About us
Story
A direct-to-consumer triathlon and road bike company, based in Portland, OR, making cycling more accessible.
We started A2 due to lack of options in the triathlon bike industry. Our small but mighty team took it upon themselves to source and build better bikes for serious performers.
OUR FOUNDER
Meet AJ
Always trying to conquer his next challenge, AJ was introduced to cycling and triathlon when he was in college. Soon after discovery, training, and completing his first sprint triathlon, he caught the 'tri bug'.
AJ was a regular customer trying to buy a triathlon bike, but couldn't justify the prices. That is why he created A2 Bikes, to not only make triathlon more accessible, but cycling sports as a whole. And yeah, he still rides and races while running A2 Bikes and taking care of his family (his wife, 3 boys, and parents).
Built for cyclist, by cyclists.
We're committed to making cherished pieces that sustain a long lifetime in a women’s wardrobe. We firmly believe in our responsibility to minimise our impact on the planet & strive towards promoting sustainability.
To achieve this, we are dedicated to constantly innovating, evolving & adopting new sustainable practices in every aspect of our business. By remaining dynamic & constantly evolving, we endeavour to reduce our impact & foster a healthier, more sustainable future.
1. Why so expensive?
To get the answer, he started investigating – first, by calling and visiting bike shops, then by reaching out to manufacturers.
“All of a sudden I started noticing bikes everywhere. Being in Portland, everyone rides a bike. My family would get annoyed every time I trailed off in the middle of a conversation because a bike was rolling by and I had to look and understand what made it appealing, and good or bad.”
2. Traveling to the source.
When he couldn't get a satisfactory answer, he went straight to the source – Taiwan, the second largest manufacturer and exporter of carbon fiber bicycles in the world. While touring factories and discussing the future of cycling with industry leaders, one thing was clear: The cost of a Triathlon bike shouldn’t – and didn’t need to be the impediment to experiencing this great sport.
From this, A2 was born.
3. Bringing in experts.
In 2020, A2 hired Kevin Quan Studios to improve the Speed Phreak (SP) for the modern Triathlete.
Released in 2022, the SP improved upon the Speed Phreak in every category, proven by extensive CFD analysis and in the Wind Tunnel. That year, Chris Foster (Editor-in-Chief of Triathlete Magazine) named the SP one of the “Best Triathlon Bikes” by Triathlete Magazine.
4. Triathlon for less.
By working closely with the top names of the triathlon industry, including Shimano, SRAM, FSA, and Vision Tech USA, Castelli Cycling, and Profile Design, Alley was able to design a high-quality carbon-fiber triathlon bike at a low price point.
The first bike from A2, The Speed Phreak, released in 2017, took the triathlon world by storm, gaining the respect of PR Seekers, and new triathletes everywhere. In 2018, Lava Magazine named it "a solid starter bike capable of putting its dukes up against the Cervelos of the world.”
Designed in Portland, OR
Our head office is located in Portland & our frame manufacturer is located in Taipei. This opportunity gives our company great insights as how our product is produced & builds wonderful relationships with our suppliers. We are very proud of the relationships & credentials we have with them.
