From the Magazine
![February 2013 BRAIN cover February 2013 BRAIN cover](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Cover_2_13.jpg?itok=nWWjnWWa)
BLOOMINGTON, MN—It’s shortly before Christmas, and Steve Flagg is just days away from leaving Minnesota for six weeks of mountain biking in the friendlier winter climes of Sedona, Arizona—an indulgence the founder of Quality Bicycle Products might not have considered just a few years ago.
![](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Diamondback%20Podium7.jpg?itok=CH6G6Qf3)
KENT, WA — Sub-900-gram carbon frames built with Campagnolo’s Super Record group are rare, but what gets the double-take and holds it is the Diamondback logo on the downtube.
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The following article is the first in a four-part series on industry succession planning. It appeared in the January issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.
OLNEY, IL (BRAIN) —Magura picked up so much new disc brake spec for 2013 it topped up the diesel in two Sprinter vans sending them out to support dealer clinics around the country.
![From the January issue of BRAIN From the January issue of BRAIN](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Cover_1_1_13_2.jpg?itok=CiVpzt0j)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN) — While the industry’s three prominent advocacy groups decided to continue to work independently last August, the merger talks forced each to evaluate funding and internal resources. The failed unification brought to light a need to refocus priorities, said Tim Blumenthal, president of Bikes Belong.
![From the December 2012 BRAIN From the December 2012 BRAIN](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Cover_12_1_12.jpg?itok=ngYBG22q)
POSTFACH, Germany (BRAIN) — Disc brakes on road bikes? Not so fast, says Germany’s brake specialist, Magura.
Magura has launched a study logging how a number of test riders use disc brakes over miles of European roads before deciding whether the technology is an option for the company.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (BRAIN) — The Grinch stole Argentina’s bike market this year, but the industry hopes the spirit of Christmas softens the government’s stance and import laws are softened in time for the holidays, the traditional start of the Argentine bike season.
HOFHEIM, Germany (BRAIN) — Benchmark Drives develops e-bike drivetrains and lightweight, low-maintenance belt-drive systems that hold a lot of appeal. But the high belt tension of current designs stresses bearings and makes it difficult to read drivetrain tension, an integral part of efficient e-bike drivetrains.
![Ortlieb 550 travelset Ortlieb 550 travelset](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Ortlieb%20550%20travelset_f2043_front1.jpg?itok=F-pE98BT)
It was after completing a 2,300-mile bicycle tour from Oregon to Texas in 1980 that Wayne Borroughs began dreaming of opening up a bike shop to help perpetuate his love of bicycle travel. Borroughs worked at a shop in Fort Collins, Colorado, for seven years before opening up his own store, which he ran for another seven. But neither experience truly scratched his itch for touring bikes.
![The Spy Screw The Spy Screw](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/SpyScrew.jpg?itok=HGWJnU8U)
CARSLBAD, CA—Outside the entrance of Spy Optic, the wetsuits and towels slung over the railing along the handicap-accessible ramp are the first sign that this is a company where the employees live what they’re selling. The commuter bikes racked up inside the lobby are the second.
![A drawing of Park' Tool's new building A drawing of Park' Tool's new building](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/Park%20Tool_new%20bldg-2012.jpg?itok=mIojIHvE)
ST. PAUL, MN (BRAIN) — After 15 years in its current location, Park Tool is moving to larger digs. The Minnesota bike tool maker recently broke ground on a new factory and warehouse that it will build up over the fall and have up and running by January.
![Salsa's titanium Warbird Salsa's titanium Warbird](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/2013_Warbird_Ti-01%20front%20.jpg?itok=ofjFpgWk)
BLOOMINGTON, MN (BRAIN) — What is a gravel bike, and why would anyone want one?
Events’ massive popularity in Europe bolsters industry, local economies
Editor's note: The following article was published in the May 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News