WHAT'S NEW
Comments - CompetitiveCyclist.com Joins The Backcountry.com Family of Specialty Retail Stores
October 05, 2011
Comment boards suck. It brings out the worst in most of us. Congrats to CC, you guys have been outstanding and I wish you and your wonderful employees all the best.
- Love CC, Dallas
October 01, 2011
Well, I suppose the folks that actually own CC have the option to do with it as they please. I suspect the we're paid fairly well for the business AND are going to be paid fairly well to run the Bike portion of BC. The fact that ANY of the employees were offered the option to move to SLC means that the owner(s), in fact, DOES care about their employees.
Hey, I'd move to SLC if some one paid me to...(any offers?)
- owen, Kansas City, MO
September 30, 2011
I don't like the association with such a brand as backcountry.com. That brand is associated appropriately with backcountry sports. The acquisition will dilute the public perception of Competitive Cyclist. This happened with Montrail being acquired by Columbia Sportswear and Coast Mountain Sports being acquired by The Forzani Group in Canada. For the former being associated with a grandmother marketing image is really detrimental to a climbing brand. And for Competitive Cyclist being associated with the other mediocre bike e-tailers of backcountry.com is equally bad not to mention the association with a retailer with the generic image that is backcountry.com. I respect climbing and I've been climbing for over 10 years and I equally respect road racing, but the two should never be associated into one business. The reasons put forth for an acquisition is the same, but the result is never very good. My perception Competitive Cyclist has changed somewhat for the worse because of this merger just as my perception has changed for brands and retailers I once really liked in Canada. I hope it's reversible in the future when they part ways.
- Samuel, Vancouver, BC, CA
September 06, 2011
I completely agree with Jose and "Baffled". Another example of corporate greed screwing over the little guy. This move is happening for only one reason - money. All of this "commitment", "complement" relationship talk is pure marketing BS. While the CEO of a business gives it direction and vision, it's the employees that do the day-to-day hard work and are just as important for the company to exist. I hope they get something fair out of this deal besides a "thank you", while Brendan walks away with a ton of money from it.
- Charles, New York
September 05, 2011
What happens when you bite more than you can chew; i.e. debt? Sell out to corporate America and fuck the little guy! I remember Mr. Quirk when he use to wait tables in LR before becowing a multi-millionaire. He was good guy and fellow New Yorker. I don't know what happened to him. Good luck CC employees. I'm gonna miss you.
- Jose, Manhattan
September 05, 2011
I've been a customer for a while and have mixed feelings about this move. Its an understandable & often inevitable part of business and may lead to greater things but I'm sad to hear some folks are losing their jobs and that they will close the HQ. Compared to the other online stores around ( and even compared to most LBS) CC always offers good deals and a lot of expertise. Its this level of detail and focus on the products which I hope is kept. Discount wars online are all well & good but once the product is in use I tend to quickly forget the price and focus on how useful it is/isn't. CC has a great hit-rate in this area from me and I hope that doesn't change.
- Pete , Forresters Beach
September 05, 2011
How much does it actually cost to make a Taiwanese made $5K Pinarello? Theyre only painted in Italy!
- Paul, Treviso
September 05, 2011
@ steve I don't get the connection between angry comments on a blog and the selling of a business.
- Arturo, Santa Fe
September 05, 2011
After reading the commentary on this post, is it any wonder he's moving on? Some of you guys are truly damaged individuals in serious need of professional help. I'd shut the place down just to avoid reading the thoughts of self righteous twits and proletariat warriors. We're dealing with Pinnarellos and Assos here! And if LR can't absorb the loss of a bike shop...
- steve, Miami
September 05, 2011
The bike industry in the USA has been selected for extinction. This is true of both on-line retailers and those brick-and-mortar shops that charge $10.00 for a lousy inner tube. The market of douchebags willing to pay >$8000 for a crappy 12 lb. plastic bike with electronic shifting has already been saturated. The pretend-bike-racer market probably peaked 5-10 years ago and is now a virtual dry hole. There are no new markets-- most people loathe bikes. Even if gas were to hit $50/gallon, Americans would go back to horse-drawn wagons instead of turning to bikes. Kids probably hate bikes even more than adults do. No, this sell-out was a smart and necessary move by CC.
