About
What is Madrone Cycles?
Madrone Cycles exists to keep your bicycle drivetrain running precise and smooth - with right to repair at the core of our philosophy.
Our products are developed and tested in a wide range of riding and racing conditions, and are made from high quality materials, with tightly controlled tolerances for maximum performance.
Each product has an easy to follow and detailed service videos so you are supported through the entire process. And you can do it yourself, or ship it in to us for a professional rebuild.
We also offer specialty tools to ensure you have the best possible service experience.
Background
Madrone Cycles was created by Aaron Bland in Ashland Oregon, USA. The name comes from the regional madrone tree, which is a hardwood, has unique green and red bark colors, and paper-like peeling bark.
We launched at the 2024 Sea Otter Classic after a year of developing and testing the links and cages for SRAM derailleurs.
Madrone Cycles also includes…
- Aaron Bailey: U21 pro enduro rider, product destroyer, and Social Media Manager.
- Ryan Hawk: Communications specialist and President of the Rogue Valley Mountain Biking Association.
- Garrett Bishop: Marketing strategy and development.
- Breeze Willis, Britt Hurst, Ola, Andrew Sergent, and Effie Bourgin: Madrone Hype Squad.
- Toby Pew: Future engineer and 3D printed tool assembly expert, high school rowing powerhouse.
- Emily Bland and Mara Bland: Emotional support team and unpaid labor.
- Raven: Chief rascal and trail dog.
The catalyst for Madrone occurred when Aaron’s $600 AXS derailleur was rendered useless in a small crash where it got bent, but the damage was hardly visible. Derailleurs are high cost, sensitive mechanisms that hang off the side of a bike, and it just seems wrong not to be able to fix them – especially when considering the high cost and environmental impact of electronic waste and composite materials in them.
Aaron has been mountain biking for more than 30 years, getting his start in XC racing. This transitioned to freeride and downhill racing in the early 2000s, but eventually came full circle back to XC, “downcountry”, road, and gravel.
Then...
Nowadays...
Aaron is a mechanical engineer with a background in battery systems and 2-wheel chassis design. He’s been an integral part of some cool projects such as the Brammo electric racing motorcycles and Amazon Prime Air drone delivery service.
