Originally Posted by
autonomy
Here's an interesting fact:
"The vast majority of REI shoppers (about 70% of them) identify as cyclists. But a small percentage purchase bikes from the store."
"Prices range from about $500 up to $2,300 for the bikes."
https://gearjunkie.com/rei-bike-brand-co-op-cycles
I did buy my bike from REI, but only because it was an end-of-season clearance Cannondale. I was looking at the Mazama/Safari this year to replace my heavy-ass MTB for commuting and carrying a kid. If they can reposition themselves as a well-built but excellent-value-for-the-money brand, a-la Honda, they will do well IMO. But for that they need to a. not cut corners on their craftmanship and b. market well to improve the brand's perception
Yeah, this one just scrolled up my FB feed and you beat me here with it.
“REI faced some brutal truths relating to the Novara brand,” said Cyndi Mundhenk, product manager of Co-op Cycles. “For instance, we knew customers considered Novara to be an entry-level brand and there wasn’t a clear tie between it and the co-op.”