channel mastery highlight reel: the bike industry's ultimate comeback
Most listened to episodes from 2020 on the bike industry and its ultimate comeback
2020 showcased an ultimate comeback for the biking industry. Axious wrote that the boom in the bike industry is even causing urban cities to rethink their infrastructure to make more room for riders. This year has been full of changes and only time will tell whether the biking boom will stick around after COVID-19 or if it is a short-term solution to avoid public transportation and get outside. Either way, this has been an exciting season for the biking community and industry!
We wanted to share a highlight reel of some of our most popular Channel Mastery episodes on the bike industry, including: building an all-women’s bike apparel brand from the ground up, how Bike Bentonville is creating a more inclusive bike industry and economic growth for their community and how the Pro’s Closet revolutionized how people buy bikes.
Episode 118: Jennifer Kriske, Machine for Freedom
Jennifer Kriske, founder of Machines for Freedom, talks with Kristin Carpenter about the why behind founding the brand, how she built the loyal following, apparel in independent bike shops, and the relationship between Specialized and Machines for Freedom. Machines For Freedom not only proved to the industry that an entire market exists, but the company innovated and elevated cycling apparel for women.
Key takeaways:
Five tips to building up your brand and gaining loyal customers:
Figure out the problem
Connect with the community
Be authentic
Figure out your tone
Remember that building a company takes time
Episode 139: Matt Heitmann, Chief Marketing Officer at Pro’s Closet
Matt Heitmann, is the Chief Marketing Officer of The Pro’s Closet and a veteran in the cycling industry, having served at Competitive Cyclist, BMC, Canyon and more. Heitmann is now creating an orchestration between digital, tech innovation, and cycling that’s never existed before! The Pro’s Closet is continuing to revolutionize the way people buy bikes by offering a very innovative channel strategy that enables consumers to buy used bikes easily online.
Key takeaways:
The average selling price on the site has increased by 35% since January 2020 and they are turning over 2.5 times more inventory per month.
Cyclists should embrace this new boom and create a welcoming community where there is maximum potential for road cyclists.
Episode 123: Aimee Ross, Director of Bike Bentonville
Aimee Ross is the Director of Bike Bentonville and is putting the small town in Arkansas on the map. In this episode, you’ll learn how Aimee and her team are not only introducing cycling to more people, they’re creating meaningful economic growth through outdoor recreation.
Key takeaway:
A 2017 study, conducted by the Walton Family Foundation and PeopleForBike, found that cycling related tourism brought $27 million to the Bentonville economy.
Episode 129: Jayson O’Mahoney (JOM), Gravel Cyclist
Jayson ‘JOM’ O’Mahoney is the founder, publisher and #1 contributor to Gravel Cyclist. Jayson is a straight shooter and an amazing storyteller. During this episode Kristin Carpenter addresses Jayson’s approach to reviews, as well as his channel strategy to continue to grow the stoke and engagement of his audience.
Key takeaway:
Four years after starting an Instagram account for Gravel Cyclist it’s already at 65,000 followers. His secret: It’s purely organic. There’s no paid subscribers or paid followers.
For a full listing of Channel Mastery episodes and to learn more about the show, visit Channel Mastery, and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when the next episode drops.