WHAT'S NEW
Comments - The Acquisition: An Open Letter to our Customers
October 03, 2011
I've been a fan of CC for over 4 years now. Shopping on CC has been a pleasant experience. The livechat people are very helpful. CC helped me to get in the comfort zone of ASSOS. Backcountry, RealCyclist and Bonktown don't have ASSOS. This is one of many great brands that I hope CC keeps. As far as Canyon bikes, I love the way they look. Clean lines, understated paint. Only one wish for Canyon bikes, add 2CM to the head tube of the Ultimate CF model and create a more upright/comfort line. Right now, all Canyon road bikes have pretty much one geometry(race).
I sent an email to them a couple of years ago about an upright frame geometry. Their answer was: We only build frames for racers. Wrong answer if they want to enter ultra competitive road bike market in US. Nearly, every bike company out there has one or two models of upright/comfort road bikes.
- Shaun Au, SF Bay Area
October 01, 2011
I was actually planning to fly out to AR to have a pro bike fit and build a customized dream machine. I've been to the Utah address and there is no store, just a warehouse. Are you gonna build a store or stay the same as realcyclist. Utah bike stores have lousy fit specialist and poor clothiing inventory since everyone here is so cheap. I hope they have a store to test ride bikes and equipment like they had in AR.
- Jason, UTAH
October 01, 2011
I understand your explanation and the need to make this decision; but it still sucks for the community that you just built your beautiful HQ not that long ago! I am just curious how many of your employees are not moving with the sale. CC has a beautiful website that rivas DWR, unmatched by many shops. And I hope you can keep that distinct design.
- Dewey Dang, Danville, CA
September 30, 2011
Retail bike shops get ENOUGH of my business just servicing my bikes. Thank God I can count on y'all to give me the information I need and a good deal so that I don't have to deal with their markups when buying a high end bike.
- Malcolm, Sugar Land, TX
September 27, 2011
Already petered out on the blog. The blog is how they get away with their pricing. Kill the blog, kill the company. However, the company is now someone else's problem. So it's ok.
- Hakuna, Matata
September 26, 2011
How long till we get a new product review or something besides the open letter?
- Grif, WA
September 25, 2011
I definitely like the picture quality and the detailed write ups on CC's website. However, the prices you guys charge should be illegal. Full retail on everything? I don't know how you can even stay in business any longer.
- Phil, Greenville SC
September 25, 2011
The magic is already gone.
- Frank, Mt. Lebanon
September 21, 2011
There were way more people when I saw Nirvana play on the bleach tour,but I went to see Dinosaur Jr really...
- Pete, FOCO
September 17, 2011
Great products. Great service (until recently.) Reasonable prices considering the high-end goods. Hope none of that changes (too much.) We'll have to see.
- Boots, Denver
September 15, 2011
You guys were the pioneers of modern internet bike sales. I will miss the honesty. The bike industry is like dealing with the mafia from the dark ages. It is getting harder and harder to get product and the service from distributors. In general, it is like dealing with a teenager selling pot of their parents garage. It is protectionism to the extreme.
- Steve, NY
September 14, 2011
Will Mancebo be on a Canyon next year? I saw that Ridley signed a 10 year deal with Omega-Quickstep, and with with no German teams around they need someone riding their frames - although they could probably get a decades of marketing off of Gilbert this year.
- Adam, Hamilton
September 14, 2011
"CompetitiveCyclist.com takes over as title sponsor of RealCyclist.com Pro Team" The headlines continue as CC escapes debt crisis and expands their brand. Good luck! http://bit.ly/qFUwnC
- benjamin, chicago
September 13, 2011
Brendan-
Word on the street is your not selling your newly bought home in Little Rock, renting a place in Utah and only under 1 year contract with backcountry (Nasdaq: LINTA, LINTB).
- geoff, petite jean
September 13, 2011
It makes me sad because when I visit home (Little Rock) I will not be able to see my old friends who taught me what I know about cycling.
Justin Wooley
- Justin, Little Rock
September 13, 2011
Given that the so called "journalism" in our little biking world is basically recycled press releases I have usually enjoyed the breath of fresh air that comes with this blog. What is the value to Canyon to join with CC? I get why CC wants the deal, not sure what Canyon gains?
Second, part of better customer service might be to become a respectable source of honest product information. The best example may be wheels and aero wheels in particular. Apparently every new wheel introduced into the market is lighter, stronger, faster than every other wheel. Really? Some honest way to de-mystify the hype around narrow/wide rims, actual braking performance, real world effect of aerodynamics (not many of us can ride 50km/hr + for any length of time...), actual durability of carbon, etc. would be invaluable.
