A key bicycle framebuilding brand is coming back one month after sudden closure

Paragon Machine Works, a respected name in custom bicycle framebuilding, is set to return just one month after its unexpected closure. The Portland-based company Firsthand Framebuilding has acquired Paragon’s intellectual property, brand assets, and manufacturing tooling, ensuring the continuation of the brand’s influential range of framebuilding components. Paragon’s parts, including dropouts, bottom bracket shells, and fork crowns, have been integral to countless custom steel and titanium bikes, particularly in North America, making the acquisition a significant development for the industry. The sudden shutdown of Paragon had sparked concerns about the future availability of domestically produced framebuilding hardware. Firsthand Framebuilding, already a dealer of Paragon products and the North American distributor for Reynolds tubing, aims to address these worries by gradually resuming production. The transition will involve an initial supply of critical components from Paragon’s existing inventory, followed by collaboration with manufacturing partners and eventually bringing some production in-house to maintain quality and affordability. Owners of Paragon Machine Works, the Norstad family, expressed relief and optimism about the acquisition, praising Firsthand’s commitment to investing in the future of framebuilding. Chris Blandford, owner of Firsthand Framebuilding, acknowledged the responsibility of preserving Paragon’s legacy, emphasising that the purchase was not about reviving a struggling business but safeguarding a heritage of framebuilding knowledge and design. Blandford also recognised the ongoing challenges of the market but remained confident that domestic production of high-quality frame components remains viable. Looking ahead, Firsthand Framebuilding plans to leverage Paragon’s legacy to bring fresh energy to the framebuilding sector. Alongside the acquisition, Firsthand is preparing to launch a framebuilding school in Portland later this year, signalling a broader commitment to nurturing the craft and community. The revival of Paragon’s product line under Firsthand’s stewardship is poised to reassure custom builders and enthusiasts about the future availability of essential framebuilding hardware in North America.