- Charles Adam Darwin Smith, SS Beagle
September 05, 2011
Mike, you must be the groupie they all talk about. Why do you even care? Gonna miss those midnight ball shaving sessions with a Campy razor?
CC is selling out to the Family Dollar of on-line retailers that is a lot bigger than them and their company. The CC guys will be gone in a year or 2 as clever clever land will not be tolerated by Realcyclist. They just wanted a few things, which they will take and cut loose the rest, especially management. Hope they got their$
- Francisco Mancebo, Continental Pro
September 04, 2011
Arturo, My first comment was in response to "Baffled" and "Notbuying" and other of that ilk that have posted comments on this blog - on this and numerous other topics. My second comment was in response to "jesus" who seems to argue that if I could imagine what it felt like to lose my job, or if I knew his version of the the birth narrative of CC - then I would see the vitriol was justified. Because after all, "jesus" points out "Love can't exist without Hate." Geez, I feel sorry for the folks with this "jesus" in their lives. I'm all for reasoned and rational commentary on the tragedy that some hard-working folks will lose their jobs, or disappointment that a local business is closing. But a lot of what is written here is the equivalent of a flaming bag of crap left on CC's doorstep for an imagined slight suffered by folks who have yet to indicate any personal involvement in the situation. I meant no ill toward anyone, and only hoped that discourse could be more like an adult conversation and less like a drunken rant..
- mike, salt lake city
September 03, 2011
@ Mike
"it seems to me unrealistic to imagine a business that could thrive solely by adapting to the desires of anonymous critics on a marketing blog."
So far I haven't heard anybody suggest that. You might want to actually read all the comments here. Many are responding to the very real fact that people are losing their jobs and Little Rock is losing an important business.
- Arturo, Santa Fe
September 03, 2011
Jesus, I'll resist the temptation to debate theology with you - though if LOVE can't exist without HATE there is no chance that you will ever triumph and bring creation back to where your dad intended it to be. That's a shame. *** True - if I lost my job I'd be troubled. I've started businesses, folded businesses, hired fired and laid-off folks. I've been squeezed out of a job when a big name iconic brand was purchased by another iconic brand. Life is full of ups and downs.
And I don't know the story of CC's birth. And I don't know Brendan personally. Maybe you do and that might make you better equipped to judge his actions. For me, I guess I'm incredibly naive to assume good intentions, and to assume regrets any for bad consequences. And maybe I'm jaded but it seems to me unrealistic to imagine a business that could thrive solely by adapting to the desires of anonymous critics on a marketing blog. Maybe the business you've started works that way?
- Mike, Salt Lake City
September 03, 2011
Mike, how would YOU feel if you lost your job? Do you even know how CC got started? Before corporate America came into the picture (to satisfy its shareholders), CC was a small and local business founded by 2 men with a passion for cycling and racing. Unfortunately, all of that 'love' will soon be forgotten along with their fairly new million dollar building in North Little Rock. By the way, Love CAN'T exist WITHOUT hate. And have a "3-2" beer on me! Cheers.
- Jesus, Nazareth
September 03, 2011
I've never really understood why people would go out of there way to visit a site - regularly it would seem - only to drop a load of negative sh*t. Almost always nameless cretins from made-up locales, I guess because they're so proud of what they've said.
I've bought here before, and I've bought elsewhere when it was cheaper. I've bought from my LBS and I've bought from chainlove.com and bonktown.com. As for the Service Course, I've been impressed by some of what Brendan has written. But I have never felt offended, attacked, abused, or insulted - so have never felt the need to rage or retaliate.
So WTF? Why the hate?
- Mike, Salt Lake City
September 03, 2011
From the pompously styled "the service course" section of competitivecyclist's website: "In the bike industry the act of re-printing press releases passes as journalism. (...) That's lame, and it's exactly what our weekly What's New dispatches are not." Really? What is the above then, (a) a Sonnet, (b) a Haiku or (c) a press release? Winner gets an autographed "I'm real sorry you lost your job" post card signed by the new bigwig at backwoods.com!