- Kim, Alberta, Canada
September 12, 2011
In the end, getting paid is PRO.
- Fuzz, North
September 12, 2011
Sad to see you guys leaving Little Rock.
http://www.cyclingwithrob.com
- Rob, North Little Rock
September 12, 2011
I've been a loyal customer of CC since purchasing a De Rosa Neo Primato back in 2002. It was my first on line purchase of a complete bike and I couldn't have been more pleased with the result. SInce then I've shopped CC first for my cycling needs because I know it they offer top quality gear at reasonable prices and provide excellent support. As long as the things I've come to expect from CC don't change, I'll remain a loyal customer.
- Bruce, West Lafayette, Indiana
September 11, 2011
Based on his visibility, accessibility and unparalleled customer service - Andy Clark was Competitive Cyclist to many. Chapeau Andy!
- Joe, Seattle
September 11, 2011
Good luck, Brendan. Still remember (what I now know) were CC's first days and you would anwer my emails 24h x 7. Hard and smart work paying off. Congrats
- Raul, Rio, Brazil
September 10, 2011
O.K. I'm in.
- Jim Grasso, Troy
September 10, 2011
"Words are always empty things."
Au contraire! "I wasted time, and now doth time waste me" - WS.
Bon chance.
- David, Calgary
September 08, 2011
It's because of this level of honesty that I've remained a loyal CC customer. Looking forward to the evolution of the company, and please consider bring over some of the aluminum Canyon's.
- Ramon, Austin
September 08, 2011
I've liked doing business with you in the past and look forward to doing so in the future. I've bought many things from Backcountry through the years and never had a problem so it looks like a good move- so far. Hopefully you don't have too many transition problems, damn gremlins excel at throwing sh!t at fans. Thanks for the heartfelt update.
- Kent, Lake Leelanau
September 08, 2011
What we really want to know is how much did you make? :)
- Race Radio, Somewhere you ain't
September 08, 2011
Brendan, Great post. To you and your Team, a big 'cheers' from a very long-time client of CS. Corporate strategy isn't easy and I'm certain you and yours have been through many sleepless nights throughout your process. My next order certainly isn't far off.
Well done....
- Cortez, Miami
September 07, 2011
Good job on the the Inner Ring funding. You are a match made in the internet. Congratulations on the selling, I hope that the Little Rock family finds good futures in Utah and the ones that remain - let's hope they find some meaningful work as well... Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
- Anon, Ano
September 07, 2011
Sounds good. I kinda did stuff before the curve. Way before the curve. 1960s, Campy. Anyway, I've mostly gotten Assos bike apparel from World Cycling, Wiggle and Chain Reaction. I don't like Mike SSinyard, who took Gary/ Tom designs to Asia. But i have three of his bikes,.
I also got a Cervo RS in my old age. Your price was really good, relative to my LBS, but Bothell Bike and Ski totally underpriced you. Majorly. They figured out some things, like "What do we need to do to make a profit?" You are from the Bay Area? Wow! I went to Cal-Berkeley. I could see Mt. Tam home of the clunkers from my dorm window. I'm sorry that mfrs are going to China, or eastern former Soviet countries to get lowest production costs, but they inflate retail prices, and they don't allow retailers to discount. Except some places, you go in, and deal down. Mike Sinyard dealt down, majorly. Bothell Bike and Ski. set prices cost-plus and got punished, like losing their Pinarello franchise, and having to deliver Cervelos onsite Look at Specialized. Onsite deliveries, no online. Wow! Total customer MF.
- Mark Schooley, Wichita, KS
September 07, 2011
Brendan, I can't believe that you told the story of your Bay Area days without using the phrase "stinky tacklebox" even once! I wish all the best to you and everyone at Competitive Cyclist - I'm proud to have been a part of the the early days!
- Jason B., Jonesboro, AR
September 07, 2011
Best of luck with your new venture! I'll continue to shop at CC, and you've even clued me in to bonktown... cool idea. From my point of view, the best part about CC is feeling like I am NOT shopping at Nashbar et al, and I hope that continues. Thanks for the letter.
- Fast Freddie, Boston
September 07, 2011
"Did Competitive Cyclist sell its soul? Lord no"
Au contraire. Respectfully, CC did just that. Backcountry has to rank up there with _the_ most anonymous online retail experiences out there. Zero personality, zero soul. Full stop. Backcountry bought your essence (read soul), as they had none of their own. This will likely work out, and hat off for cashing in. But, honestly, as part of the Internet retailing "revolution" since 1995-ish, I honestly would have bet my cycling budget on the reverse coming to pass: that CC would be the eventual suitor of the appropriate acquisitions, and become the antidote.
