“Aspen” on a mountain bike isn’t one maker; it’s a name used for different models, store labels, and an e-bike line from NCM/Leon Cycle.
Searches for who makes aspen mountain bikes bring up a jumble of results: an e-fat bike called the NCM Aspen, auction listings for “Aspen Super Sport,” and a few bike shops in Aspen, Colorado. No single factory sits behind all of these. Below, you’ll see exactly what “Aspen” can mean, how to tell which one you own, and where each version comes from.
Who Makes Aspen Mountain Bikes? Model-By-Model Reality
There are three common meanings:
- NCM Aspen: an electric fat-tire bike sold by NCM, the consumer brand of Leon Cycle.
- House-brand “Aspen” bikes: generic, lower-priced models sold through auctions or big-box channels; the frames are sourced from contract manufacturers, and the true OEM isn’t stated on the badge.
- “Aspen” as a shop or place name: several retail stores in Aspen, CO use the word “Aspen” but don’t manufacture frames.
Aspen Mountain Bikes — Who Builds Them By Brand And Model
Here’s a quick map of what each “Aspen” you’ll see online usually refers to, plus the likely maker. This is the fastest way to match your bike’s label to a real company.
| Name Seen Online | What It Really Is | Who Makes It |
|---|---|---|
| NCM Aspen / Aspen Plus | Fat-tire e-MTB model line | NCM (Leon Cycle) |
| “Aspen Super Sport” | Low-cost MTB sold via auctions/classifieds | Unstated contract OEM; branded only “Aspen” |
| “Manufacturer: Aspen” in registries | Badge brand used on value MTBs | Unclear; varies by batch and importer |
| Performance Aspen (vintage) | Old store-brand MTB build | Performance Bicycle house model; frame OEM varied |
| Novara Aspen (REI) | Novara model named “Aspen” | REI’s former house brand; frames by contract builders |
| Pinnacle Aspen (kids) | UK kids’ bike model name | Pinnacle (Evans Cycles brand) |
| “Aspen Bikes / Aspen MTB” shops | Retailers and rental outfits | Shops in Aspen, CO; not manufacturers |
Why The Same Name Shows Up In Different Places
Bike names repeat. Model names like “Aspen,” “Summit,” or “Ridge” are common because they sound outdoorsy and fit many price tiers. Some brands use “Aspen” as a model name (NCM, Novara, Pinnacle). Others stamp “Aspen” as a badge brand on imported frames. Meanwhile, Aspen-based shops naturally use the town name. That’s why your search results mix e-bikes, old catalog models, and shop sites.
Proof Points You Can Check
Want to confirm which “Aspen” you have? Use these quick checks:
- Battery and hub motor: If your bike has a rear hub motor and a branded “Das-Kit” controller, it’s an NCM Aspen.
- Sticker trail: Look for an importer or distributor sticker under the bottom bracket or near the rear dropout. A generic importer suggests a house-brand frame.
- Component level: A modern fat tire (26×4) with e-assist points to NCM. Narrow 26×2.0–2.3 tires and rim brakes on an older frame point to a budget, non-electric badge build.
- Sales channel: REI catalog from the mid-2010s means “Novara Aspen.” UK retail sites point to “Pinnacle Aspen.”
Who Makes Aspen Mountain Bikes? Buyer-Facing Answers
Below are straight answers, grouped by the labels most shoppers see.
NCM Aspen (And Aspen Plus): The E-Bike One
The NCM Aspen is an electric fat-tire mountain bike sold by NCM, the consumer brand of Leon Cycle. It typically uses a Das-Kit rear hub motor and a large external battery. NCM lists the model and specs on their product pages, and retailers quote the same platform. If your bike matches that format, the maker is NCM/Leon Cycle. See the official NCM Aspen product page for specs and range claims: NCM Aspen.
“Aspen Super Sport” And Similar: The Badge-Only Bikes
Searches turn up “Aspen Super Sport” listings on auction sites. These carry an “Aspen” head badge, but no maker’s mark for the frame factory. That signals a badge brand—frames bought from a contract OEM, then stickered for a reseller. Registries like Bike Index even accept “Aspen” as the manufacturer field when the badge reads that way, which shows that the public identity on these bikes is just “Aspen,” not a known global brand. Here’s an example record: Bike Index: Aspen mountain bike.
Retailers With “Aspen” In The Name: Not Frame Builders
Stores in Aspen, Colorado include names like Aspen MTB and Aspen Bicycles. They rent and sell bikes, sometimes as local dealers for brands such as Revel or Nox. That shop branding doesn’t mean they manufacture frames. See a typical shop profile here: Aspen MTB bike sales.
