The Panda Bicycles Culture
Passion for Bicycle-centric Sustainable Living: At Panda bicycles we are passionate about making the world a better place through meaningful interaction with our environment. Our unique bicycle design speaks to a culture of treading lightly, even if you are riding hard. We are always innovating new ways to marry leading edge bicycle technology with sustainable design for discerning riders around the world.
Independent and Service Driven: As an independent frame builder, we offer a level of service that you cannot find with the big guys. We wake up every morning and ask ourselves how we can better serve you. The people that you meet at Panda Bicycles are the folks who actually build your bike, and all of us are driven by giving you the best riding experience we can provide. Contact us. We would love to hear from you.
Meticulous Attention to Detail and Craftsmanship: Each of our one-of-a-kind frames is passionately hand crafted by a skilled builder. We hand select and inspect all of our raw materials to ensure that we are building your bike with only the highest quality material. Because of the extreme attention to detail and the rigorous quality standards we have in place, many Panda owners see their bike as an heirloom piece to be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Leading Edge Technology: Panda Bicycles has done extensive research development, design and engineering on our proprietary joint design and manufacturing process, making Panda the only frame builder in the world able to offer a bamboo frame with its level of durability, longevity, and ride feel. Panda Bicycles have been tested to far exceed ASTM standards at Colorado State University and Micobac Laboratories in Boulder, Colorado. The robust theoretical modeling and rigorous testing has allowed Panda to bring you a superb blend of modern cycling technology and natural composite materials.
Constant Innovation and Improvement: No one is perfect, but with constant innovation and input from the Panda team and our valued friends and customers, Panda sets itself apart by pushing the boundaries of bicycle design. We welcome input and feedback from our customer and value people’s ideas and creativity. Of course, we also love the challenge of always trying to do better than we think we can do.
History
The year was 2008. Jacob Castillo, John McKinney and Mark Schlink were in different parts of world working to make the world a better place by finding sustainable housing and energy solutions for billions of the world’s poor. Later that year, all three would return to Fort Collins and Colorado State University to finish a master’s degree in Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise. With a plethora of ideas, global business experience, and belly full of fire, the three gentlemen adventurers were determined to make something happen.
… And something did…
Over a couple of beers at the university watering hole Jacob, John, and Mark developed the concept for Panda Bicycles. The idea: A steel-lugged bamboo-framed bicycle to rival modern performance bikes.
They quickly brought in the stellar engineer and inventor, William Lord Reeves. Their first bicycle, “The One” was a synthesis of sleek commuter functionality, natural materials, and classic bicycle design. The bike was an instant hit.
Shortly after, they brought on a young talented welder and craftsman, Zach Yendra- who is affectionately known as the “Zach of All Trades”. With a lot of elbow grease, sleepless nights, and gumption these guys started building bikes out of the back of Jacob’s house. Rapidly outgrowing that space they expanded into Zach’s garage. Humble beginnings indeed…
By the end of 2009 Panda Bicycles had moved into a shop (called the Greenhouse because it is where we “grow” bikes) in the heart of downtown Fort Collins. With fully pumped tires and a lot of local support the first steel-lugged bamboo-framed bikes hand built in the US had officially been for sale almost a year. Since that time, Panda has brought on bike tech extraordinaire and frame builder, Kameron Moore, and expanded their product line to include three different models and some bicycle-centric lifestyle apparel.
The ethos of the company, baked in by the founders, continues to be a cornerstone of the way Panda does business.
The Panda Ethos
Passion: We are doing well by doing good, driven by “triple bottom line” performance with an unwavering commitment to profitability, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
Customer Satisfaction: We are fanatical about satisfying customer needs and honoring commitments that we have made to them. We are here to serve you.
Craftsmanship: We are dedicated to making high quality products that we can be proud to put our name on.
Integrity: We act with prudent transparency, honesty, and with a commitment to the truth, communicating openly, honestly and frequently.
Balance: We are flexible. We help our team members, and try to strike a healthy work/life balance.
Innovation: We constantly innovate to improve everything, from products to processes. Creativity, entrepreneurship, and prudent risk taking are encouraged and rewarded.
Having Fun: Can’t forget that….