Opinion/Analysis

A deeper dive into the new dealer numbers reveals some interesting truths about brands, dealer populations and the industry's shifting balance of power.

PeopleForBikes' COO says that when it comes to bikes, every day brings more than just some good news.

Talking to your landlord is one of the last things you want to do right now. Rent is likely your largest monthly expense and since you have a lease, it’s not going away.
As we struggle to understand What Happens Next, it's critical that we first understand What's Already Happened.
Shawn Small, the owner of Ruckus Composites, says: If there can be certainty about anything at all, it is this: Our communities need us to succeed.

If you've ever questioned your value as a professional or to your community, that's in the past now.

Due to the changes in our global environment; we are on the edge of a huge upswing. Even with a change to our normal business operations, independent bicycle retailers should expect cycling demand to increase and stay there.
I read those three words and laughed, wishing I had come up with that clever phraseology.
Retailers who are on shaky ground will have a very hard time weathering the storm.
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.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The scale of the COVID-19 outbreak extends from the individual to the global, across medical, political, and economic spheres. The bicycle industry has its own specific concerns within the developing crisis.

I see a few clear growth opportunities for growth for IBDs, that I’ll mention. But instead of chasing the Next Big Thing, many retailers would benefit by getting a handle on their business and building or preserving your store’s ability to react to trends quickly and painlessly.

As I reflect on the conversations, I had at CABDA, I believe authenticity begins with your values and purpose.

The Dutch promotor of some of the Europe's largest bike events, as well as next month's E-bike Challenge in Minneapolis, says the American e-bike market needs to redirect itself away from a speedy image.
Marc Sani has some thoughts to share about Australia, Taiwan, and Las Vegas.
When bottom-line margins to assemble D2C bikes are often better than traditional brands, what does that imply for the IBD business model?

No matter how pristine your store or how beautifully it flows, regardless if your prices are competitive, or if you have great curb appeal, what matters most is your staff. Your staff are your game changers, they are the key to everything retail.
The same Last Mile challenges that are putting power into retailers' hands with D2C brands has the potential to the change dealers' relationship with their primary specialty brands, too.
Let’s get straight to it: Cycling is a risky activity.
Here’s an interesting paradox: the more popular consumer-direct bicycle sales become, the more mission-critical Last Mile providers will be to their success. Should we embrace this trend, or resist it?