The Philly Bike Expo is proud to announce a new initiative with SRAM, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.
SRAM is stepping up to sponsor the PBE Inclusivity Scholarship supporting women, trans, and POC frame-builders who have been underrepresented at bike shows and in the industry at large.
The inaugural class consists of Moth Attack, Pedalino Bikes, Schon Studio and Untitled Cycles.
"While the bicycle brings great freedom, the bike industry itself is not always the most welcoming place," said SRAM Road Brand Manager Kate Powlison. "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,"
"I'm grateful to receive this scholarship as a boost for the community, and excited to leverage this opportunity towards the goal of uplifting and growing opportunity for other women/trans/non-binary builders," said Jackie Mautner of Untitled Cycles.
The PBE Inclusivity Scholarship will fund builder travel and booth fees, as well as their show build, a detail appreciated by Megan Dean of Moth Attack.
"It's amazing to be able to work with a brand like SRAM, not only to take the edge off trade show pressures but also bring together and highlight a group who is often not represented," Dean said. "I'm looking forward to inspiring the next generation of custom frame-builders."
Philly Bike Expo director Bina Bilenky said, "The Philly Bike Expo and SRAM are combining efforts to contribute to the process of change in the bike industry. We celebrate the art, labor, creation, and expertise of all who ride and build."
"I am thrilled and honored to be included in the SRAM Ambassador program at this year's Philly Bike Expo," said Julie Ann Pedalino. "It's so important to promote diversity in our industry, and I believe the generous support of SRAM and PBE will have a meaningful impact. I've already started drawing out the geometry for my show bike, and hope to bring a build that will knock everyone's socks off."
The excitement is shared by those involved , and they all hope the project will help to nudge the cycling industry further toward inclusivity.
Danielle Schön says, "I'm thrilled to be invited to Philly Bike Expo as part of the SRAM-funded scholarship. This is a great way to showcase work that comes from a different perspective than the status quo, and it will ultimately encourage other industry players to do the same."
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 frame-building 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.