- Matthew, PRoB
September 06, 2011
This is a risky and complex move. I'm sure it's emotionally taxing as well. Thanks for taking the time to explain what you're up to in more than robo-speak and best of luck. For your benefit and ours!
- Dean, San Francisco
September 06, 2011
hope the payment wasn't deferred, you'll need the cash to buy the building back from Realcyclist in about 2 years when you all get the can
- Francisco Mancebo, Continental Pro
September 06, 2011
Brendan; I really appreciate your article and now that you are going to be next door in Utah, please come to Steamboat Springs to ride (or ski). Hope it all works out well for your staff
who are AWESOME with advice on the phone . Thanks.
- steve, steamboat springs
September 06, 2011
Now that you broke it off in their ass move back to the bay area and start up again this is where the market is.
- Frank, San Ramon
September 06, 2011
So I guess we should expect a 75% off sale the first week of October so you don't have to tote all that inventory half way across the country?
- Christian, Little Rock
September 06, 2011
Can you let us know when your employee purchase bikes go on eBay? Please! Thanks.
- cheap, skate
September 06, 2011
Brendan-
Why did you drop out of law school? Your candor and articulation is impeccable. -Brian
- brian, berkley
September 06, 2011
A great explanation. Have to say before I read that I was a little worried. What I am looking forward to more unique offers e.g. Merlin. Because this industry is as homogeneous as a bottle of milk. Would be good for one of the big guys to mix it up a bit.
- Terence, Sydney
September 06, 2011
"We now have the backing in terms of capital, manpower, and capability to reach new levels of creativity in our copy, photography, video, editorial content, and user interfaces." New levels beyond your already excellent creativity and content? Wow, I can hardly wait. Best of luck out there in the Beehive State. I look forward to seeing pictorial essays of the new environs posted here soon.
- PawleeWalnutz, NYC
September 06, 2011
Hey Brendan, really enjoyed reading your article, because it so clearly echoed my own experiences. I started an online inetractiev health and wellbeing company 11 years ago. The market didn't initially know how to respond - we were too new. Over time, we got better at helping clients work it out and, about 2 years ago, on the back of growing success we were bought by a bigger company that offered us the oportunity to reach into our dreams much more quickly. There are 'integration issues', but its an important step in delivering a better service. Great work so far and good luck for the next step. It sounds like the right one for the right reasons.
- Mick, Melbourne, Australia
September 06, 2011
Bought my first mountain bike recently, a used but nice 29er. Wheels are not very good, and I began to wonder what an upgrade would cost, and what wheels I should look for. Not knowing a thing about mountain bikes, I thought a good first place to look was CC. I figured they/you would have surely sorted through all the crap out there, and help me make a decision. That's the value of CC, and I appreciated it at that moment. I look forward to more of it. Thanks.
- Johnboy, PA
September 06, 2011
Never forget what is was like working at Pacific Bicycle and remember to give the employees that made Competitive Cyclist a success the compensation they deserve (especially the ones losing their jobs). They deserve a fair share of the success that the company has achieved. Not everyone has the ability to uproot their life and move to another state because of a decision their boss made.
Growth doesn't necessarily mean a better customer experience, and in my experience, usually results in the opposite. Quality control and the ability to adapt to changing markets becomes more difficult the bigger a company gets.
Best of luck in Utah
- Charles, New York
September 06, 2011
Wow! In the mid 1980's to early 1990's I worked as a domestic, and then international, sales rep/manager for a formerly USA owned, Made in USA, based in CT, innovative, aluminum bicycle manufacturer. I have never heard a better summation of the domestic bicycle industry than this. What can we do for you the dealer indeed! It was, and I still believe is, all about buy from us because we can do X and Y for you which is better than what the other guy can do for you. I have been a HUGE fan of CC for quite some time now and I do not plan on changing my buying practices because of this. Congratulations on your success!!!!
- David, East Alstead
September 06, 2011
Looks like Merlin will have a good fit, as you seem to have the spirit that developed the Merlin mystique. I think the existing Merlin owners could be a fantastic sales force. I have a road from the Somerville era, a rigid mt bike from 2 years later, and a recently purchased Cyrene that I didn't need, but couldn't resist at my lbs.
