Cannondale Factory
Today Rich, Bob, Mark, and I braved the elements and headed out into the snow to Bedford, PA to tour the Cannondale factory. We ate breakfast at Denny's, yum. Upon arriving at the factory I thought it was sort of odd because it is home to one of the world's largest bike companies but the building has no signs or any markings and could very easily be passed over without a second thought. When we got inside we met with Heidi and she told us who would be giving out tour. We started in the testing and destruction department. We got to see how Cdale tests all of the parts they use and make. We also got to see frame and fork tests along with a frame desturction, which took something like 1600 lbs of pressure. It was also cool to see how your bike flexes under normal pedaling and you don't even notice. Then we started to tour assembly. It was facinating to see this process from the beginning, sheets of metal, through the finished product being shipped out. It is amazing the speed and skill that is used to tack the frames together before they are taken to be welded. Then the welders are probably some of the best in the world. Their welds are extremely smooth, they get sanded afterwords but probably don't need it. I am excited to recieve my new Cdale but scared because although I'm certain the frames are safe now I've seen how thin the aluminum is in some places. It is a wonderful experience and I'm very glad I got to go today. It makes you feel good to know such a high quality product is made right here in the USA. Then to top it all of Heidi gave all of us "Cannondale Factory Tour" shirts when we were ready to leave.