Yesterday, Vital BMX released an Harry Main Interview that really fired people up. In fact, FBM and Ride UK have both chimed in on their perspectives on why Harry’s perspective is wrong and the direct to consumer route is not benefitting BMX, at least not in the correct way. I’ve been thinking about the subject quite a bit since I originally read Harry’s responses and I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to chime in. Honestly, going into this blog post I was originally just going to link to FBM and Ride UK and see if we could get any discussion going… Then I decided I might as well point out a few of my thoughts on the value of BMX shops and everything… Then it turned into a big long write up. So, let’s just get into this.
First off, I’m going to give you a little insight into my perspective and some of the driving forces behind why I feel the way I do. I’ve been riding BMX for something like 17 years now, I’ve been running BMX Union since 2007, I worked for DIG for two years and I also worked in a bike shop as well for three or so years. I’m currently a board member on a non-profit organization that I helped to form to repair and expand the local skatepark here. One thing only a select few people know is that I have also been actively working towards opening a shop with a small indoor skatepark for a little while now as well. In fact, I just toured a potential location just this morning. Over the years I’ve thrown or been heavily involved with somewhere around 20 contests and jams in the Minnesota area at multiple skateparks, most of which no longer exist. I’m also the social media manager for Fly Bikes as well, which not too many people know either. So, I guess you could say I’ve dabbled in BMX a bit.
One of the biggest issues that we’re seeing in regards to Harry Main’s statements are that the direct to consumer brand that he now represents, Mafia Bikes, is a brand that is owned by the same people that brought us Amity Bikes and Rocker BMX. Amity Bikes started out as a brand that was offered in shops using the traditional methods, until they decided to offer buy one get one free frames direct from their website… Completely undercutting the shops and eliminating a huge potential of selling those frames on their shelves. Amity disappeared… Rocker BMX came out and shortly after Mafia Bikes started popping up as well. Both brands… Direct to consumer. You can find Rocker BMX bikes on Amazon, which from a small businesses like a shops perspective, is the devil because it can allow a brand to sell direct, skipping the core distributors and shops who need as little competition as possible to make sure they can sustain. Why go to your local shop when you can order it on Amazon and get it in two days with free shipping if you’re a Prime member?
BMX is built around a support system that is more geared toward small businesses building their local scenes and keeping kids and adults on their bikes. The chain goes something like this… A brand develops a product, whether it be a completely original design or straight out of a catalog in Taiwan or China with their logo on it and maybe a few minor aesthetic changes or it’s made here in the U.S by FBM, Standard or S&M for example or another country with a similar in-house setup. That product is then sold by the brand to the distributors around the world who then sell to the shops and mail-orders to sell to you, the consumer. In some cases, the brand will go direct to mail-orders or a shop when distributors slack on picking up their range of products as well which is acceptable if the distributor doesn’t want it but the shop or mail-order does. You would be surprised by the slack there can be in some of these chains.
Now, that local shop is able to supply riders in their area, or worldwide if their online store is getting that kind of reach, which helps to build up a local scene because riders are able to link up because of this common ground. We see a lot of shops throwing jams and events to help keep riders excited and motivated to keep riding.
Alright, so the supply chain can lead to shops being able to run a successful business while developing local scenes that are recruiting riders who make up the scene in an area, potentially growing the number of riders substantially if done correctly. That chain of events has been the way BMX has operated for quite some time now and it’s definitely important and why so many people are getting fired up over this.
The big argument we’re seeing here is that the direct to consumer route is not only preventing the creation of potential jobs offered by distributors and shops, but that they’re also undercutting these shops pretty substantially in the process. For example, Mafia Bikes might make a complete bike that could be comparable in price to let’s say a bike that Subrosa, Volume or Wethepeople make, but because they are getting the products made and then selling them online, direct to the consumer, skipping distributors and shops, those mark ups in price that those two steps add to the price are eliminated as well. Instead of offering the bike for a comparable price to a complete bike sold in a shop, they’re offering the bike for the price a distributor or shop might be paying. Which then makes it impossible for shops to compete. Parents will see they could get something similar for half the price and click away on Amazon without having to go out of their way to visit a shop (that is until they need help assembling these bikes properly).
