Attention Cycle Gear: What is up with all the BiLT gear you are shoving down our throats?

I live in Fort Worth, TX and have two Cycle Gear stores in close proximity to me.  One Store is the Cycle Gear in Fort Worth, TX and the other store is the Cycle Gear in Bedford, TX.  I have split my dollars over the years at these two locations and have purchased several helmets, jackets, and gloves from these locations.

I am not a motorcycle gear snob by any means, price and quality are both important to me.  But, if I am picking gear to protect me on the road, quality will trump price EVERY TIME. Over the years I have built some brand loyalty, I like Shoei Helmets, Tourmaster Jackets, and I am starting to lean towards Taichi Motorcycle Gloves as I have had good experience with my current winter and summer gloves from this brand.  Most if not all of my jackets and helmets have been purchased at Cycle Gear.

In the last month I have been to both Cycle Gear stores near me and I can not step two feet in the store with out tripping over some BiLT motorcycle product display.  In particular BiLT helmets, jackets, and gloves are overflowing the shelves.  One is hard pressed to find any other alternative in their store other than BiLT products.  Like I said earlier, price is a consideration for me when picking motorcycle gear but quality always trumps price.  BiLT products just do not seem like quality products but bargain gear with questionable build quality and durability.

I have never purchased any BiLT products so this is strictly my opinion based on looking at the products, so I admit there is room for error. But what happened to giving your customers some options?

The profit margin for the BiLT products must be much greater than higher end gear.  BiLT is manufactured for Cycle Gear so I am sure they get the gear at bottom dollar.  But the gear seems to focus solely on price and not safety or quality.  I ride everyday, I need gear that will not only protect me in a crash, but something that will last a few seasons of riding.

I am on a bit of a rant here because the marketing direction that Cycle Gear has decided to pursue is a hot button for me because,

1. I shop there: I want some selection and I want to be able to purchase the products I am comfortable with and have served me well for years.
2. You are doing a disservice to my fellow bikers: Price/Profit should not be the sole determining factor on what stocks your shelves. How about some budget gear and some gear with uncompromising protection and quality.

OK, by now you probably know how I feel about this.  What about you?  If you have had experience good or bad with BiLT brand products from Cycle Gear I would like to hear your experience.

Please leave a comment below.

Kevin

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