My Airborne Saga
Airborne originated in 1997 as the first company to sell bicycles on the Internet selling consumer direct and providing generous helpings of consumer value and goodwill. airborne focused on creating world-class technical products that were better equipped and priced than other leading brands. airborne began with the founder’s own proven designs achieving significant advancements in material, technical, ergonomic, and visual appeal. Further, airborne formulated its retail pricing to appeal to consumers seeking the highest product value on the market.
I became aware of airborne bikes in 2001 at the hotter n hell ride in Wichita falls, TX, when I meet the owner and founder of airborne bikes at the annual expo. The bike was of course very good looking bike and after talking with Jamie for awhile I was impress with the bike and more so with Jamie enthusiasm for it. At the time I didn't know he was the owner and founder of the company, just thought he was a salesman. Anyway, I rode the ride on my Cannondale R500 and thought about the Airborne (Zeppelin) the whole ride. I planned to stop back by the expo and was really considering ordering a bike. Well, the expo was closed when I got back. But when I got back home I looked more into Airborne and decided to order a bike. my only concern was buying a bike site unseen, but with Airborne's 10-day return policy that was not really a reason not buy. I purchased a Zeppelin and kept it for 5 days and it didn't quite feel right. After, a few calls, swapping out stems, with Airborne, I decided to return the bike and true to their word, the return was flawless and they even paid for the shipment both ways.
The next year at the Hilly Hundred ride in Indiana, I saw the Manhattan Project frame and it was even prettier than the Zeppelin and it was available in a larger size, which I thought would be the different for a good fit. I got a bike fit at the local bike shop with the geometry of the Manhattan project to see if it would be a good fit. From the fitting I found out a couple of things I didn't know. My 63cm frame was too big and the top tube was too long and he though the Manhattan project with the right stem would be a better fit.
So, I order the Manhattan Project and the bike shop was right, it was a perfect fit, actually, a better fit than any bike I had ridden. So, to make a long story short I now have 4 bikes from Airborne, a Lucky Strike and a Carpe Diem in addition to two Manhattan Projects, one setup as a road bike and one in a time trail setup. Yes, I am a Airborne fan...
