News

Posted February 13, 2020

OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — In its bicycle-related business Shimano Inc. saw a 4.6% increase in sales in 2019 compared to 2018 and a 1% increase in operating income in the year. 

The company said sales were solid in Europe and North America and even the years'-long downward trend in China has stopped. 

Posted February 12, 2020
Jeff Milbauer of Valley Bike and Ski.

At CABDA Midwest BRAIN talks to retailers about opportunities and concerns for the 2020 selling season.

Posted February 12, 2020
Thule Group sales increased 4.7% in the fourth quarter.

STOCKHOLM (BRAIN) — Thule Group sales increased 4.7% in the fourth quarter over the same time last year and 8.5% for 2019, meeting the company's expectations despite a decrease in the U.S.

Posted February 11, 2020
Dan Shuman has owned Salem Cycle since 2000.

SALEM, Mass. (BRAIN) — When Dan Shuman started working for owner Chris Finn as an apprentice at Marblehead Cycle in 1989, he was a sophomore in high school with no plans to make a career in bike retail. Circumstances dictated otherwise.

Posted February 11, 2020

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Organizers of Taipei Cycle have postponed the trade show originally scheduled for March 4-7 to May 14-16 because of the coronavirus outbreak in China. 

Posted February 10, 2020

When bottom-line margins to assemble D2C bikes are often better than traditional brands, what does that imply for the IBD business model?

Posted February 9, 2020
Jim Whitsett, left, and Alan Goldsmith pose 14 hours before Whitsett died.

MARINA del REY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Jim Whitsett, longtime industry member and former Supergo, Cynergy and Performance general manager, died Saturday from an apparent heart attack.

He was 56 and survived by his 10-year-old son Jesse and adult son Jason. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Posted February 7, 2020
Major bike maker warns that 'anti-Chinese sentiment' in Vietnam could cause delays there and in Cambodia.
A welder at a Taiwanese bike factory. BRAIN photo.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — The CEO of A&J Bicycles — one of the world's largest bike makers, with factories in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia — is warning customers of possible shipment delays due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in China.

Posted February 7, 2020
GoPro announced its fourth-quarter earnings.

SAN MATEO, Calif. (BRAIN) — GoPro Inc. revenue for the fourth quarter increased 40% year-over-year to $528 million. Revenue for 2019 increased 4% year-over-year, reaching $1.2 billion, for the period ending Dec. 31.

Excluding GoPro drone business, full year revenues increased 7% year-over-year.

Posted February 7, 2020

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Multiple sources in Taiwan and the U.S. tell BRAIN that next month's Taipei Cycle show has been canceled. Exhibitors and other potential visitors have told show organizers they were reluctant to attend because of the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak in China.

Posted February 7, 2020
Joe V. says a fourth e-bike class is needed for trail use.
 A former Trek executive said a fourth e-bike class is needed for trail use.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — While suppliers and advocacy groups were laying groundwork for e-bike use on paved roads and trails, electric mountain bikes began rolling onto sales floors and trails (or not) with little industry preparation.

Posted February 6, 2020
Vista's Action Sports brands saw 3% sales growth.

ANOKA, Minn. (BRAIN) — Bell and Giro sales were up in Vista Outdoor's third quarter thanks to strong sales of winter sports products, the company announced Thursday.

Posted February 6, 2020
Giant showed a model of the headquarters at the Taipei show last year.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Because of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, Giant Group has postponed a grand opening media event at its new headquarters building.

Pages