Gary Fisher & John Bradley: Is the Golden Era Over? 🎙️

💥In this landmark 27th episode of Shop Talk Tuesday, we sit down with two titans of the industry: the "Godfather of Mountain Biking," Gary Fisher, and veteran analyst John Bradley. Recorded in late January 2026, this interview captures the industry at a pivotal moment during the "Great Reset." Gary provides an exclusive look at his work with Morelle, the e-bike brand revolutionizing the market with 15-minute fast-charging silicon batteries, while John breaks down the brutal reality of the 2026 "culling"—where mid-tier brands are vanishing under the weight of 100% tariffs. From the UCI's controversial decision to allow 32-inch wheels in XC racing to the rise of AI-driven service bays, this conversation is a masterclass in where cycling is headed and who will be left standing. Last Week's Episode: https://youtube.com/live/orPgCvzFLbE ✅ NBDA National Bicycle Dealers Association IBDs and small shops interested in becoming Members? The Guys' Discount: $50 off https://nbda.com/join-the-nbda/#join 🚨 Code: Iknowaguy2026 🚴‍♀️ Looking to upgrade your ride? The quickest way to enhance performance has always been with new wheels and an upgraded chain for crisper shifting. Plus, don't forget an excellent protected polish! 🛠 Trusted Partners Visit Here, ⬇⬇⬇ Start HERE ⬇⬇⬇ (Affiliate) ✅ https://iknowaguybicycles.com/partners/ Featured Products and Services: ✅ Bicycle Wheels Warehouse Custom Wheels for Rim Brakes: bicyclewheelwarehouse.com The Guys' Discount: 25% off purchases of $99 or more, site-wide. 🚨 Code: IKAG25 ✅ Vital Bike Chains - Custom Pre-Waxed Chains: 🚨 10% Coupon Code: GUY10 https://vitalbikechains.com/ @vitalbikechains ✅ Check some of Mendham's Bicycle Deals: https://mendhambikes.com/ 🚨 15% Coupon Code: KNOWNBIKEGUY ✅ If you shop on Amazon. ⬇⬇⬇ Start HERE ⬇⬇⬇ (Affiliate) (Amazon Store) https://www.amazon.com/shop/iknowaguybicycles ✅ Movies and Books to check out, all Cycling Related: (AmazonStore) #MyMediaList https://www.amazon.com/shop/iknowaguybicycles/media/amzn1.ideas.media.3M0VDEN7X6RWZ?ref_=aipsfmedialist https://www.amazon.com/shop/iknowaguybicycles/media/amzn1.ideas.media.2AOX0VNWUZSI2?ref_=aipsfmedialist 📬 Attention Companies: If you are interested in working with me, don't hesitate to get in touch with me here at justin@iknowaguybicycles.com #bike #bicycle #sports #shoptalktuesday #bikemechanic #bikeindustry #cycling #livestream #tariffs 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5845673356951552 1. Gary Fisher mountain bike history Timestamp: 0:41 Gary Fisher is introduced as the "grandfather" of the mountain bike. This search covers his early innovations in the 1970s and his role in creating the sport. 2. Trek Bicycles dealer network and brick and mortar strategy Timestamp: 3:08 Fisher discusses how Trek CEO John Burke managed struggling dealers by acquiring their shops and forgiving debt to preserve the "brick and mortar" presence. 3. Specialized vs. Trek vs. Giant bike industry competition Timestamp: 4:10 A comparison of how the "Big Three" bicycle manufacturers are navigating the post-pandemic market and their different approaches to retail and debt. 4. Canyon Bicycles layoffs and direct-to-consumer trends Timestamp: 8:55 The podcast touches on recent industry turmoil, including layoffs at Canyon, which highlights the pressures on the direct-to-consumer business model. 5. Impact of rising steel and aluminum prices on bike parts Timestamp: 9:25 Discussion regarding Park Tool and QBP (Quality Bicycle Products) facing doubled material costs and the resulting uncertainty in pricing for consumers. 6. The Schwinn Family documentary "No Hands" Timestamp: 11:06 Fisher mentions his involvement in a film about the five generations of the Schwinn family and the eventual downfall of their cycling empire. 7. ISO standards for tubeless rims and tires Timestamp: 14:19 A technical look at how modern ISO standards (like ETRTO) have changed rim measurements, sometimes making it harder for mechanics to seat tires. 8. TPU inner tubes vs. butyl tubes benefits Timestamp: 15:34 Fisher discusses the rise of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) tubes—known for being lightweight and recyclable—and their performance as emergency spares. 9. Clicks valve system for bicycles Timestamp: 16:47 A mention of the "Click" system (Schwalbe Clik Valve), a new simplified valve design intended to make pumping up tires easier for the average rider. 10. Why is gravel racing more popular than road racing? Timestamp: 21:01 The guests explain how high road closure costs and distracted driving (cell phone use) have pushed the cycling community away from paved roads and onto gravel.