Aebike, PricePoint, Nashbar, Performance - which one is next?

[NYCfixie]

I have no idea what killed all of these companies but I believe each had a physical presence at some point (except for Nashbar who was bought out by Performance). In this world of eCommerce why didn't they just get rid of the physical presence years ago? Am I oversimplifying the issue?

Who is next to close up shop (and online)?

I have used all of them over the years and am surprised they are all gone.

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by NYCfixie

I have no idea what killed all of these companies but I believe each had a physical presence at some point (except for Nashbar who was bought out by Performance).

I don't what killed them, but I do know that Nashbar actually did have some physical brick and mortar locations at one point, at least until the late '90s (Nashbar wasn't bought by Performance until 2000).

[dancinkozmo]

i betcha the UK online guys played a part

[GregL]

A. E. Bike closed when the owner essentially decided it was time to retire: https://www.mlive.com/business/west-...nswers_qu.html

Greg

[likebikes]

campagnolo is next.

[FlashUNC]

The problem is the pie ain't growing.

It's a niche business that isn't expanding it's user base in any appreciable way.

[nublar]

Art's Cyclery

[benb]

I wonder if there was something going on like a bubble of guys "collecting" and "upgrading" way too often that is slowing down. Are the MAMIL's aging out or something.

Could be "average joe" who bought a hybrid or whatever is slowing down due to whatever (cell phone using drivers?) too, etc..

We've heard about the US internet businesses in cycling getting hurt by distribution pricing difference with Euro internet businesses, etc.. too.

Or maybe they are all just mismanaged.

[vqdriver]

hopefully not universal cycles. i like em.

[NYCfixie]

Originally Posted by vqdriver

hopefully not universal cycles. i like em.

Isn't their website just a front end over the QBP catalog?
(as-in nothing more or less than you can get at your LBS for about the same price)

[peanutgallery]

In no particular order

J&B
Jamis
Accell NA
KHS

None of these places are doing the business they were 10 years ago and there is no way they can continue to bleed forever. KHS has the best chance as they are still an authorized dist. for shimano

Big change, I get the feeling something is afoot at Specialized. My gut tells me that Sinyard is getting out of his end and the ownership puzzle will change in some fashion

[nickl]

Originally Posted by likebikes

campagnolo is next.

Funny, since they are sponsoring more World Pro teams than last year and are the first major manufacturer to roll out a 12 speed road group. All of that costs more money than a failing company can support.

[nmrt]

why are you guys blaming euro sales for bankrupting american retailers?
i think the problem is PACELINE!

we're all buying used! Just look at the Classifieds!

[Clean39T]

Originally Posted by nmrt

why are you guys blaming euro sales for bankrupting american retailers?
i think the problem is PACELINE!

we're all buying used! Just look at the Classifieds!

You win the award for most creative use of "smilies" - and most disturbing..

[makoti]

Originally Posted by likebikes

campagnolo is next.

Thank God their stuff is repairable, then