Industry Digest: 30% Drop in Shimano Annual Bike Sales, Apple Vision Pro Shopping Apps, Brake Lever Lawsuits & More
What's going on in the cycling industry this month? Industry Digest is a peek behind the curtain and showcases articles from our sister site, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. You might find patents, mergers, financial reports, and industry gossip in each instalment.
Curious about the inner workings of the bike industry? Bicycle Retailer and Industry News publishes two weekly newsletters, one on the industry in general and one devoted to e-bike news. You can subscribe free at https://www.bicycleretailer.com/newsletter
Mountain Bike Hall of Famers Charlie Cunningham and Jacquie Phelan are selling Cunningham’s customized and refurbished Phil Wood & Co. spoke threading machine to support his ongoing care following a bike accident almost nine years ago.
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GT Bicycles is amid a transformation back to its IBD and off-road roots, the company says, and longtime industry pro Jason Schiers has had a lot to say about it.
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Samuel Mancini, who pleaded guilty nearly two years ago to securities fraud in connection to a failed plan to buy up several legacy Italian cycling brands, is now asking the court to schedule his sentencing hearing.
After being charged with multiple criminal counts of fraud, as well as civil charges in a separate case filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mancini pleaded guilty in April 2022 to a single count. Under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Mancini agreed to pay restitution to victims, although the exact terms of the restitution were not set at the plea hearing and are expected to be determined at the sentencing hearing.
The hearing has been scheduled and re-scheduled several times since; currently there is no date on the calendar. Lawyers representing victims wrote to the court last year urging it to set a hearing.
(Read more.)
Bell Sports is recalling its Soquel youth helmets because the strap anchor can dislodge and fail to protect during a crash, violating the Consumer Product Safety Commission's federal helmet regulation.
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After a tumultuous few years, iconic French brand Mavic is looking to regain its footing. They recently opened and staffed a new U.S. office in Vermont – and of course, they’re looking to make inroads with the product they’re most known for: wheels. Yet Mavic’s comeback includes a foray into technology-based not around wheels, but a bottom-bracket based e-bike motor.
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(Read more.)
Shimano announced full-year 2023 sales in its bicycle division of 364,679 million yen ($2.42 billion) on Tuesday, a 29.5% decrease from the year before. Operating income in the division was down 55%, to 65,251 million yen.
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Giant Group will sell bikes through about 25 speciality stores owned by Dick's Sporting Goods, including House of Sport, Public Lands, and Moosejaw locations.
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Belgium e-bike brand Cowboy has started an at-home mobile service to support its European riders.
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A man is suing Shimano North America and Trek Bicycle for $2 million in damages after his bike's Shimano V-brake lever impaled his thigh during a fall on a bike path.
The lawsuit filed Jan. 29 by Timothy Lynch in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island asks for a jury trial, alleging Shimano improperly designed the lever, described as "metallic with a thin end" and should have designed it so that it "would have lessened or eliminated the danger of impalement and laceration injuries to bike riders."
Trek Bicycle, the lawsuit alleges, also should have known the lever design was faulty and could cause impalement during a fall and "failed to inspect and assess the safety of the V-brake for end users before installing it on the subject bike."
In addition to alleging negligent design, the lawsuit cites both defendants for failure to warn, and breach of warranty.
(Read more.)
Revelyst, the division of Vista Outdoor that contains its bicycle-related brands, is closing offices in four communities as it consolidates its related brands into three groups. Revelyst — which is expected to be spun off into a separate company soon — also said it would reduce its headcount as it eliminates "duplicative roles," but did not specify how many employees are being laid off. The company also said it will sell some "non-core" brands and is already talking to potential buyers.
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Early adopters of Apple's Vision Pro headset — which went on sale Friday starting at $3,499 — will be able to browse bikes and other sports gear on a special Decathlon shopping app.
