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,
- 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.
- 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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Add another similar opinion to yours. However I have just stopped going in their store altogether unless it’s a Sunday or Monday (other shops closed), and I need something like a tie down strap in an emergency. I suggest going to a local dealer and start cultivating a relationship with one of the parts/gear counter guys. I did this in Spokane, WA at Westside Motorsports and ended up doing track days with those guys and delveloping good riding partners and friends. The side benefit…I always got good discounts on parts and gear that matched the internet easily.
Thanks Steve, I agree it is always nice to know some local shop owners.
Hey Kevin, Bilt and Sedici are CG’s new exclusive brands that hey are promoting in conjunction with the other brands. Since CG is exclusive and not available anywhere else, it will be the predominate brand in each store however, you can still see, the brands you are used to or have them ordered. If the order doesn’t fit right; there’s no restocking fee. I also understand that they have a 7 day helmet exchange policy and a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee. As for BILT, and Sedici, I’m told they represent the “Good” and “Better” choices for gear for those that can’t afford to buy just a jacket for $500. We’re talking about the new rider that just starting out (and there’s alot of them due to gas prices) and don’t want to plunk down $2,000 for gear. Instead they can spend about $500 and get full gear that will do a GOOD job of protecting them. Better than a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
I guess that does make some sense about new riders needing gear and a price point to get started. But, the local stores now feels like I am in a K-Mart. There is so much budget gear that veteran riders do not have nearly the selection they used to. What I liked most about Cycle Gear in the past was being able to go in and see and hold the helmet I wanted to purchase. I have purchased 3 – 4 helmets from them in the past but selection is too limited now to make it worth the time to go.
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
Kevin
Hey man, I know what you mean. Cycle Gear has fallen off the chart in my book. used to buy a lot of stuff there but not anymore.