News

Desert towns pull in the welcome mat for mountain bikers

Posted March 17, 2020
Photo by Andrey Grinkevich on Unsplash

MOAB, Utah (BRAIN) — For many mountain bikers and Spring Breakers from around the country, a March trip to Utah is an annual tradition. But this year the town would rather tourists stay home. Starting Tuesday evening it could be very difficult to find a place to sleep, eat or rent a bike there.

Pandemic plays havoc with training camps, bike travel

Posted March 17, 2020

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — With travel restrictions increasing and social distancing the norm, it's no surprise cycling training camps and two-wheeled travel excursions are being called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial steps retailers can take now to survive the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted March 17, 2020

Retailers who are on shaky ground will have a very hard time weathering the storm.

Some Bay Area stores declare themselves 'essential' and remain open despite order

Posted March 17, 2020
Philadelphia includes bike shops on its list of essential businesses.

SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Despite an order from Bay Area health officials that all "non-essential" businesses close Tuesday, at least a few bike shops remain open, arguing that they are performing an essential service during the region's shelter in place order.

Dick's closing stores, cutting hours

Posted March 17, 2020

PITTSBURGH (BRAIN) — Dick's Sporting Goods said it will close 10 stores in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and shorten its hours of operation.

Bike registration better than just recording serial numbers

Posted March 17, 2020
Part of package of stories about smash and grab break-ins.
Bike Index and 529 Garage give retailers a way to pre-register their bikes at once.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — The way J Allard sees it, 529 Garage is a combination of crimewatch, crime stoppers and motor vehicle registration. And it, along with Bike Index, might be the best way for retailers to protect their bikes.

Retailers change policies and practices as COVID-19 concerns escalate

Posted March 16, 2020
UPDATES with Bay Area Shelter in Place announcement.
University Bikes' Michael Pope prepares to wipe down a service bike on Sunday. BRAIN Photo.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — With increased concern over COVID-19 and news of national retail chains closures, bike retailers are reassessing their response.

Vosper: How COVID-19 just might cure us of the 'never-ending discount season' blues

Posted March 16, 2020

Tough Love in the time of coronavirus: when everything's on sale all the time, your MSRP isn't a price. It's a joke.

COVID-19 Update from Bicycle Retailer & Industry News and Pocket Outdoor Media

Posted March 16, 2020

Dear BRAIN reader,

With the cancelation of trade and cycling events across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to provide an update to the BRAIN community about our plans for the coming weeks and months as it relates to our collective safety and our ongoing coverage.

REI temporarily will close all stores beginning Monday because of COVID-19

Posted March 16, 2020
President and CEO Eric Artz said the outdoor retailer will reopen March 27.
Signs on the door of the REI in Boulder, Colorado, Monday morning.

KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — REI Co-op announced Sunday night it will close its 162 retail stores nationwide beginning Monday because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coop president and CEO Eric Artz announced the closures in an email.

The outdoor retailer will reopen March 27, he said.

Mississippi shop owner promoting cycling during COVID-19

Posted March 16, 2020
UPDATED with billboard images.
One of two Lamar Outdoor billboards James Moore will have to promote cycling.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (BRAIN) — Much like the spread of COVID-19, psychological effects of social distancing only figure to get worse before they get better, according to James Moore.

Two retailers, two creative ways to secure their businesses

Posted March 16, 2020
Aaron Goss integrated bikes into securing the windows of his shop in Seattle.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (BRAIN) — When it comes to preventing smash and grab retail theft, James Moore and Aaron Goss took matters into their own hands.

A rash of smash and grab thefts puts retailers on the offensive

Posted March 15, 2020
The internet age has helped bike thieves organize networks to sell stolen goods from retailers quickly and efficiently.
Sports Garage Cycling experienced a smash and grab last year.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — A bike store manager was injured a year ago in Chino, California, trying to stop two men stealing a bike, and it’s the type of story that makes Vancouver detective Rob Brunt wince.

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