How To Identify Your Aspen Bike In Ten Minutes
Use this quick method at home before you try ordering parts or listing the bike for sale.
| Where To Look | What You Might Find | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| Top tube / down tube | NCM Aspen / Aspen Plus decals; “Das-Kit” mention | NCM/Leon Cycle e-bike model |
| Head tube badge | Plain “Aspen” shield, no other mark | Badge brand; OEM not disclosed |
| Bottom bracket shell | Importer sticker or serial starting with odd prefix | Batch import; house-brand frame |
| Rear hub / wiring | Fat 26×4 tires, hub motor, external battery | NCM e-MTB platform |
| Drivetrain / brakes | Older 3×7 drivetrain, rim brakes | Budget non-electric badge bike |
| Original receipt or retailer | REI (Novara), Evans (Pinnacle), auction site | Model name used by a store brand |
Parts And Service Tips For Each “Aspen” Type
If You Have An NCM Aspen
Match parts by platform, not by the word “Aspen” alone. Order batteries, controllers, and displays that specifically list compatibility with the NCM Aspen/Aspen Plus and the Das-Kit system. When in doubt, cross-check the battery voltage and connector style against the listing on the official product page linked above.
If You Have A Badge-Brand “Aspen”
Think in standard sizes: wheel diameter (26″ or 27.5″), tire width, fork steerer type, bottom-bracket standard, and seatpost diameter. Most low-cost badge bikes use common specs to keep costs down. That makes generic replacement parts a safe bet.
If Your Bike Came From A Shop In Aspen, CO
Call the shop with your serial number. They can usually tell you the original brand and model they sold or rented in that season. If the shop is an authorized dealer for a brand like Revel, they’ll point you to the right catalog page or tech doc.
Real-World Examples You’ll See Online
- NCM Aspen/Aspen Plus listings: retailers show the same Das-Kit system, fat-tire format, and claimed range. That tracks to the NCM/Leon Cycle platform.
- “Aspen Super Sport” on auction sites: photos display basic mountain bike frames with generic components and only an “Aspen” badge.
- Bike registry entries: some riders register the brand as “Aspen,” which reflects the head badge, not a traceable factory.
Who Makes Aspen Mountain Bikes? Clear Takeaways
Use the phrase as your decision tree:
- If it’s an e-fat bike with a Das-Kit hub: the maker is NCM/Leon Cycle.
- If it’s a rim-brake hardtail with only an “Aspen” badge: it’s a badge-brand import; the precise frame factory isn’t named on the bike.
- If “Aspen” is the shop name: it’s a retailer, not a frame builder.
Buying Advice: When “Aspen” Is On The Head Tube
Pricing Sanity Checks
For NCM Aspen models, compare the price and spec against the current NCM product listing. A large gap often means an older battery, a lower-capacity pack, or heavy use. For badge-brand “Aspen” bikes, judge the bike on condition and component wear rather than the label. A clean frame with straight wheels is worth more than a dusty set of low-tier parts.
Fit And Compatibility
Measure twice, buy once. On older badge bikes, seatpost and bottom-bracket sizes vary. Record both before you order. On the NCM Aspen, check tire clearance and rotor size if you plan upgrades; fat-bike standards differ from regular MTB parts.
Where To Verify Specs
For the e-bike model, rely on the brand page: NCM Aspen. For serials and stolen-bike checks, a public registry helps: Bike Index entry. Both links open to specific pages with model or record details so you can confirm what you have.
FAQ-Style Clarifications (Without The FAQ Block)
Is There One Company Named “Aspen” That Builds All Aspen Mountain Bikes?
No. The name appears as an NCM model, as badge-brand labels, and in store names. The NCM version is the only one with a clear global manufacturer.
Does “Aspen Super Sport” Mean It’s From The Same Maker As NCM Aspen?
No. “Super Sport” listings show non-electric MTBs with generic parts and only the Aspen badge. That’s a different pipeline from the NCM e-bike platform.
Can A Shop In Aspen, CO Be The Manufacturer?
Shops are dealers and rental outfits. They stock brands and service bikes, but they don’t weld production frames.
Final Answer In Plain Words
Who Makes Aspen Mountain Bikes? The NCM Aspen and Aspen Plus are made by NCM (Leon Cycle). Bikes that only say “Aspen” on the badge are house-brand imports with contract OEMs, and “Aspen” shops in Colorado are retailers, not frame builders.