Canada has a long tradition of driving innovation in mountain biking, dating way back to the late 80s and spanning across the country. Some of the most recognized names and brands in the sport hail from the Great White North. But is it possible to assemble a modern mountain bike out of parts entirely made in Canada?
We’re not just Canadian brands. We want the parts to actually be produced here at home. That, it turns out, is a bit trickier than we expected.
We’ve assembled a part-by-part list below, as well as a “wanted” list of parts we can’t find a source for. And we’ll keep adding to, and expanding the list as we find more. Know someone making something cool here in Canada and don’t see it here? Let us know!
The Quest for the all-Canadian bike
Drivetrain
What we have: North Shore Billet has quite a bit of this covered, offering Talon cranks, a bottom bracket, chainrings, pedals and UDH hangars, all machined in Whistler. There are several other brands machining chainrings, too, though they come and go. Pinner Machine Shop will also machine custom axles.
What we’re missing: Derailleurs, a cassette, cables. There’s more boutique options popping up in this space, but none from Canada just yet.
Wheels
What we have: Starting with hubs, there’s Ontario-based Project 321, which are actually made in Mississauga. Add rims from We Are One, made in Kamloops (though now owned in North Carolina) and that’s quite a nice wheelset.
What we’re missing: While we have the core parts, we’re missing the parts that tie them together and make them roll. That is, spokes. Tires. Valve stems.
Cockpit
What we have: There are several brands making stems in Canada, including North shore Billet and We Are One. For bars, WAO’s carbon fiber Da Bar seems to be the lone production option. On Vancouver Island, WZRD does make small batches of bars, though.
What we’re missing: Any kind of shifter from any brand. And a headset. And grips.
Brakes
What we have: We have nothing. There doesn’t even seem to be rotors made in Canada, let alone an entire brake system, cable or hydraulic, or hoses, fluid and housing.
Dropper post and seat
What we have: Reform Saddles not only makes its saddles right in Vancouver, but they are the only re-moldable option on the market. 9point8 makes some parts of its Fall Line droppers in Ontario, sources others locally, making this…
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