Australian manufactured bike - kid's in particular - any about?



R

Russell Wyatt

Guest
Hi

I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday. I
would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work practices
(eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm in
Sydney.

Regards

Russell
Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.
 
http://www.LEARSPORT.COM.AU

my brother inlaw bourght a racer from here thru ebay........very good value

D








"Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi
>
> I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday. I
> would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work practices
> (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm

in
> Sydney.
>
> Regards
>
> Russell
> Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.
>
>
 
Thanks

However they do appear to source from Taiwan and China as well as some from
Australia. In any event they don't have anything for a 3 year old.

It's a sad state of affairs isn't it Raleigh moved production from UK to
far-east last year so it's looking pretty difficult (possibly impossible) to
find anything not made in China.

Russell

"doofus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> http://www.LEARSPORT.COM.AU
>
> my brother inlaw bourght a racer from here thru ebay........very good

value
>
> D
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi
> >
> > I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday. I
> > would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work

practices
> > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm

> in
> > Sydney.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Russell
> > Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.
> >
> >

>
>
 
Russell Wyatt wrote:

> (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm in



According to Bicycles Network Australia
http://www.bicycles.net.au/links/brands.html

Elite Bicycles are made in Australia http://www.elitebicycles.com

but I couldn't check what they had because the website was down (or that
link is wrong, I don't know, I have a mega-old browser).

Tamyka
 
Is malvern Star made off shore??????



"SloCoach" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Thanks
>
> However they do appear to source from Taiwan and China as well as some

from
> Australia. In any event they don't have anything for a 3 year old.
>
> It's a sad state of affairs isn't it Raleigh moved production from UK to
> far-east last year so it's looking pretty difficult (possibly impossible)

to
> find anything not made in China.
>
> Russell
>
> "doofus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > http://www.LEARSPORT.COM.AU
> >
> > my brother inlaw bourght a racer from here thru ebay........very good

> value
> >
> > D
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in

message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday.

I
> > > would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work

> practices
> > > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for

suitable
> > > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them?

I'm
> > in
> > > Sydney.
> > >
> > > Regards
> > >
> > > Russell
> > > Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.
> > >
> > >

> >
> >

>
>
 
"doofus" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> http://www.LEARSPORT.COM.AU
>
> my brother inlaw bourght a racer from here thru ebay........very good value
>
> D
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi
> >
> > I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday. I
> > would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work practices
> > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm

> in
> > Sydney.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Russell
> > Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.
> >
> >


Um, a racer for a 3yo? I'm afraid it will be difficult to find a
non-3rd world manufactured bicycle for your son, but I wish you luck
anyway.

Ritch.

PS. Remember that England employed 5-9 year-old children as filthy
jobs as chimney sweeps as recently as the mid 19th century.

For example,
http://www.people.man.ac.uk/~mfssszpk/LondonChildren.pdf
 
"Tamyka Bell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Russell Wyatt wrote:
>
> > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm

in
>
>
> According to Bicycles Network Australia
> http://www.bicycles.net.au/links/brands.html
>
> Elite Bicycles are made in Australia http://www.elitebicycles.com
>
> but I couldn't check what they had because the website was down (or that
> link is wrong, I don't know, I have a mega-old browser).
>
> Tamyka


Thanks. However that might be for when he's off the training wheels - by
about 16 years!

Russell
 
Sad to say yes. Just a brand, the guy at Pacific Brands had no idea about
manufacturing conditions (that says they don't care to me).

So far Trek doesn't look too bad, at least they claim that they check
regularly, that way they get the quality.

Russell

"doofus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Is malvern Star made off shore??????
>
>
>
> "SloCoach" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Thanks
> >
> > However they do appear to source from Taiwan and China as well as some

> from
> > Australia. In any event they don't have anything for a 3 year old.
> >
> > It's a sad state of affairs isn't it Raleigh moved production from UK to
> > far-east last year so it's looking pretty difficult (possibly

impossible)
> to
> > find anything not made in China.
> >
> > Russell
> >
> > "doofus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > http://www.LEARSPORT.COM.AU
> > >
> > > my brother inlaw bourght a racer from here thru ebay........very good

> > value
> > >
> > > D
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in

> message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > Hi
> > > >
> > > > I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd

birthday.
> I
> > > > would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work

> > practices
> > > > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for

> suitable
> > > > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them?

