Who Makes Forge Bikes? | Brand Origin And OEMs

If you came here asking who makes Forge bikes, you’re trying to sort out the brand behind the badge—who designs them, who builds them, and where you can buy them with confidence. The short version: FORGE designs the line and sells it online, historically routing buyers to Target’s site, while frame production and final assembly happen at contract factories overseas using branded component kits from the likes of Shimano, SRAM, Tektro, and SR Suntour. The brand’s own pages show model overviews and “component partners,” and a “Buy Online” note that points shoppers to Target.

Who Makes Forge Bikes? Model Line And Timeline

FORGE is the brand owner. Its site presents the bikes, specs, and model names (MStreet, Saranac CM, Sawback 5xx, Edgmont, Sconset, Coco, Vero LS, Athena V) and states that sales run online through retail partners such as Target. Those pages don’t list a single house factory; that’s normal for private-label programs that source frames and assembly from multiple OEMs. You’ll also see long-standing parts suppliers called out—Shimano, SRAM, Tektro, SR Suntour, KMC, and Velo—which matches what buyers reported when the line first gained traction.

Forge Bikes At A Glance (Models And Components)

This quick table rounds up common Forge models you’ll encounter and the component cues that help you spot them. It’s a broad view; trims and supplier ranges vary by batch.

Model	Category	Common Component Cues
MStreet	Urban/Fitness	Aluminum frame; rack mounts; Shimano drivetrain.
Saranac CM	Mountain (XC light-trail)	Multi-surface intent; Shimano mix; alloy cockpit.
Sawback 5xx	Hardtail MTB	Recognized as a budget hardtail with brand components.
Edgmont	MTB	SR Suntour XCT fork; Tektro brakes listed in copy.
Sconset	Beach cruiser	Relaxed geometry; comfort bits; simple gearing.
Coco	Beach cruiser	Low center of gravity; adjustable bars/stem/saddle.
Vero LS	Comfort/Hybrid	SRAM drivetrain; SR Suntour cranks; stainless spokes.
Athena V	Comfort	Light alloy frame; comfort saddle and touch points.

Who Actually Builds The Frames?

The name on the downtube is FORGE, but the welding and assembly are handled by contract manufacturers. That’s common in value-priced categories across retail. The brand’s own pages highlight “component partners” rather than a single owned factory—another clue you’re looking at an OEM-built product line. If you want the exact plant, check the mandatory product label or carton: U.S. law requires a responsible party and country of origin, and retail bikes are certified to the federal bicycle standard (16 CFR Part 1512).

How To Confirm The Maker On Your Specific Bike

Every retail bicycle sold in the U.S. must be certified to the CPSC bicycle regulation. That paperwork is tied to the importer/brand and shows up in labeling, manuals, or a separate certificate. Look on the box, the underside of the frame near the bottom bracket, or inside the owner’s packet for the importer name and the factory or country code. If you’re buying from a marketplace listing, ask the seller to share a photo of those labels. For background, you can read the official 16 CFR Part 1512 overview and the CPSC’s plain-English bicycle requirements guidance.

Where Are Forge Bikes Sold?

FORGE has long routed shoppers to buy online. Its “Buy Online” page lists Target as the retail channel. That matches years of buyer chatter about ordering FORGE bikes from Target’s website. Selection on retailer category pages changes often, so search by model name rather than only by the brand filter.

Parts Suppliers You’ll See On Forge Builds

These are the brand names most frequently mentioned on FORGE’s component pages and model write-ups. Use the list when you evaluate a listing or confirm what’s on a used bike.

Supplier	Typical Role	Where You’ll Spot It
Shimano	Drivetrain, shifters, hubs	Derailleurs, thumb shifters, freehub specs.
SRAM	Drivetrain	Rear derailleur and chain on comfort models.
Tektro	Brakes	V-brakes or discs depending on trim.
SR Suntour	Suspension/Cranks	XCT forks on entry MTBs; forged cranksets.
KMC	Chains	Stamped chain model in spec sheets.
Velo	Saddles/Grips	Comfort saddle callouts in copy.

What “Private-Label” Means For You

Private-label bike programs pair an in-house design and QA team with outside factories that build to spec. Done well, that setup keeps prices low and parts serviceable, since drivetrains, brakes, and forks come from mainstream suppliers. FORGE presents a typical version of that model: branded frames around widely supported components, and a mass-market retail partner for distribution.

Strengths

• Serviceable spec: Shimano/SRAM drivetrains, Tektro brakes, and SR Suntour forks make wear-part replacements straightforward at any shop.
• Clear value tier: Pricing has historically targeted entry riders who want an alloy frame and brand-name parts without boutique costs.
• Simple online buy: The brand points to Target’s storefront, where shipping and returns follow retail policy.

Trade-offs

• Factory opacity: OEM plants aren’t named on product pages, so the exact maker may vary by batch.
• Spec creep: Component mixes can change mid-season; confirm photos and the parts list before you buy.
• Assembly step: Boxed bikes need careful setup; plan a shop check for tune and torque if you’re new to wrenching.

How To Vet A Forge Bike Listing

Check The Labels

Look for the importer name, country of origin, and the compliance note for the federal bicycle standard. That standard lives at 16 CFR Part 1512; every new bike sold in the U.S. must be certified to it.

Confirm The Parts You Care About

Run through drivetrain, brakes, and fork details against the component list above. A listing that shows “Shimano Tourney 3×7 + Tektro V-brakes” matches the entry setup you’ll see on many value hardtails. Cross-check with Forge’s model pages when a seller names a specific trim.

Look Up Retail Availability

If the model you want isn’t visible under a category filter, search Target by model name (e.g., “Forge Saranac” or “Forge Sawback”). Retailer navigation tends to group many house and third-party brands together, so direct search is faster.

Answers To Common Reader Questions

Is Forge A Real Brand Or Just A Store Sticker?

It’s a real brand. FORGE runs a site with model pages and a component partner roster, and it routes purchases to online retail. That’s the standard pattern for private-label bike programs.

Are These Bikes Serviceable At A Local Shop?

Yes. Shops see Shimano/SRAM drivetrains, Tektro brakes, and SR Suntour forks every day. Wear parts and tune-ups are routine. The biggest gains come from a careful initial setup: torque checks, true wheels, adjust cables, and add grease where the manual calls for it.

Why Can’t I Find The Factory Name?

Most private-label programs shift factories by model or season. The legally required details appear on the product label and in the importer’s certificate, not always on the marketing page. If you need that detail for a claim or a shipment, ask the seller to share the carton label. You can also lean on the official CPSC guidance to understand what must be present.

Keyword Variant: Who Makes Forge Bikes? Buying And Ownership Tips

Searchers often type “who makes forge bikes?” when they’re weighing a cart purchase or a used-bike meet-up. Use the checks above, read the compliance links, and scan Forge’s model pages so you know exactly which parts you’re getting. That process trims surprises and gives you leverage if a listing’s photos don’t match its description.

Bottom Line

FORGE is the brand behind Forge bikes. Design and spec come from the brand, while contract factories handle the build, and mainstream component makers supply the parts you’ll wrench on. Sales happen online, historically through Target’s storefront. If you want the exact plant or importer of record for a given unit, read the box label and the manual, which tie back to federal bike rules. With that info in hand, you can decide quickly whether a listing fits your price point and your maintenance plan.