Hadn’t really thought about the issue of counterfeits and the bike industry before, but the problem is obvious when you see the knockoffs and photos of what can happen.
Broken at the head tube
Safety is a primary concern, of course with bikes, but also millions lost in revenue that impacts the shops and manufactures. Know a product line well and you can spot what’s not authentic, like the buckle on this Specialized shoe – they use the BOA system.
That’s not right, where’s the BOA system?
The frames were harder to spot what wasn’t authentic. I noticed the derailer hanger and that’s it.
A counterfeit bike
Coincidentally, a new site from Bike Store Guys sent out PR this morning about their new online business model. To complete with Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers they ship direct to customers and give participating local bike shops a cut. Bikes are picked up in store. That model has been tried before and I was critical of QBP’s Buy Local Now announced at FrostBike earlier this year. The Wiggles, Chain Reaction, and Amazon are killing margins and traffic in shops. Any cyclists looking for a deal and knows how to use Google, can find parts and bikes often below wholesale. Why that happens is more of a complex issue to get into in this post, but two decades into the Internets, the industry seems poised to do something about it.
I’d argue shops should focus on local search and mobile for a mobile audience, but hey they’re just now getting what we do here with social media.
What you can do, is pay close attention to what you’re buying online; especially from a brand name that doesn’t sell online. Also note that knock offs fly in flocks. You’ll see other brands knocked off on the same site or listing. What you can also do, is spend some money in your shop instead of always expecting the bro-deal, like triathletes do. I asked wheel makers once how they all were in business: ENVE, Reynolds, HED, MadFiber all compete at the high end for a limited number of consumers. The answer from everyone of them was this
Show a triathlete an $3K wheel set and they’ll say, “Really? That’s all for that? What a deal!”
A roadie will ask what the deal is, get one through his team, or order from Wiggles.
What’s wrong with this jersey?
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