As Harry mentions in in his interview, he talks about how Mafia is selling tons of bikes and they’re getting kids on bikes. Which, sure, they can prove that these bikes are selling. I don’t doubt it. Their key demographic is kids, and kids require money supplied by their parents which let’s be real, will always look for a cost effective way to get their kid what they want. That’s great, for Mafia Bikes, Harry Main and their manufacturer who are producing these bikes that are selling and the parents saving some money.
Did you notice anything missing there? That list of people benefitting is pretty short. That’s what is firing up a lot of people… Shops, distributors and other brands that can’t compete with that and riders that understand that BMX is more than a nice bike for a good price.
Another argument we’re seeing is that Harry and Mafia are saying these bikes are converting kids into BMX riders that will support the industry because once that bike goes to shit, they will potentially buy something nicer whether it is another complete bike or aftermarket frames and parts… From a local shop or mail-order? Is that the case? Well, it’s kind of hard to tell. There might be places where this is occurring, but I’ll be honest and say I’ve never seen a Mafia Bikes bike in real life. I couldn’t tell you if the product is quality or complete garbage. But, yeah, it’s possible that some of these kids are going to keep riding after their first bike, but it’s probably one in ten.
On the flip side of that argument, we’re seeing people talking about how these kids will pick up the bikes and give up because they won’t see BMX in the right light and just end up cruising up and down their street and then moving on to something else once they get bored. There’s undoubtably a different perspective of what is possible when you see BMX through a shop, but that’s not always accessible for people either. The next best thing is a skatepark. More and more skateparks are popping up all around the world and they’re playing to the advantage of getting and keeping riders interested.
Unfortunately without a support system, a good number of riders eventually get bored and do pursue new adventures beyond the skatepark. The car, a job and girls are frequently looked on as BMX killers. It’s inevitable… I’ve seen A LOT of talented riders move on from BMX because other interests or they didn’t have enough going on to keep them riding. At 27 years of age, going to the skatepark for a session can suck when you don’t have anyone your age around anymore. All your friends have moved on from riding to pursue something else, go to school, get a job, get married, pop some kids out, etc. and you’re stuck being the weird old guy playing B-I-K-E with a 12 year old… Who happens to be better than you, haha.
Do I feel like having a lack of that scene to motivate everyone to keep riding is partially to blame? Yes.
When I first got into BMX, there was a set of trails that a good number of riders called home. Once that place was plowed, a lot of those guys stopped riding because there wasn’t this place that kept everyone motivated. Then the local outdoor skatepark was built and a bunch of people got into riding or started riding again. It was wild. We probably had 25 guys who all rode BMX at least a couple times a week. But after a while, riding the same stuff faded out. Another set of trails got started, but eventually that faded out as well. You can see where this is going again… Ups and downs caused by new outlets for people to get excited about bikes then get bored again.
So, do I believe BMX needs these local shops, fueled by distributors and brands are important? I do. Do I think it’s because of their ability to supply the latest products? Maybe a little, but it’s more about having a community and epicenter that helps keep BMX riders riding. Does that require a shop? Not necessarily. There’s a lot of scenes that don’t have a proper shop in their area thanks to mail-orders to keep people riding. Does it require a skatepark? It helps .. But that isn’t all that will keep riders riding. What is it that BMX needs to survive? It needs community. It needs communication. It needs motivated people to keep pushing themselves and their friends to keep the fire burning. It needs jams and events. It needs ANYTHING that will keep everyone riding. Whether it’s a kid just getting started or that 40 year old guy who has been killing it for years completely wrapped in all the pads on because it’s secretly holding his entire body together from all the sessions over the years.
