Aero-Fast Bicycle Co.

[blizz01]

So I'm on a quest to buy my wife a retro-style cruiser for her birthday - chunky, whitewalls, fenders, chrome accents, etc.  As it turns out, virtually everything that's not a city bike (or Dutch style) seems to come out of China.  I did, however, locate a lone company that touts vintage style bikes out of Jacksonville of all places - Aero-Fast.  I called & they are off of Tallyrand (Wescott).

Has anyone heard of them?  Done business with them?  Did I miss a story?  I called & the guy was super nice - indicating that they're in sort of a ramp up/comeback mode.

http://www.aerofast.com

[CG7]

I looked at their site, and it looks like this is a restart of the old Emory Bicycle brand. I had Emory make me a custom Jaguar cruiser when we got the team, and it is still in great shape, and rides like a champ. So if this is the same people I say go for it.

[thelakelander]

I've heard of them and know where their location is.  They are a block or so west of Talleyrand and south of 8th Street.  I believe they actually invented the beach cruiser. 

Facing another block, Emory Manufacturing is located in this Glen Myra building.

Glen Myra is an urban Jacksonville neighborhood in need of more exposure as secondary streets feature interesting historical structures.  The Danese Street building below was constructed in 1925 and was once occupied by the Sunshine Potato Chip Company.  Today, the structure is occupied by the Emory Manufacturing Company, which faces Westcott Street, which is one block east.  Emory manufactures bicycles and is said to be the first manufacturer of beach cruisers in the United States.

full article: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-may-a-historical-stroll-down-talleyrand-avenue/page/3

[blizz01]

I'm trying to get over there this week; I'll post pictures of my own soon after.  One of the coolest head badges/logos ever!

[Seabrook001]

CMITH MFG., CO.
JACKSONVILLE, FL

NEWS BLURB


Although we stepped away from bicycle manufacturing a few years ago, we have decided to return to manufacturing with some new products this year:
 
The big picture about what has happened in the bicycle business, like so many industries, is that it has been decimated by our policies toward China. Weigh a 10% unemployment rate today against a war with China.......I can't say I would have done things any differently especially after the two wars in SE Asia that cost over 100,000 American lives.
 
Far too long America has been lulled into the trance of low cost everything without the slightest care for quality.
 
On the other hand it looks like for the first time in years we may also be able to go back into full bicycle production.
 
We made the first production cruisers and the last Western Flyer, and we have all the equipment, tooling and expertise to make a bicycle as shown on our site. However there is a problem.......all the parts would have to come from China. As this is and was unacceptable to me I opted to step back from bicycles for the last four to five years. Instead we concentrated on contract stamping and tool & die work. USA made is what we stand for; or at least over 75%. Still I want to use the finest components no matter where they are made, even China if that were necessary and possible. 
 
This new unit and the bulk of all new parts has been in CAD (computer aided design) development for three years.
 
Now, I intend to produce the best bicycle ever made and start selling it this year. We will use a stainless steel frame with amazing tubing (only available the last two - three years) made in the USA and finished in England as light as titanium but much stronger. We will use the Gates belt drive system instead of a chain (five times more durable than a steel chain without grease and dirt - never needs lubrication) and all the bearings will be made by SKF. The head set bearings are the exact proprietary bearings used in the Ducati motorcycle. The BB components may be ISIS. The 6061 CNC machined patented stem and the SS handlebars will be made by us as well as the fork. The seat will be your choice of the English brooks or our own comfort saddle made here by us with Stainless Steel throughout (including the springs). The front hub will be made by us and attached to our own aluminum wheel design, with SKF tapered roller bearings. Additionally we have recently completed the design of what will be the first and only sealed bearing kickstand which is demountable. The rear hub will be Shimano seven speed or a hub of your choice. Everything on the bike will be Stainless steel or anodized aluminum.
 
Keep in mind that this bike is not a mountain bike, a cruiser or a road bike but rather an amalgam of all those bikes and by simply specifying the parts and components it becomes the perfect VOLKSRAD or people's wheel. For example the VR - 1 is not a cruiser because the diamond frame is not cantilevered however with the addition of a wide comfortable cruiser saddle and cruiser handlebars and grips it becomes one of the most weather resistant cruisers ever made. You get the point! By changing the components it can be close to any style bike. Light, unique, and unbelievably durable!
 
We will give you a forever guarantee plan which means as long as the bike is in your family it is under warranty (some seal maintenance required). If you sell it the warranty reverts to 10 years unless the new owner agrees to register in which case he can opt for a longer warrantee. The price will be between $ 1800.00 and $3,500.00. The second offering will be made with mild steel; cantilever frame (since the first bike with it's special Stainless Steel tubing; stronger than titanium, cannot be bent). It will be similar in appearance to the "Mojave" and sell for around $ 1000.00. We are thinking about offering a second model called the "Kalahari" which would be made from Cro-Moly.
 
Everybody, this is our current ( admittedly outdated ) web site: http://www.aerofast.com 
 
I can place you on our "mailing list" for more and continuing info as this project reaches fruition. Let me know if you want me to keep you posted.
 
Best,

Clayton Emory Smith II BBEM / VR-1
Clayton Emory Smith IV President
Seabrook Emory Smith Vice President

Emory Bicycles
1730 Westcott street Jacksonville Fl, 32206
Phone # 904-354-3339

We will soon have a blog and a up to date web page.
In the meantime if you wish to be placed on our update list. Please send your email address to clayton@aerofast.com

[coredumped]

I saw this article on the folio website
http://folioweekly.com/THE-BEST-BICYCLE-EVER-MADE,9485
I'd love to check out his bikes.

[blizz01]

It's really a neat outfit - The only other company that I could compare them to would be Worksman Cycles out of NYC (with Aero-Fast being a bit pricier - albiet, superior), & I'll take the "Handmade in Jacksonville" badge any day.

Those should be the standard for any bike share/rental in the area.

[02roadking]

They were at Underbelly during OneSpark.
http://www.beonespark.com/discover/creator_projects/emory-vr-1-volksrad-eins-bicycles

[Ron Mexico]

I too saw their booth at One Spark and was incredibly impressed with both the bicycle and their passion for making the best bike possible.  We were happy to contribute to their cause and honestly, it's those types of folks that represent the best of what One Spark seems to be.

I've ordered a bike and cannot wait.

[Ernest Street]

I like the Belt drive instead of chain.
I Will be checking it out for that 7 speed idea..
Perfect for me going between Avondale and 5 points