I've been away for quite some tie, but I've noticed one can no longer purchase certain items from Ribble, etc.? When & why did this happen?

Thanks

Manufacturer restrictions on sales to the U.S.

Who started this ball rolling?

I have no idea. I don't buy things from the U.K.

LBS from the US

SRAM with their implementation of a ban a handful of years ago?
Local shops that were finally able to convince Shimano to restrict shipping?
And more.

Like much in a global economy, there isnt just 1 singular answer.

I remember SRAM doing this.

More like LBS distributors like QBP.

My own LBS doesn't care if you buy a group from them, they make next to money on the sale--and the consumer can usually find it cheaper elsewhere and get it faster. LBSes are too local and small to have any lobbying power against SRAM/Campag/Shimano/etc. What is more, if the consumer bails on a group order---the LBS is then stuck holding parts they probably won't be able to sell.

It's not the end of the world.

Either way, I don’t really care who’s responsible.

Now that the pricing has changed, LBSs have a fair chance at selling components again.

Not really. Virtually no one builds bikes from parts. Bikes are overwhelmingly assemblies pre-compiled and shipped in boxes for finish-assembly at what is mostly a dealership. They won't sell more product. Certainly not enough to make a dent on a balance sheet. What do you wager an LBS orders groups versus sells a floor-bike? 1-in-10? 1-in-50? 1-in-100?

LBSes aren't going to "win". Consumers won't either. I'm not sure who actually does. I suppose whomever denies warranty claims at Shimano/Campagnolo/SRAM-USA because consumers need RMA on parts they bought out of country.

You’re probably right. After 15+ years of getting screwed over by the big 3 component manufacturers, there’s probably nothing that can help them now.

fixed

That's definitely the single largest reason.

I wish there was a dislike button.

The manufacturers were screwing US bike shops for decades, now they stopped, and you are angry with who!

As my late used car salesman friend used to say: "Its ALWAYS the price."

True.

This is the price now.

You pay the price, or you don’t get the goods.

for 15+ years, the LBS got screwed.

Now you might have to pay retail.

#dealwithit

The preference of course would have been that the manufacturers fix their stoopid distribution model, so that the the US retailers could sell at the same price levels as the UK dealers and make the same margin as evidently makes them satisfied.

The last time that I bought a bike in an LBS was back in the 90's. After that, every bike I've owned was built from with the frame of my choice and Campy parts. You can still get Campy parts form Euro sources, but the prices are no longer that much cheaper, if you find the right online seller.

What exactly cant be bought now?

Earlier this year i bought wheelset, 5800 groupset etc.

Go look now.

I already did, and everything I bought from Merlins (5800 groups, Fulcrum wheels, 7000 RD, Shimano wheelset etc.) I can still add to my cart and get all the way to putting in my credit card.

If your going to start these threads then add in some supporting detail!

Look at Dura Ace.

Merlin still sells Shimano, my r8020 groupset will be here today (purchased on Saturday!), best price I could find anywhere online or in person. I love my LBS, have bought a bike from them and will continue to send plenty of business their way, but I also have a budget.