The California-Made Bicycles You'll Want to Ride Everywhere

Strap on your helmet, mount your bike, and discover California's boundless beauty on two wheels. Whether you want to explore the rolling hills of the Bay Area on your bicycle, ride along L.A.’s best bike trails, or uncover the stunning vistas of San Diego, California has gorgeous cycling opportunities fit for all four seasons and skill levels.  

But before you ride off into the sunset towards your desired destination, you'll need to prepare for your cycling journey. Browse the many collections of Eliel California and Ornot Bike for high-caliber and proper-fitting apparel; when it comes to helmets, order yours from Jax Bicycle Center so you can safely ride in the streets and along rugged mountain biking paths. 

Whether it’s your first time on a bike or you’re a pro cyclist like Alison Tetrick, the quality of your ride is important, too. Given the wide variety of bikes made in California, finding the right one for your needs is easier than ever—the hard part is narrowing down your options. To help simplify your decision, here are the best California-made bicycles for every interest.

Commuting Bikes

If you're trying to combat climate change by leaving the car at home, you'll want to buy a bike from Retrospec. Based in Los Angeles, Retrospec is committed to its core values—honesty, accessibility, and quality—which is evident in each one of its products. Founded out of a passion for nature and the great outdoors, the company produces various types of bikes. Cruise to work on your Kinney City bike, hit the East Bay Area trails with your single-speed, or make your way along the famous Marvin Braude Trail in Los Angeles on the beach cruiser. (Purchase the Beaumont-Mini bike for the youngsters, too.) Whichever route you take to the office, Retrospec bikes have you covered.

For a customized commuter bike, contact Lyle Harlow—owner, designer, and fabricator of Muse Cycles. Tour the Muse Cycles workshop in Santa Barbara to see how the bike of your dreams is handcrafted, then order a custom-designed bike that fits your needs and desires. With customized materials, sizing, and intended use, your bike will be ready to ride in only four months. Check out Muse Cycles' Signature Series and fall in love with Harlowe’s award-winning Mezzaluna Mixte bike design. 

Electric Bikes

It's time to hit the road in style. Fusing together SoCal's youth culture and motorcycle heritage, Super73's Original Electric Motorbike has been turning heads since 2016. Celebrities such as Sean O'Kane, Coco Rocha, Post Malone, and Will Smith have all purchased this "city cruiser for the future," so go for a test ride at the company's Irvine headquarters and see what the hype is all about. Thanks to its all-terrain wheels and an estimated 75-mile range, this bike can go anywhere, and you won't even break a sweat. 

Also founded in Southern California, Electra Bicycle Company combines comfort with the power of a pedal-assist motor. Introducing artistry and innovation—upright seating, a relaxed arm position, proper leg extension, and the ability to put your feet flat on the ground—the Townie quickly became a best-seller throughout the U.S. Thanks to the battery boost of more than 50 miles, you can take on any challenging hill comfortably. Gear up to match your new bike by purchasing helmets, socks, and T-shirts from the company's online shop.

Mountain Bikes

With its rugged terrain, the Golden State is a mountain biker’s haven. Luckily for us, many California-made bicycles allow you to comfortably and safely explore the state's stunning mountain ranges. To purchase a high-performance mountain bike, head to Santa Cruz Bicycles. Founded in 1994, the eco-friendly company offers an array of full-suspension bicycles that allow riders to go farther, faster, and higher. These made-in-Santa-Cruz mountain bikes are fit for any adventurer, so get ready to feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you fly down the slopes on your new set of wheels. 

When it comes to mountain bike races, the Temecula-based Intense Cycles always steals the show. Whether you’re going downhill, on trails, cross country, or even participating in professional races, the company's innovative and durable bikes won't disappoint. Jumping on the (e-bike) bandwagon, Intense Cycles also has its own electric mountain bike so you can pedal farther and faster.

Marin Bikes is another popular choice for mountain bike racers. Established in the heart of California's mountain bike culture—Marin County—in 1986, the company made a name for itself by pioneering full-suspension designs. Aside from mountain bicycles, Marin Bikes also focuses on pavement and e-bikes. But no matter which model you get, you can rest assured that your high-caliber ride is optimized for two-wheeled fun.

Road Bikes

Experience adventurous days and starlit nights when cycling through the vast Californian landscape—biking along Highway One is a whole new experience when riding with an aluminum bicycle frame from Low Bicycles. Handmade in San Francisco, the company's race bike frames are built to provide the highest quality while also being the fastest. The Low-Key frame is the perfect investment for urban adventurers who enjoy a quick workout before work. Better yet, choose all of the components yourself to construct your dream bicycle. 

You can also purchase a fully customizable race bike from San Diego's Holland Cycles and never look back again. Building titanium bicycles and frames since 1992, founder Bill Holland reinvented the original race bike by adding titanium, carbon, the licensed Holland ExoGrid technology, and the Holland Jet design. The unique bikes from Holland Cycles make for a great investment for your sustainable California adventures.