Industry News

Manufacturers and brands are re-thinking box designs to make it easier for consumers to unpack and assemble a new bicycle. A look at recent patents from Trek, Giant and Canyon.

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — There was a buzz around the Bimotal booth last Thursday at the Sea Otter Classic, and it wasn't just coming from the revving of converted e-bikes on stands.

AMSTERDAM (BRAIN) — Dutch company VanMoof revealed details of next year's release of an e-bike capable of 37 mph but with integrated maximum speed limits tuned to a country's regulations.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BRAIN) — California's Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed bills that would have allowed cyclists to treat stop signs like yields and repealed jaywalking laws. Both bills were supported by bike and pedestrian advocacy groups including CalBike.

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) attended the Sea Otter Classic on Friday to count down the start of the e-bike race, but he also took time to recount the progress of the E-BIKE Act to establish a more affordable transportation option.

MONTREAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Industries has agreed to sell Dorel Sports to Pon Holdings for $810 million in cash.

BRADENTON, Fla. (BRAIN) — In August, BRAIN spoke with Sébastien Coué, the vice presidents of sales and marketing for Look Cycle Internationals. Coué moved to the United States this August in order to support the development of the company's American subsidiary, which was created in 2019. Look Cycle Holding has an annual turnover of $53 million, with 75% of the revenues generated outside of France; that includes 15% in the United States and 15% in Asia.

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — BRAIN talks to industry folks on the opening day of the first Sea Otter Classic since 2019, and asks: What's changed for you?

RICHFIELD, Minn. — Best Buy's announcement in August that it would enter the e-mobility space is actually a return to the marketplace for the big-box behemoth.
A version of this article ran in the October issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.
Most ambitious shop staffers look ahead to rising up through the ranks in the industry. How many of you have talked to a successful company's sales rep and thought, "I wish I had their job!"

IANGSU, China (BRAIN) — The e-bike industry is amid a tightening battery pack market with many cell suppliers putting manufacturers on allocation, resulting in longer lead times and the potential for higher prices.
I proposed partnering on a three-part series to Jay Townley and Rick Vosper after reading that the Bicycle Industry Employers Association guarantees a $32,000 a year job to mechanics who complete their training.
Outside-the-industry folks were livid. "That's not even a living wage in most urban markets!"
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BRAIN) — A shrinking pool of job candidates this summer created another challenge for an industry still navigating a turbulent supply chain.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Quality Bicycle Products will expand its U of Q online training library and networking events for retailers, shop employees, and aspiring technicians. The new U of Q education portfolio includes the U of Q Institute, formerly known as Barnett Bicycle Institute.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Used gear outlet The Pro's Closet is merging with The Radavist, a cycling website founded by John Watson.

(BRAIN) —The North American Handmade Bicycle Show will return from its pandemic hiatus next September. The event will be held at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado. show founder Don Walker announced Thursday.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (BRAIN) — Longtime industry professional Gary Teller died Tuesday after a long battle with kidney disease. He was 68.
Teller had a career as a parts and accessories sales representative for JBI and was known to his customers as "Mr. Partz."

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — While the Sea Otter Classic opens next Thursday, visitors and wannabe visitors can get a headstart on planning and drooling over new products by viewing the official Sea Otter Classic Festival Guide online today.

HUTTWIL, Switzerland (BRAIN) — FLYER will begin distributing its e-bikes in North America after developing and selling models in Europe for 25 years. It's looking for dealer partners in the U.S. and Canada to begin distribution next spring.

BANG PU, Thailand (BRAIN) — The Vittoria Group will invest $20 million into building the world's first carbon-neutral bicycle tire facility that will open at the end of next year.