Wright Brothers USA, the commercial arm of The Wright Brothers Family Foundation, has announced the launch of a licensing program that will allow manufacturers to use the name of The Wright Brothers on select bicycles, equipment and accessories, as well as bicycle-related businesses such as cycle shops and touring companies.
This announcement follows the late-2017 launch of two Wright-inspired bicycles, the St. Clair 1896 and the Van Cleve 1896, which are built to order with modern-day specifications and sold exclusively through The Wright Brothers USA’s website.
“Our bikes invoke the Wrights’ indomitable spirit of innovation, persistence, and pursuit of perfection,” explained company President Kenneth Botts. “They’re limited editions, built in the same Dayton city block where the brothers conducted the bike shop business that funded the invention of the airplane.”
History buffs and cycling aficionados know that Wilbur and Orville Wright operated a number of bike shops in Dayton, from which they produced their own models of bicycles and ultimately went from wheels to wings.
The original St. Clair bicycle was named for Arthur St. Clair, the first president of the Northwest Territory of the United States, comprised of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Today’s version is handmade of Reynolds 725 tubing, with a Shimano Alfine 8 internal hub and SRAM Avid BB5 disc brakes. It sells for US$3,950.
The Van Cleve model harkens back to the Wrights’ top-of-the-line build and pays homage to their to mother’s ancestors the Van Cleves, some of Dayton’s earliest settlers. The US$4,750 bike features a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal rear hub, TRP Spyre brakes and Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt.
Kenneth Botts continued, “Building on the success of our made-in-the-U.S.A. St. Clair and Van Cleve bicycles, we are seeking licensing partners in the bike industry who see the appeal of the Wright brothers’ near-universal name recognition, and appreciate its connection with history, quality manufacturing, and integrity.”
Previously, The Wright Brothers USA has forged successful partnerships with Detroit-based Shinola and UK-timepiece-maker Bremont Watch Company. The Shinola project involved production of 25 co-branded bicycles and 1,000 watches, all of which sold out. Similarly, the Bremont collaborative, 450 high-end watches that incorporated a small swatch of the original wing cloth from the 1903 Wright Flyer I, also sold out.
Proceeds from licensing ventures fund the work of The Wright Brothers Family Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the Wright brothers’ legacy worldwide. Its initiatives include maintenance and programming of Hawthorn Hill (the Wright brothers’ success mansion), restoration of the original Wright Company buildings (the first US airplane factory) and preservation of aviation history around the globe.
Those interested in learning more about The Wright Brothers brand story, and discussing licensing opportunities, can email KenB[at]TheWrightBrothersUSA.com.
