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In past years, we’ve done a series called ‘Bikes vs Skis’ where we’ve posed the question: Which bike company is most like which ski company? But this year, we’re zooming out a bit, and instead are putting up the whole ski industry vs the bike industry. In part 2 of this conversation, we take a look at the state of ski shops vs bike shops; what each industry is doing to grow participation and engagement in their sport; gear trend wins and fails; and we weigh in on which industry has the brighter future.
Today, you’ll hear from Blister reviewers Luke Koppa, David Golay, Simon Stewart, Kara Williard, Xan Marshland, and me.
RELATED LINKS:
BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered
Ski vs Bike Industry, Part 1
Our ‘Bikes vs Skis’ Series:
Bikes vs Skis, 4th Edition (2023): Part 1
Bikes vs Skis, 4th Edition (2023): Part 2
Bikes vs Skis, 4th Edition (2023): Part 3
Bikes vs Skis, 3rd Edition (2021): Part 1
Bikes vs Skis, 3rd Edition (2021): Part 2
Bikes vs Skis, 2nd Edition (2020): Part 1
Bikes vs Skis, 2nd Edition (2020): Part 2
Bikes vs Skis, 1st Edition (2018): Part 1
Bikes vs Skis, 1st Edition (2018): Part 2
TOPICS & TIMES:
Ski Shops vs Bike Shops (3:13)
Growing Participation: Ski vs Bike Industry (12:52)
Lift Tickets (25:01)
BMX Bikes (26:30)
Gear Wins & Fails (29:43)
Brighter Future? Ski or Bike Industry? (38:41)
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS (click each to learn more):
I’d call out that the future of mountain biking is very bright and growing thanks to trail associations. This is very strong in the PNW where the growth of trail networks are making it easier to access with flavors for everyone.
The festivals that they put on are a great way for the community to welcome new members.
Good points, Kyle!
Great show and a few comments from my lens on Bikes vs Skis living in Los Angeles.
1) I did not realize how silo’d, I view the bike industry as a consumer. As Triathlete, I own 2 bikes a Road Bike and a Time Trial bike. Even though I live in a beach community, and see Beach Cruisers and bikes of every shape and price point every day, I only looked at the Bike Industry in the high performance stuff. Which is just a TINY TINY sliver of the business. E – Bike’s are growing and I see people on all types of them. I think (I believe it was Simon) is correct, that genii is not going back into the bottle. Especially as cyclist age and cannot get up some of the hills (Road and Trail btw) without the assist. Gravel is a real growth spot for bikes. This would be bike #3 for me. Or a quiver disrupter replacing the TT Bike. But a Gravel bike is NOT a compromise for a road bike for anyone spending a lot of time on the bike.
2) Industry Obsolescence. In the last 3 to 4 years the Bike Industry has jammed Disc Breaks and Electronic shifting down our throats on Road and TT bikes. In my opinion (Yes I live in Southern California, and I get on Zwift at the hint of a drop of rain) for Road cycling and Racing especially on TT bikes. This is 100% un needed and not a performance improvement. “But Carbon Wheels… But get good Carbon Wheels with Good brake pads….(BTW, they don’t have to be the most expensive wheelsets either.”
*** Hot Take *** Zero sympathy if your DI2 fails on a TT Bike while you are climbing a hill. None.
3) Purchasing and Service. Location. Location. Location. In LA we have lost almost any kind of specially ski shop. Big Box is all we have. So our options for ski servicing and purchasing are REI / Sports Basement and or driving an hour or more to some small shop with limited inventory. Or buying and service when traveling to the mtn. Bike on the other hand, within 30 min there are a dozen bike shops selling and servicing every kind of bike at every price point. I am sure this changes in smaller towns, or less fit and affluent areas.
4) E -Commerce. Based upon bullet number 3 it does allow people to get access to parts and equipment they never would have before the internet. But I think most people learn the hard way here, and having an expert for somethings is required. And not so much for other items. In my book if “fit” is involved, it is expensive and or you have not used the item before. You probably need help.
* Buy in person with a fitter and a shop. ie TT Bike / Ski Boots
If you already know what you want, and have tried it then you can shop online.
* Last years ski that you have demo’d already that is 40% off.
* 100 M5 Bolts on Amazon, that you did not know existed until you stripped one.
Great show and topics. I guess my take away is pick your hobbies close to the environment you live in. In my case:
* Bikes, I am good.
* Skiing, I am challenged.