Focus Carbon frames are built.......

[e-rider]

So, I would naturally assume that Focus get their carbon frames built in the far east (especially when you consider how cheap they are). However, the sticker on mine, and the focus website 'suggests' that they are made in Hamburg, Germany (although it is not 100% clear).

So where are Focus Carbon frames such as the Cayo actually built? Germany or Far East?

 

[accountantpete]

If you look at the reviews, earlier copies stress that they are "German Built" which then subtly changes to "German Designed" for later models.

And this is from journalists who are supposed to be providing impartial information and not flogging the stuff.

My bet is that the frames are built in Taiwan and "assembled" in Germany - not that that makes them anyway inferior.

 

[Moodyman]

Makes no difference where it's made if it's made well.

 

[monnet]

Isn't there a rule that says the last place a product was 'substantially changed' (or similar wording) is the place that can be used to describe where a product is from.

As an example: take a Polish pig, butcher it in Poland, sort the cuts of pork in Poland. Send the bacon bit of the cut to Denmark where it is cured - ergo it's Danish bacon.

Could be a similar thing with Focus bikes.

 

[automatic_jon]

Does it matter where it's from if it's made well, you're going to ride it, not go round and meet it's parents.

 

[PeterD]

Hi
Most carbon frame/forks are now manufactured in China. Bikes are then assembled in the EU. Taiwan supplies some carbon frame/forks but mostly known for steel/Alu frames, wheels, and components. Reason bikes are assembled in the EU and not the Far East is due to the EU anti-dumping tariffs of 48.5% for complete bikes imported from China. Frames only from China although restricted do not carry this high tariff. Some carbon frames are even shipped from China to Taiwan and then badged up etc.to avoid the tariff. More info can be found on the following link or PM me for more info. http://www.eta.co.uk/2010/12/14/british-cyclists-pay-30-cent-extra-their-bikes

 

[Fiona N]

I always wonder about this prejudice against far eastern-built frames of whatever material. I tend to the attitude I take with surgeons - the ones who do the operation a lot are likely to be better at it than those who only do it once a year. I can't help thinking that this applies particularly with laying up carbon frames - practice is likely to result in a better product given a similar quality of components. Unless you're really paying £1000's then when an artisan builder has the time to do a really good job as a one off.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Does it matter where it's from if it's made well, you're going to ride it, not go round and meet it's parents.

I bet that chat up line goes down well with the girlies.

 

[PeterD]

I always wonder about this prejudice against far eastern-built frames of whatever material. I tend to the attitude I take with surgeons - the ones who do the operation a lot are likely to be better at it than those who only do it once a year. I can't help thinking that this applies particularly with laying up carbon frames - practice is likely to result in a better product given a similar quality of components. Unless you're really paying £1000's then when an artisan builder has the time to do a really good job as a one off.

You are correct Fiona. Carbon frames manufactured in China are extremely good and high quality, it only depends which Chinese manufacturer is used. There are good ones and bad ones like everything in life.

 

[hondated]

You are correct Fiona. Carbon frames manufactured in China are extremely good and high quality, it only depends which Chinese manufacturer is used. There are good ones and bad ones like everything in life.
Do you think that also relates to TI frames as well.

 

[PeterD]

Hi Hondated
If you were spending out on a Ti frame best to look at long respected frame builders like Lynskey (USA). There are quite a few very good Ti custom frame builders in Europe to choose from.

 

[e-rider]

I have nothing against frames being built in the far east, except for the slave labour and air(sea) miles! I just wanted to know 'for sure' where it had come from. I have no complaints about the bike; done 2000 miles on it so far.

 

[e-rider]

Does it matter where it's from if it's made well, you're going to ride it, not go round and meet it's parents.

the same couldn't be said for the wife!

 

[Wobblers]

Hi Hondated
If you were spending out on a Ti frame best to look at long respected frame builders like Lynskey (USA). There are quite a few very good Ti custom frame builders in Europe to choose from.

Many titanium frames are now made in the far east. My Van Nicholas has a "made in China" sticker on it, but the welds are every bit as neat as the Lynskey made Planet-X titanium sportive frame. It's more important to check whether the manufacturer has a decent (preferably lifetime) warranty on the frame rather than where it's made.

 

[snailracer]

A foreign-made frame is not necessarily better or worse quality than a locally-made one. However, some folks would prefer their money to go to a local/UK business to benefit the local/UK economy.