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Pro-Cyclists Move MTB Businesses to Colorado’s Grand Valley

On June 29, The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced two new outdoor recreation endeavors to Colorado’s Grand Valley: Broken Carbon and Kappius Components. The businesses were founded by former professional cyclist Braden Kappius and his father, Russell Kappius, former six-times Masters U.S. National Champion.
Broken Carbon specializes in the repair of damaged carbon fiber bikes. Kappius Components designs, manufactures and sells high-end bicycle wheels. Both businesses were founded circa 2009 in Boulder, Colo.

The impetus for the relocation was a job offer for B. Kappius’ wife in Grand Junction (Rachael Kappius is a dermatologist joining Regenesis Plastic Surgery & Dermatology). However, both father and son were well-versed in Western Colorado thanks to their cycling careers. B. Kappius considers the recreation better in the Grand Valley than on the Front Range – and without the hassles of a big city.

“The area goes well with my companies. There’s a great outdoor economy and there are lots of bikers here,” said B. Kappius.

B. Kappius will initially run the businesses out of his home in Grand Junction (the senior Kappius will work remotely from nearby Ridgway), while three employees will remain and operate a Boulder outpost for Broken Carbon.

Manufacturing for Kappius Components currently takes place in several places across the world. B. Kappius would like to onshore manufacturing and is in search of a local partner. He is also speaking with GJEP about Opportunity Zone funding and other financial incentives to open a local facility.