BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Mokumono Bikes has announced the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for Mokumono, a city bike that revives the Dutch tradition of local production.
Mokumono hopes to attract Dutch bike culture fans and raise $90,000 in a 30‐day campaign.
The Netherlands has a rich history of bicycle manufacturing but in an attempt to reduce costs, most bike manufacturers moved production to Southeast Asia. Founder of Mokumono, Bob Schiller believes that it is time to bring bicycle production back to The Netherlands.
Inspired by the way cars are produced, Mokumono frames are made of two sheets of aluminum pressed into form and laser welded together. The European car industry has managed to retain production in several European countries by adapting techniques that lend themselves easily towards automation. “By borrowing these techniques”, Schiller states, “we are able to highly automate production process, significantly lowering labor costs and thus making it possible to build bicycles in The Netherland again”.
The production techniques are reflected in the design of the strong and lightweight frame. The high edge on the outline of the frame visually splits it in halve and reflects the way it is built. With the choice of components Mokumono relies on the best products available. That means using the Gates Carbon Drive Belt system and the new Shimano Metrea groupset, specifically designed for urban cyclist.
Mokumono Cycles will be available in two specifications: single speed and 8‐speed internal gear hub.
Kickstarter pre‐order prices start at $1150 for single speed and $1400 8‐speed. Mokumono will begin shipping worldwide in December 2016.