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(Read more.)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday issued a recall notice for some SRAM 12-speed shift/brake levers. The lever bolt was assembled with excess threadlock, which can make it appear to reach torque spec before it is fully tightened. SRAM notified dealers and other industry members of the issue in October. A company spokesman told BRAIN that SRAM has already replaced about 20,000 bolts globally.
According to the CPSC recall notice, the recall affects 61,300 units in the U.S. and 2,940 in Canada. Consumers with the levers are being told to contact SRAM at 800-346-2928 between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit sram.com/en/service/recalls and click on “Recall Notice” for more information or visit sram.com and click on “Recalls” under “Service/Support.”
(Read more.)
Enve Composites owner Amer Sports did not meet pricing expectations for its initial public offering over analysts' concerns with its Chinese parent company Anta Sports Products.
Amer Sports shares begin trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange under the "AS" symbol. The IPO sold 105 million ordinary shares at $13, less than the expected $16 to $18. Previously traded publicly on the Helsinki stock exchange, Amer Sports was delisted in 2020 after it was acquired by a group led by Anta Sports Products.
Amer Sports did sell five million more shares than expected but the $1.37 billion for the IPO did not meet the $1.6 billion to $2 billion expected. The IPO values Amer Sports at about $6.3 billion.
(Read more.)
Accell Group plans to combine its two manufacturing facilities here and move a portion of production to other European sites, leading to a workforce reduction of 100 to 150 jobs.
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Curious about the inner workings of the bike industry? Bicycle Retailer and Industry News publishes two weekly newsletters, one on the industry in general and one devoted to e-bike news. You can subscribe free at https://www.bicycleretailer.com/newsletter
Charlie Cunningham selling unique spoke machine to support care
By: Steve Frothingham // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsMountain Bike Hall of Famers Charlie Cunningham and Jacquie Phelan are selling Cunningham’s customized and refurbished Phil Wood & Co. spoke threading machine to support his ongoing care following a bike accident almost nine years ago.
After a day spent welding a fork for a new road bike for Phelan, Cunningham left for a ride on Aug. 3, 2015, on Bolinas Fairfax Road, one of the most famous and scenic routes in the Marin area.
Phelan, Cunningham’s wife, said he “either hit a deer or was hit by a car,” and “crawled back up to the road and hitchhiked with the bike back home. He broke several ribs, his clavicle and lower pelvic bone, all of which healed,” she said in an email to BRAIN.
Phelan, Cunningham’s wife, said he “either hit a deer or was hit by a car,” and “crawled back up to the road and hitchhiked with the bike back home. He broke several ribs, his clavicle and lower pelvic bone, all of which healed,” she said in an email to BRAIN.
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GT returning to its roots as an IBD brand
By: Dean Yobbi // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsGT Bicycles is amid a transformation back to its IBD and off-road roots, the company says, and longtime industry pro Jason Schiers has had a lot to say about it.
Speaking from the UK's COREbike show on Tuesday, Schiers, the brand's managing director, told BRAIN he's been spreading the word about GT's renaissance at the B2B show, held by local distributors who invite brands they service for dealer facetime.
"This year is a year of storytelling for us," said Schiers, hired in 2022 after leading R&D for Selle Royal brands and focusing on Crank Brothers product development and quality. "It's us trying to educate everybody about the changes."
Chief among them is GT's separation from Cycling Sports Group/Cannondale and to a stand-alone business under Pon Holdings. "We're making our own decisions and have our own team, designing our own products. And this is all new for GT. I don't think they've had this level of attention for over 10 years."
"This year is a year of storytelling for us," said Schiers, hired in 2022 after leading R&D for Selle Royal brands and focusing on Crank Brothers product development and quality. "It's us trying to educate everybody about the changes."
Chief among them is GT's separation from Cycling Sports Group/Cannondale and to a stand-alone business under Pon Holdings. "We're making our own decisions and have our own team, designing our own products. And this is all new for GT. I don't think they've had this level of attention for over 10 years."
(Read more.)
