WhateverBikes

@CSharp: Yep, and rightly so. Technically 'aluminum' is correct too, as even the guy that invented/developed it used both terms, but if you choose to use 'alumium', at least be consistent and call titanium 'titanum'.

The uploader is not working. GCN/GMBN have the same problem, no idea if it is somehow related.

@axelsand5: Agreed. I do understand that if one starts a bike company, and it organically grows, and grows, that at some point you end up with a type and size of company that is totally different than what you ever had in mind. If at that point you decide that that is not what you want for yourself, that it has just become too much of a burden, too corporate, too stressful, too busy, or you don't feel competent to lead such a company any longer, then it is maybe better to sell the company. It would be nice however if, at that point, they wouldn't go with the highest bidding awful company, but to a company that is more in line with their values. But I'm pretty sure those are not standing in line to buy companies.

@ak-77: I partly agree. Accell is about bikes. They were, and they probably will be in the future. PON is horrible. They will drop bicycles the minute something else pops up that is the new 'future of urban mobility'. Neither of them is acting like the holdings you describe, that is true. Problem with both companies however is that the bicycle market is changing rapidly and radically. Ebikes is where it's at, normal bikes are already an afterthought. Subscription models are popping up, leasing ebikes will be the new normal, because those big, complicated, heavy bikes are getting too expensive to buy, and need very regular professional maintenance. Swapfiets, Lease-a-bike etc. are examples, and many more are already here, and many more will follow. And that leaves us, people who are in to road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes etc. in a bad spot. A brand like Cannondale (PON owned) will need to focus more on the bikes that fit in to that new model, or else PON will probably lose interest in them. It basically comes down to how long companies like PON are willing to sponsor our hobby. Because it most definitely isn't there core business.

@ak-77: I am from The Netherlands, and I've worked in the cycling industry, so I know both companies quit well. PON doesn't care one bit for bikes, they are (yes, still are) a car company at hart. They only took an interest in bikes when they realized they could profit from it. They see it as a part of the 'urban mobility solution'. Yuk. Accell was indeed always a bike brand, but as soon as a company starts buying ' a bunch of brands' you know they have become greedy and just want to milk those brands.

Replacement parts to keep stuff running longer. Tools to do those repairs yourself. Replacement cages that don't have dinner plate size pulley wheels. Somewhat reasonable prices. And a well thought out, universal rear derailleur to boot. Very cool indeed!

Sell to a big conglomerate like PON, Accell, Kent etc., and it's not the question if, but when stuff like this happens. You're basically on life support from the moment of sale, and it's completely up to them when they pull the plug. F*ck those 'groups', they don't give a shit about bikes.

@andrewbikeguide: Don't drink and comment. No saddle has up tilt. None.

@andrewbikeguide: Well, well, won't your clients be thrilled to hear your 'professional' opinion of shorter people. Classy.

@EducatedHillbilly: What, like this one? Edit: it actually just disappeared… WTF?