Monday, December 8, 2014

Nahbs 2015 Louisville…why I’m choosing to exhibit

The North American Hand built bicycle show is a concept that teems with potential and opportunity for the small independent frame builder.  Never before has there been a vehicle that affords the prospect of global awareness for hand built brands, creating prospective customers outside the normally regional appeal our industry tends to propagate. 
During its tenure, the show has evolved from a small gathering of fabricators and key suppliers to an assemblage of creative companies, representing a broad view of the cycling industry.  Though some have argued that the show has lost its focus on the hand built bicycle as it has grown, the key platform and interest for the individual fabricator has remained steadfast;
-         
-     - a venue that allows for direct interaction with potential customers, facilitating the start of a business relationship in areas outside the business’s normal geographic reach
-         -  Media exposure that bolsters builder recognition and broadens awareness of hand built bikes
-          - Creates opportunities for builders and their vendors for face to face communication, development of product ideas, streamlining supply options
-         -  Integrates ancillary cycling products into the show, drawing cycling enthusiasts, increases potential reach and exposure for exhibitors.
-          - Provides for an instructional medium within the seminar framework, encouraging mentorship.
-         -  Creates a physical sense of community amongst builders who typically labor in solitude.  

      It is with these benefits foremost in mind that I feel supporting the show by consistent attendance should be a priority in each builders business plan.  Fabricators working at capacity will not realize a Return on Investment for participation that is tangible.  However, their participation does keep the industry in the eye of the customer, provides a vehicle for new builders to find an audience, and invests in the industry that has provided a living wage throughout a career.  The show benefits all who engage in the custom bicycle industry whether they attend or not, is there not a responsibility to give back?

Much debate has transpired within the small hand built community regarding the direction and administration of the show by its Director/Owner, Don Walker.  As a business owner who is engaging in a relationship with Nahbs, I feel it is important to recognize that in this circumstance, I am not only a customer, but have an invested interest in the success and longevity of the show.  To insure it’s opportunities continue to be available to industry members, it is my responsibility to give feedback to create an ever improving environment for positive change.  For Nahbs to evolve as the leading marketing medium for the small fabricator, I would recommend;
-          
      - A renewed focus on Customer Service to builders that facilitates a sense of ownership/importance of Nahbs in their business plan. 
-          - Affordability – Nahbs needs to establish a financial model that enables attendance for its diverse range of exhibitors as well as to provide a fiscal foundation for future existence.  Tiered pricing that supports the independent fabricator, as they are the focus of the show, facilitates annual attendance due to consistent cost expectations.
-         -  Focus on the hand built fabricator by centralizing their booth spaces to support each other.  Surround the builders by their supply partners, offering consumers a direct visual correlation of the goods that go into the finished product.  Ring the event by ancillary vendors that bring the fun and accessories of every day cycling to the marketing mix.
-          - Professional development – many who attend the show have an interest in someday entering the industry, it should be a goal of this gathering to provide educational awareness and mentorship opportunities.
-        -   Equitable show location choices in top tier cities, throughout the United States, proportionally locating between the coasts and middle so no one has to travel across the country more than 2 years in a row.  Travel and logistics are the largest portion of show participation costs, reduce the financial strain by insuring equality in location choices.
-          - Discontinue the Awards structure…encourage builders to bring product that represents the typical work from their shop and allow the crowds to provide affirmation through their ultimate choice in who they wish to work with.

And as a personal note to Don…the strength of a man’s character is often defined by his ability to let go of past transgressions and accept people as they are, celebrating their strengths and supporting them when they are in need.  You have assumed the mantel of an advocate for the custom bicycle fabricator, and subsequently, a responsibility to lead.  Do so with honesty and respect for those you serve, and they will return it in kind. 

In its short life, Nahbs has been responsible for launching many new careers, fortifying existing business success, and bringing a global awareness and recognition to the hand built industry.  I have been pleased to be part of that success and choose to continue to support the opportunities it presents.

See ya all in Louisville.

rody




Sunday, December 7, 2014

2015 Hot Rod Orders



Here's the skinny on cranks for this year.  I will be offering cranks in steel or titanium, lengths of 170mm - 190mm, with a four arm 104/74 spider or custom chain wheel configuration, for 68-73 width bottom brackets, in graphite black ceramic finish. If other options become available during the year, I will advise of such, but for now, that is where we are at.

There will no longer be any wholesale discounts available. Fewer units mean I need to maintain my margin to keep the lights on and the kid’s college tuition paid. Sorry.

I will be producing cranks three times this year.

As we are taking orders for the entirety of 2015, the spots will fill based on first come, first served, the first months run is already filled with previous orders. To secure a place in line, please send a $50 non-refundable deposit by Paypal to rody@groovycycleworks.com. Please note in the comments box the material (steel or Ti), length desired, and if you need a spider.  Please insure your shipping address is correctly noted on your account. We will acknowledge your order and advise what month the cranks will ship as well as the final amount due when your item is ready. Not sure you want to commit without knowing your production date…drop me an email and we’ll let you know where we are at.

Thanks,

rody

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

2015 Luv Handle orders

It’s time to open the order books for 2015 Luv Handles.  



There are a few changes this season that I’d like to review; first and foremost, I will only be producing Titanium bars from this point forward.  This decision was not easy, as I do value a product range that allows a range of fiscal levels, however, I just cannot physically continue to produce 400+ bars each year.  Moving to titanium only will allow a product that has the best blend of performance and durability, while allowing me to produce fewer units and maintain some balance in my life.

Secondly, there is no longer an upcharge for width changes; 25” to 30” in even inch increments will all be the same price.  As I’m doing fewer units, I can absorb the time it takes to modify the fixtures for individuals width needs.

Third, there will no longer be any wholesale discounts available.  Fewer units mean I need to maintain my margin to keep the lights on and the kid’s college tuition paid.  Sorry.

I will be producing bars bi-monthly.

So, with the preamble out of the way, here’s how to order.

As we are taking orders for the entirety of 2015, the spots will fill based on first come, first served.  To secure a place in line, please send a $50 non-refundable deposit by Paypal to rody@groovycycleworks.com.  Please note in the comments box the width desired, finish (blasted, brushed, ceramic, custom paint), and if a custom shim is needed.  Please insure your shipping address is correctly noted on your account.  We will acknowledge your order and advise what month the bar will ship as well as the final amount due when your item is ready.  Not sure you want to commit without knowing your production date…drop me an email and we’ll let you know where we are at.
Thanks for your patience.

For those of you interested in Hot Rods, I’ll be posting 2015 ordering info here on Friday!