Born in 1978 Pantha BMX and bikes return

By Frank/Scott Clavis

video

PledgeMe.Project

Design,



NZ $100 pledged


2 people pledged


Closed


NZ $30,000 minimum target


0 0% Complete

This campaign failed to reach its target by 09/03/2018 at 11:00 AM (NZDT) and is now closed.

Make a Pledge

About

Born In 1978 Pantha BMX And Bikes Return

Project 2018-01-03 13:06:28 +1300

Its time again to lead innovation with NZ designs of NZ bicycles.

We are different from the rest with unique NZ conditions to design for

Kids, commuter/city,trails and rail trails for recreational riding. Electric 

bikes included.

History

Pantha BMX bikes were introduced in 1978 by Frank Clavis a bike industry professional and framebuilder. After being approached at his Palmerston North bike shop by a group of teenagers holding a American BMX magazine they asked if he could build one, Frank soon was able to pick up the geometry from a photo and designed one eventually making up a prototype... meeting the boys approval , planning was made to cost out and source local materials. 

This was the time of import licencing and a regulated economy so we had to make most of it here in NZ. We sourced the steel tubing locally and this enabled us to make the frame ,forks , handlebars and seat post, wheels were a problem so with Dixon Engineering a aluminium gravity cast wheel was designed being the first of its type in the world. This gave us a kit which we could supply 80% of the bike to shops who built p the rest from their own components.

Because we had so much NZ content the Goverment Trade and Industry visited us and as a result immediately granted us an open import licence to source the components.

We had set up in a old Glaxo factory in Bunnythorpe just out of Palmerston North and commenced production firstly with the original design the iconic  MX1002. We made a lot of them reaching 700 bikes a month. Testing the prototypes on our own BMX track the first in NZ.

This bike started the sport of BMX in NZ and soon there were tracks in big and small towns all over NZ.

New models were introduced and demand kept growing soon other brands appeared 18 months behind us, but Pantha was the favourite.

CHANGE

It was decided behind Frank Clavis's back by other shareholders who held majority shares decided to move the operation to their home town Auckland with higher overheads and costs .... rejecting  a proposal by Frank to extend production into high end road bikes Frank having procured the license to manufacture the english Holdsworth bikes for Australasia. He resigned as he  believed we were too focused on a singular model range of bikes, 10 speed was huge. The prediction was right having done nothing about diversification 18 months/2 years later the company Frank had founded went into receivership.

 

2014

Scott Clavis one of Franks sons who was a 5 year old wandering around the factory was bought up amongst bikes..... Scott unknown to his dad re-registered the Pantha name that had lapsed . This was the opportunity of resurrecting Pantha new designs, prototypes different factories race testing and right up to 2017 when a suitable experienced factory was found who made also a range of International bike brands including BMX. It was decided to firstly design a bike that would follow the path of the original MX 1002 retro... this time with 6061 T6 aluminium frame and spoked wheels designed to ride on parks or track and repeat the features on components we had in the past and at an affordable price suggested at $595.00 NZ.

 MOTAT,S "CHANGING GEAR " EXHIBITION (with acknowledgement to MOTAT for pictures shown)

First  new prototype using our own tooling is made and is currently on display at MOTAT who have featured Pantha in their current exhibition  "Changing Gear" which show the new and original models

CHANGING GEAR. PANTHA

Our original 1978 MX1002 on display at MOTAT "Changing Gear Exhibition" alongside our latest Pantha MX2002.

Another angle of the Pantha display featured MOTATS "Changing Gear Exhibition".

 

Pantha,s retro styled MX2002 for 2018 production the first of several retro and new models to come

This shows the founder of Pantha Frank Clavis  on display pictured at MOTAT'S "Changing Gear Exhibition"

 

Pantha MX2002

Since we have received our MX2002 sample the re-action has been exceptional and demand now sees us preparing for full scale production of this model first

We realise once we do this we need to keep momentum and already have models on the drawing board.

To follow a Pantha Cruiser model a 24" Assassin hugely popular and in high demand, is on the drawing board with others to follow.

FREESTYLE

Separately to meet the current favourite street/jump BMX we have a 20" cro-mo Freestyle bike and a 26" we already have had a proposal from a bike charity on a quantity  of this model teaching kids how to ride

 

 WHY CROWD FUNDING ?

