About
What is Madrone Cycles?
Madrone Cycles is dedicated to keeping your drivetrain running precisely and smoothly, with the right-to-repair philosophy at the core of everything we do. Our products are tested and proven in a wide range of riding and racing conditions, crafted from premium materials with tight tolerances for exceptional performance. We make maintenance straightforward with detailed service videos and specialty tools to guide your rebuild journey. And if DIY isn’t your style, you can simply ship your derailleur to us for a professional rebuild. Our goal is to empower riders with durable, serviceable products that enhance every ride, whether you’re hitting the trails, cruising the roads, or chasing adventure wherever it takes you.
Our parts are made in Shenzhen China at a manufacturer that Aaron has worked with for years. They have high tech CNC and manufacturing equipment, high quality, and excellent communication.
We assemble, kit, and ship products from Oregon USA which provides another layer of quality control of the product before it makes it to customers.
Background
Madrone Cycles was founded by Aaron Bland in Ashland, Oregon, inspired by the local madrone tree—a resilient hardwood with stunning green-and-red bark that peels like paper, symbolizing our commitment to durability, uniqueness, and adaptability.
The spark for Madrone came when Aaron’s $600 AXS derailleur was rendered useless after a small crash left it bent but seemingly intact. The inability to repair such high-cost, sensitive equipment was frustrating—especially given the environmental impact of electronic waste and composite materials. That moment became the driving force behind our mission to make drivetrains rebuildable, sustainable, and high-performing.
We launched Madrone Cycles at the 2024 Sea Otter Classic after a year of rigorous development and testing of links and cages for SRAM derailleurs.
We believe in repair, sustainability, and innovation—and we’re just getting started.
The Madrone Team
- Aaron Bailey: U21 pro enduro rider, product destroyer, and Social Media Manager.
- Madrone Hype Squad: Consisting of Breeze Willis, Britt Hurst, Ola, Andrew Sergent, and Effie Bourgin.
- 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 morale booster.
Aaron has been mountain biking for about 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, road, and gravel.
Then...
And now...
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.
