John Cowan Launches Cowan Bikes, Debuts Carbon Dirt Jump Frame
We all remember John Cowan as the original new school freerider and the guy who thought tricks were the way to go when everyone else was still trying to huck and skid. Spending more than a decade as a pro-rider/designer, grinding out the framework of what is slopestyle today, Cowan designed and built the lion’s share of the most memorable courses and features during the Bush years of freeride.
Cowan was also the brainchild behind one of the first dirt jump specific hardtails he Kona Cowan and the first slopestyle bike, the Kona Cowan DS.
Now, the long-time legend of the sport has officially launched his own bike company - Cowan Bikes. The company's first product? A carbon fiber dirt jump frame weighing in at less than five pounds.
Cowan is aware that this bike might not suit everyone's tastes, as he mentions in this video:
We've gathered that the company is developing four full suspension models in addition to the dirt jumping frame in both carbon and aluminum varieties.
Cowan Bikes' mission is to make the most technologically and artfully advanced park and freeride bikes, regardless of profit or marketability. When working with Product Managers, Cowan was often called the 'Anti-Consumer.' To that he says, "Henry Ford said, 'If I listened to my customers we would all still be riding horses.' "
For more information on Cowan's new company and the carbon fiber dirt jump frame, visit www.cowanbikes.com.
What do you think? +8 -3
t.limbert
9/25/2011 10:20 PM
You say companies are using 19th century technology eh? False. Companies use extremely high quality, custom double or triple butted high series chromoly or aluminum compounds. One thing I find very interesting is that you have not released geometry specifications at all regarding this frame, neither on the blogs or on your own website. Probably shouldn't be too hard to find, it's most likely the same as all of his Kona frames he used to ride, then badged his name on. On your website you have a slogan, "Don't believe the hype" This slogan COMPLETELY contradicts your company. What are you doing? You're making hype about the first carbon fiber dirt jump specific frame. What's out there now is not hype, it is proven advanced technology. One last thing, if you say you're building what riders want, then shouldn't you be making custom frames? Good Bye.
Oh, and I look forward to reading your response to this comment on your website.
whamideh
9/24/2011 3:36 PM
From a rider who has taken the sport to another level, as well as a course designer that challenges the most skilled riders,,, Finally A bike that was made from a biker who rides,,,,,SO F@#$ you Corprate Suits . One could only imagine how his new creation must ride..............COWAN + BIKES = GODFATHER OF BIKES.......RESPECT!!!!! & where do i get one???
om1wan
9/23/2011 10:20 AM
Almost Perfect , I would love ISCG mounts , 10mm or 12mm drop outs, and ajustable seat post.
Most of DJ, Slopestyle scene pros , are building his bikes as lighter as they could because lighter means more airtime means more and/or dificult tricks with less effort by the athlete , they already using ENVE wheelsets, FOX XC forks, Shimano XC Cransets etc . So CF DJ frame doesn't sound crazy,and from the BLING-BLING perspective sound even better LOL .Considering that the product will mature in two years I will buy one if I could affort it , done 26DJ Godfather Cowan
Big Bird
9/23/2011 9:17 AM
No one has mentioned the price yet. Perhaps they expect you to pay DH bike prices for a dirt jump frame?
Will_Schwabacher
9/22/2011 8:38 PM
He is right. this is how the sport can progress. also im alot more likely to get a new dj frame compared to getting another dh frame, i can afford a new dh frame like every 5 years and i could afford a new dj frame like every year. and light dj bikes are sooooo fun when u just get used to them.
BeigeWolf
9/22/2011 7:01 PM
CAN I HAVE ONE THAT DOESN'T HAVE YOUR NAME PLASTERED ON IT AND IS MADE OF STEEL? I'D PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR EXACTLY WHAT I WANT.
bjenson
9/22/2011 6:07 PM
one hit wonder
waveblaster
9/22/2011 6:06 PM
I want mine in a red candy coat!
sideshow
9/22/2011 3:01 PM
Product info would be sweet. Im down to buy what he is selling.
syngltrkmnd
9/22/2011 2:29 PM
So he's saying it's not durable?
ERNSTEVERYTHING.COM
9/22/2011 2:24 PM
Nice, the most logical marketing ever.. Give folks what they want.. how they want it..
Damn, I may get a new DJ bike..
albert
9/22/2011 1:41 PM
i want to buy one!
vathana.song
9/22/2011 1:38 PM
I like his business model. I'd pay more for a custom spec setup.
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