 

The Journey

  • We are back and our history speaks for its self where we struggled to keep up with demand but did.
  • Scott Clavis registered a lapsed trade name unknown to his father
  • A search for a suitable factory partner commenced in 2014 with testing and insisting on qualitycontrols of the highest level. Factory was appointed with actual samples produced for testing
  • 2017 first factory samples received
  • 2017 we started to talk wholesalers, distributors and some retailers as well as the bicycle community

We found the following attitudes

  • Wholesaler/distributors had vested interests and were involved in their own imported brands
  • Big stores and multiples had their own agenda being supplied by the traditional wholesalers
  • The attitude was how can you compete with International brands and pricing in the world market

The  Realisation:

  • Cycling is a huge industry and growing world wide
  • Infrastructure for cycling in NZ is supported by the Government regionally and in main centres
  • Bike paths now are included in new roading projects and being built in large cities
  • Tourism is our second largest industry, the largest sector being cycle touring both on roads and cycle trails
  • Rail trails are part of a NZ network, part of the NGA hERENGA with over 23 great rides and increasing
  • Cycle tourism is the biggest spend in the tourism sector
  • Electric- bikes are here in various forms for cities and some off road.

This gives us the opportunity of and planning designing bikes for  the future  first will be  the BMX 2002 to meet the unique NZ conditions for kids,  on the drawing board we have city commuters, rail trail and recreational. Many imported bikes have added costs of sourcing and having several clicks on the ticket before the bikes get to the buying public.

BMX is back and getting kids and young adults back on wheels Pantha is well placed to meet market demands and creating a NZ concept again this is our first focus

Pantha has the history of having been here before understanding our wonderful unique bicycle market.

We have made tooling , prototypes and now have produced a factory build off our design and tooling, with others to follow.

MOTAT has recognised that kiwis can do anything and we are honoured that they have picked Pantha as an example of ingenuity and co-operation of with others to create goals

 

SO NOW

Crowd funding will enable us to consolidate and achieve our goals.We will provide a unique NZ designed and tested product continuing innovation, competitively priced with quality builds and components.

One model in production (MX2002) will give us the consolidation required

 

PANTHA DIVERSIFICATION ?

 To future proof Pantha we need to plan for diversity 

 

Race Framsets

 

This is the Pantha Leaping Logo for race bike series

Scott will be setting up a BMX racing range of bikes having sorted the designs which we will custom build here in NZ. This will require a warehouse or similar facility to assemble and distribute in a lo -overhead location yet to be decided.

2018 now sees the results from Scotts project, he now has a world class race frame ready to launch after years of testing, also he has a parts and component range to follow these will be assembled here in NZ

 

Fixie Road Bikes 

Keeping our reputation for recreation and sport bikes Pantha designs known for simplicity will be introducing a range of Fixie single speed bikes with an option of a traditional chrome Molydenum light weight steel, or a lightweight 6061 T6 aluminium frame. Fixie bikes are the most simple designed bikes based on the velodrome track bikes and specifications to suit.

Shown in red is the cro-mo steel version with a flip flop rear wheel ( rear wheel can be turned around whith a choice of fixed sprocket or a freewheel)

 This is the 6061 T6 Aluminium Pantha Fixie single speed bike.

The range of fixie bikes will be availalble  as pictured as weill as an E-Bike version with the rear wheel pictured below, no wires no controlles to be mounted, no battery to be mounted. It also self charges as you ride.

 

 

LATEST NEWS

A further Pantha innovation keeping the tradition  a first in New Zealand

 

MX2002 WILL BE THE FIRST PRODUCTION BIKE

 

The retro MX2002 which incorporated the original MX 1002  design and co-ordinated anodised componentry will be produced first .We have been blown away with the re-action and comments with the new light weight aluminium framed sample.

We are ready to go with a few suttle changes. We will also offer an alternative colour which will be a polished aluminium frame with contrasting anodised components we are thinking blue.....and if the girls want a colour for them how about a purple contrast...let us know ! !

We have attached pictures of the polished frame

Love the tapered head tube

 

Shows the suttle gusset  and 1x24thx370 bottom bracket.

Here is the new MX2002 soon after Frank assembled it at home ,Changed tyres to Panaracer skin wall and will change saddle to kashimax.

Comments

Updates

Hey! Thanks for checking out this project.

We haven't made any updates yet, follow us if you want to be notified when we do.

