Ibis has used the assemble in USA method for a while now. Allows greater quality control on frame assembly, mainly better bolt prep and torque. Many bikes from a reputable Taiwan factory over the last few years have struggled with too much, or too little loctite and grease. To the point where we had to disassemble and reassemble frames to make sure pivots wouldn’t come loose under the owner.
I’ve built many, many Ibis bikes and only come across a couple of loose bolts in that time. Still prepped, but got missed on the torque check. It allows for better part specs options and upgrade options to consumers based on preference and parts availability, and it also cuts down on shipping/packing waste and emissions. Ibis has done one of the better jobs as of late on eliminating plastics in their packaging, something that would be difficult to get an Asian factory to stop using as quickly (shimano is actually moving away from the millions of mini plastic packages they love). And shipping a bunch of frame parts from Asia is much easier than complete bikes, especially with todays problems. Whether is staff problems with lockdowns or shipping material shortages.
It’s also been a step for Ibis to move forward with American manufacturing, such as the Exie frame. Overall it is a positive move forward for any American company.
And for American manufacturing, the increased cost argument is becoming less of a factor. Shipping costs are way up, and delays are basically endless and unpredictable.
People are willing to pay more if it means having a product in a reasonable time. And anyone who wants to put their money where their mouth is on environmental and ethical concerns, will quickly see the benefits of buying locally produced products vs Asian, especially Chinese.
Liked a comment on the item Intense Launches New U.S. Bike Assembly Facility 5/19/2022 12:13 PM
Does anyone ever talk about what will happen to the bike industry when China takes Taiwan? I think most bikes and/or components are made there.