- Baffled, Loosingcustomerland
September 02, 2011
So this places has been selling things like $100 leg warmers and 5K plus frames for years and yet they are firing 15 people?!? (that's what 20-30% of the workforce?) What about the endless boasts of success and the repeated predictions of demise for Trek, Specialized et al? I guess some folks are getting left out in this "new relationship" -- but it doesn't look like Mr. Quirk gives a toss. I know where I won't be going to buy my gear from now on!
- Notbuying, Fromhereagain
September 02, 2011
All corporations merge into OmniCorp.
- Troy, Portland
September 01, 2011
Wow. What happened here?
- Tom, Fruita
September 01, 2011
Is Andy really joining the backstreet boys and new kids on the block on their 2011 tour? Cool!
- Big Fan, Of Big...
September 01, 2011
Are you 1 of the 40 employees offered a job in UTAH? You have until September 22 to decide. Or are you 1 of the 15 NOT offered a job? Then, good luck with unemployment! http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/52493814-79/com-backcountry-competitivecyclist-fischer.html.csp
- Steve, Hot Springs
September 01, 2011
Does this explain the newer internet ad presence on more sites like inrng? Guess influx of cash means more marketing and less substance.
- neilsen, california
September 01, 2011
Where's CANYON??
- Liar, Pants on fire
August 31, 2011
Can those posting about CC's desperate, debt ridden status provide details? Or, is it just speculation?
- Dave, Tahoe
August 31, 2011
No further news? I guess Brendan is busy making new contacts for low end cycling gear at Eurobike and revising his blogging style to meet the high bar of Backcountry standards?
Here's an example of what to expect:
http://backcountrybeacon.com/2011/08/alaska-gear-reviews-oban-14yr-scotch/
As an exiled Scot, I enjoy an occasional single malt in winter, but my taste runs to Islay malts. Of the 8 available, Laphroaig is the predominant choice of the Flahute.
- Axel, Doylestown
August 31, 2011
I can't believe you guys are actually at EUROBIKE! Your company is in debt, just got bought out and you're in Europe?
- Little Guy, Shanty town
August 30, 2011
Say it ain't so Andy.... :(
- Max, NC
August 29, 2011
How much money do you need to stay in LR?
- Paul, Maumelle
August 29, 2011
i want an old skool competitive cycling kit, any laying around somewhere?
- tb, little rock
August 29, 2011
when does the CC site shut down and WTF about the Merlin acquisition?
- Francisco Mancebo, Continental Pro
August 29, 2011
Well, now you can get that Dogma 2 equipped with campy super-Record at a Walmart price, free shipping included. It's tough economy out there
- Kevin, Miami
August 28, 2011
We are all sad that the wonderful experience that was CC is going to change or may be gone altogether. Don't know the reason, just know its happening. Is there anything out there on the web that is even close? Where will you get your bike porn fix?
- Trent, Houston
August 28, 2011
Hope everyone really gets offered a position and moving expenses covered. I feel bad for those with families, especially kids. Good luck.
- Jeff, Battered Florida
August 28, 2011
The blog has been a favorite section of CC, which has ALWAYS a good read. This "press release" post only confirms the direction CC is taking. From personal, quirky insight to corporate MBA-speak in a heartbeat.
- Joachim, Austin, TX
August 27, 2011
Best of luck to a wonderful group of people.
- Ethan, Charleston
August 27, 2011
@ Arnold: There are two possibilities, either they had to sell to survive, or they got an offer that hit the sweet spot and decided to hand the reins to somebody else. But if you've been paying attention for the past 6 or so months, you've noticed a big increase in the number of sales at CC. Coincidence?
- Arturo, San Diego
August 27, 2011
Why all the speculation that CC sold out of desperation?
- Arnold, Cal
August 27, 2011
terry - check out departmentofgoods.com and search north face, all items discounted, go to backcountry.com and search north face, lots of discounted items. Watch steapandcheap.com for that north face coat you got on the plaza for 150, 70% off in last years color.
however, this isnt all bad, just dont get upset when you see someone riding your $6000 bike for half that.
- 80% off, Campagnolo?
August 26, 2011
I liked shopping a CC, fair or better prices and knowledgeable staff (with a genuine interest in cycling). I am not sure I will be shopping here again!