When you have that community, the local shop can survive, the local skatepark can have amazing sessions, the trails can keep running, the road trips keep happening, the jams and events are thrown… and RIDERS KEEP RIDING.
Do I think direct to consumer brands are bad? Yeah, I think it’s bad in the sense that it does kill shops and distributors and it does kill brands because there’s really no way to compete with that approach when trying to SUPPORT and motivate others to keep working on that regional or local level to help keep riders motivated. Do I think this is going to kill BMX? Right now… No. I’m sure if we surveyed BMX riders if they would buy a Mafia Bikes product, 98% would say no or “What the hell is a Mafia Bike!?”
Do I think things need to change? Do I think the current system is struggling? Yes. I really do. Do I have the answers as to what needs to change? No. But there are guys who have been in this industry longer than I that probably could solve this puzzle.
The industry does need to figure out a way to be competitive on and offline. We need to figure out how to fix the problems that are causing the problems versus just Tweeting vague comments about the issues. We have made it this far, this won’t be what kills BMX. It’s growing pains and it’s going to happen in every industry and every persons life.
All I can tell you is that I still want to open a shop and an indoor skatepark, I still want to be on a non-profit organization that is working to build up the local skatepark, I still want to keep throwing contests and jams and I still want to keep typing away on this computer keeping this website updated. Why? Because I want to keep people motivated on riding and being apart of BMX. I want to keep building up the scene and exposing BMX to more people.
Do I want to make more money? Yeah, sure… That would be great. I’d love to take a vacation some time… That’s not my end goal for wanting to keep doing all those things.
So, that’s my thirty four cents or so on the subject. Let’s hear what you have to say in the comments.
Well said. We need more people like you in BMX. Willing to lay it all out for what it is and not bitch and moan about it hoping that someone else will solve your problems for you. Thank you for this great read and best of luck with your shop and park.
Thank you!
Wasn’t there an extreme sports company in the mid 90s the made direct to sale bikes? I think they did other things like snowboards and junk to? Anyone remember that? Anyway, I never saw one in real life.. they didn’t have much support and failed.
Good for Mafia if they make it. I haven’t heard of any of their stuff and a lot of parents like to buy bikes from shops because of warranty/repair. If they make quality stuff and support the scene then cool. Only time will tell.
Not sure. I know the Vein / Ezra thing Eastern did was a pretty messy one though. It’s definitely good to see people who appreciate shops, too. It would be great if they did a bunch of stuff to benefit BMX, but I don’t know.. It doesn’t appear that way if so few people have actually heard of them.
Such a great article. Same thoughts even when I’m reading this like 4700 miles away!
Thanks!
The streets are always there. If BMX is in your heart, that will always be there. I agree totally with what your saying, but think in terms of keeping riders interested then no. You either love it or you dont. I’m 43 now and have quit and started riding again 4 times already (at great expense) I’m not selling my bike ever. I need her in my life. Even if I dont ride for a few years here and there. BMX for life.
Rob Wilson. Birmingham England. UK.
They definitely are. It’s something you’re in it or you’re not. That’s why we see a lot of people come and go, but there are a lot of lifers like yourself that stick around.
Also take into cosideration that these kids that get the direct sale bike have to build the bike they buy I’m not saying it’s complicated but it’s easy to forget to tighten your head set clap to your stem or you don’t tight your bars all the way I can go on for days on little things you can forget I work at a bike shop and I deal with a lot of fix it them self customers and they do more damage than good bike shops prevent a lot of that for the young riders that can’t really get it right or even father’s that don’t know what there doing it exists shops keep riding safer
Yup. Definitely know what you mean. It’s pretty wild how bad they get. Even department store bikes that are put together by employees can be horrid, haha.
Its been practically a decade of riding for me and I’ve seen more shops come and go than I can count on my hands. BMX is expensive. Cars outweigh bikes because they are certainly cheaper to build. Girls put out more than bikes. And everyone needs a job. I think this is a good move for BMX, I don’t think it will be hugely successful but it will help get some kids on bikes. In my ten years of being involved with local BMX communities shops have contributed very slightly. As a matter of fact, shops have created rivalries and parted groups. I’ve found that my local trails and parks have giving me the best prospect in terms of fun riding and great friends. In short, shops can suck, but riding bikes will never suck. Goodluck to mafiabikes.
