What do you think will happen to the UK bike retail industry?

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katiewlx

Senior Member
Isn’t that Rapha’s holding company?

BikeRadar’s published an opinion piece on the Rapha situation, but it’s sheer speculation…

https://www.bikeradar.com/features/...so-whats-next-for-the-troubled-clothing-brand

makes some good points that Id already noted though, she resigned via a social media post, Rapha took till the afternoon to confirm it, alongside its planned financial update, which the former ceo must have known about in advance was happening, whilst those figures are hard to defend anyway, might they have been looking to change leadership anyway, who knows.

But it reminds people pointedly Rapha was started as a passion brand, almost expecting the reader to question, so what drives that passion now 24 years later ? because that seems to be the thing thats missing. like does anyone understand the Novantasei collection theyve just launched ? who is it supposed to appeal to ?
 

brommieinkorea

Über Member
I want to replace my broken bike, but today’s prices are putting me off cycling.

Do I want to be in a hobby that’s normalised bikes averaging out £3k or more per bike?

It’s not rational, as I have enough savings to afford a new bike. But the industry’s pricing puts me off this hobby—despite being keen until now, including racing triathlons. I’ve paused on purchasing.

Bikes are cheap. You want an expensive hobby , try sailing.
 

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Katana

Well-Known Member
Depends what you want to get out of the bike or what exactly you would be using it for? You can still buy a reasonably good bike for under £500. Obviously if money was no object then it’s a different story!! Bike industry like any other industry is always trying to find ways for buyers to spend more so that their profits soar. Do we all really need top grade carbon frames with all the top of the range wheelsets and groupsets and the answer is no.
 

Happy_Days

Senior Member
Brandon McNulty is an American. Already, many will have seen him wearing the brand (the logo was highly visible) while winning the world championship. That’s excellent and positive exposure for Rapha – a brand now associated with the current word champion.

And in the lead up to the Olympics, Rapha’s US marketing team can leverage this via advertising and social media showing an American wearing Rapha while winning the world championship.
 
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ivegotabike

Well-Known Member
Brandon McNulty is an American. Already, many will have seen him wearing the brand (the logo was highly visible) while winning the world championship. That’s excellent and positive exposure for Rapha – a brand now associated with the current word champion.

And in the lead up to the Olympics, Rapha’s US marketing team can leverage this via advertising and social media showing an American wearing Rapha while winning the world championship.

Supporting the USA Cycling national team is a big part of Rapha's current strategy.

McNulty's win should certainly be a boost.

I don't think it is unfair to say that Rapha was probably not expecting it to happen.

But I expect they will be out of the blocks pretty quickly with their efforts to capitalise on it

https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/story/usa-cycling
 

Ming the Merciless

There is no mercy
Photo Winner
May as well lock the thread now ;)

Loctite blue or something stronger?
 

Webbo2

Veteran
Brandon McNulty is an American. Already, many will have seen him wearing the brand (the logo was highly visible) while winning the world championship. That’s excellent and positive exposure for Rapha – a brand now associated with the current word champion.

And in the lead up to the Olympics, Rapha’s US marketing team can leverage this via advertising and social media showing an American wearing Rapha while winning the world championship.

Now the Worlds is over where will you see an American in the world tour wearing Rapha.
 

katiewlx

Senior Member
Supporting the USA Cycling national team is a big part of Rapha's current strategy.

McNulty's win should certainly be a boost.

I don't think it is unfair to say that Rapha was probably not expecting it to happen.

But I expect they will be out of the blocks pretty quickly with their efforts to capitalise on it

https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/story/usa-cycling

well Rapha were all in on the US team because of the Olympics in 2028, no Ive still not heard anyone explain why that helps but the almost hilarious problem of course is McNulty rides for a team sponsored by a different kit maker who will do the WC jersey instead, and Rapha wont get alook in on it. or be able to market against it unless the USA team invent some race that UAE dont enter but USA do.

so well done Rapha, awesome marketing there :smile:
 
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