Locked and LoadedUSA

SEPTEMBER - FEATURED PROFILE

Each month we try to highlight a different Company, Rider, or Videographer/Photographer from the Industry. If you have questions you would like answered by an industry fave or maybe you would like to be featured by TheDirtyWheel, contact us HERE. Now sit back and enjoy a glimpse inside the industry.

LOCKED AND LOADEDUSA
IF YOUR TARGET IS HIGH QUALITY BIKE PARTS THAT OFFER VALUE AS STUNNING AS THEIR CRAFTSMANSHIP, THEN SET YOUR SIGHTS ON THE GOODS OF LOADED PRECISION INC.

Now entering their third year in the industry and having just expanded into a new building, Loaded Precision Products is making their mark. Its not surprising that when a group of riders and designers with a ton of industry experience get together, something interesting is going to happen. For Loaded that meant applying all their years in the saddle to improve on their favorite bike bits. No need to reinvent the wheel when you can just improve it,and they did along with a dozen other products they offer. LoadedUSA does more than make pretty parts at a great value, they support the industry and its riders from grassroots to professionals. When we got an invite to come check out the new Head Quarters which has an extensive trail network right out the door, we couldn't resist.

LoadedUSA Brand Manager Anthony Thomas tackled our questions and gave us insight into their upcoming plans and exciting Interbike product debuts. Get the inside scoop and when you are done give a shout to the guys at Loaded.

The Loaded trailer featuring James Visser getting nasty lets you know you have arrived

1. Lets keep it simple and start with an introduction to LoadedUSA. Tell us about how it all started and the progression of the last 3 years for those uninitiated.
Wow ... The Trail we have been on for the past few years has taken us to places we would have never imagined. The company was formed on the simple concept of offering riders and shops a high-end aftermarket solution for their bikes, without having to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy a customized bike. Loaded was formed on this humble vision and customer service was the link tying everything together, secondary only to manufacturing high quality parts. Our customers engage and remain loyal to our brand because of our focus on service and the rider feedback that goes into our products.

2. We first encountered LoadedUSA at Interbike 2011 and we were impressed with the hand made wheelsets. As we began to look through the different products offered, we noticed that besides the BLING there appears to be an abundance of Price to Performance offerings, as well as innovative design. Your AmXC NOSLIP grip is really unique compared to other market offerings. Are there any other products where LoadedUSA is bringing fresh new innovations?
Our hand-built wheels are a popular component for us, as it is a great solution for riders looking to enter into the hand crafted wheelset market. The rider has the added benefit of being able to go through and decide on any color Rim/Spoke/Nipple/Hub combo at attractive price. There is not another US-based manufacturer that can offer a wheelset this unique at anywhere near the cost. (Starting at $599.00)

The AmXC no-slip grip has been amazing for us as well and we are just about to introduce a few different variations to the grip body which utilizes our patented lock-ring mechanism.

Loaded's manufacturing process relies on input from riders, staff, to our production and design team and it is this process that creates an open environment. This supports a creative and unique atmosphere that allows us to excel and operate efficiently. We are not a company that changes our graphics and packaging annually only to come to market each year with a "NEW" product. A great example is our alloy handlebar line that has been in the catalog since day 1 and does not need constant revision. The tremendous amount of time and energy spent ensuring that the extrusion is perfect and the process is perfected, has led to an alloy bar that rides amazing. The philosophy we have adopted allows us to work on bigger and more significant product launches - like our new X-lite Tubeless technology that we will be releasing at Interbike this season. (See photos below)

X-lite Tubeless rim cross section

The X-lite rim was able to cut significant weight without sacrificing durability through a combination of extrusion and LoadedUSA's patented I-Beam design. The X-lite Tubeless Technology will debut at Interbike 2012

Loaded X-lite rim waiting to be laced. Beautiful and Light all for a competitive price

3. Your continued growth has moved LoadedUSA into a new location that is still getting final touches ... What is the new location going to bring that was missing from the equation.
Our current location is amazing as we are tucked away in a beautiful setting nestled in between 70 miles of trail networks. It is not your typical corporate H.Q., but as avid riders we are all absolutely stoked to be working out here. A lot of work goes into converting an old restaurant/country store into usable office space but we are just about ready for our Grand Opening. We plan on opening the doors to all Southern California riders to let them see what we are all about. The most crucial factor in moving to the new location is the opportunity it presents to get involved with the BLM and various groups and organizations to work towards the common goals such as trail access, maintenance, safety and availability. LoadedUSA wants to nurture our environment, not merely because we ride, but from the deeper sense of community and corporate-backing we are able to provide to an extensive network of trails in San Diego.

