As of January 2026, the independent bike shop (IBS) is undergoing a radical "Great Reset." The era of high-volume retail is being replaced by a service-first economy, where technical expertise and community trust are the primary currencies for survival. Shops that are thriving this winter have moved away from being "showrooms" and have transitioned into high-tech clinics capable of handling the increasingly complex hardware of the mid-2020s.
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💥 In this explosive 27th episode of the Shop Talk Tuesday podcast, we are joined by two of the most influential voices in the industry: mountain bike pioneer Gary Fisher and industry analyst John Bradley. As we navigate the early weeks of 2026, the conversation has shifted from "market correction" to a total survival of the fittest.

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LIVE: Why I’m Booked Out Until March (2026 Industry Update)🎙️ Full Podcast 12In 2026, the local bike shop isn't just a retail store; it's a high-tech service sanctuary. While the thermometer drops, the service bay is "on fire" with riders looking to optimize their gear during the off-season. This Live Q&A is your chance to pull back the curtain on the "Winter Service Boom"—from the 100% e-bike tariff fallout that’s making repairs the smart financial move, to the 32-inch wheel revolution that has everyone asking if their current frame is obsolete. We’re going live to answer your toughest technical questions, talk 2026 industry trends, and show you exactly what’s on the stands right now. Whether you're curious about AI-drivetrain maintenance or the best way to "salt-proof" your winter commuter, bring your questions and let’s talk shop!

The Cycling Industry's Most Engaging Live Podcast: Episode 26🎙️ "Shop Talk Tuesday." (Community Livestream)

🚴‍♀️ Looking to upgrade your ride? The quickest way to enhance performance has always been with new wheels and an upgraded chain for crisper shifting. Plus, don't forget an excellent protected polish!🛠 Trusted Partners Visit Here, ⬇⬇⬇ Start HERE ⬇⬇⬇ (Affiliate)✅ https://iknowaguybicycles.com/partners/

What Bike Shops Look Like in 2026 (It’s Changing!) 🚨 #BikeShop Full Podcast 11As we enter the heart of winter 2026, the bike industry is navigating a "Great Reset." The seasonal slowdown has been complicated by the 100% trade tariffs on e-bike imports, which have officially ended the era of the $1,000 "Amazon e-bike" and pushed riders toward local shop services. However, it's not all crisis; winter 2026 is seeing a massive surge in TPU tube adoption as riders abandon messy tubeless setups for the cold months, and the "32-inch wheel" debate is finally moving from prototypes to production, with brands like Scott and Specialized teasing monster-cross and XC rigs for the coming season. For the local shop, this winter is about high-tech survival: servicing the new wave of AI-integrated drivetrains and managing the "Proprietary Battery Wars" as certification laws like UL 2849 become the strict standard for indoor storage.

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The Cycling Industry's Most Engaging Live Podcast: Episode 25🎙️ "Shop Talk Tuesday." (Community Livestream)On this episode of Shop Talk Tuesday, we have to address the elephant in the room: things just got weird. It’s early 2026, and the bicycle industry is throwing us curveballs we never saw coming. We aren't just talking about the 100% tariffs on imports or the sudden "32-inch wheel" debate that’s splitting the mountain bike community down the middle—we’re talking about the bizarre new reality of running a shop. Between major brands like Rad Power facing massive restructuring and the rise of "smart" AI-powered sunglasses that everyone is suddenly wearing, the vibe in the service bay has shifted. We're seeing customers choose $90 TPU tubes over tubeless setups and pro racers showing up with three inches of spacers under their stems. Whether it's "Grease-Gate" or the new proprietary battery wars, 2026 is proving to be the year where everything we knew about bike shop life is being rewritten in real-time. Buckle up, because this industry update is a wild one.

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They say age is just a number, but waking up on a Friday and realizing that number is officially 55 definitely hits differently! Welcome to "Freak-Out Friday," where the coffee is stronger, the joints are a little creakier, and the perspective is sharper than ever. Turning 55 isn't just about hitting a milestone; it’s about embracing the "speed wobbles" of middle age with a sense of humor and a lot of gratitude. While the "freak-out" is real, so is the excitement for what’s next—more miles on the bike, more wisdom in the shop, and maybe a few more recovery days. Join me as I navigate the reality of being "double nickels" and figure out how to keep the rubber side down in this new chapter!

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The Cycling Industry's Most Engaging Live Podcast: Episode 24🎙️ "Shop Talk Tuesday." (Community Livestream)Against all odds, 2026 is becoming the year the Local Bike Shop (LBS) reclaims its crown. After years of being squeezed by direct-to-consumer giants and massive corporate liquidations, the pendulum is swinging back toward expertise, community, and physical service. In this episode of Shop Talk, we’re breaking down why the "digital-only" bike buying experience has failed many riders and why the LBS is the only place left to find solutions for complex e-bike diagnostics and proprietary integrated cockpits. We’re sharing essential survival tips for shop owners to pivot into high-margin service models and tips for riders to get the most value out of their local mechanical wizards. The industry is changing, but the soul of cycling still lives on the repair stand.

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