MEC Bikes

Nov 4, 2009 at 17:11
by Tyler Maine  
Source: MEC

Outdoor retailer brings MEC bikes to co-op members - MEC bikes defined by ‘quality, value and performance’

Vancouver – Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) today unveiled its inaugural line of bicycles, online at www.mec.ca/bikes. The move reflects the co-op’s ongoing efforts to respond to its members’ needs and signals another step by the outdoor retailer to encourage Canadians to make cycling an integral part of their lives.

More inside,“Bicycles have a timeless appeal that we believe MEC bikes will honour and reinforce,” said CEO David Labistour. “Quality, value and performance are hallmarks of MEC-brand products, and these same traits define MEC bikes. We are confident that our members will be very satisfied with MEC bikes.”

With eleven styles in four categories – mountain, road, specialty and urban – MEC-brand bikes will appeal to all manner of riders. Each style is available in a unisex frame; three are also available in frames that are specifically designed for women.

The MEC bike line consists of two hard-tail mountain bikes, three road bikes and five urban styles. A folding specialty bike rounds out the line, which will also see a kids’ bike introduced in early 2010.

MEC bikes were designed in-house by seasoned Canadian bicycle designer, MEC product manager Tim McDermott. The line has a strong urban focus that aims to provide bike commuters and other city cyclists with a great riding experience, ease of use and low maintenance.

“The MEC bike line is geared to what our customers want,” said McDermott. “A majority of MEC members stated a preference for urban bikes, and we worked hard to push the bounds of what urban bikes can be.”

The Shadowlands model illustrates the urban focus. Featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, 27 gear options and hydraulic disk brakes, the Shadowlands makes ascending and descending even steep city streets easy. The bold, bright finish and unique graphic illustrations sets it apart from other bikes.

MEC’s entry into bike sales and repairs is a logical extension of the outdoor retailer’s 38-year history of supporting its members’ pursuit of self-propelled outdoor recreation. It is also part of the co-op’s long-term goal to get more Canadians, and youth especially, active in outdoor recreation.

“Our objective is to see more Canadians riding bikes – any bikes – and we welcome opportunities to work with the cycling industry and community partners to make that happen,” said CEO Labistour.

MEC’s community grants program has provided more than $450,000 to date in support of cycling advocacy and infrastructure projects across Canada.

MEC bikes are presently being sold at select Mountain Equipment Co-op stores, in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Winnipeg as well as the co-op’s new Longueuil, QC store. MEC’s Burlington, ON and Montreal (Marche Central) stores will also be selling bikes, beginning in February 2010.

Each of these stores has a full-service repair shop staffed with at least one certified bike mechanic. The in-store bike shops and a rigorous cycling training program for MEC store employees are fundamental elements in supporting members’ purchases of MEC bikes.

MEC’s reputation for making products that last is evident in the quality parts that were chosen to complement name-brand components. MEC bikes are equipped with parts that should limit maintenance to only normal wear and tear.

Detailed product information – including a complete list of specifications, dynamic comparison charts and high-resolution images – for all MEC bikes is available at www.mec.ca/bikes.

About MEC-

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is Canada’s leading retailer of outdoor clothing, gear and services for self-propelled activities like hiking, cycling and snowsports. Established in 1971, MEC operates 13 destination stores in central locations across Canada. MEC has more than 3 million members throughout Canada and around the world. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, MEC is a member of One Percent for The Planet and supports various community-based outdoor and environmental initiatives through its grants program. Anyone can join MEC and become part-owner in the Co-op, by purchasing a $5 lifetime individual membership. Members are entitled to buy gear and to vote on how MEC is governed. More information about MEC is available at www.mec.ca.

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43 Comments
  • 8 0
 Ok I work in a small shop and i'm not that concerned. If MEC puts more people on bikes that's great more bikes and less cars is good for anyone who rides. Take a look at the spec and price of the MEC bikes I can get a better bike for less at any of the bigger LBS's in Edmonton, and MEC won't move on price, " hey can i get ten points off if i buy 2?" works at most bike shops you won't get that at MEC. So if you have a shop check your lines and know your specs and you won't be in trouble.