- Bear, Aiken
August 26, 2011
"Sure glad I'm not a retailer selling scott, bmc, or any other brands you represent, ... backcountry = discount site. Not typically something a quality manufacturer needs to be associated with.
- concerned, Schenectady"
You should call up The North Face and ask them if Backcountry discounts their stuff. Its obvious you are speaking out of your A$$ and have no idea how the outdoor industry works. Backcountry is far from discount and as a rep in the outdoor (camping) industry I have actual knowledge unlike you.
- Terry, Portland
August 26, 2011
Enough pr (join the "family" etc, etc...) and some actual facts: (see how long this stays up...)
(1) The store will close.
(2) Out of the 55 cc employees "the majority" have been offered a job with the new company. Does this mean that while Quirk gets a nice check some of the employees will be out of a job? (Admittedly, we are speaking of those employees who have had it easy and did the actual day to day work; unlike Brendan who had to write this blog and travel all over Europe, let's give him credit: it's been a tough gig!)
So folks to lose their jobs, store to close. Well done Brenan! What an entrepreneur! On the footsteps of Bernard Tapie you go!
- arkansas, businessdotcom
August 26, 2011
you guys will enjoy the "3-2 beer" in UT and with brendans new MILLIONAIRE status he can buy y'all each a case. let us know when that dogma with full campagnolo is 50% off!
- JOSH, MANHATTAN
August 26, 2011
Sure glad I'm not a retailer selling scott, bmc, or any other brands you represent, ...
backcountry = discount site. Not typically something a quality manufacturer needs to be associated with.
- concerned, Schenectady
August 26, 2011
Excerpts from a press release. That's all we get? No wonder rumors are flying! How about giving us readers of this blog (and customers of this site) slightly more respect and letting us know something else besides PR-talk? Seriously, how about it!? Let's hope it's not a flavor of things to come...
- wth, what'snext
August 26, 2011
Something tells me the CC owners are couting their money and laughing at the rest of you.
- Capitalism, USA
August 26, 2011
Right now in Canada there are two engineers who should be slapping themselves in the head and shouting ," STOOOOOOOPID! STOOOOOOOOOPID! STOOOOOPID!!" Do you realize the buying power and sheer volume this move will create? Good luck moving HALF the Cervelo's CC did/would have now in the local cash strapped dealers. I have mixed feelings about all of this, but those two guys shot themselves in the foot and you should have seen the back peddling they were doing after they announced it publicly!
- Wassup, Now?
August 26, 2011
Good stuff, Steve in Palo. Gooooooo stuff.
- Horace, Mann
August 25, 2011
Rivendell or Velo Orange selling out would be a sure sign of the apocalypse. CC selling out is just another boring day in the modern world of e-commerce. Yawn.
- Hurricane Irene, East Coast, USA
August 25, 2011
"A man in debt is so far a slave." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
- mike, hot springs
August 25, 2011
In Canada right now, there's 2 engineers smiling from ear to ear!
- steve, palo alto
August 25, 2011
I guess all good things must come to an end.
- Jeff, CA
August 25, 2011
Living in the Park City area, I find a lot of the commentary about the acquisition quite humorous. Backcountry is viewed by folks out here as a largely local business (little goat stickers are nearly as ubiquitous as Lotoja or Ragnar decals) with an intense focus on the sports that they deal with. Their employees are encouraged (required?) to spend time using the stuff they sell, and none that I know have anything bad to say about the place.
Just relax...we're not talking about some sort of super-retailer ala Wal-mart (or Performance Bike, for that matter) sweeping in to suck the soul out of a great shop, but rather an ability of two companies to utilize economies of scale to drive down prices while simultaneously improving customer experience.
- Stacey, Heber City
August 25, 2011
From CEO to "manager." How I got MY company sold! By Brendan Quirk
- barnes, noble
August 25, 2011
Wow. - this can't be a good thing. The departure of Andy Clark and then the sale of the company to a publicly-traded conglomerate would seem to indicate not change for the sake of change or innovation, but radical action to save a sinking ship?! Someone had to pay for all that high-end photography, and my guess is that the last check bounced!