Good luck
- Paul, Milford
September 06, 2011
"Nothing was so rare as words that informed without puffery"
Shirley you jest! One of the great things about CC is the flowery prose - which is, put bluntly, words with puffery. But you say it as if it is a bad thing - to me, it is great. In this day and age of limited text/more photos, it is amazing to read a website which is not designed with SEO or short attention span idiots in mind. Please do not lose the puffery!
- Guadzilla, A small tropical island
September 06, 2011
Very interesting read, especially the background. Are you going to actually drive the in house brands with engineering and at least partial direct sourcing or more of a buy and package resale? If it is the former, I think we should have a quick chat. My name + town should make a db search real easy.
- aaron, bartlett
September 06, 2011
I believe growing is part of every business, this is amazing i'm happy for you guys. Customer service in my experience with you guys has been AMAZING customer comes first mentallity.
You will have more budget now, a bigger, better facility new brands it's just great. You guys are already big and are just to become huge.
As a customer i feel riped off all the time by the local shops or brands like Trek and Specialized, and with this economy the convinient way of buying online and having that customer service rep being focused on my needs is simply amazing.
Good luck, you are not selling your soul, you are just getting bigger and better to battle and knock off the big brands like Trek and Specialized, also to prove them that their marketing thought are totally wrong and there are many customers that rather buy online b/c of good customer service vs. an annoying ignorant human at a bike shop that will rip you off.
Congrats!!!
- JOrge, San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 06, 2011
its definitely a bummer for us locals... but if you arent growing you are dying. i will continue to give you my business and hope that you continue to sell only the highest quality products. its been nice knowing that if CC carries it then its a good product. best of luck.
- sambo, little rock
September 06, 2011
I am very proud of y'all (and jealous as all get out). You've done a remarkable job of not losing the forest for the trees. Keep moving forward.
- Jeff, Houston
September 06, 2011
Well said indeed. I'll miss the next-day delivery with standard rate shipping. Guess I'll have to cultivate a little patience. Good luck and keep talking to Cervelo. I'd love to buy an R5 from you guys...
- Blair, G'town
September 06, 2011
Best of luck with the transition. I've been shopping from your Competitive Cyclist for a few years now and have been really happy with the level of service.
- Jorge, NYC
September 06, 2011
Will you have a Comp. Cyclist retail location in SLC?
- Richard, SLC
September 06, 2011
I've wanted to go to SLC for some time now. You've now given me a reason to go!! Lucky buggers.. great cycling and skiing!
- Mikey, Toronto
September 06, 2011
Utah is closer to me I am in Sacramento California. Good luck with the move and see on line as I always do befor I make any local purchase. Keep the fore burning. SH
- Soroush, Sacramento
September 06, 2011
Brendan,
Touche'. Congratulations on your success. Nothing is wrong with earning the American Dream. You and people like you are what make this country great. I applaud you. Anything else would just be selfish.. 2 commets:
1)The only thing you failed to mention is that the merger will make everything cheaper due to economy of scale....(perhaps wishful thinking)
2) Have you ever thought of building relationships with LBS's to ensure propper fitting, maitenance etc? Perhaps offering "local service contracts" through CC!!! This would bring income into great local bike shops and build a level of trust and comradeship. Just a thought.
I bought my frame and fork from you but had my LBS build and supply the components. They service it as if I bought it from them. That said- Peachtree bikes in Atlanta, GA is an amazing bike store who happens to sell the same brand. I was lucky.
Just some thoughts. I look forward to doing more business with CC in the future. Be well and remeber that polligammy is still illegal...
- Ricky, Atlanta
September 06, 2011
Your writing is exquisite. I trust you and good luck!
- Jill, Metar
September 06, 2011
Well written Brendan.
I have, and will, continue to support CC.com and BC.com with my hard earned money. The hardest part in the past was deciding which of the two bike companies do I give it to? That, thankfully, just became easier.
Here's to you tossing the Tums out, and cracking open a ice cold PBR.
Cheers-
(btw- your website is f'ing killer)
- Brian, Saratoga Springs
September 06, 2011
Thanks for the letter, good luck. Count me in!
- Omar, Brazil
September 06, 2011
I remember when CC was started and an MTB racer friend told me to check it out. I was still riding an old Canondale, funny enough, bought from PacBikes on Geary back in 1994! I used CC for research, anytime I wanted to get the details and a user perspective on a product, rather than the usual snippet from the OEM. You guys set the bar for level of understanding, expertise, and analysis on any item you carried. Scary good! Congrats on the acquisition and good luck with the move. Just don't eat your freaking sandwich on my invoice! ;0)
- Mark, San Francisco
September 06, 2011
Good luck in the wild west! Looking forward to our business relationship continuing.
