Pursuit Cycles, a renowned U.S. manufacturer of custom carbon bicycles, is ceasing its production of bicycle frames. The company announced this transition as it prepares to pivot toward advanced composites research in partnership with Montana State University (MSU).
Founded in 2016 by Carl Strong—known for his high-quality steel and titanium bikes under the Strong Frames brand—and three engineering-minded partners, Pursuit Cycles quickly gained recognition for its innovative, U.S.-made monocoque carbon bicycles. The company has always placed a strong emphasis on engineering, blending functionality with cutting-edge design.
Over the past eight years, Pursuit Cycles earned accolades for its stunning paint jobs and meticulous craftsmanship. Its bikes were a favorite at bike shows, with many praising the brand for its attention to detail. A review of the company’s bikes in June 2023 noted, “The Pursuit is a great all-rounder. The design and build are top notch, and there’s a reason Carl Strong has been successful for so long.”
In an emotional statement, Pursuit Cycles announced the end of its frame production and revealed the new direction the company is taking. The statement reads:
“It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that we post this message to our friends, family, and customers at Pursuit Cycles.
With our experience at Strong Frames, and some good relationships, we pitched an idea to some key players in 2016 to manufacture in-house, quality, customizable, modular monocoque carbon frames. With that, Pursuit Cycles was born—the main goal being to build the finest carbon fiber bicycles in the world. Pursuit Cycles has been recognized in the bicycle industry, receiving glowing reviews in cycling media, as well as ‘Best Carbon Construction’ at the (NAHBS) North American Handmade Bike Show.
Recently, through one of our founding partners and chief engineer, Dr. Jared Nelson PhD, we had an opportunity to participate in a very exciting project with Montana State University (MSU) and the U.S. Naval Department of Research. We were asked to contract for services building test parts with a new carbon fiber developed by Doug Cairns (innovator of the Trek OCLV), as well as a concurrent and equally exciting project working with Steve Tsai (Godfather of Carbon and the Tsai-Wu criterion) developing new laminate theories.
As cyclists, it seemed distracting to our core mission, but also served as a way to access some of the best brains and technology around. With a shop full of engineers, and the opportunity to ‘Always Get Better,’ we were in the fortunate position that we could either keep building bicycles, or take this opportunity to retire and allow the team we built to move on and do research. With that, we’ve decided it was time to let go, move on, and take a nice long ride. We are beyond proud of what we were able to create, and flattered by the opportunities we’ve had along the way.”
While Pursuit Cycles is ending its frame production, the Strong Frames business will continue to manufacture titanium and steel frames. The company reassured its current Pursuit Cycles customers that spare parts, such as derailleur hangers, will still be available, and warranties will be honored.
Related topics
- Lotte Claes Wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
- Young Riders Face Challenging Debuts at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
- Geraint Thomas’ Drive: How Inner Demons Keep Him Racing