- James, Pittsburgh
August 24, 2011
It is tough to see how this will be an improvement. Please keep blogging Brendan, that is really the only reason I go to your site.
- Brendan, New Prague
August 24, 2011
Your headline should have read: "Too much debt forces Competitive Cyclist to sellout." The North Little Rock online bicycle retailer reveals a few reasons why they were in desperate need of financial assistance: Loss of Cervelo and dropping of DeVinci. Eventual loss of Scott. Acquisition of MERLIN. Extreme expense of CANYON. "Featured bikes" program and Litespeed unfruitful. It's no coincidence Wal-Mart started in ARKANSAS! Similarities?
- sam walton, bentonville
August 24, 2011
Lame...CC was one of the few and last online/store front retailers that I respected. I look at the long term affects of IDB's such as CC and others "merging" with large companies. To Kendal from Salt Lake I am sure you folks at Back Country are proud of you service and I am sure that you do indeed provide good customer service. My concern with the latest CC/Back Country move is more directed towards the loss of identity that CC will have. We've all seen the affects that large companies have on other industries and I cringe to the fact that it is now happening to the only sacred sport left...Cycling. We are the sport of misfits and anti-confirmists. That was my original appeal for the sport after playing main stream collegiate sports. When I see things like this happen it just upsets me and I cannot help but to think we are all going to soon be exposed to monotonous vendors trying to push the same crap on the masses. With that being said. Best wishes to the CC staff. You will be missed.
- Ahh Dang Man, America
August 24, 2011
like the garage sale idea. this will hurt locals that have become accustomed to having a bike shop that actually has the parts you need and want.
- tb, little rock
August 24, 2011
Any chance of sharing the love with your Little Rock community before leaving and holding a garage sale?
- Todd, Little Rock
August 23, 2011
I think change is always a hard thing--even if it's for the better in the long term. Sounds like there's a lot of faithful customers of CC which is fantastic. I don't blame you for being concerned about this news. As an employee of backcountry.com and having an insider's view, however, I can assure you that the level of customer service, quality of product, fulfillment, and dedication to what CC has stood for will be just as high if not higher with this fine company joining the backcountry.com family. One of the greatest things about backcountry.com is that although we are growing and doing well, we haven't lost sight of who we are and where we came from. Our culture and business model that you can read on our core website isn't fluff and is actually what you experience both as an employee and as a customer. Are we growing and learning? Absolutely. That's what makes this addition of CC such a positive thing in that together we can better fine-tune our bike skills and learn from the expertise of Brendan and his fine crew. I hope that any concerned faithful clients of CC will give backcountry.com a chance to prove that this acquisition will be a good thing for all involved. Best to all and welcome CC!
- Kendal, Salt Lake City
August 23, 2011
Wish you luck. Hope the blog stays.
- Dean, SF, CA
August 23, 2011
So is the whole CC gang moving to Park City/SLC? Interesting news indeed. I hope this blog remains. I have been anxiously waiting for some commentary on Trek's recent announcement to sell bikes online similarly to Cervelo.
- JayZee, SLC
August 23, 2011
This can't be real
- Disappointed , Fogg
August 23, 2011
I think this was all about accessing deep pockets to fund a pro cycling team. Look for realcyclist.com pb competitivecyclist.com pb backcountry.com in the 2015 Tour!
- Christophe, Lyon
August 23, 2011
Not that much will change. But thanks for all the hard work you put in over the years. Great stories really motivated me to get back on the bike!
- Aaron, Chicago
August 23, 2011
It was good while it lasted. ProBikekit anyone?
- Bruce, L.A.
August 23, 2011
Checked out RealCyclist and HuckNroll. Wow. Crappy sites. I wish CC the best, but I'm worried. Maybe they can pull off the Old Navy, GAP, and Banana Republic trick of leveled business within the same company.
- Clint, Colorado Springs
August 22, 2011
What is going to happen to Merlin? If Backcountry does nothing with the brand, they should sell it to someone who will bring Merlin back.
- Brian, Erie, Ci
August 22, 2011
Surprising. I noodled around on Backcountry's website. Very cheesy look and feel. Not at all the quality of CC. Oh well.