I know this debate will heat up on here pretty quick, but the fact is MEC is selling bikes and they look like ok bikes. If a guy wants to show up on one of my shop group rides and he's on a MEC hardtail he's more then welcome to come ride.
  • 1 0
 Huhgree. Plus, I just checked out some of the geometries on their bikes, and they clearly haven't copied all that great a model.. at least on some of their commuters. not much stand-over and super short cockpits... At least I know where to send that really freaky tall guy who is all Tibia with super short femurs.
  • 1 0
 brix read my post above. I said the same thing. Your dead right on the expansion of riding and less cars. Honestly... I give you much respect for that bro. Keep on riding. Your got a good head on your shoulders.
  • 6 2
 Mec is a sore point in the outdoor recreation business for one main reason - they don't pay income tax. Imagine racing head to head with someone who gets a 10 second head start every time, not quite fair is it? This little advantage allows them to sell items at a very low margin, which of course every other shop has to match (shops that do pay tax!). What it means in the end is that it is that much harder for your local bike shop employee and owner to put food on his or her plate. It becomes more and more difficult to pay good techs the money they deserve, and as bikes are becoming more sophisticated they deserve more and more. So the pool of good mechanics starts to dwindle, and it gets harder for you to find good service. Luckily a lot of manufacturers realize this and refuse to sell to mec because they believe in healthy fair competition, and experienced technicians to work on there product. Mec has cleverly kept shifting its policy's and ethics over the years to grab more and more market share. They are not even close to what there original mission statement wanted them to be. This is not some hippy feel good store, it is a mass big box outdoor retailer that is doing harm to your local lbs and the bike industry in general. To ettore, do know that mec has the highest return rate by far of all outdoor retailers. I did not see them sponsoring any races in my area, I don't see them digging dirt jumps, or meeting with any of my local trail building clubs. I know this because I have been involved in all of the above. So the next time you want to drop a buck (or know someone else who does) at mec, think of all the people who do support your sport and support them instead. Until the playing field is level, don't buy from Mec...
  • 5 1
 The main problem with MEC selling bikes is that the bikes they sell are aimed at LBS bread and butter bikes. There is no way we can match prices with MEC and still be able to turn enough of a profit to keep the doors open. The bike industry has been hit with large cost increases in the last year, just about everything was hit with a 15% increase and we ate a large amount of the increase for our customers.
And for those that say LBS are lacking in talent, have never been to our store. We have 8 full time employees of them 5 of us and the owner have been to BBI and STU, 1 went to UBI and STU. The other 3, 1 has been in the buissines for 15 years and the other is a former Olympian (1972,1976) on the cycling team and 1 book keeper/sales person. We have 5 part time employees who's work is regularly checked over by the the full time staff to make sure that it is up to the stores standards. Our store is stacked with talented people, all with a love of cycling and a huge knowledge of the sport. If you are unsatisfied with your local shop, find a new one.
  • 2 1
 I don't know; it seems like MEC doesn't actually have better prices on big-ticket items. Their disc'd touring bike, the Nineteen Seventy-One, retails for $1350, whereas the Brodie Ronin goes for $1450, and isn't packed with Sora components. And I think that I'd trust a Brodie on a month's ride before I'd trust MEC.

Here in Edmonton, Track and Trail often has lower prices on the same skis.

That said, my biggest gripe with MEC is that they don't pay business tax. Those guys are getting a free ride for being a "co-op". If you're a co-op, do some cool shit like having a workshop that I can use! Some place to fix up ripped gear and work on bikes would be great.
  • 1 0
 ronin has xt and elita parts as well
  • 2 0
 Do you honestly think anyone in their right mind that is truly into the sport, and has saved money will buy an MEC over a brand name. No.If your local shops are struggling maybe they need to re think their business strategy. Its simple economics. Adapt. There will always be knockoffs. Come up with that one nitch that others won't have. If a shop closes its most likely the cause of bad management... and thats it. The world economy isn't that bad... its the media hyping it up (well minus in asia... they are all f'd). People still have money, and many still willing to blow it... like me!
  • 1 1
 See, I can tel you have never been to Winnipeg. With out a word of a lie people here will jump in their car and drive acrossed the city to save 20 cents on a package of pork chops. For many people here its not about the money they spend getting some place, its about the sticker price, and if MEC is cheaper by $200, they will look at our prices online or call (shop policy is to quote MRSP on all phone calls) and then go straight to MEC instead of coming in to see us in person and possibly getting 10% off then getting 20% on P&A and one years free labour. We usually have some flexability on the pricing, but wont give our best price over the phone, it keeps the other shops from under cutting us.
  • 2 0
 SO what. Cry a river then. Go find a way to "market" yourselves and "make yourself" seem "different" from the rest.

