Mountain Goat Cycles

The Escape Goat concept started in October of 2007.  One of our industry friends was working to bring in private label frames from Taiwan and we discussed an entry-level Goat frame.  We wondered if it would "dilute" the brand but realistically there is a finite number of people who have the ability to by a $1,500 frame and wait 6 months to get it.  An in stock frame, or even complete bike, at a more affordable price would allow many more individuals to be Goat owners.  There was even a precedent.  Mountain Goat imported the Trench Goat in the late 1980's. 

So we decided to go with the concept.  You don't realize how many decisions have to be made when starting from scratch.  The model name, colors, decals and placement, geometry, braze-ons all need to be specified.  The first pair of samples arrived and have been put through their paces.  We've come up with 5 or 6 minor tweaks and the second round of samples is being produced.  Once those arrive, we'll assemble them and ride 'em.  If everything looks good, we'll go into production.

 Since it has been such a long process, I hate to put a date to it but let's go will fall 2010 as a best guess.   

OK, since we have rolled into winter 2011 and don't have frames, it's time for an update.  The first sample frames had drop-out issues.  They were supposed to be 4130 but both frames had dropouts that easily bent.  The slider slot opened up and one eventually cracked.  The decision was made to change to 4140 which is stronger.  We also decided to add a clear coat, go to a 73mm bb and just do 3 sizes.  New samples were made to spec which is where we ran into problems.  We felt that they should replace them for free and they insisted on charging for them.  It made me nervous that we were treated like this when they were trying to get our business.  I had fears of what would happen if there were issues after they cashed our check.  We've investigated a couple other alternatives but as of right now, lets just assume the project is on hold.