- Ron, NYC
August 22, 2011
Bummer
- Dan , Kansas
August 22, 2011
Changing times call for creative measures. As long as the customer service and passion for cycling stays the same who cares where they are located or what they call themselves?
It isn’t selling out if you move your company (including your employees) and encourages the growth and love for a sport shared by so many. Competitive Cyclist was started by a group of business savvy cyclist. They are smart entrepreneurs with the gusto to move forward. Isn’t that what this nation was founded on?
- LKS, TX
August 22, 2011
Hey doubters … why don’t you get off your fancy, corporate owned, carbon road bike (made in Taiwan) and get saddle up on that hand made high horse. See how much that will set you back.
Competitive Cyclist is a great company – wishing you the best on your new adventure!
- come, on
August 22, 2011
Can you guys not read?
"Brendan Quirk, founder and CEO of Competitive Cyclist, will become the General Manager of Backcountry.com’s Bike Division. Numerous key Competitive Cyclist employees will also be making the move to Backcountry.com."
Brendan is still running the show but now he has more support in his role. I think CC will get better and he will fix backcountry's bike sites for the better. Backcountry knows it needs help (especially with its CS department) so they hired Brendan to fix it. They are known for camping and outdoor stuff, now they have a guy who really knows bike stuff. I see a win here.
- Frank, Seattle
August 22, 2011
I mean. I'll give it a few months before passing judgement. But I'm definitely not excited about this.
- Michael , Chicago
August 22, 2011
AAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhh!
I've been shopping at CC for years. The level of customer service was amazing, but my sense was that it was dropping bit by bit as it got much bigger. I don't necessarily have a problem with Bonktown/Chainlove/Backcountry (I shop there, too), but I can't see a really good outcome for long-time CC customers out of this. That said, as time wore on, more and more of the stuff I purchased from CC were sale items, as the level of service/price balance kept pointing towards sale items. So maybe there was going to be convergence no matter what.
- Disappointed, DC
August 22, 2011
speedgoat. and LBS for me! good luck to CC hope you guys do well out there.
- John, Little Rock
August 22, 2011
Nooooooooooooo!!!!
- Jim, Nashville
August 22, 2011
Hmm.... and didn't Andy leave to go to Speedgoat.... I'm very concerned, won't jump ship but I'm not very hopeful that CC will continue being the great retailer and informational source it is.
- Joe, NY
August 22, 2011
Interesting the number of comments that associate this transaction with a sell-out of not just financial interest but concept. While the transition might be blown, Brendan above all knows that CC is about high end customer service and original commentary - those are what justify MSRP. Why would a buyer pay up for that goodwill and then abandon it? If anything, I hope CC stays the way it is and uses the other outlets to handle sale merchandise. Recall that CC used to do no sales, but recently has gone the other way and I suspect learned a lot in the process. If Brendan's smart about retail (I think he is) then he'll purify CC back to its roots and use the other outlets to capture the full buying spectrum.
- Dobbin, Horse Country
August 22, 2011
the telling thing here is the business press release as a blog post. not the usual fun, industry-insider with colloquialisms that are usually here. certainly it's not necessarily a bad thing to grow out of stuff and move on, have a more stable structure around you and make more money. clever blogging is time consuming and difficult to draw a quid-pro-quo to sales. hopefully, enough of the things that made competitivecyclist.com a success remain to make it (and the group) more profitable. good luck to all involved.
- al b, madison
August 22, 2011
Good for the former owners of CC, nice financial move I hope! I will always go out of my way to support small businesses over the bigger corps such as Perf**mance and now CC. Personally not real excited about this and most likely shopping elsewhere. Been nice knowing ya CC.
- David B, Cary NC
August 22, 2011
Brendan and gang,
Thanks for creating CC. Your organization has been hands-down one of my favorite equipment providers. Each interaction was top notch and provided a level of service that is very rare in an on-line retailer. I've had pleasant dealings with the Backcountry franchises as well, but don't believe that they offer anything from a competency perspective that your organization doesn't already display.
I hope that the acquisition was a profitable one for you for the efforts that you invested. I also hope that BC recognizes what you have built, leaves it well enough alone, and allows you to replicate the levels of service and knowledge across all of their bike-related franchises.