Mancini asks court to schedule his sentencing hearing
By: Steve Frothingham // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsSamuel Mancini, who pleaded guilty nearly two years ago to securities fraud in connection to a failed plan to buy up several legacy Italian cycling brands, is now asking the court to schedule his sentencing hearing.
After being charged with multiple criminal counts of fraud, as well as civil charges in a separate case filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mancini pleaded guilty in April 2022 to a single count. Under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Mancini agreed to pay restitution to victims, although the exact terms of the restitution were not set at the plea hearing and are expected to be determined at the sentencing hearing.
The hearing has been scheduled and re-scheduled several times since; currently there is no date on the calendar. Lawyers representing victims wrote to the court last year urging it to set a hearing.
(Read more.)
Bell Sports recalls Soquel youth helmet for strap-anchor defect
By: Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsBell Sports is recalling its Soquel youth helmets because the strap anchor can dislodge and fail to protect during a crash, violating the Consumer Product Safety Commission's federal helmet regulation.
About 2,425 helmets are affected in the U.S., with another approximately 2,400 sold in Canada. No incidents or injuries have been reported. Consumers are told to contact Bell Sports for a refund, which can be obtained after cutting off the straps and then uploading photos of the helmet to consumersupport-bell@bellhelmets.com to prove destruction.
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Industry Patent Watch: Mavic's minimalist motor has long patent trail
By: Alan Coté // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsAfter a tumultuous few years, iconic French brand Mavic is looking to regain its footing. They recently opened and staffed a new U.S. office in Vermont – and of course, they’re looking to make inroads with the product they’re most known for: wheels. Yet Mavic’s comeback includes a foray into technology-based not around wheels, but a bottom-bracket based e-bike motor.
Wheels and bottom brackets are the two places that e-bike motors can be located, so it may be surprising where Mavic aimed its e-bike efforts. “This project was launched to show that Mavic is still very much an innovator,” Josh Saxe, Mavic’s North American Sales and Marketing Manager, told BRAIN. “The motor is a concentrate of technology which answers a demand that no other motor can satisfy.”
Mavic has named the system X-Tend, and it points towards their interest in lightweight e-bike technology that appeals to enthusiast-type road and gravel cyclists. According to the company, the vast majority of ebike sales fall into the urban/trekking category, along with MTB. But they say electric road has languished due a combination of factors: too much weight, excess mechanical drag when a bike is pedaled with the motor off, and limited range.
Mavic has named the system X-Tend, and it points towards their interest in lightweight e-bike technology that appeals to enthusiast-type road and gravel cyclists. According to the company, the vast majority of ebike sales fall into the urban/trekking category, along with MTB. But they say electric road has languished due a combination of factors: too much weight, excess mechanical drag when a bike is pedaled with the motor off, and limited range.
(Read more.)
Shimano annual sales down 30% in bike division
By: Steve Frothingham // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsShimano announced full-year 2023 sales in its bicycle division of 364,679 million yen ($2.42 billion) on Tuesday, a 29.5% decrease from the year before. Operating income in the division was down 55%, to 65,251 million yen.
“Although the booming popularity of bicycles cooled down, interest in bicycles continued to be high as a long-term trend. On the other hand, market inventories generally remained high, despite ongoing supply and demand adjustments,” the company said of the global market.
The company said sales in Germany and the Benelux countries were strong, and road bikes are selling well in China. In North America, it said “although interest in bicycles was firm, retail sales of completed bicycles remained weak partly due to a reaction from the cycling boom, and market inventories were at a consistently high level.”
The company said sales in Germany and the Benelux countries were strong, and road bikes are selling well in China. In North America, it said “although interest in bicycles was firm, retail sales of completed bicycles remained weak partly due to a reaction from the cycling boom, and market inventories were at a consistently high level.”
(Read more.)
Giant agrees to sell kids bikes and mountain bikes at Dick's-owned specialty stores
By: Dean Yobbi // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsGiant Group will sell bikes through about 25 speciality stores owned by Dick's Sporting Goods, including House of Sport, Public Lands, and Moosejaw locations.
