Velo Media

The Hidden Costs of Going Direct-to-Consumer

The Hidden Costs of Going Direct-to-Consumer Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : June 9, 2025 When Rapha pioneered direct-to-consumer sales in cycling, the promise was clear: cut out the middleman, keep the margin, build direct relationships with customers. Fast forward to 2024, and with top pure D2C brands posting net losses, it’s time… Continue reading The Hidden Costs of Going Direct-to-Consumer

Still a Nation of Shopkeepers? The Evolution of the UK Cycling Industry

Still a Nation of Shopkeepers? The Evolution of the UK Cycling Industry Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : May 11, 2025 The UK cycling industry has undergone dramatic transformation over the past decade, facing a perfect storm of challenges including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant shifts in retail dynamics. What was once… Continue reading Still a Nation of Shopkeepers? The Evolution of the UK Cycling Industry

How Tariffs Are Reshaping the Cycling Industry

How Tariffs Are Reshaping the Cycling Industry Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : April 14, 2025 In a recent conversation with Stijn Vriends, CEO of the Vittoria Group (tires), we discussed the significant impact of the newly announced tariffs and the subsequent 90-day pause that was implemented on April 9th, 2025. As uncertainty… Continue reading How Tariffs Are Reshaping the Cycling Industry

The Radavist has entered the Chat | tl;dr; The Bike Industry is Broken

The Radavist Has Entered the Chat | tl;dr; The Bike Industry is Broken Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : March 17, 2025 John ‘The Radavist’ Watson was an early guest on the podcast and his contribution to the cycling industry in terms of visual identity over the last 10 years has been remarkable.… Continue reading The Radavist has entered the Chat | tl;dr; The Bike Industry is Broken

When Channels Multiply But Budgets Don’t: Marketing Realities in Today’s Cycling Industry

When Channels Multiply But Budgets Don’t: Marketing Realities in Today’s Cycling Industry Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : March 3, 2025 In the not-so-distant past, marketing a cycling business was relatively straightforward: create one or two annual campaigns, place an ad in a cycling magazine, sponsor a team, press release here and there… Continue reading When Channels Multiply But Budgets Don’t: Marketing Realities in Today’s Cycling Industry

Service, Expertise, and Soul: The Irreplaceable Role of the Local Bike Shop

Service, Expertise, and Soul: The Irreplaceable Role of the Local Bike Shop Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : February 17, 2025 In an era where online shopping has revolutionized retail across virtually every sector, local bike shops have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite the surge in e-commerce over the past decade, these brick-and-mortar establishments… Continue reading Service, Expertise, and Soul: The Irreplaceable Role of the Local Bike Shop

The Fall of LA PASSIONE & Broken Promises of the D2C Model

The Fall of LA PASSIONE & Broken Promises of the D2C Model Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : February 3, 2025 The rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands over the past decade came with bold promises: better products, lower prices, and a more personalized customer experience – all made possible by “cutting out the… Continue reading The Fall of LA PASSIONE & Broken Promises of the D2C Model

Germany: The Crown Jewel of Europe’s Cycling Market

Germany: The Crown Jewel of Europe’s Cycling Market Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : January 20, 2025 If you spend any amount of time in the cycling business, you will come to realize that Germany is, hands down, the most important market in Europe for bicycles, parts, and accessories.    Germany is Europe’s… Continue reading Germany: The Crown Jewel of Europe’s Cycling Market

Is Cycling a Luxury Item?

Is Cycling a Luxury Item? Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : January 5, 2025 In recent years, more specifically after the pandemic, a trend has emerged in cycling: what was once a relatively accessible form of recreation and transportation is gradually transforming into a luxury pursuit. This evolution draws clear parallels with the… Continue reading Is Cycling a Luxury Item?

2024 Cycling Industry Shakeup: Winners, Losers, and Market Shifts

2024 Cycling Industry Shakeup: Winners, Losers, and Market Shifts Written by : Wyatt Wees Posted on : December 23, 2024 The cycling industry’s post-pandemic reality check continued through 2024, revealing a stark divide between established markets and emerging opportunities. While some industry giants successfully navigated these choppy waters through strategic pivots, several iconic brands faced… Continue reading 2024 Cycling Industry Shakeup: Winners, Losers, and Market Shifts