Inside the Industry: A Quarterly News Review with Bicycle Retailer Industry News – Episode 1

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.

The NBDA has been here since 1946, representing and empowering specialty bicycle dealers in the United States through education, communications, research, advocacy, member discount programs, and promotional opportunities. As shops are facing never-before-seen circumstances, these resources offer a lifeline. Together, we will weather this. We at the NBDA will not waver in our commitment to serving our members even during this challenging time—but we need your support.

Now is the time to become a member as we join together to make one another stronger. Whether you’re a retailer or an industry partner, your membership in the NBDA is one of the best investments you’ll make this year. 

Learn more about the benefits of being a member and join now.