The stores will sell kids bikes, mountain bikes — including full-suspension and entry-priced E-MTBs — and gear.
Giant joins Cannondale, Intense and other brands available at Dick's specialty stores. Public Lands, which has seven locations, launched in 2021. The retail chain has been seen as Dick's challenge to REI and its locations include full-service shops and other specialty store features.
In a letter to retailers Giant said Dick's has pursued the brand for five years and emphasized it remains "100%" committed to retailers.Giant said its bikes most likely will be available online from those stores' online sites.
Giant joins Cannondale, Intense and other brands available at Dick's specialty stores. Public Lands, which has seven locations, launched in 2021. The retail chain has been seen as Dick's challenge to REI and its locations include full-service shops and other specialty store features.
In a letter to retailers Giant said Dick's has pursued the brand for five years and emphasized it remains "100%" committed to retailers.Giant said its bikes most likely will be available online from those stores' online sites.
(Read more.)
Belgium e-bike brand Cowboy starts mobile service for its riders
By: Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsBelgium e-bike brand Cowboy has started an at-home mobile service to support its European riders.
On-Demand services include maintenance, bike set-up, flat repair, and rear rack and child seat installation. All appointments are booked through Cowboy's mobile app. On-Demand services start at 69 euros ($74).
"As part of our strategic focus this year, across the business we are prioritizing post-sales support," Cowboy co-founder and chief technical officer Tanguy Goretti told BRAIN. "Our goal is to simplify the process of getting started and maintaining their bikes so that our customers can seamlessly integrate cycling into their lives. By offering On-Demand services, we aim to elevate the overall brand experience, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility, customer satisfaction, and ensuring that owning a Cowboy e-bike is a thoroughly enjoyable and stress-free journey."
"As part of our strategic focus this year, across the business we are prioritizing post-sales support," Cowboy co-founder and chief technical officer Tanguy Goretti told BRAIN. "Our goal is to simplify the process of getting started and maintaining their bikes so that our customers can seamlessly integrate cycling into their lives. By offering On-Demand services, we aim to elevate the overall brand experience, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility, customer satisfaction, and ensuring that owning a Cowboy e-bike is a thoroughly enjoyable and stress-free journey."
(Read more.)
Man sues Shimano and Trek after brake lever allegedly impales thigh
By: BRAIN Staff // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsA man is suing Shimano North America and Trek Bicycle for $2 million in damages after his bike's Shimano V-brake lever impaled his thigh during a fall on a bike path.
The lawsuit filed Jan. 29 by Timothy Lynch in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island asks for a jury trial, alleging Shimano improperly designed the lever, described as "metallic with a thin end" and should have designed it so that it "would have lessened or eliminated the danger of impalement and laceration injuries to bike riders."
Trek Bicycle, the lawsuit alleges, also should have known the lever design was faulty and could cause impalement during a fall and "failed to inspect and assess the safety of the V-brake for end users before installing it on the subject bike."
In addition to alleging negligent design, the lawsuit cites both defendants for failure to warn, and breach of warranty.
(Read more.)
Vista Outdoor’s Revelyst closes some offices, makes layoffs, and may sell some brands
By: Steve Frothingham // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsRevelyst, the division of Vista Outdoor that contains its bicycle-related brands, is closing offices in four communities as it consolidates its related brands into three groups. Revelyst — which is expected to be spun off into a separate company soon — also said it would reduce its headcount as it eliminates "duplicative roles," but did not specify how many employees are being laid off. The company also said it will sell some "non-core" brands and is already talking to potential buyers.
Revelyst is closing offices in Petaluma, California; Overland Park, Kansas; Eagle, Colorado; and Madison, Mississippi. QuietKat, the e-bike brand that Vista Outdoor acquired in 2021, is based in Eagle; CamelBak is based in Petaluma; Bushnell is based in Overland Park; and Primos Hunting is based in Madison, Mississippi.
