ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (BRAIN) — GT Bicycles announced a North American IBD program that will offer build fees and revenue-share of 6% of purchase price to the brand's authorized dealers for derailleur bikes purchased online.
The GT Connect Program will give gtbicycles.com customers access to a national network of authorized dealers and accredited bike-builders. Select GT models over $1,000 are offered in the program, and after purchase, customers will receive a QR code to be used to select a local shop to have the bike assembled.
Build fees — paid for by GT — differ by price point and mechanical complexity, and range up to $400 for e-bikes, $350 for full-suspension bikes, $325 for hardtails with dropper post, and $300 for gravel bikes.
As an example, an authorized dealer building a $6,000 GT E-Force e-bike would get 6% of the price ($360) in addition to the build fee.
“The growth of online shopping in the USA has been significant, and is set to double in the next five years, as it has since 2019,” said Ed Fardos, GT’s head of digital and revenue, referencing a Statista e-commerce industry study. “We see GT Connect as a solution to this consumer driven e-commerce trajectory, as expectation to buy direct from brands continues — but the importance of in-store service remains. ...."
GT says the program gets a new customer in the door for potential future sales and service. Any EIN registered bicycle business is eligible for the program. GT says there will be a distinction between authorized dealers, accredited builders, and local bike shops during the process, allowing customers the option to visit a shop of their choice but prioritizing authorized dealers for their commitment to the brand.
Dealers can sign up by visiting gtconnect.gtbicycles.com or by contacting sales@gtbicycles.com.
After separating from Cycling Sports Group/Cannondale to a stand-alone business under Pon Holdings, GT moved from Wilton, Connecticut, to Aliso Viejo, not far from the brand's original Southern California headquarters. It was one of the first changes for GT after Pon Holdings completed its purchase of the brand's former parent company Dorel Industries in 2022. That same year, Jason Schiers was named managing director and told BRAIN in February the brand would be returning to its IBD and off-road roots.
