Historically women, trans, and people of color have been underrepresented in the cycling industry. At trade shows this under-representation plunges even further. It begs the question, how can the cycling industry move forward to be fully inclusive when the building of frames is dominated by one demographic? It isn’t a rhetorical question.
SRAM is doing its part to change all that by sponsoring the PBE Inclusivity Scholarship that supports women, trans, and people of color frame builders. The inaugural class consists of Megan Dean (Moth Attack), Julie Ann Pedalino (Pedalino Bikes), Danielle Schön (Schon Studio) and Jackie Mautner (Untitled Cycles).
“At SRAM, we aim to support the people, groups, and events working to change that. The energy that small builders bring is super inspiring. We want to recognize them and help shine a spotlight on these four amazing builders who come from underrepresented groups in the industry,” says SRAM Road Brand Manager Kate Powlison.
The recipients of this scholarship receive funding for builder travel and booth fees, as well as their show build.
Here’s hoping that other cycling industry brands follow SRAM’s example to support and showcase work from a fresh perspective.
About the Builders:
Megan Dean | Moth Attack
Dean builds across a wide array of styles and is recognized for her purposeful frames adorned with eye-catching paint and graphic designs. Dean has also sponsored the all-female Moth Attack Cyclocross team.
Jackie Mautner | Untitled Cycles
In the process of taking on the role of artist, engineer, and alchemist, Mautner finds a near-limitless pool of inspiration. Her hope is for her beautiful creations to disappear into the background for riders as they facilitate journeys. She is introducing Untitled Cycles at the PBE this year, featuring a mix of lugged and brazed steel as well as strategically incorporated carbon fiber elements.
Julie Ann Pedalino | Pedalino Bikes
Pedalino mixes fine arts design and modern 3D printing with her traditional framebuilding skills to make distinctive frames featuring eyepopping metal accents, lugwork and distinctive dropouts.
Danielle Schön | Schön Studio
Schön Studio is a full custom metal fabrication shop which strives to build beautiful machines through form, function, and adventure. Schön has been recognized for her wildly creative theme bicycles at previous shows.