The company filed a WARN notice with California officials indicating that 43 jobs would be eliminated in Petaluma. A company spokesman said it would not release further information on the number of jobs affected.
The company filed a WARN notice with California officials indicating that 43 jobs would be eliminated in Petaluma. A company spokesman said it would not release further information on the number of jobs affected.
(Read more.)
Decathlon one of first retailers to offer an Apple Vision Pro shopping app
By: BRAIN Staff // Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsEarly adopters of Apple's Vision Pro headset — which went on sale Friday starting at $3,499 — will be able to browse bikes and other sports gear on a special Decathlon shopping app.
Decathlon claims to be the world's largest sporting goods retailer. While it has closed its brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S., it continues to operate an e-commerce site while also selling some bike products wholesale to U.S. retailers.
The company said its updated app offers "a seamless and immersive shopping adventure and will help users view, choose and buy new Decathlon products and even discover the stories behind their favorite gear."
The company said its updated app offers "a seamless and immersive shopping adventure and will help users view, choose and buy new Decathlon products and even discover the stories behind their favorite gear."
(Read more.)
SRAM and CPSC issue recall notice on shift levers — 20,000 units already fixed
By: Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsThe Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday issued a recall notice for some SRAM 12-speed shift/brake levers. The lever bolt was assembled with excess threadlock, which can make it appear to reach torque spec before it is fully tightened. SRAM notified dealers and other industry members of the issue in October. A company spokesman told BRAIN that SRAM has already replaced about 20,000 bolts globally.
According to the CPSC recall notice, the recall affects 61,300 units in the U.S. and 2,940 in Canada. Consumers with the levers are being told to contact SRAM at 800-346-2928 between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit sram.com/en/service/recalls and click on “Recall Notice” for more information or visit sram.com and click on “Recalls” under “Service/Support.”
(Read more.)
Amer Sports comes up short in IPO offering
By: Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsEnve Composites owner Amer Sports did not meet pricing expectations for its initial public offering over analysts' concerns with its Chinese parent company Anta Sports Products.
Amer Sports shares begin trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange under the "AS" symbol. The IPO sold 105 million ordinary shares at $13, less than the expected $16 to $18. Previously traded publicly on the Helsinki stock exchange, Amer Sports was delisted in 2020 after it was acquired by a group led by Anta Sports Products.
Amer Sports did sell five million more shares than expected but the $1.37 billion for the IPO did not meet the $1.6 billion to $2 billion expected. The IPO values Amer Sports at about $6.3 billion.
(Read more.)
Accell intends to combine its 2 Netherlands' factories
By: Bicycle Retailer and Industry NewsAccell Group plans to combine its two manufacturing facilities here and move a portion of production to other European sites, leading to a workforce reduction of 100 to 150 jobs.
According to Accell, the manufacturing change will "better leverage its strong European manufacturing footprint, decrease operational complexity, and improve its competitive position."
Plans are to transfer high-volume models to factories in Hungary and Turkey. The combined Heerenveen factory will focus on R&D and innovation. It will produce specialist brands and models, including Babboe and Carqon, which were moved to Heerenveen last year. Accell plans to further modernize it to allow for more customization and to respond to premium bike market demand.
Plans are to transfer high-volume models to factories in Hungary and Turkey. The combined Heerenveen factory will focus on R&D and innovation. It will produce specialist brands and models, including Babboe and Carqon, which were moved to Heerenveen last year. Accell plans to further modernize it to allow for more customization and to respond to premium bike market demand.
(Read more.)
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I should be a judge. Next case please.
In trucking a faulty driver can run into a law abiding commercial truck, then sue and win millions. It literally happens daily and there is an entire industry based around suing commercial trucking companies, regardless of fault.
A: His insurance company suing Shimano on his behalf to recover their costs.
