shops are able to step in to fill that roll.
Paragon’s announcement did add that it is working to make that transition potentially easier for any shop interested in taking up the call.
“We are working to find vendors who can potentially take on some of our product lines in the future,” Paragon said. “We are doing everything we can to take care of you, our customer.”
Whatever happens in the medium or long term, this surely will not be welcome news for builders in an already-struggling North American bike market.
Custom builder community shows its support
As news of Paragon’s closure reverberated through the custom builder community, people turned out in droves to thank PMW and the people behind the brand for over four decades of supporting their own work as builders. Many commented on a post from custom bike show Made, or made posts of their own.
Veteran Portland builder Ira Ryan also weighed in on the sudden closure.
And from Meriwether Cycles.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…