All sizes Sam Hillbornes in stock again; and new racks a-coming

July 16, 2009

We got in more 56cm Sams, along with some 60s, and this time in orange. You can see the colors on the Sam page.

We have a few new racks coming down the pike, ready in two to three months. Another Saddlesack, too. An XS, and it's really just a modified Keven's bag, our soon-to-be all-time best seller. Whatever name we or anybody call it, it's a great shape and style for a smallish seat bag. A neat little rectangle that tucks under the saddle and holds enough small stuff for anything.

Some of our suppliers are hurting because of the economy, and that worries us some, and makes us sad for them. Some good ones, with good people, and it's just really hard. One has been in business for a hundred years, and we're its best U.S. account.

In the bike industry, there are now 4,700 dealers. Does that sound like a lot?  In the late '80s there were about 7,500. In each of the past four years, 300 to 500 have closed. We're not sailing, but we're hanging in--and we rely entirely on your orders. Not just reading this and cheering, but now and then an order. Thanks for what you've done and can do.

Now, the bike industry, again. The average price for a new road bike is $1,500. The really hot price range is $2,700 to $3,800. When I read those figures (reliable industry sources), I look at Sam and Homer and think holy cow, we should double the prices. That won't happen, but they give you so much more.

Fifteen percent of new bike sales are road bikes.
Thirty-one percent are mountain bikes. Of those, fewer than 2 percent are "rigid," meaning no mechanical suspension.

People are buying tricked out mountain bikes, which aren't even considered tricked out anymore; and multi-thousand dollar carbonio bikes. That's what sells.

It's all OK, it's just bikes. Just bikes? It's more than that. Something else is going on.

Thanks for your support, your nice words, and your orders when you're able.

Grant