B: One of the millions of uninsured or underinsured victims of the shitty American healthcare system trying to avoid a life sentence of crippling medical debt.
Did you know McDonald’s served coffee much hotter than any other restaurant, in order to mask the taste of sub-par beans (can’t taste with a burnt tongue)?
Did you know the woman suffered horrific burns on and between her legs, requiring large skin grafts?
Did you know she originally only sued for medical bills after McD’s refused to pay when she asked nicely? The jury saw the facts and gave her the larger judgement.
Corporate propaganda boiled all this down to a story of “lady claims she didn’t know coffee was hot”, when it’s really about corporate cost-cutting endangering customers.
Will you get burned? Maybe. Will you require extensive skin grafts? No.
Yes, she requested something like $18K only for medical bills and they refused to pay that which lead to the lawsuit.
I cleaned a buddy of mine out a few years ago... His brake lever when in/out of his knee joint, and he had surgery that night to clean it out.
Nice lil GoPro video of the clenaout below.
I sent the article to him, to see if he wants to join the lawsuit. haahahahah.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbq8ZMx9CGc
“When serving hot beverages, especially in retail or clinical care settings which present risks for burning or scalding, lower temperatures should be considered. Coffee drinkers often desire to add cold milk or cream, or just allow the hot beverage to cool to reach a comfortable temperature for drinking. One study has shown that coffee drinkers typically drink their coffee at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or below.”
"
The National Coffee Association suggests that coffee be 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit when served to people, especially customers. This is standard practice at most places that sell coffee and for many of us at home, but it’s important to note that there’s more to it than that.
"
Their reference is in direct opposition of what they are claiming. So it is either an incorrect citation or they just made up that number and provided a link thinking most people would never look into it.
And then I visited Chicago...
I've never waited more than 4 hours in an emergency room, for any reason. From Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and BC, Ive visited my fair share over the years. I find our medical system absolutly outstanding, with incredible service, by exceptional staff all around.
My SIL was air lifted from the ski hill, taken to hospital, was assessed, treated, casted and home inside 6 hours. No bill, and the hill is a 1.5 hr drive from the hospital. She was seen and in treatment before we got there, and it wasnt a life threatening issue.
I crashed in Valemont, rural BC, crashed hard, lost a friggin shoe and my glasses. Hospital was closed, walked in the next morning, was seen in 15 mins, 18 stitches, casted arm, out the door in 2 hours. cost me nothing....
I was lucky to have an emerg nurse in the campground, who cleaned me up, and splinted my arm. Pain killers and lots of scotch got me through the night.
We have it so good, and I hate to hear people complain
A friend had a faucet burst and flood his house. He made an insurance claim, and the insurance company paid for repairs, and thinks the faucet was faulty. Fast forward a few months and he gets a call from his buddy who was the plumber who installed the faucet during a reno asking, "dude, why are you suing ME?" Insurance company doing the shotgun approach, and he has no say in who they pursue and didn't even know they were filing.
I have raced motorcycles since I was7, mountain bikes since the 90’s, I work in trades, I’ve been to the hospital loads, every year for one reason or another. My wife works in the medical system, I can say with full confidence, 8 hr waits for a serious injury doesn’t happen often.
we have it so good, we take it for granted
I wasn’t waiting for a life threatening injury, I broke a thumb and a couple fingers.
In pain, but not dying
Saying
Not exactly sure why I am getting downvoted. I don't dislike Shimano - quite to the contrary. I actually run an XT drivetrain with SRAM AXS derailleur setup because I liked shimano's durability and hyperglide+ when it was first released.
That said, I've been so surprised to watch SRAM come out with multiple generations of brakes and 6-7 years of e-shifting with zero response from Shimano. Seems crazy to give up on the MTB demographic entirely.
In terms of profit the high end probably isn't worth chasing, but in terms of marketing it might be.
Look at SRAM making droppers, wireless drivetrains, more powerful brakes, killer suspension products, new ebike motor, sure you might not love them all, but they are innovating hard.
