Grognard's Story
The name of my bike company is Grognard [grō-nyär], which is French for "old soldier". To me a steel bike is like a tough old soldier - they both do their jobs reliably, while giving no complaint and asking nothing in return. Just like you can depend on the old soldier to be there when the going gets tough, so too can my steel bikes be depended upon.
I build steel bicycle frames custom fit and tuned to match the owner’s body, riding style and goals. Bicycles have always been an important part of my life. I’ve been riding them about as long as I’ve been walking. From the banana seat hot rod to first generation mountain bikes and touring bikes that rode like tanks to some of the best bikes money could buy. From riding the country roads and trails where I grew up to BMX races, road tours, triathlons and off road races. I’ve ridden too many bikes to count over the years in every category and style and have learned the hard way how a bike should – and shouldn’t – feel.
That’s where I get my know-how. I’ve never worked at Trek. I didn’t apprentice for some “Master Builder” in Europe. I just rode my bikes. And talked to people. Once I decided I wanted to focus on and get serious about building bikes I went to United Bicycle Institute and learned the basics of frame fabrication.
I combine the knowledge I gained there with the lifetime of experience I’ve acquired from simply doing things for myself to produce bikes I’m proud to stake my reputation on. I build my bikes with strict attention to engineering principles, material requirements and tight tolerances. The single biggest advantage of working for myself is that I can work on something until it’s right – period.
I don’t focus on making frames as light as mechanically possible just for the sake of it and I don’t build bikes with geometry and design based on a fad. There are plenty of companies making bikes that are meant only to be ridden a year or two, but not mine. I work with clients to build bikes that not only work and fit perfectly, but last…a long time.
My name is David McCormick. I am Grognard Bicycle Company. Let’s work together to get you on the best bike of your life.