Pledgers 2

Hurben Baynes
31/01/2018 at 6:47am
Ryan Shaw KT
25/01/2018 at 10:28pm

"i raced a chome panther stud BMX back in the 80's - it is an Honour & a privlidge to now support your cause Frank Clavis "

Followers 3

Followers of Born in 1978 Pantha BMX and bikes return

Born In 1978 Pantha BMX And Bikes Return

Project 2018-01-03 13:06:28 +1300

Its time again to lead innovation with NZ designs of NZ bicycles.

We are different from the rest with unique NZ conditions to design for

Kids, commuter/city,trails and rail trails for recreational riding. Electric 

bikes included.

History

Pantha BMX bikes were introduced in 1978 by Frank Clavis a bike industry professional and framebuilder. After being approached at his Palmerston North bike shop by a group of teenagers holding a American BMX magazine they asked if he could build one, Frank soon was able to pick up the geometry from a photo and designed one eventually making up a prototype... meeting the boys approval , planning was made to cost out and source local materials. 

This was the time of import licencing and a regulated economy so we had to make most of it here in NZ. We sourced the steel tubing locally and this enabled us to make the frame ,forks , handlebars and seat post, wheels were a problem so with Dixon Engineering a aluminium gravity cast wheel was designed being the first of its type in the world. This gave us a kit which we could supply 80% of the bike to shops who built p the rest from their own components.

Because we had so much NZ content the Goverment Trade and Industry visited us and as a result immediately granted us an open import licence to source the components.

We had set up in a old Glaxo factory in Bunnythorpe just out of Palmerston North and commenced production firstly with the original design the iconic  MX1002. We made a lot of them reaching 700 bikes a month. Testing the prototypes on our own BMX track the first in NZ.

This bike started the sport of BMX in NZ and soon there were tracks in big and small towns all over NZ.

New models were introduced and demand kept growing soon other brands appeared 18 months behind us, but Pantha was the favourite.

CHANGE

It was decided behind Frank Clavis's back by other shareholders who held majority shares decided to move the operation to their home town Auckland with higher overheads and costs .... rejecting  a proposal by Frank to extend production into high end road bikes Frank having procured the license to manufacture the english Holdsworth bikes for Australasia. He resigned as he  believed we were too focused on a singular model range of bikes, 10 speed was huge. The prediction was right having done nothing about diversification 18 months/2 years later the company Frank had founded went into receivership.

 

2014

Scott Clavis one of Franks sons who was a 5 year old wandering around the factory was bought up amongst bikes..... Scott unknown to his dad re-registered the Pantha name that had lapsed . This was the opportunity of resurrecting Pantha new designs, prototypes different factories race testing and right up to 2017 when a suitable experienced factory was found who made also a range of International bike brands including BMX. It was decided to firstly design a bike that would follow the path of the original MX 1002 retro... this time with 6061 T6 aluminium frame and spoked wheels designed to ride on parks or track and repeat the features on components we had in the past and at an affordable price suggested at $595.00 NZ.

 MOTAT,S "CHANGING GEAR " EXHIBITION (with acknowledgement to MOTAT for pictures shown)

First  new prototype using our own tooling is made and is currently on display at MOTAT who have featured Pantha in their current exhibition  "Changing Gear" which show the new and original models

CHANGING GEAR. PANTHA

Our original 1978 MX1002 on display at MOTAT "Changing Gear Exhibition" alongside our latest Pantha MX2002.

Another angle of the Pantha display featured MOTATS "Changing Gear Exhibition".

 

Pantha,s retro styled MX2002 for 2018 production the first of several retro and new models to come

This shows the founder of Pantha Frank Clavis  on display pictured at MOTAT'S "Changing Gear Exhibition"

 

Pantha MX2002

Since we have received our MX2002 sample the re-action has been exceptional and demand now sees us preparing for full scale production of this model first

We realise once we do this we need to keep momentum and already have models on the drawing board.

To follow a Pantha Cruiser model a 24" Assassin hugely popular and in high demand, is on the drawing board with others to follow.

FREESTYLE

Separately to meet the current favourite street/jump BMX we have a 20" cro-mo Freestyle bike and a 26" we already have had a proposal from a bike charity on a quantity  of this model teaching kids how to ride

 

 WHY CROWD FUNDING ?

