Why your bike is made in Asia (1/3): A conversation with author Bill McGann

While there are a great number of passionate riders in Europe and in North America - and many brands based in both places - the vast majority of manufacturing for the bicycle industry is done in Asia. That wasn’t always the case. What changed? How did we get here? Today I am happy to have an expert on the show to answer exactly those questions. Bike industry veteran Bill McGann is the author of many books, including the recently released title, Why Your Bike is Made in Asia. Bill opened a bike shop in the US in 1974 with European bikes and parts, and then he launched Torelli Imports in 1981. In the years since, he has seen drastic changes, which he documents in his new book. You can buy the book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3CyqkNF Or, you can take Bill’s suggestion to support a small business and request the book at your local bookstore. The cover photo is from a tour of Giant’s Taiwan factory I did earlier this year, taken by Sterling Lorence. Look for upcoming videos on the subject - why your bike is made in Asia - as I speak with others involved in the international bicycle business. -- The Ride is supported in 2024 by: Castelli clothing: http://tinyurl.com/43k6pftp Perc Coffee: https://tinyurl.com/etzyekwr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Giro helmets: http://tinyurl.com/72svzzxp Silca maintenance: https://bit.ly/47xxvzj (save 10% with code 'theridewithben10') First Endurance nutrition: https://bit.ly/41SDgqq (save 20% with code 'THERIDE') Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r