Supply chain
OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano's factory in Malaysia will be completely closed until at least June 14 due to an official COVID-19 mandate. Since June 1, the factory had been allowed to operate at 60% capacity.
WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The surge in bike imports continues and monthly tire imports exceeded $10 million for the first time in ... maybe forever.
WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Figures released Wednesday show the industry received a surge of parts from overseas in March. Monthly imports of derailleurs, pedals, saddles, and other parts were at their highest level in at least 14 months, in some cases by large margins.
MOAB, Utah (BRAIN) — Outerbike announced Monday it will hold two events this year and canceled four others this summer because of a demo bike shortage.
The industry is in an unprecedented scramble for more product. But be careful what you wish for.
WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The U.S. continued to import bikes at a rapid pace in February, although the monthly import totals have been declining since a peak last September.
Kendall Young, who owns a brand management company, says single-source supply chains are risky, as we are learning.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — The industry probably can't control when the current boom will end (although we'd all like to extend it). But it might be able to influence how it ends.
The industry futurist says if the situation reduces inventory turns to unprofitable levels, that would be a glut to be concerned about.
MONTRÉAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Sports recorded a 14% sales increase in its fourth fiscal quarter and a 15% increase for its full fiscal year, which ended Dec. 30. Dorel Sports is the division of Dorel Industries that holds its bike brands, including Cannondale, Schwinn, GT and others.
TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Three years ago, social media feeds filled with colorful, striking images of abandoned share bikes in China, piled into teetering mountains. They shocked the world, or at least inspired use of "shocked" emojis for a few hours.
TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — By now, most BRAIN readers have heard stories about extended delivery times for bikes and components from Asia. What's been less obvious is how those delays are harming some of the industry's smaller and newer brands.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — For the remainder of this decade, Taiwan's component makers will leave millions of dollars on the table — and risk having other nations pick up the slack — unless its component manufacturers increase capacity as soon as possible, two global industry leaders say.