Letter from America – How Will We Fare in These Uncertain Times?

Santa Fe, New Mexico If there is one word to define the state of America’s bicycle industry, at least at the moment, it would be ‘uncertainty’. But one expert who has lived through the many boom-and-bust cycles that have defined the bicycle business for decades is certain about one thing. “Another bicycle boom is wishful…

Why Batteries Are Not So Green!

Ebike battery

Santa Fe, New Mexico It’s fair to say that e-bikes, especially e-mountain bikes, dominate discussion throughout the global bicycle market. Companies big, small and mid-size are betting that e-bike demand will lift the industry to soaring heights of new profits, driven by a near-universal acceptance—at least within the industry—that e-bikes could be a significant factor…

Letter From America: Can We See Our Opportunity in the Chaos?

Big Gear Show, Deer Valley Utah

By Marc Sani Today’s retail environment in the US is in a state of chaos. Planning, forecasting and ordering products—whether bicycles, parts or accessories—have left too many dealers flummoxed over the future of their business. And, at last, some dealers are starting to question whether the boom in sales, sparked by COVID-19 lockdowns in the…

Letter from America: It’s All About Adaption Now

By Marc Sani Allow me to toss out a bold conjecture on the state of the world: environmentalists, biologists, ecologists and climate scientists no longer celebrate discoveries of new theories of life and adaptation. Instead, these worldwide students of nature have become de facto coroners-those who investigate the end of life and explain to us…

Letter from America: Kids on E-bikes Rule!

Ebikes Slow Down sign

By Marc Sani So much is happening at the moment within bicycle manufacturing and retail—worldwide—that it’s almost impossible to keep up-to-date, or for that matter, keep score on winners and losers. After a multi-week drive through the western United States, I had the opportunity to talk with a variety of retailers and industry experts. And…

Beware of Higher Prices!

Stans Tyre Sealant

By Marc Sani Recently, I flatted while on a mountain bike ride in a rugged section of terrain some five kilometres from the trailhead. No serious mountain biker riding on tubeless tires rides without at least two key items—a spare inner tube and a 50 gram container of Stan’s tire sealant. It took only a…

Letter from America – December 2019

Letter from America

What Should Our Industry be Doing about Climate Change? Nothing brings an issue into sharper focus than a study in contrasts. Let’s consider three individuals: American President Donald Trump, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. In early November Ms. Ardern gave a 10-minute speech in New Zealand’s Parliament—a rousing…