SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (BRAIN) — After nearly three years selling in the U.S., German consumer-direct brand YT Industries has set up a U.S. headquarters in this beach city.
Freerider Cam Zink had previously handled sales for the German brand, heading up the U.S. franchise for YT along with his brother. Zink was handling customer service, warranty, warehousing and demos out of Reno, Nevada.
In an email to BRAIN, Zink confirmed that YT Germany had set up its own U.S. headquarters and that the franchise agreement with him was over.
YT’s bikes ship 95 percent assembled with brake lines cut and bled, shifting set up and even with air in the tires. All a rider needs to do is bolt on the derailleur, put the wheels on, mount the stem and tighten it. YT provides all the instructions and guidelines in the box. The brand launched in Germany in 2006 and has gained market share in Europe and is making substantial gains in the U.S., according to sources. The brand has exhibited at the Sea Otter Classic the past couple of years.
Southern California has recently become a hotbed for European consumer-direct brands, with Commencal and Canyon setting up showrooms and offices in Carlsbad. With YT setting up in nearby San Clemente, consumers seemingly will now be able to visit and compare various brands in one fell swoop.
A phone call to YT’s San Clemente offices directed BRAIN to its email address. Expect more on this story once we’re able to talk to YT.