Take a business and marketing class if its that hard.

And why the f*ck would you quote msrp on the phone. Just tell them to come into the shop. Man you guys obviously have 0 idea of sales. Don't give prices on the phone. Tell them to come in. No wonder why your shop is hurting. Like said, go take a business and marketing classed in college, you will learn a thing or two (something the people in bike shops failing obviously haven't done).


Literally, no matter how much the people are cheap, you can sell them a turd if you knew how to do it. Sell yourself, sell the shop, and most off, sell the product. Its not that hard.

Your competition is a nothing brand. If you can't beat it, there are some serious issues.
  • 1 1
 Oh let me bow down to your exreme salesmanship. If and one has no idea it is obviously you. You have never been herre you do not know what the market is like here just as I have no idea what the market is like in your neck of the woods. We have some of the best sales people in the city working for us. We have the highest sales in the city so we must be doing something right, but the cheaper bikes at MEC will hurt our bottom line and that inturn will hurt every dhops ablity to service the customer, in the way of better deals, and product selection. It cost money to keep the doors open snd every point we drop off of keystone cuts into that money that would be used to buy the things that draw the customer in. Your focus is small I am looking at the big picture. and as for this thread its closed to me because no matter what I say you will think you are right.
  • 2 0
 In all honesty bro, I have been all around the country, Canada, and the world. Its the same no matter where you go. You cant say its different because its simple economics. Instead of replying here, why don't you work on a mass email, design a flier, or do any of the small easy things to get people to the shop. Go get some banners printed, sponsor local events, get a movie producer on hand. Your spitting out how many excuses rather than just saying it can happen. And obviously you aren't looking at the bigger picture because you said "you obviously haven't been here" Look at the rest of the world for example, not your tiny shop.

In the end, cut the excuses and make it happen. End of story.
  • 4 0
 Competition is good in any market place, I worked in the UK bike trade for 8 years and from experience I know that a larger mass market company selling bike in your area is not a bad thing, IBD's (Independent Bicycle Dealers)always offer a higher level of service, greater product knowledge, & the ability to source and fit specialist parts, that any chain shop can never match. What they do offer is another avenue to introduce more people to cycling which is never a bad thing. ie Halfords in the UK sell huge numbers of bikes, at the so called bread & butter level, where as most IBD's make their money from the servicing and parts side of the business. I don't know about Canadian rules regarding C-ops , but competition IS a good thing
  • 3 0
 You people need to think about this. Mec gives alot more money to groups like the Sierra Club then they do to Cycling organizations like the IMBA. Now take a wild guess who groups like the Sierra Club hate......................................................If you said cyclists, your dead on. So before you go saying yay! for MEC, think about that and the impact it has and had on us as cyclists. I agree with bonfire on this....you have to look at the bigger picture and when you do that you realize that MEC is as souless as Walmart. They need to lose their Co-Op status and stop using the tax loop-hole...it has not applied to them for years. They also might aswell rip up their mission statement, what is enviromental about making bikes overseas and shipping them here for sale. If they really wanted to make a statement they should be building the bikes here, to make a point about enviromentalism. Hell, make the bikes out of imported bamboo poles, now that is taking a stand.
  • 2 0
 I don't think anyone actually into riding is going to buy these bikes. The big brand decal companies of Kona, Norco, Trek and Specialized have more wow factor than these and that isn't saying too much. Basically, it is the cheap no frills commuter crowd that will like these bikes (no offense to commuters who aren't cheap)and most of the MEC brand products which are decent enough I suppose. The point is that most MEC branded stuff is catering to a functional but basic crowd and most bike shops will do well to carry the real deal. I do shop at MEC for these basic items but as an informed consumer tend to go to the real shops for real service.
  • 2 0
 wow thats the best MEC could do, i was expecting more after all the hype they were talking at Expocycle and hiring people from Rocky mtn etc, very weak aesthetically, nothing groundbreaking or even remotely unique and pricing is the same as Jamis or someone like that
  • 4 2
 As a member and employee of MEC I have to say I was sceptical of MEC Bikes at first. I got a chance to see some of the these bikes and I think they will give folks getting into biking a chance to purchase a value priced bike. The kids Mountain Bike, which has yet to be released, is going to be a great option for parents looking for their kids first MTB. That being said as a local Shore rider I won't be trading in my Stinky any time soon. Co-ops are a great way to stimulate an industry and more importantly a great way to stick it to the man! MEC is also the first bike manufacturer to look into ethical sourcing. I think bikes at MEC will force the whole indutsry to be more accountable from the manufacturing floor to the sales floor. Vote MEC!
  • 2 1
 Boohoo, blah blah blah...
Once again I predict that no LBS shop that is worthwhile will go out of business because of MEC and a year from now only the grumpy ones will still be grumbling. So MEC is selling bikes, big stinking whoop.

