Build the USBRS with SKS USA

May 30, 2015

SKS USA has seen the great success of the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign and the growth of the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) and is sponsoring a $1,000 match challenge to keep the momentum going. Donate now to to have your contribution matched by SKS USA! 

We recently sat down with SKS USA to learn more about the company and what they believe in.

Please tell us about your company and its history. 

The history of SKS began in 1921 when founder Wilhelm Blome began a production company in Sundern, Germany. Now, four generations later, SKS is owned by the same family and proudly produces most of our products in the small village of Sundern. SKS is committed to German production, not because it’s cheaper, but because it’s better. The SKS factory is very environmentally conscious and family friendly with over 300 employees. Many of our staff from this rural region in Germany are life-long employees committed to quality, proud of the brand, and a part of the SKS family.

SKS continues to innovate products across all of our lines: fenders, pumps, bags, tools, chainguards, and bottle cages. Products are developed at SKS’ in-house research and development department and staffed by our own expert German engineers. Our passion for cycling and our commitment to people and quality products has led to growing success, innovative products, happy consumers, and many industry awards.  

Talk about your company's mission and how it relates to your decision to support the U.S. Bicycle Route System. 

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a way to “globalize” bicycling in the USA. If more Americans have access to great trails, more Americans will take part in cycling.

What 5 cycling-related things are you most excited about now?

In our industry there are a lot of things to be excited about. People are using their bicycles as a means of transportation more than ever before. This is healthy, good for the environment, and a win-win all around. 

We love to see the development of products that diversify cycling and might appeal to new riders. 

• For example, five years ago, no one knew what cyclocross was. 
• Ten years ago, there were no fixed gear bikes. 
• Fat bikes are expanding and making it easier to ride in snow and ice. 
• More recently, bikepacking has become a fun, healthy weekend alternative to the “road trip.”

Where would you like to see cycling in the United States 5 years from now?

We really hope to see the bicycle expand as a means of transportation. In Germany, SKS’s home country, people bicycle daily to get from place to place, and with gas prices this week in Germany at $6.38 per gallon, why wouldn’t you? Americans in Seattle and Portland have been commuting by bike for years and in the past ten years we have seen growth in commuting in urban areas like Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and New York. 

As metro areas view cycling as a transportation alternative and create infrastructure to support it, it will help the bicycle industry grow, reduce emissions, reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and make Americans healthier and less stressed.  

What one product of yours would you like to be sure touring cyclists know about?

We would love cyclists to realize how owning a great of set of bicycle fenders can improve and lengthen the riding season. SKS fender products improve the experience of cycling by allowing you to ride your bike earlier in the spring, later in the fall, and on bad days in between. At SKS we love “rainy days and Mondays” because our fender products help you ride your bicycle in unsavory weather conditions and improve your daily commute.

Anything else you would like to add or share.

Riders should pay attention to their tire pressure. Cyclists often don’t realize the difference accurate tire pressure can make in the enjoyment of a ride or the success of a race and we encourage everyone to invest in an accurate air gauge. The SKS version is called the Airchecker.

Photos by SKS USA

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