Ok just like you I have been in the BMX scene for many years , I am the 38 year old at the park when I can get there and raced for years, so I understand and remember heading to my LBS to see what was new and I have a LBS in town with great people . In fact the town I am in have 2 LBS’s and another 15 miles away and many more an hour away in Nashville . As much as I love the guys at the LBS here other than working on bikes none of them know squat about BMX , all have a few cheap completes but they don’t know or care about BMX , everything is MTN bikes ( that I also ride ) or road/ cycleX , if I need a part I have to hope they have a distributor who carries it and even then if it isn’t in their over all catalog I have to know the part # . I didn’t grow up here and moved here 7 years ago , the town I lived in before that had 3 LBS’s in a 30 min circle and even with more race tracks and parks in the area the BMX scene wasn’t catered to much better . the excuse then was that Dan’s comp and other online shops were killing their sales for BMX . There are just as many online shops for MTN bikes as there are for BMX so this doesn’t hold water , and neither does the excuse about direct to consumer companies . As BMX what need to happen is a many headed monster to many things this industry and the riders themselves need to get over themselves at times . There is to much hate and envy of other forms of riding , ” we don’t need MTN bike tech ” until a pro uses it then every one has to have it , the same goes for the companies , if they don’t start as BMX then they are looked down on unless a top pro rides for them or is winning all the time , or if like a few companies have done start their BMX under a new name . We as riders need to look at our LBS’s and to ourselves before we worry about what company is selling in what way . When old guys like me were kids the more LBS’s were around meant the more bikes we could test because they were all using different distributors , now days that doesn’t seem to matter because they don’t keep them in the store unless they are cheap lines that they won’t take a major loss on because they are more worried about having 20 MTN and road bikes on the floor that can make a bigger profit on due to much higher prices . This is not just the LBS’s fault but it isn’t companies like Mafia’s fault either , and I like most riders have gone to a LBS for what should be a quick fix stop and instead has a “tech ” who knows nothing of BMX and either I end up out of luck until I can order it or frustrated by the person I should be looking to for info who knows 1/4 what I do . since I ride BMX freestyle and Race , and also ride MTN bikes , I know that standard brakes for MTN bikes are disk , so I went to a LBS for a linear side pull brake for 1 of my race bikes and asked for BMX style race breaks , the tech looked at me like I asked him for condoms , before telling me the only BMX breaks they had were these and walked me to a set of 1999’s . I asked him if they sold tectro brakes and he asked and said yes and handed me the catalog I looked them up and showed him the linears and he looked at me and said ” those are MTN bike breaks” so I asked him to show me a set on a MTN bike in the shop , the owner then said to me do you even know what you are looking for , I looked at him and said yes I know what I am looking for and what they are used on unlike your tech . After I pointed at the pic in their catalog he walked me over and grabbed a set for me before telling me that their only BMX sales are mid lever Haro and SE completes so their techs don’t know much about BMX since it doesn’t sell and blamed Dan’scomp and other online’s for the lack of BMX sales , When I talked to local riders they blamed the LBS’s lack of knowledge for going to the online’s . This is a vicious circle that BMX follows both from shops and from within , and before we blame new ideas we need to work on the existing problems .
This is so on point! Everything that was said has been on my mind for some time now. I’ve been constantly looking for ways tree as a company can strengthen the community. Granite sales and funds are low but that doesn’t mean we can’t do something. Primarily why I started our roots team, I wanted something that could give riders an incentive to want to push further into what bmx is. Granite my true plan behind it is a little harder than I had imagined to work out but that’s was never a reason to give up, we just had to change it up a little bit. BMX as a whole needs to come together for this. 2016 can be badass for bmx. It will be badass for bmx!
