Posts by Phil Latz
It’s Official – 2020/21 was a Record Year for Bicycle Imports
In news that would hardly surprise anyone, we can now confirm that the 2020/21 financial year broke the all-time record for bicycle imports into Australia. Unfortunately, we still don’t collect national bicycle sales data, but given that there’s very little local manufacture and that stock levels are still low, particularly at the importer/wholesaler level, then…
Global Bike Manufacturers are Still Booming
With more bicycle companies than ever now publicly listed and required to post regular financial reports, it’s plain to see that the bike industry boom is showing no signs of slowing up just yet. Despite covid-induced logistical challenges such as factory closures or restrictions and shipping issues, most are increasing their production. Shimano In its…
Sustainability Report Lifts the Lid on Bike Industry
Many bicycle industry members feel good about the idea that they’re selling environmentally sustainable products. But exactly how environmentally friendly is the process of manufacturing, distributing and selling bicycles? Trek Bicycles have just released their first annual Sustainability Report, which answers some of these questions. In his introduction to the report, Trek’s President, John Burke…
EightyOneSpices Brings European Flavour to Australia
– Sponsored Content – EightyOneSpices is a small, but popular dealer supplier of high end boutique European bike components from some of the better brands that often go under the radar. They have a particularly strong range of German-based brands, which is no coincidence. Their product range spans everything from frames and wheels through to…
How’s Business? September 2021
Welcome to our monthly chat with six bike shop owners or managers across Australia and New Zealand where we start by simply asking, ‘How’s business?’ As you might expect, their responses varied considerably depending upon what level of covid restriction their town or city was under. For this month’s follow up question we asked, ‘What…
Low Value GST Import Threshold is up for Review
Most Australian bicycle industry members will probably remember the long and hard fought battle that was waged for years to persuade the government to change its policy regarding charging GST on imports. Just in case this was before your time or the memory has faded, here is a recap… Prior to 1st July 2018, the…
Eurobike 2021 Marks the End of an Era
Despite covid restrictions, the Eurobike Show is proceeding this year, albeit on a smaller scale. After 30 years, the final Eurobike show to be hosted at Friedrichshafen is being held from 1st to 4th September 2021 probably with not one of the usual 200 or so Australian attendees able to visit. For many Australians, it…
NZ Based Chapter2 Appoints Exclusive Australian Distributor
Chapter2 is the creation of Michael Pryde. After a successful career in Architecture, he joined Neil Pryde Limited in 2004. This company, founded and run by his father since 1970 is a diverse global sporting goods brand, best known for its windsurfers. Michael established the Bike Division under the brand NEILPRYDE in 2008 where he…
Life Time Buys Sea Otter Classic
Frank Yohannan, who has owned and operated the Sea Otter Classic for more than 30 years since he founded the event from scratch, has sold to Life Time, a multi-billion dollar fitness and event company. Life Time already owns a range of major cycling, running and triathlon events across the USA including the Leadville 100,…
Specialized E-Bike Battery Recall Includes Some Australian Bikes
Specialized is recalling about 2,500 first-generation Turbo Levo and Kenevo electric mountain bike battery packs. Water can penetrate the seal around the LED control pad on the bicycle’s lithium-ion battery pack and cause the battery to short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards. No injuries have been reported from the fault. The recall involves Specialized…