e*thirteen has been a great journey over the years. Back in the year 2000 I coined a term “chain retention system.” I felt like the new chain device that I had designed really wasn’t adequately described by the commonly used term “chainguide.” There were other products on the market at the time, but none of them combined reliable chain retention, impact resistance, and simple setup. When we made the first prototypes, I never would have guessed that e*thirteen would become a mainstay brand and industry leader. It’s amazing to think that 10 years later, that first impact absorbing thermoplastic bashguard we built has become the archetype for an entire industry. Being part of a company with a history of bringing relevant innovations to mountain biking has been equal parts enjoyment and frustration. Seeing our products continuously knocked off by the competition has been frustrating at times, but it’s easy to get over after hearing from riders whose riding lives were improved by something that we built. Amassing more race wins over the last 10 years than all competitors combined has been immensely satisfying also. We’ve gotten to meet and work with a couple generations of the world’s fastest riders, and through our new product introductions, we have even had a part in shaping bicycle geometry and the way people ride mountain bikes today. I for one feel really lucky to have had all of that hard work turn into something that riders appreciate.
The biggest challenges that e*thirteen have faced over the years have always been internal, running an entirely USA based manufacturing and assembly operation is a lot of work, especially in an industry where all of the competing products are made overseas at a lower cost. We’ve stuck to our roots though and I’m proud to say that the majority of all e*thirteen parts are still Made in the USA. Merging with the Hive is really going to make e*thirteen much stronger. Though e*thirteen has always had success developing innovative ideas, we’ve struggled to get them to market in a timely fashion. We’ve always put a great emphasis on proving product performance through racing and learning, as well as dedicated customer service, but truthfully we’ve never had any kind of proper marketing initiative. The Hive’s management, manufacturing, and marketing experience are second to none in cycling, and exactly the areas in which e*thirteen always could have benefited from improvement. I’ve gotten to spend over a year on their fifteen.G cranks and I can say from personal experience that they are a legitimate piece of kit. They mate up perfectly with e*thirteen’s existing chain retention products, and the thought of being able to get an e*thirteen chain retention system in the same box with a lightweight, stiff, and strong set of cranks that you know will fit up perfectly and easily every time is just awesome. I am completely stoked to be able to sit back and see the Hive guys really take e*thirteen to the next level. It’s going to be awesome to watch.
I want to pass on a heartfelt thank you to all of the people and riders who have helped make e*thirteen what it is today. It never, ever would have been possible without the countless and selfless contributions of so many of you. Thanks, and see you on the trails!
- Dave Weagle