Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmy-moots
I hear what you’re saying, but if we talk bike brands… Pon, Spec, Trek, Canyon, Giant, Merida are all run like a business (as opposed to a lifestyle choice), with the latter two being publicly traded which brings increased levels of scrutiny and expectation for professionalisation/profit.
And then there’s Pinarello, Bianchi and Colnago that are all now owned by private equity.
There aren’t too many names left that aren’t being run like a business by professionals.
|
Yes, you're right. I forget sometimes we have a lot of members internationally, and I sort of live in a little shaded corner of the bike industry here in Minnesota.
We have a plethora of small brands here- more than you can shake a stick at (Salsa, Surly, All-City, Berd, Otso, Onyx, HED, Wolf Tooth) and you will meet these company heads at local events; they are very approachable personalities. Everyone seems to know everyone. In 2018, I went to the Dealer Summit at Specialized HQ, and it has a much more global feel, corporate, and haughty. Most people I ride with would rather support local brands, or small custom builders. In Anywhere, USA, it's all Cannon-Trekcialized all the time. I have lived there, too