Technology is the driver of change here. Compare social media with traditional media say 15 years ago, brands now have a 24/7 grip on customers, a DIRECT hold on everyone who is interested (traditional media like magazines and even websites to some extent are not required in this new mix). Not just BMX retail, but in all other retail industry (fashion, health, sports), brands have the opportunity to engage directly with their customers, no more £5000 back cover adverts etc.. It’s instantanious and interactive. The guys at Mafia have just been a bit crude really, disrupting the system that has been in place for the last 40 years, but it’s technology that is changing the way brands and consumers engage. It’s too tempting for brands to save a few extra bucks by going direct. I suspect we will see a lot more of this in the next ten years though as a younger generation grows up with the knowledge they were brought up on (post 2005 habits).
I get the impression that Harry has been spoon fed some of the information he talked about, in the interview it came across a little ‘stiff’ is the only word that comes to mind. I don’t really feel those are Harry’s prime intentions to get more kids on bikes, like some saviour who has come to save the BMX world. He is making a living, a career, money talks.
What’s the answer here? Maybe a governing body like United Nations to govern and manage crisis like these. But maybe not. The future of BMX lies in all of our hands. Brands, distributors, media and consumers. We all have to do some thinking (yeah thinking) and ask what is the best option for the future of BMX, how will my little brother or my son or daughter be able to have the same experience I had on a bike and see all the places I have because of my bike? As you say in the original post, BMX is about community and to add to that experience. Not the tricks, the money or the fast cars (when did fast car culture become so engrained in the pro BMX lifestyle – that’s another topic on itself!).
So if you have an important role to play in BMX, pro role model, brand owner, media guy or retailer, ask yourself what can you do today to change BMX for the better, get new kids stoked on riding and keep that BMX flame alive. Peace.
Money ruins sport . I was bought up with its not win or loose its how you play the game. Money brings cheating and all that other shit 2nd place first looser and so on.
As a bike company sales rep, this hits close to home. The way retail in general has changed over the last five years is incredible to all businesses. You can’t fight change. You can’t fight the internet. What you can do is work smarter and around it. This means both shops and brands will have to offer something the internet doesn’t, service, comradery and tactile contact with the product. Traditionally, direct to consumer has worked in the bicycle world for entry level product. When people are going to spend real money, they generally want to see or ride the bike first. Yes, you can buy a pair of shoes online but if you want a suit, you are going to go to the store and try it on.
As a good mechanic, I have polished many turds belonging to the kids in my neighborhood. I can make a Wal-Mart bike roll and skid and even shift gears. I have also seen high end bikes that rode like crap because they weren’t put together properly. Direct to consumer sales are always going to be hindered by low quality or poor assembly.
When looking at Harry, whom I have never met, I am trying not to place judgement. He is talented and I’m all about riders being able to make a living from their bikes. He’s also doing whatever he wants which is what freestyle is all about. He is trying to make things better for himself and get bikes out there to people. One thing I did feel after reading his interview was a lack of gratitude. As a human being, it’s our job to progress but we also need to be conscious and appreciative of the people and structures that helped us achieve or success. It’s not only about us as individuals. Harry wouldn’t be where he is without the right people behind him. Maybe he needs to pause and think about all the good fortune he has had, not only his hard work at riding. I don’t blame him for this as I know he’s 25 and when I was that age I didn’t understand that concept either. He hasn’t experienced enough life to get that yet. Unfortunately, I’m afraid his negative comments will make him a pariah in the industry. As the old saying goes, “You don’t shit where you eat”.
As someone who works in the industry, I have learned that the business side is a completely different thing from actually riding. Now, my riding has led me to being able to make a living and support my family and I respect that. BMX has given me a life. As an older rider, I want to make BMX better for everyone. It’s not all about me anymore. That’s why I love being on the business side of BMX. I’m helping and I believe in my company’s products. It’s all about giving back. Harry’s words come across as he only wants to take.