Good luck to you and the team!
- mike, austin, texas
August 22, 2011
no surprise, you've been plugging chainlove for 1.5 years....
"A combination of factors 2 and 3 above is the fuel for success of Sierra Trading Post and the new kid on the block, chainlove.com. We get in on the action, too, since it's profitable, and it's great for the customer. Sell somebody something for 40% off and it earns you some serious loyalty."
- e, philly
August 22, 2011
Congratulations to competitvecyclist.com for selling out. Having shopped at both sites I preferred competitvecyclist.com for your customer service, product selection, knowledge, reviews, videos and most of all of how easy your website is to navigate. If there is any good that comes from this maybe you guys will fix the disaster that is realcyclist.com's website.
- TLo, Washington DC
August 22, 2011
Does this mean the move to carry Canyon is dead?
- Johnny, Vancity
August 22, 2011
I agree with Troy. These guys worked hard and put everything on the line to build a successful business. They do a fantastic job and I hate to see them go for many reasons, but I cannot spite their decision.
- JBar, No Little Rock
August 22, 2011
wow. bonktown, chainlove and competitive cyclist... just dont see the win for the consumer. the only conceivable benefit is that backcountry gets a name associated with good customer service and exceptional products - will that really last?? doubtful. i cant see anything that backcountry gives the competitive cyclist name or reputation - especially considering their ownership of closeout sites like chainlove and bonktown.
- billy bob, little rock
August 22, 2011
Good for the stockholders, hope they could mantain the level of quality in products and services.
- Lokoto, South America
August 22, 2011
HaaaaaHaaaaaHaaaaa, YEAH!
- Lance, Austin
August 22, 2011
I am not sure this is good news. Great for the owners and prob got out with some $$$ but I guess what about the loyal customers?
I dont see how this is better. The buyout will create internal change, changes in accounting, customer service, changes in the way employees are treated and that will affect how customers are treated. I think the Comp Cyclist we all liked will be diluted under sales pressure, margin push and the need to sell the cheaper version of xxx. I hope I am wrong...
- GM, YEG
August 22, 2011
WHAT!?!?!?!?
- Herbert, Hooverville
August 22, 2011
Congratulations and good luck! I hope the customer service and small-shop feel (even though I've never been there) stays the same.
- ekh, yvr
August 22, 2011
Sellouts
- Ed, Chicago
August 22, 2011
I hope the only thing that changes out of this is that you start offering those Merlin frames.
- adam, hamilton
August 22, 2011
I have a bad feeling about this...
- Patrick, Rockville Centre, NY
August 22, 2011
whoa.
- fhb, portland
August 22, 2011
This is all and good, i just hope you don't turn into another Bike Nashbar, they are a dime a dozen.
- Gary, T or C, NM
August 22, 2011
@troy, I guess i should apologize, what i meant to point out was how a local company is now a wall street company(liberty media nasdaq LINTA owns 81% of bc). I know they were a corporation before, but now they are part of an even bigger one. I am not frightened to purchase from large corps(i buy from bc and realcyclist currently), but my choices for keeping my dollars local at least for high end bike stuff, has taken a turn, that why i was sad. But yes for the Quirk's, Congratulations.
- the, ozarks
August 22, 2011
This should be an april fool's joke
- Brian, Tucson
August 22, 2011
Don't be a fool, sad in Sprinfield. Competitive Cyclist already was a corporation. Does that still frighten you? Corporations are not out to take over the world- people are, and they always have been.
Good for the people who started CC. They deserve every fruit of their labor.
- Troy, Portland
August 22, 2011
I hope Competitive Cyclist's customer service* remains the same!
(*Even though you guys have completely ignored the one minor problem I've had and not answered any of my emails I've sent trying to follow up since then)
- Vandit Kalia, Middle of the ocean
August 22, 2011
Booooo!
- Matthew, Kippax
August 22, 2011
Another great small business gone. One day the corporations will own everything, if they don't already.
- sad, Springfield
August 22, 2011
wow. prank? joke? sold out?
- hey , Bonktown
August 22, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_eGXPzSzAg
- James, Laramie WY
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