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From the Magazine

Posted September 16, 2022

As consumer demand tapered off (how could it not?) and pandemic back-orders came trickling (or flooding) onto shop floors, some discounting became inevitable.

Posted September 15, 2022
Trek obtained a design patent in 2021 for a front triangle e-bike frame.

Leading bike and accessory companies are increasingly using the U.S. patent system to protect the appearance of their new products. In the U.S., patents come in two flavors: utility patents, and design patents — with the latter gaining popularity as a form of intellectual property in many industries, including our pedal-based one.

Posted September 15, 2022

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The industry expressed disappointment that the Inflation Reduction Act leaves out an e-bike tax credit and other initiatives that were part of more ambitious but failed climate-change legislation earlier this year. But proponents won't stop advocating for federal subsidies and expanding those on the state level.

Posted September 13, 2022
Francisco Cornelio.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For our September magazine edition, we asked our State of Retail panel members: Describe your store's social media usage and how it’s changed since the pre-COVID period?

Posted August 26, 2022

BALTIMORE (BRAIN) — A lawsuit in Maryland federal court alleges the front fork of a Mate.Bike folding e-bike failed as plaintiff Benjamin White rode off a curb, allegedly causing White severe injuries and permanent disfigurement.

Posted August 25, 2022

FRANKFURT (BRAIN) — Stateside brick-and-mortar retailers don't get the warm and fuzzies at the mention of Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, two UK-based e-commerce sites that were once notorious for selling discounted components into the U.S. market.

Posted August 24, 2022
REI Co-op  spec'd its e1.1 with a Bafang hub motor.

(BRAIN) — When Specialized announced the re-launch of its Globe brand in May as an affordable electric bike purveyor focused on car-replacing transportation, the company released only one spy photo showing an e-bike obscured by cargo baskets and cactuses. While the e-bike's frame was largely hidden, one of the bike's features clearly was visible: a rear hub motor.

Posted August 23, 2022
The longtime components company enjoys rebirth after coming close to bankruptcy.
Cane Creek hand-builds its Helm fork and rear shocks in N.C.

FLETCHER, N.C. (BRAIN) — It's the kind of failure that can ruin a company, but for Cane Creek Components, its Double Barrel Inline rear shock debacle nearly 10 years ago led to a gradual reawakening of the brand. Call it a pivot point in its history.

Posted August 22, 2022
Splitrock Tap & Wheel benefited from opening in April 2020.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — After nearly 50% sales increase industry-wide from 2019 levels in 2020 and 2021, most retailers were sitting on more cash than ever before. With no inventory available for replenishment, that cash was invested in creative ways. And as we review windfalls, we must keep in mind the corresponding human costs involved.

Posted August 16, 2022
Erin Gorrell.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For our August magazine edition, we asked our State of Retail panel members: What software do you use for your point of sales system? What do you like/dislike about it?

Posted July 15, 2022
Surrounded by restrictive USFS lands, a North Carolina trail system welcomes e-bikes.
The Fire Mountain Trail network celebrated its fifth year in June.

CHEROKEE, N.C. (BRAIN) — E-bike access on non-motorized trails might be a controversial topic for many land managers, but not to Jeremy Hyatt. As secretary of operations for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Hyatt has the authority to allow e-MTB access on the Fire Mountain Trail system. Hyatt spearheaded building the system on Cherokee land that's surrounded by more-restrictive National Forest land.

Posted July 15, 2022

Super lightweight. Ten-minute charge time. Double the range. Less likely to burn down your store. If I could promise you all that in an e-bike battery, how quickly would you be putting in an order?

Posted July 14, 2022
Hearing from The Bigs on several topics.

Since our first Big BRAIN 10 survey last March, two bicycle brands (Pon and Specialized) have entered the list to replace three IBDs purchased by suppliers (Mike’s Bikes by Pon, Mike Olson’s San Diego and Portland stores by Trek, and David’s World Cycle by Trek).

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