I could go on forever about this but I won’t. Harry can choose to do whatever he wants and I respect that but I am reminded of an interview with Robert Plant when he was asked about why he avoided interviews in the early days of Led Zeppelin. Robert said “I figured I was just a 19 year old kid, what did I know?” He kept his mouth shut, did what he was good at doing and changed both music and the way the industry worked.
Thanks for this Kurt. Good summary of it all in my opinion.
As always Kurt, you hit the nail on the head, for the most part. I think we all need to take a step back from the industry and look at the sectors of the market we’re filling: Manufacturing, Distribution, Sales, Maintenance, Digital Media Marketing, all while piggybacking off the tourism industry. I believe our industry has left a tremendous void in the services that should be provided at the community level, Camp Woodwards great, but not so much for the local scene.
When compared to other sports(and I know so many people are against the idea of calling BMX a sport, but they need to get over it) you see a clear direction taken in every instance where training is provided for those without experience, sure at a cost to the parents but that’s the point. We can’t put everyone interested in the sport on the manufacturing line or in shops to sell bikes that aren’t selling. Parents spend over 3 billion dollars a year on after school sports programs that help develop the athletes, the community, and the longevity of the interest in said sport. If done correctly, the service provider will teach the community how to get their kids into this sport, safely(which has been a big turn off for many parents).
It shouldn’t be something that the manufacturers and distributors are forced into doing though, rather, like we’ve discussed local community sports managers need to step up. Leaders of the local community need to step up. Arizona State University’s got an excellent Sports Management program that’s been answering a lot of questions I’ve had about all this. And lets not leave it up to the Manufacturers to design something for us, they’ve already done enough. It’s time for a new sector in our industry to emerge that provides the services that are needed for the community…I’m getting there.
Hope the park works out, and big time Kudos for all the ish you’ve done for your local community, the industry, and other communities around the globe.
Totally agree.
Anything could change,Brands,companys,business,even the industry.But the love will never be changed.Real riders will do what ever it helps the bmx grow.
We are a chinese bmx website.Been working on our own BMX industry since 2005.Price of bikes are not that directly changes peoples mind.Because there are bunch of factorys selling cheap bikes to the market,trust me Mafia isn’t the cheapest.But it wasn’t changed chinese bmx market.Kids still into the core brand and all the new shit come from them。The business still running and growing.
All we need to do is keep promoting this sports,this is what we love!Keep Riding to everyone who’s trully love BMX~
I think a lot of truth is said in this statement. Thank you for that Kurt. It is guys like you who keep BMX going and evolve.
But i’ld like to add, that people like the guy of Mafia or Harry obviously doesn’t seem to notice:
Direct sales via Amazon or Ebay give money to companies that have nothing to do with BMX and care less about the rider, or seller, or buyer than any one else. They take money out of your pocket and the development of new products. By using Amazon you are having some kind of distro, even if it is virtual. You have to pay them to sell via amazon and all they do is giving a platform. There is no service. In fact there are other companies earning money by helping businesses to sell via Amazon and with all the storage and shipping and stuff. In the end you can sell a product cheaper by shoveling an important amount of money out of the industry you are a part of and out of the sport.
My best regards from Germany
Jacob
Harry keeps talking about how he wants to bring cheaper products to the market in order to help more kids get into BMX, I find that funny because surely if that was your objective you’d work for next to nothing?
I wonder how much of a cut he is getting on each Hitmain product sold? He doesn’t seem so concerned about that increasing the price though……
Thanks for this. I’m far from being a great outsource on the matter. Anyway one thought occurred me: it’s known that it’s 10 times harder to keep a customer (biker) than to get a new one. So unless mafia bikes costs like 30 bucks it’s a cheap business. Cheers and keep up with the good stuff!
Mafia bikes are garbage, this I can confirm. Lots of them here in the UK too.