Shimano stuff on the other hand is good and solid, but not exciting, which I don't think puts them in a great place going forward.
And that is not to hate on their products per se. While I don't prefer the on/off feel of Shimano brakes, the Saints work well and produce good power. Their drivetrains are durable, reliable and reasonably priced. Still, it feels like they would have had some response to AXS by now, meanwhile SRAM is selling down-market versions and have introduced the Transmission generation before Shimano has done anything.
I'm super curious how that works, because I've definitely thought of GX AXS but can't afford a full drivetrain swap.
I wanted to try it after reading a Bike Mag article about the combo.
Back in the days I would just finish the climb in sprint mode, then ride hard for 2 to 3 minutes the turn back to find my parents and that is what made me a great road racer as I would smash everyone right after the climbs when everybody was gasping for air.
Can someone tell me what an IBD brand is?
Google tells me it's International Beauty Design. Hmmmm....
see also: www.acronymfinder.com/IBD.html
Shimano first half revenue was reportedly down 17%, so to end with 30% declines on the year points to a horrendous Q3 and Q4 for shipments.
And as much as I'd like to complain about the infiltration of American culture north of the border, I do get a good laugh out of these idiotic "sovereign citizens" on youtube... that stuff is comedy gold.
“Giant agrees to sell kids AND mountain bikes.”
Here in Ireland they are primarily used for moving around with the kids, so it's extremely scummy to have ignored something that puts kids and their parents in danger
Babboe are owned by Accell, both are mentioned in the article above so I just thought it worth mentioning. They are likely f*cked
The American lawsuit or the Belgian bike’s design.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eJ0iGZ7Ms8
This company has been screwing their customers for decades with inflated prices. I've saved upwards of 200% ordering from chain reaction vs buying locally. Then they closed that loupe hole.
Maybe I'd they didn't fleece their customers their sales wouldn't be down.
Shimano and SRAM have an embargo on shipping goods from outside Canada. Even the USA, certain items are restricted from shipping to Canada. In no other industry have I encountered something this widespread. Hell, there's Canadian Companies I won't support that sell on JensonUSA for 50% cheaper than they do in Canada and then tell Canadians to kick rocks they can't order. Jenson has no problem selling me that item, and making money off the sale, but the BC Based bike company does and has restrictions on that.
It's a detriment to cycling in Canada. It literally kills the industry, there's barely any bike shops anymore. Even the stores like MEC(Canada's attempt at REI) have decreased their selection by upwards of 80%, even during COVID. What used to be 6-8 aisles is now 1-2 and a small wall display for their inhouse cables/saddles.
A set of Saints is about $500 Canadian, in the UK. In Canada? 700+ So I bought Hopes. I've got Hope wheels and hubs, because I ordered both from the UK and saved considerable amount over what I could get a similar product for here.
Let me put it another way. For the same price I can get Deore in Canada you can get XTR in the UK.
Instead of having fair pricing across the board they make artificial barriers that keep everyone from saving/making money. It's anticapitalistic, at it's core, it's not a free market. Canadian bike shops could also benefit from ordering from the UK and selling at a small upcharge here and offering warranty/service on the product.
But here's the REAL KICKER, Bike shops in Canada can't even order product from Shimano at the prices CC sells direct to customers and the cherry? It's illegal for them to order from CC and resell.
Instead of being fair Shimano, SRAM, Chromemag all just decided it's the bird to Canadians, and Canadian business'. f*ck'em right? Small market don't need 'em. Which is especially shitty to see from a Canadian Company.
It's all insanely anti-consumer, while also being anti-business, it's quite miraculous how they've managed to shoot everyone in the foot at the same time while offering no solutions to a problem they've created through their licensing agreements with Bike manufacturers.
TLDR Muffhuggin GREED at a scale that's self destructive, short sighted, and potentially price fixing. But I'm not a lawyer, there's gotta be a reason Canadian bike shops haven't filed a lawlsuit.