Wheel Warranty Chaos: Major Carbon Manufacturer Suddenly Shuts Down

"CSS Composites, pioneers in greener carbon fiber, utilized its unique FusionFiber technology to offer some form of recyclable carbon to the cycling industry. Revel Bikes adopted the carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic manufacturing method early on, utilizing it for their wheels and other experimental purposes. This revolutionary thermoplastic was later offered by other prominent brands, such as Trek Bicycles' in-house brand, Bontrager, along with wheels from Chris King, Evil Bicycles, and others."

"A letter sent to OEM customers on September 30th announced that USA-based CSS Composites would be ceasing operations and liquidating its assets. The closure of CSS, which currently manufactures rims for Chris King, Bontrager, Evil, and its own in-house brand Forge+Bond, means that all forms of support from the brand are shut down, effective immediately. The statement from CSS is brief and straightforward, outlining that all warranties, replacements, and repair services are no longer available from CSS Composites."

CSS Composites developed FusionFiber recyclable carbon thermoplastic and supplied rims and materials to brands including Revel, Trek/Bontrager, Chris King, Evil, and Forge+Bond. A September 30 notice to OEM customers states the company is ceasing operations and liquidating assets to satisfy creditors. All support, warranties, replacements, and repair services from CSS are no longer available and are shut down effective immediately. The immediate implications for brands using CSS thermoplastics are unclear, and the closure removes a primary industry effort toward greener carbon manufacturing, representing a setback for sustainability in carbon bike products.

Read at BikeMag