A bit late to this article but… 44 here, nice to see another old rider on here. I loved BMX and rode (badly) during the dizzying heights of the Kellogs series, the worlds in Carlisle (1st time I saw Matt Hoffman) and later the backyard jams; watching Bestwick and co. jump the insane chasm before it all went a bit mad. Eddie Fiola, Bob Haro, Mike Dominguez, Craig Cambell, Matt Hoffman, Dave Mirra etc. were my heroes growing up.
I continued riding up until about 15 years ago when my bike was ruined in a flood, and as no-one I knew rode any more I never replaced it.
I recently started riding again when I took my kids to the local Skatepark and realised how much I missed it. I still suck big-time, but even if it is just having fun with abubaca’s, kickturns, etc. it is in my blood. Slamming hurts a lot more than it used to but … I don’t want to stop again when the Chief Exec where I work says to me “how old are you?!”.
Anyway to the point… I miss seeing rider-run events like the Backyard Jams, there was a sense of community that has stayed with me for life. As such I try to buy my stuff through online retailers like Dead Sailor who have been excellent. But sometimes I need to get something cheap/quickly, and I will buy through winstanley’s etc. (I also recently bought some Kool Stop’s through Amazon). So I am part of the problem… but so long as I try to buy through the buyer-owned stores as well I hope I am helping to keep this amazing sport alive and hopefully support people like Kurt who are so important to this passion of ours (regardless of age ;)).
Ive been following the goings on with Mafia bikes since Harry Main announced all this a few weeks ago.
Im 45 now (I began riding in ’79 and gave up around ’95) and have seen BMX rise and fall then rise again.
A friend of mine recently got back into skating and asked if I wanted to go to a local skatepark, I took an old beater GT and enjoyed myself so decided to take a look at a more modern bike…
I decided to go with a Mafia simply because I wanted to be rolling for the cheapest possible price (and without having to waste time going don the second hand route)
The bike arrived promptly and it was rideable in no time… I believe its not a Chromoly frame but its never going to do 10ft airs under my ownership, its pretty nice to ride and am gaining confidence again riding skateparks.
Now this is the important bit…
Im back on a BMX bike and already have upgraded several parts on the bike via bike shops, and hopefully if I continue to enjoy riding I will 100% spend some money on a better set up (possibly even look at a Laird frame)
So, yes Mafia does get people on bikes and as Harry says himself hopefully they will move onward to something better via a bike shop!
This is my situation as well. I rice mostly 29″ bikes or Cyclocross, but there is a skatepark nearby, and the city just completed a pump track. I’m too old and beat down to grab my skateboard, but riding a bike is way easier on my old bones.
Now my boy turns 7 soon, and I see these bikes as a kind of ‘Gateway drug’ into bikes and biking in general. He loves to watch MTB and BMX videos, and I always tell him he needs to practice and ride to get that good.
If a Mafia bike gets him into riding all the time and creates a love of bikes, I have NO doubt it will help him understand the need for quality parts as well as a support crew and scene that he helps out by NOT buying online.
If I get him one, I may as well get myself one to ride, as it will keep my 47 year old fat ass outside and connecting with my kid over bikes. Maybe it will work, maybe not. Worst case scenario, I sell it after he gets bored and he goes back to Minecraft and Lego.
When I buy my bikes and parts, I DO go to the local shop though. Treat them well, and they treat you nicely right back with BBQ’s, sometimes a beer or three, stickers, no charges on tune-ups… It’s always something small, but I give them my money, they show me love by dropping a few euros here and there off price.
This is true, I mean we’re not 100% into brands that solely sell direct and bypass the whole system entirely. I think it is important to focus on the shops and distributors, but people want options, they want simplicity and they want a great price. Especially when it’s a point where you’re not 100% sure if it’s something your kid will be into. It would suck to spend a bunch of money on a quality bike and have it sit, but at the same time that kid could get into it and that is where having core shops and places like skateparks are super important. I think online is important and there needs to be as many possible ways for brands or shops to reach customers. I think if a brand that strikes a balance between the two, it’s perfectly okay and necessary to do. Especially in 2017.