I know for myself, I'm interested in a good blend between value and knowledge and I'll findn that at my LBS sometimes and at MEC sometimes. When I know what I want; I shop at MEC or EBAY, when I need help and advice I shop at the LBS. My loyalty has only given me disappointment so my loyalty is to me and my bottom line.

I know there is one shop in this city I won't be ;oyal to anymore because of one of their staff members comments on here...
  • 1 0
 . . decals or stickers give more amazing look to your bike or vehicles by sticking the best suitable stickers , and don't waste such it can be remake by recycling & keeping our society healthy ; you can find many decal sticker here www.wastestickers.com
  • 1 0
 yay, low end road bikes and hard tails. go buy a specialized rockhopper instead. you'll thank yourself later. you might think that single speed commuter looks cool but again. go get a Norco Spade or Kona paddy wagon. and thank yourself later.
  • 2 0
 maybe these bikes will get someone hooked on riding and they'll buy a bike from their LBS next time. I see nothign wrong with this. They have to be better than big box store bikes.
  • 2 1
 those bikes look good but their prices aren't great at all!! My lbs has better bikes for less and more of em. they don't even has a lower end bike for the cheap ass consumer. it seems like they tried to put one selling point on the bike and then cheaped out on other parts....alfine internal hub w/ v brakes?
  • 5 2
 I heard that every bike will come with a free paddle so that you can beat yourself silly for the choice you made. Man those bikes look hurtin'!!! It's now like a sad REI.
  • 9 4
 Oh no...
  • 4 2
 what is the matter..worried that what happened over at the RF vs Mec story is moving here.
  • 15 21
flag bonfire (Nov 5, 2009 at 1:49) (Below Threshold)
 I also wonder who the hell is making these frames. I hate MEC and what they stand for. They never actually do anything. They just take the current cutting edge equipment, then rip it off, and duplicate it. Then sell it for a fraction of the cost because they have no R&D costs to amortize nor a very large overhead nor are they running an actual business. Just a bunch of hosers. I know several shops are dropping Race Face specifically because of the stupid shit they did, hope RF gets the mitten by more shops, might as well sell to sport check.

Their 'Tech' Certification is also a huge joke, their service shop will be the equivalent of a Sport Check service shop, they don't know dick f*ck all. Oh well more bikes for me to fix and more money in the bank.
  • 36 6
 You DO know that MEC stands for sustainability and giving back to the community to preserve what we all use as recreational facilities, right? Companies like MEC are the reason why you are actually ALLOWED to ride in a lot of the places you enjoy.

I suppose you support Kona rebadging shorts from Taiwan and charging 2000% more ... that's R&D? Or, more fitting to this scenario, having Giant make an unbadged frame for Trek and them slapping a sticker on it and calling it their own "urban" bike? All the MEC frames are hardtails, not a whole lot of R&D by "ANY" bicycle company goes into the types of frames that MEC is selling: budget suspensionless aluminum frames (almost every manufacturer has a cheap frameset that matches the MEC ones). We live in a world where it's SO rare for a frame manufacturer to build their own frames ... Giant pretty much makes them all it seems lately. After that, all the parts are just purchased from Shimano, Avid/whatever, RaceFace, etc and bolted to the frame; not exactly rocket science there.

