SRAM has backed the Philly Bike Expo’s Inclusivity Scholarship, which supports 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, Schön Studio and Untitled Cycles. This is an exciting announcement and for the full press release, click on below.

Moth Attack

“While the bicycle brings great freedom, the bike industry itself is not always the most welcoming place. 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.

Untitled Cycles

“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,” says 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,” says Dean. “I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of custom framebuilders!”

Pedalino Bikes

Philly Bike Expo director Bina Bilenky says “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!,” says 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!”

Schön Studio

The excitement is shared by all involved in the project, 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 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 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.