Forge+Bond Parent Company Ceases Operations – News & Updates
- the American carbon fiber rim manufacturer, CSS Composites, has announced it is shutting down due to ongoing economic difficulties in the bicycle industry.
- CSS Composites,a US-based manufacturer of carbon fiber bicycle rims,informed its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers that it is indeed ceasing all operations.
- The declaration, delivered directly to OEM partners, indicates that any outstanding requests for service, repair, or replacement will not be fulfilled.
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CSS Composites Ceases Operations, Impacting Major Bike Brands
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the American carbon fiber rim manufacturer, CSS Composites, has announced it is shutting down due to ongoing economic difficulties in the bicycle industry. This closure affects several prominent brands relying on CSS for rims, including forge+Bond, Revel Wheels, Evil, Chris King, and Bontrager.
Updated October 1,2025 12:13PM
What Happened?
CSS Composites,a US-based manufacturer of carbon fiber bicycle rims,informed its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers that it is indeed ceasing all operations. The company is liquidating its assets to satisfy creditors, effectively ending manufacturing, customer service, repair services, and administrative functions promptly.
The declaration, delivered directly to OEM partners, indicates that any outstanding requests for service, repair, or replacement will not be fulfilled.
Who is Affected?
The closure of CSS Composites directly impacts the brands that sourced rims from them. These include:
- Forge+Bond: CSS Composites’ own direct-to-consumer wheel brand.
- Revel Wheels: Known for their durable and high-performance mountain bike wheels.
- Evil: A popular mountain bike brand known for aggressive geometry.
- Chris King: A premium component manufacturer, including hubs and wheels.
- Bontrager: Trek’s in-house component brand.
Consumers who currently own wheels built with CSS Composites rims may face challenges with warranty claims or repairs. The long-term impact on these brands will depend on their ability to quickly secure alternative rim suppliers.
Why Did This Happen?
CSS Composites cited “enduring economic challenges facing the bike industry” as the primary reason for its closure. The bicycle market has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, including a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic followed by a correction as supply chains normalized and consumer spending shifted.
Increased competition, rising material costs, and potential overstocking within the industry likely contributed to the financial pressures faced by CSS Composites. Manufacturing in the United States, while offering quality control advantages, also carries higher labor and operational costs compared to overseas production.
CSS Composites: A Brief Overview
CSS Composites distinguished itself by manufacturing carbon fiber rims entirely within the United States. They utilized a proprietary process, focusing on quality and precision. The company served as a key supplier for several high-end bicycle brands, offering a domestic alternative to primarily Asian-based rim manufacturers.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2025 | CSS Composites announces cessation of operations to OEM customers. |
| [Date of Company Founding – Research Needed] | CSS Composites founded. |
| [Significant Milestones – Research Needed] | Key product launches or partnerships. |