> I'm
> > > in
> > > > Sydney.
> > > >
> > > > Regards
> > > >
> > > > Russell
> > > > Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >

> >
> >

>
>
 
In aus.bicycle on Thu, 29 Apr 2004 15:40:04 +1000
Tamyka Bell <[email protected]> wrote:
> Russell Wyatt wrote:
>
>> (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
>> manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm in

>
>
> According to Bicycles Network Australia
> http://www.bicycles.net.au/links/brands.html
>
> Elite Bicycles are made in Australia http://www.elitebicycles.com
>


Well.. there's an Elite Bicycles at that site, but they are made in
America. Mind you, they say the contract out the welding and painting,
imply to Americans but it's not stated for sure.

Zebee
 
Slocoach wrote:
> Sad to say yes. Just a brand, the guy at Pacific Brands had no idea
> about manufacturing conditions (that says they don't care to me).
> So far Trek doesn't look too bad, at least they claim that they check
> regularly, that way they get the quality.




I think you get into some philosophical difficulties when you start to
apply selective morality. People could come back and say: But Trek is a
USA brand. Isn't that the country with the biggest stock of weapons of
mass destruction, which imprisons more of its citizens than almost any
other, that executes its citizens and that holds prisoners of (illegal)
war indefinitely and contrary to all international conventions, but
that's all right because it refuses to sign up the the World Court where
it might be held accountable?

Most countries (alas, even ours!) have their wicked and selfish ways and
it is sometimes hard to make good judgements on their worth. China is
trying hard on many fronts, but has a long way to go to be considered
truly civilized. So, in different ways, does the USA.

John Retchford



--
 
"Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi
>
> I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday. I
> would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work practices
> (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm

in
> Sydney.
>
> Regards
>
> Russell
> Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.

Just a suggestion - why not 'recycle' and buy 2nd hand?
Cheers Gemma
 
Im waiting for them to remove Mugabe , besides oil there isnt much
difference between him & Saddam.



"John Retchford" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Slocoach wrote:
> > Sad to say yes. Just a brand, the guy at Pacific Brands had no idea
> > about manufacturing conditions (that says they don't care to me).
> > So far Trek doesn't look too bad, at least they claim that they check
> > regularly, that way they get the quality.

>
>
>
> I think you get into some philosophical difficulties when you start to
> apply selective morality. People could come back and say: But Trek is a
> USA brand. Isn't that the country with the biggest stock of weapons of
> mass destruction, which imprisons more of its citizens than almost any
> other, that executes its citizens and that holds prisoners of (illegal)
> war indefinitely and contrary to all international conventions, but
> that's all right because it refuses to sign up the the World Court where
> it might be held accountable?
>
> Most countries (alas, even ours!) have their wicked and selfish ways and
> it is sometimes hard to make good judgements on their worth. China is
> trying hard on many fronts, but has a long way to go to be considered
> truly civilized. So, in different ways, does the USA.
>
> John Retchford
>
>
>
> --
>
>
 
"Gemma Kernich" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hi
> >
> > I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday. I
> > would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work

practices
> > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for suitable
> > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them? I'm

> in
> > Sydney.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Russell
> > Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.

> Just a suggestion - why not 'recycle' and buy 2nd hand?
> Cheers Gemma



A good suggestion too. Will see what can be found.

Russell
 
"John Retchford" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Slocoach wrote:
> > Sad to say yes. Just a brand, the guy at Pacific Brands had no idea
> > about manufacturing conditions (that says they don't care to me).
> > So far Trek doesn't look too bad, at least they claim that they check
> > regularly, that way they get the quality.

>
>
>
> I think you get into some philosophical difficulties when you start to
> apply selective morality. People could come back and say: But Trek is a
> USA brand. Isn't that the country with the biggest stock of weapons of
> mass destruction, which imprisons more of its citizens than almost any
> other, that executes its citizens and that holds prisoners of (illegal)
> war indefinitely and contrary to all international conventions, but
> that's all right because it refuses to sign up the the World Court where
> it might be held accountable?
>
> Most countries (alas, even ours!) have their wicked and selfish ways and
> it is sometimes hard to make good judgements on their worth. China is
> trying hard on many fronts, but has a long way to go to be considered
> truly civilized. So, in different ways, does the USA.
>
> John Retchford
>

