Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #109 Sponsored by Bike Rags

Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted talk about the recent actions taken by Specialized and several other companies to slash marketing and support for "adventure based" riding. But first, N.Y. roll gives us a correction from the last podcast and some additional cold weather riding tips. Then the guys dive into the story as seen on Bikepacking.com (see link below) Also, N.Y. Roll references the population of Shanghai, China. He thought it was 12 million. It is in fact 26.3 million.  Next Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll look at how things like these reported cuts are seen in terms of business and how that affects people. People on both sides of the issue, by the way. The guys also take a look at reasons why these companies like Specialized may have chosen to cut where they did. 

The scale of the bike business is then compared to some other industries and what sponsored athletes might actually be getting and how they have to work at it versus what perceptions are about that amongst bike riders. 

Next the guys get into what is going on with supply and demand in the bicycle business world. They discuss how the bicycle business will focus on eBikes and gravel cycling in the near term, and how consolidation will factor into the future of brands. How this will affect riders and sponsored athletes is discussed. 

Guitar Ted's Take On The Specialized Announcement: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/12/adventure-marketing-gets-axed.html

Bikepacking.com's article referenced in the podcast: https://bikepacking.com/news/specialized-terminates-adventure-ambassador-program/