Episode 1: Manufacturing Upheaval, Tariff Tensions, and the Stories Shaping Bike Retail

The inaugural episode of our quarterly news review series with Steve Frothingham, Editor in Chief of Bicycle Retailer Industry News. In this wide-ranging conversation, Steve shares his journey to the helm of the industry's leading trade publication and discusses how BRAIN operates under Outside Inc. ownership.

This episode dives deep into two of the most consequential stories from fall 2025: the shocking CBP announcement regarding Giant Manufacturing and allegations of forced labor, and Blaupunkt's strategic move to assemble e-bikes in North Carolina. Steve provides exclusive insights into how these stories broke, what they mean for retailers, and the broader implications of tariffs and supply chain shifts facing the bicycle industry.

Whether you're a bike shop owner navigating uncertain trade policies or an industry professional trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation delivers the context and analysis you need. Plus, Steve looks ahead to the stories that will dominate the rest of 2025 and into 2026.

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