- ekh, yvr
September 06, 2011
There is no better online bike retailer on the internet than CC. Agree with all the comments on high standards and a level of CS unlike any other. I love the austere web design and hope that doesn't change. The best thing about the business model is the detailed, unique descriptions of their products. You wont' find that anywhere else. I'm going to buy something right now!
- Nadim, Saint Louis
September 06, 2011
best of luck to the best guys in the business...princes among men, truly. look forward to seeing how things work out.
- tony, nyc
September 06, 2011
You had me at the Grateful Dead Fisher bike. Your passion is awesome and it helps explain your success. Our cycle community is, and will be, better because of what you do. I like my LBS, but they can't (and don't want to) have the variety you do. Looking forward to seeing what's next. Good luck!
- Bruce L, Houston, TX
September 06, 2011
Thanks for all the deals and great blog entries. Good luck and stay classy.
You should probably go back and rent 'SLC Punk' just to get an idea of what you're in for. /s
- spokejunky, Charleston
September 06, 2011
Will you be staffing up in SLC?
- Chuck, MEM
September 06, 2011
One of the pains of success is that growth may exceed the ability to manage it successfully with the skillset one has. The best chef may be able to prepare an exqusite meal and be overwhelmed with the day to day running of the business. CC has fed me well over the years with components, apparel, an indoor and an outdoor ride. I sense in your commentary a desire to maintain a focus on sending out great meals to the discerning connoiseur, while allowing someone else to manage the house. Here's hoping it all works out true. I'll keep on clicking on the icon and looking for deals. Good luck, hold true to what got you started in the first place: quality
- Pat, easton, md
September 06, 2011
Good luck!
- Seth, Atlanta
September 06, 2011
An absolutely fantastic commentary on the industry and its evolution. Well done. Best of luck in the move. The standards you have established lead our industry and this is one more example. Impressive.
- Tom Demerly, Tucson, AZ,
September 06, 2011
Thanks for the letter. Very informative. Good luck with the new adventure. I hope this translates into awesome new products and services, and maybe offering more to Canadians. Too bad your best employee Andy isn't with CC anymore. He is/was great in the videos and finding a replacement to fill his shoes will be very hard. Cheers
- David, Calgary
September 06, 2011
I used to shop at that Pacific Bicycles store on Geary Street back in the day. It went WAY downhill after Dave G. (little Dave) sold out to Big Dave and moved to Portland to start River City. I'm assuming your tenure at PB was primarily after that. Welcome to Utah. This state needs more outsiders to come in and shake things up. The (non-USAC) Utah Cyclocross Series starts 10/1 ... hope to see some new faces and hear some new accents as the series progresses and relocated employees get settled in.
- Steven / Flahute, SL,UT
September 06, 2011
Nice.
- Alan, San Jose
September 06, 2011
For the deeply discounted custom speced Scott CR1 Pro with Campy Chorus and Hed wheels, thank you. For all the clothing and accessories I got on sale or discount, thank you. For all the tools and service equipment I got on discount, thank you. For the excellent service, advice and prompt shipping, thank you. If your business decisions are for the future well being of your company and customers, I am all for it. Change is going to happen and we must be flexible. I am excited about the future of CC and what that means for the customers.
Count me in. Keep the passion!
- Tony, nyc
September 06, 2011
Believe it when I see it.
- Herbert, Hooverville
September 06, 2011
Best coffee is Coffee Garden at 9th & 9th in SLC. The crit season is winding down but will restart in March. Most every week the Utah Crit Series offers the Rockly Mountain Raceway crit on Tuesday, the DMV crit on Wednesday, and either Emigration Hill Climb or Saltair Time Trial on Thursday. Plus a full calendar of USAC events, too. And 'cross is just starting. Welcome to Utah. As a California transplant I can tell ya - it ain't that bad. And like Joel said - definitely check out the waffles and frites at Bruges on Broadway downtown.
- mike, salt lake city
September 06, 2011
Welcome to SLC. Best chocolate is at Caputo's. Best Belgian waffles and frites are next to Bingham's Cyclery on the north side of Pioneer Park. Best Mexican food is at the Red Iguana. Best skiing is at Snowbird. Best school is BYU or Utah. Best ride is the Alpne Loop every Saturday morning until the snow closes the access gate. I'll be looking for the Merlin!
- Joel, Pleasant Grove
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