I quite agree. The US and Australia (and no doubt others) have very
questionable morals on many issues. However, it generally seems to be the
case that people employed in factories in these countries are looked after
to some extent by unions. It's true, though, that here in Australia, many
'Made in Australia' items (probably not bikes though) are made for less than
the minimum wage, by home workers. The whole thing stinks. I'm very happy
indeed to buy goods from any country, if I'm assured as far as possible that
the goods are made and traded under (what most people would call) fair and
reasonable conditions. There doesn't seem to be a clear way for the consumer
to be able to tell that goods have been made and traded fairly (except
buying through the limited sources of fair trade goods, such as Oxfam), and
until that is the case the only option seems to be to make a judgment based
on the little information we have, such as information on human rights and
employee rights.
Russell
 
Russell Wyatt wrote:
> "John Retchford" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>Slocoach wrote:
>> > Sad to say yes. Just a brand, the guy at Pacific Brands had no idea
>> > about manufacturing conditions (that says they don't care to me).
>> > So far Trek doesn't look too bad, at least they claim that they check
>> > regularly, that way they get the quality.

>>
>>
>>
>>I think you get into some philosophical difficulties when you start to
>>apply selective morality. People could come back and say: But Trek is a
>>USA brand. Isn't that the country with the biggest stock of weapons of
>>mass destruction, which imprisons more of its citizens than almost any
>>other, that executes its citizens and that holds prisoners of (illegal)
>>war indefinitely and contrary to all international conventions, but
>>that's all right because it refuses to sign up the the World Court where
>>it might be held accountable?
>>
>>Most countries (alas, even ours!) have their wicked and selfish ways and
>>it is sometimes hard to make good judgements on their worth. China is
>>trying hard on many fronts, but has a long way to go to be considered
>>truly civilized. So, in different ways, does the USA.
>>
>>John Retchford
>>

>
> I quite agree. The US and Australia (and no doubt others) have very
> questionable morals on many issues. However, it generally seems to be the
> case that people employed in factories in these countries are looked after
> to some extent by unions. It's true, though, that here in Australia, many
> 'Made in Australia' items (probably not bikes though) are made for less than
> the minimum wage, by home workers. The whole thing stinks. I'm very happy
> indeed to buy goods from any country, if I'm assured as far as possible that
> the goods are made and traded under (what most people would call) fair and
> reasonable conditions. There doesn't seem to be a clear way for the consumer
> to be able to tell that goods have been made and traded fairly (except
> buying through the limited sources of fair trade goods, such as Oxfam), and
> until that is the case the only option seems to be to make a judgment based
> on the little information we have, such as information on human rights and
> employee rights.
> Russell
>
>


Unfortunately, I reckon you'll have trouble finding one truly
manufactured in Aus. Even if you did, the components are almost certain
to be Chinese or Taiwanese made anyway.

I reckon Gemma's idea is good - go 2nd hand. An Aussie (resident) will
get the money and you'll get better value anyway.

Cheers.
--
Nick
 
Zebee Johnstone wrote:
>
> Tamyka Bell <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> > According to Bicycles Network Australia
> > http://www.bicycles.net.au/links/brands.html
> >
> > Elite Bicycles are made in Australia http://www.elitebicycles.com
> >

>
> Well.. there's an Elite Bicycles at that site, but they are made in
> America. Mind you, they say the contract out the welding and painting,
> imply to Americans but it's not stated for sure.
>
> Zebee



Dodgy bastards, aren't they?
--

______________________________________

Tamyka Bell, PhD Student
School of Human Movement Studies
The University Of Queensland
w: +61-7-33656105
m: +61-4-00782972
e: [email protected]
______________________________________
 
"Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Gemma Kernich" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "Russell Wyatt" <[email protected]> wrote in

message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > I'm looking to buy a kid's bike for my sons forthcoming 3rd birthday.

I
> > > would like to avoid supporting countries with exploitative work

> practices
> > > (eg China, Indonesia etc) Does anyone have any suggestions for

suitable
> > > manufacturers (preferably made in Aus) and where I might find them?

I'm
> > in
> > > Sydney.
> > >
> > > Regards
> > >
> > > Russell
> > > Shwinn MTB with a kids seat on the back.

> > Just a suggestion - why not 'recycle' and buy 2nd hand?
> > Cheers Gemma

>
>
> A good suggestion too. Will see what can be found.
>
> Russell
>
>

The only other alternative that I could think of is to find an Australian
frame builder to make one up for you as at least your child can be measured,
but would that be worth it as children grow up so quick and will be too
small in a couple of years and it would still require mostly foreign
components.I think it'd be too expensive to even consider.
Regards
DJ
 

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