Steve Frothingham

Steve is in his second stint at BRAIN. He was here at the beginning in 1992 while still working for a bike shop in Santa Fe, N.M. He wrote several articles for BRAIN's first issue and later joined the staff, eventually becoming managing editor and then executive editor.

After leaving BRAIN in 1997 he worked for several news organizations including The Associated Press and VeloNews before rejoining BRAIN as web editor in 2011.

He is based in Longmont, Colorado, and is an enthusiastic (and slow) road, mountain bike and cyclocross rider.

sfrothingham@bicycleretailer.com
/twitter.com/#!/stevefroth

All articles by Steve Frothingham

Industry icon John Neugent dies at 76

April 1, 2025
John Neugent

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Longtime industry member John Neugent died recently at age 76. Neugent worked for Service Cycle, led Sachs USA and worked with several other brands before opening his own consumer-direct wheel brand, Neuvation, in about 2004. 

Posted in Industry News

Industry uncertainty continues over materials and Venezuelan tariffs

March 26, 2025

TUCSON, Ariz. (BRAIN) — A speaker at last week’s Bicycle Leadership Conference declared “uncertainty” the Word of the Year for this industry and others, with much of the prevailing unease related to U.S. tariffs that have taken effect or been threatened. 

Posted in Industry News

In Vegas, Haro shows expanded product line, offers to 'grandfather in' pre-tariff pricing

March 26, 2025
CABDA West opened Wednesday in Las Vegas. Kathy Haq photo.

LAS VEGAS (BRAIN) — A year after announcing an expanded lineup, Haro is fleshing out its product line with new aluminum-framed full suspension mountain bikes, new e-bikes and other adult models being introduced at CABDA West and Sea Otter next month.

Posted in Industry News

Chains subject to steel tariffs; some cables and other products, too

March 14, 2025

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum that took effect Thursday apply to bicycle chains, some bike cables, perhaps some locks, and a wide variety of hardware and other products that are used in bike shops and by manufacturers.

Posted in Industry News

Merida writes down $105 million impairment related to Specialized investment

March 14, 2025
Screenshot of Merida's presentation slides from Thursday's news conference.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Taiwanese manufacturer Merida Industry Co., which owns 35% of Specialized Bicycle Company, recorded a non-operating loss of over $100 million related to that investment in 2024, as the U.S. bike brand took a deferred tax loss and write-downs on its retail operations.

Posted in International

Giant operating profits down 60% last year

March 14, 2025

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Giant Group reports that its operating profits declined 60% last year as it wrote down NT$1.9 billion ($57.6 million) in inventory provision losses, recognizing the decline in inventory value due to discounting.

Posted in International

Vietnam importer would welcome reciprocal tariffs

March 12, 2025
Image from Premium Distribution's homepage.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (BRAIN) — One of Vietnam's largest importers for the domestic market would welcome reciprocal tariffs with the U.S., if they led to a new trade deal and reduced Vietnam's current high import duties on U.S. products.

Posted in International

CORRECTION: Chinese manufacturer Zhonglu buys minority share in Factor Bikes

March 10, 2025

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — China’s Zhonglu Co, through one of its subsidiaries, has acquired a 21% share in Factor Bikes while a private equity firm that includes Factor CEO Rob Gitelis also has made an investment. Together the two entities have acquired a majority share in Factor from exiting non-management shareholders, the company told BRAIN.

Posted in International

Specialized retail stores to offer chain waxing in Silca partnership

March 4, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS (BRAIN) — All stores owned by Specialized are now offering chain-waxing services in a partnership with Silca, the companies announced this week.

Posted in Retail News

Congresswoman introduces legislation to close de minimis loophole

March 4, 2025

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Rep. Linda Sánchez on Tuesday introduced legislation to close the de minimus loophole that allows the duty-free importation of packages valued at under $800.

Posted in Industry News

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