4. Give us the first Movie, Book, or Song title that comes to mind that should be about bikes but is not ... EX. BLAZING SADDLES
Man.... that is a tough one. I think you guys definitely picked the best one.

5. One of the most important aspects of promoting growth in our industry is supporting the sport, the companies, riders, etc. Tell us how LoadedUSA is supporting the world of Mountain Biking?
From day one this has been a primary focus of ours, to not only provide great components, but supporting the sport in general. I think we have struck a nice balance between the larger more "Commercial" type of support, and the oft-forgotten grassroots level support. Grassroots mountain biking means " What can we do to promote our sport to those who are unaware of it?" We work closely with local race/event promoters to determine feasibility of local event planning as well as working closely with San Diego Mountain Bike Association in support of their efforts. As a side note, we have all adopted a policy of picking random crap up off the trail - it's a really small step but it is our responsibility to set the example for what needs to be done to keep multi-use trails open to mountain bikers. This even means stopping a heated Strava segment to grab some dudes Gu wrapper off the ground.

6. Does LoadedUSA sponsor riders? And if so what levels, Pro's, Grassroots, etc?
Absolutely... Sponsorship is a great opportunity for us to remain attached to rider feedback. We have all levels of sponsorship throughout the sport, as well as the various disciplines. Working with riders like James Visser, really helps us stay forward in our design plans because of his ability to push the limits of his equipment. We also work with various Colleges & Universities throughout the States, as it provides the younger guys the support they need while pursuing their educational goals. On a final note, one name really comes to mind, Paul Romero and his team of adventure racers are a truly amazing group of athletes. From reaching the summit of Everest, to competing in 800 mile MTB races, Paul is an inspiration to all and we are fortunate to be involved with helping him realize his goals.

7. Out of all the various product offerings which is LoadedUSA's crowning glory and why?
Definitely our X-Lite line up which contains the majority of our "Best In Class" items that literally shut down all other competition. Our X-Lite Ti stem is the lightest on the market - Mountain or Road. Now we are not in the road part business but it is exciting to be able to state this about a product we designed to withstand the abuse of trail riding. Our headset line up is a real head turner as well, with weights that are an average of 33% lighter than other "light" headsets, yet we back our quality and craftsmanship with a lifetime warranty on them. It's a true win-win for everyone and the technology we utilize to accomplish these goals will soon be moved into other areas where we can utilize carbon fiber.

8. Post ride libation: Brew of Coffee? Specifics ?
Really it depends ... We've all been on a health kick over here lately, challenging each other with Juicing recipes and geeking out on cycling nutrition. That being said I don't think there is anything better than riding an epic trail, and following it up with an IPA from your favorite local brewer while you devise a plan to beat your buddies on Strava the next run. Coffee ... a much needed fuel in our industry is always solid pre or post ride!

9. On the website LoadedUSA products are broken up into two categories: AmX for trail riding/AM applications and AmXC for XC based applications. Does your product offerings branch into the other disciplines such as DH, DJ, etc. ?
X-lite is our premiere lineup that features a selection of refined purpose driven product offerings that are going on a bike designed to be light. AmX is the flagship DH/FR/DJ lineup, which includes best sellers like our Signature Series pedal, or the 810mm wide Flat Handlebar. AmXC is the cross section that is so prevalent in our market today, as it strikes the balance between XC and Trail Riders. This gives riders of all disciplines an immense catalog with which to customize their bike.

10. Employee round-up. List the following 1.) The Crazy Person __________________ 2.) The Fast Guy _________________ 3.) The Caboose _______________ ?
Crazy? Mike (The Owner) Fast? Johnie Q for sure (inside sales) .... The caboose? Me (Anthony) I'm not slow - I just enoy the ride!

11. LoadedUSA has 14 different product categories available in 7 different colors currently, are there any plans to add new colors such as orange or any of the fresh new day-glo we see popping up on the scene?
Thank you for reminding me of the constant work we have cut out for us with all our products ... haha. We are always looking to expand a line if it meets market need. Function-over-form is always important to our catalog additions, so look forward to our new AmXC Trail bike stem, rather than a purple seatpost. Not saying it won't ever be a color for us, it is just our priorities lie in making sure we have all of the best items available for riders of all types of mountain bike riding .... Now get out we have to prep for Interbike!

Stay tuned to TheDirtyWheel for a full review of LoadedUSA and the product offerings