Have you ever BEEN to a MEC? Most of their staff are avid users of whatever they're peddling. It's not exactly rare to be hunting for, say, climbing equipment and the salesperson has been to more places than you even name. To say their shop will be full of idiots is pretty dumb, considering the few MECs I have been to with a bike facility had very knowledgeable staff and that was before they had in house bikes. Also, seeing many posts on this forum, it's not like the LBS is always brimming with talent.
  • 6 0
 Completely agree with ettore!
  • 2 3
 You bring up a good point. A lot of people (including me probably) will blindly support the LBS. I am just glad to have an LBS that does know what they are doing!
  • 5 6
 Hahaha have I ever been to a MEC? I worked at one. Good try. I am more than fully aware of how bikes are built and made, not my first rodeo.

IF you knew anything about MEC and the other shit that they make they are the most avid folks for copying designs. In their jackets/pants/packs they take the best selling brand, then tear their shit apart and just remake it. They actually have done very little for sustainability around where I live, so that is also a moot point. Also they are full 'knowledge' in the bike department, they are able to ramble on and on about shit they read on the internet. Trust me. We trained one of their 'Mechanics'. I think you need to find a new LBS if you have issues with knowledgeable staff.

Not a fan of anything Kona. Was a fan of RF but now after what they have done to their distributors I can no longer be a supporter.
  • 3 1
 Bonfaire, just because you worked at ONE, yes ONE out of how many shops, doesn't automatically mean that"s how all of them are.

Also, where do you think MOST people get their bike info from now... the uh... internet maybe?

And if you "trained one of their mechanics" you obviously did a shitty job if your ripping on "him".

In the end, you have no point, but a grudge to people kocking off stuff. if you can afford a top end bike... go buy one. Not everyone can spend thousands on brand name shit. After all, isn't the whole point out of all this just to give people a chance to ride a somewhat decent bike that normally would be stuck to wallmart super knocks? This will expand the sport. End of story. I think you need to re think your views at where your coming from. Think expansion, not knockoff.
  • 1 0
 The best LBSs make their real money on P&A and service, not the bike. So go MEC!! Sell bikes, and put them together poorly. Then the buyers can goto their LBS and everyone's happy!
  • 2 3
 look, MEC is simply loophole in Canadian tax law.

mec has a greater margin than the IBD because they have no middle man; they manufacture and sell all under one roof, therefore there is no third party involved in the product production chain.

ie:
Giant bicycles designs a bike (cost) > manufactured in china (that manuf takes 30%) > sell at IBD (store takes 30%) > consumer (buys at cost +60%)

MEC designs a bike (cost) > manufacturer in china (that manuf takes 30%) > sell at MEC store (no margin) > consumer (buys at cost + 30%)

Company x designs a cheap bicycle (cost) > manuf in china (manuf takes 30%) > sell at Wallmart (store takes 30%) > consumer (buys at cost +60%)

however, since they are selling at relatively the same MSRP as Giant (or any other bike brand sold at IBD), that means they are pocketing an additional 30%. what is more this is their business model! all the products in the store work this way. its pretty brilliant really.

PS, Wal-Mart could afford to design and manuf the items in their store in-house, but they choose not to.

PPS, i buy stuff from MEC, so i'm a hypocrite.

Also, I heard that people in the MEC office make a HUGE salary. I want dividends!
  • 1 1
 yea great, kona, norco and specialized are made in taiwan.

u think these super high end frames from mec are made in North America?

im not even sure if my Santa Cruz was really made in the USA.
  • 3 0
 ... the beginning of the end.
  • 3 3
 mmmmm... let me think... good products at a reasonable price... Nop, can't see anything wrong with that.
  • 1 1
 those prices aren't reasonable at all, the giant seek 0 goes for 1150 and it comes w/alfine everything including hydraulic disc brakes and internal hub. they also use their own frame and fork which is waaay more appealing than the frames giant made for mec
  • 1 0
 mmmmm... and it looks much better!
  • 1 0
 I went back to look at their Hold Steady and for and extra $100, you get a carbon fork and seat post, a very nice saddle, an FSA Headset and Crank Brother's Candy Clipless! Not so bad after all!
  • 1 1
 MEC is shit
  • 2 1
 yay! Made in Taiwan!
  • 3 0
 Most things are nothing wrong with made in Taiwan
  • 1 3
 again... these bike are NOT value priced!







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