Hammond Made Debuts Versatile Aluminum Hardtails at MADE Show

Channing Hammond, a respected figure in the cycling world, has unveiled his latest creations, the "All Day" and "Weekender" aluminum hardtail mountain bikes, to considerable acclaim at the MADE custom bike show in Portland. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and cost-effectiveness, Hammond Made is reshaping expectations for performance bicycles. Hammond's meticulous craftsmanship, from fabrication to the final touches, underscores a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of rider needs.

Hammond Made: Redefining Aluminum Hardtails with Innovation and Sustainability

At the recent MADE custom bike and frame building show in Portland, Oregon, Channing Hammond, the visionary behind Hammond Made bikes based in Santa Barbara, California, introduced two groundbreaking aluminum hardtail mountain bikes: the All Day and the Weekender. These bikes represent a significant stride in bicycle design, showcasing aluminum's versatility and sustainability as a frame material. Hammond, a seasoned frame builder with over seven years of experience and the original founder of the renowned bikepacking and cargo-rack brand Old Man Mountain, brings a wealth of expertise to his latest venture.

Hammond's decision to focus on aluminum frames stems from a belief in the material's creative potential and its ecological benefits. "I think that there's a lot of ability to be creative with aluminum," Hammond explained. "It's also clean, from a holistic level — it gets repurposed because it's so highly recyclable. From a product lifecycle standpoint, working with aluminum makes sense." This eco-conscious approach is complemented by the economic advantage of aluminum, allowing Hammond Made frames to be priced at $1,800, a stark contrast to the several-thousand-dollar titanium frames often seen at such shows. Despite its affordability, an aluminum Hammond Made frame weighs a mere three pounds, challenging perceptions about material performance.

The intricate process of working with aluminum, particularly the essential heat treatment to solidify the metal and enhance weld strength, is a barrier for many frame builders. However, Hammond's workshop is equipped with the necessary large oven, enabling him to oversee every aspect of production, from welding and fabrication to powder coating and finishing. This hands-on approach ensures meticulous quality control and allows for custom modifications based on rider preferences.

The All Day model is engineered as an everyday trail bike, designed for robust performance across various terrains. The Weekender, utilizing the identical frame, pays homage to Hammond's Old Man Mountain legacy with customizable rack options. A particularly ingenious feature is the rack mounted on the downtube near the bottom bracket, optimizing space typically underutilized. This design also thoughtfully keeps mounting points away from the seat tube, ensuring full compatibility with dropper posts.

Drawing from his experience riding the challenging hills of Santa Barbara, Hammond has incorporated a slightly higher bottom bracket into his designs for improved clearance. The bikes feature a head tube angle of 65° and a seat tube angle of 75°. While Hammond favors a shorter rear end and overall wheelbase for aggressive, technical descents and tight switchbacks, he collaborates closely with clients to tailor each frame's geometry, ensuring optimal performance and rider satisfaction. "That's really the impetus for this bike," he stated, emphasizing his goal to create a bike that excels in both climbing and stable, aggressive downhill riding.

The launch of the All Day and Weekender models at the MADE show marks a significant moment for Hammond Made, highlighting a dedication to innovative design, sustainable practices, and personalized craftsmanship in the mountain biking industry.

Hammond Made's commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable, and affordable aluminum hardtail mountain bikes is truly inspiring. In an industry often dominated by expensive and less recyclable materials, Hammond's vision offers a refreshing alternative. His emphasis on customizability and meticulous craftsmanship provides riders with not just a bike, but a personalized riding experience that respects both the environment and the rider's budget. It's a powerful reminder that innovation doesn't always mean pushing boundaries with exotic materials, but sometimes, it's about perfecting the tried and true with a fresh perspective and a commitment to core values.