(Photos: Swell2008 on Flickr)
A Portland bike component manufacturer has been recognized for their earth-friendly production methods.
Chris King Precision Components — based in Portland’s northwest industrial area — is part of the third annual Swell Future show, an exhibition of “future friendly design” being held in Vancouver, B.C. Chris King is one of 28 companies from around the world to be chosen for the show.
One of the show’s founders, Nik Rust, says the goal of the show is “to promote the work of the designers and companies that are leading the way in their fields visa vi employing sustainable strategies in the design, production and use of their products.” He also adds that, “My design firm partners and I are avid road and track riders and have admired Chris King products for some time.”
According to Chris King marketing chief Chris Distefano, the company has several of their rear hubs on display, along with a “puck” from their metal chip recycling machine and an explanation of their sustainable production practices.
Chris King’s bike components are being displayed alongside sustainable furniture, vehicles, fashion, housewares, electronics, sports equipment, and so on.
Chris King — a privately held company that usually eschews the limelight — is a leader in sustainable business practices and their components are coveted by cyclists worldwide.
An estimated 1200 people a day view the exhibition, which is located in a 2,000 square foot space within the lobby of a Vancouver bank tower on a busy downtown street. The event runs through May 21st.
More info on the exhibition at SwellFuture.com and you can see photos of opening night here.
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Chris King components has a laundry list sized set of reasons for why they are great… I will list only a few. They are often found giving away free coffee at cyclocross races. They follow a rigorous sustainability model in their manufacturing. And most of all, the components will outlive any bike they are installed upon. One might say, \”But you could buy the same part for less money.\”
While true, the cost per year of use is usually lower than less expensive bits. Having such longevity is the most sustainable factor of all. All this and they\’re light and beautiful to boot.