HEMPSTEAD, NY (BRAIN) — Long Island distributor Security Bicycle Accessories will continue to sell Shimano components to small bike builders through 2014, following Shimano's revamp of its U.S. distribution strategy.
SBA was among the the U.S. aftermarket distributors that Shimano American cut off as the company announced in July it would slash its roster of distributors from 18 to six. However, after some negotiation with the component giant's U.S. office, SBA president Rick Canter told BRAIN Thursday that SBA will continue to service the small builder's OEM market.
"You can fill in the superlative: I'm delighted, ecstatic, absolutely happy, whatever you want to say," Canter said. "After 40 years, our relationship with Shimano continues."
SBA has offered bike kits for at least 20 years, and many small U.S. framemakers like Richard Sachs, Seven, Moots and Sampson use the service to offer complete bikes at lower cost and less hassle than piecing together kits from aftermarket distributors. Besides Shimano components, SBA kit options include groups from Campagnolo and SRAM and parts from Zipp, Enve, Hed and other brands. Kits are offered with Shimano's upper-end parts: Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105 on the road and XTR, XT and Deore offroad. The bike kits are not available for purchase by dealers.
After Jan. 1, SBA will not sell Shimano aftermarket products.
Canter decined to say what percentage of SBA's sales come from Shimano products, but said the loss of aftermarket sales was "a huge hit." Other distributors cut off have said Shimano sales made up around half of their business.
Canter said SBA has added some other lines recently, including ISM saddles and Clement tires, and is stocking a deeper selection of some brands the distributor has carried previoussly.