 

The Journey

  • We are back and our history speaks for its self where we struggled to keep up with demand but did.
  • Scott Clavis registered a lapsed trade name unknown to his father
  • A search for a suitable factory partner commenced in 2014 with testing and insisting on qualitycontrols of the highest level. Factory was appointed with actual samples produced for testing
  • 2017 first factory samples received
  • 2017 we started to talk wholesalers, distributors and some retailers as well as the bicycle community

We found the following attitudes

  • Wholesaler/distributors had vested interests and were involved in their own imported brands
  • Big stores and multiples had their own agenda being supplied by the traditional wholesalers
  • The attitude was how can you compete with International brands and pricing in the world market

The  Realisation:

  • Cycling is a huge industry and growing world wide
  • Infrastructure for cycling in NZ is supported by the Government regionally and in main centres
  • Bike paths now are included in new roading projects and being built in large cities
  • Tourism is our second largest industry, the largest sector being cycle touring both on roads and cycle trails
  • Rail trails are part of a NZ network, part of the NGA hERENGA with over 23 great rides and increasing
  • Cycle tourism is the biggest spend in the tourism sector
  • Electric- bikes are here in various forms for cities and some off road.

This gives us the opportunity of and planning designing bikes for  the future  first will be  the BMX 2002 to meet the unique NZ conditions for kids,  on the drawing board we have city commuters, rail trail and recreational. Many imported bikes have added costs of sourcing and having several clicks on the ticket before the bikes get to the buying public.

BMX is back and getting kids and young adults back on wheels Pantha is well placed to meet market demands and creating a NZ concept again this is our first focus

Pantha has the history of having been here before understanding our wonderful unique bicycle market.

We have made tooling , prototypes and now have produced a factory build off our design and tooling, with others to follow.

MOTAT has recognised that kiwis can do anything and we are honoured that they have picked Pantha as an example of ingenuity and co-operation of with others to create goals

 

SO NOW

Crowd funding will enable us to consolidate and achieve our goals.We will provide a unique NZ designed and tested product continuing innovation, competitively priced with quality builds and components.

One model in production (MX2002) will give us the consolidation required

 

PANTHA DIVERSIFICATION ?

 To future proof Pantha we need to plan for diversity 

 

Race Framsets

 

This is the Pantha Leaping Logo for race bike series

Scott will be setting up a BMX racing range of bikes having sorted the designs which we will custom build here in NZ. This will require a warehouse or similar facility to assemble and distribute in a lo -overhead location yet to be decided.

2018 now sees the results from Scotts project, he now has a world class race frame ready to launch after years of testing, also he has a parts and component range to follow these will be assembled here in NZ

 

Fixie Road Bikes 

Keeping our reputation for recreation and sport bikes Pantha designs known for simplicity will be introducing a range of Fixie single speed bikes with an option of a traditional chrome Molydenum light weight steel, or a lightweight 6061 T6 aluminium frame. Fixie bikes are the most simple designed bikes based on the velodrome track bikes and specifications to suit.

Shown in red is the cro-mo steel version with a flip flop rear wheel ( rear wheel can be turned around whith a choice of fixed sprocket or a freewheel)

 This is the 6061 T6 Aluminium Pantha Fixie single speed bike.

The range of fixie bikes will be availalble  as pictured as weill as an E-Bike version with the rear wheel pictured below, no wires no controlles to be mounted, no battery to be mounted. It also self charges as you ride.

 

 

LATEST NEWS

A further Pantha innovation keeping the tradition  a first in New Zealand

 

MX2002 WILL BE THE FIRST PRODUCTION BIKE

 

The retro MX2002 which incorporated the original MX 1002  design and co-ordinated anodised componentry will be produced first .We have been blown away with the re-action and comments with the new light weight aluminium framed sample.

We are ready to go with a few suttle changes. We will also offer an alternative colour which will be a polished aluminium frame with contrasting anodised components we are thinking blue.....and if the girls want a colour for them how about a purple contrast...let us know ! !

We have attached pictures of the polished frame

Love the tapered head tube

 

Shows the suttle gusset  and 1x24thx370 bottom bracket.

Here is the new MX2002 soon after Frank assembled it at home ,Changed tyres to Panaracer skin wall and will change saddle to kashimax.

Comments

Hey! Thanks for checking out this project.

We haven't made any updates yet, follow us if you want to be notified when we do.

Hurben Baynes
31/01/2018 at 6:47am
Ryan Shaw KT
25/01/2018 at 10:28pm

"i raced a chome panther stud BMX back in the 80's - it is an Honour & a privlidge to now support your cause Frank Clavis "

Followers of Born in 1978 Pantha BMX and bikes return

This campaign was unsuccessful and finished on 09/03/2018 at 11:00 AM.