The Strangest and Dirtiest Secret in Mountain Biking is Nobody's Fault

Рет қаралды 659,921

Жыл бұрын

Man, I really don't have much to gain by telling you this stuff. I'm in a sort of unique position where all the parts I accumulate can be used to upgrade bikes in videos, but a lot of people don't have that luxury. People in the industry have parts accumulate in their garages, and literally can't find something to do with them. This sounds like a great problem with an easy solution, but it's way more complicated. Imagine you write for some magazine, and now you have an eBay store with all the stuff you reviewed... That looks bad.
Almost anything you do with the parts creates a weird incentive structure, or could look bad if you run into the wrong person while handing them off-especially in small MTB towns where everyone knows each other.
So there are garages all over the world, indefinitely housing bike parts in various degrees of use. It feels normal when you've been doing it for years. But it's disgusting when viewed from the outside. There are exceptions, of course.
Generally, every party involved is a well intentioned human who loves bikes. There are liability issues, problems with giving away pre-production parts, and also plain old complacency when you have been doing it for years. The weird disorganized system that developed organically over time is the one to blame. I think putting this out there could start a discussion!
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Пікірлер: 1 400

@BermPeakExpress Жыл бұрын

Here’s another thing I left out. Reviewers could make a few bullet points when accepting products for review (many, in fact, do this). “After we review your product, it can be sent back at your request by emailing a shipping label, or after 3 months we will donate it to an organization or individual”.

@JoeTaber Жыл бұрын

This is the right solution.

@baronvonrichthofen2021 Жыл бұрын

I’d be careful with that. Often such companies have their own contractual constraints for reviews. Your own criteria as reviewers might conflict with that and large companies definitely will not go into negotiations over this. However, I do agree that something along those lines should be done. And companies should actually include such clauses in their terms and conditions as a standard.

@mudkayak6305 Жыл бұрын

Donation also helps further promote said product / company = win

@dvs620 Жыл бұрын

@@mudkayak6305 Say you’ll donate the parts on behalf of the company. When you do donate, make sure to note that the drivetrain is donated on behalf of SRAM, etc.

@BermPeakExpress Жыл бұрын

@@atticushexcel9567 I know exactly what you mean by “it’s more trouble than it’s worth” but it is SO DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN.

@ilikesnow Жыл бұрын

The reviewers could each have a simple line added in their "contract" stating that any product left after X days is now considered their property to do what they will with. Great video as always!!

@clnfreakone8486 Жыл бұрын

This like a mechanic lean on cars 😊

@Bpierce13 Жыл бұрын

With the deals I have/get, I’m able to resell items after 366 days of “owning it” It gets messy if you have 13 bikes taking up an entire garage

@p4inmaker Жыл бұрын

I would have done this after the first time I had a manufacturer being lazy on returns. Space is precious.

@CainnechK Жыл бұрын

Just said the same thing

@Clynikal Жыл бұрын

@@clnfreakone8486 spot on

@Dylsonnn Жыл бұрын

I remember Linus Tech Tips speaking about similar situations, he quite honest about selling/giving excess items to staff, they've also mentioned things over the years that are exactly the same as this situation where the company just hasn't tried to get it returned to the item has just sat there waiting. Sounds like a bit of a pain in the butt when it's something pricey!

@Boopop1024 Жыл бұрын

Wasn't expecting a LTT reference here 😅

@trenthamlin5589 Жыл бұрын

@@Boopop1024 he Prouably paid $29.99 for the ability to talk about ltt

@endurodlapoczatkujacych4504 Жыл бұрын

I want to see Linus and Seth collab!!!

@thebaus2919 Жыл бұрын

in the end i assume they just dont want it sent back, its like when amazon fucks up sends you 2 items and then says you can keep it or pay shipping to send it back... well OBVS going to keep it lol

@cvbattum Жыл бұрын

There's also the question of price, when we're talking about larger companies like LTT. It's really expensive to keep a large inventory on hand. You need the buildings to store the stuff in (costs taxes and in some cases rent), and the employees who keep track of the stuff (and possibly also a paid inventory system).

@craftedworkshop Жыл бұрын

This is me with tools. That’s why Seth has some of my old tools that I don’t need but didn’t feel comfortable selling!

@LordBelakor Жыл бұрын

honestly, the companies write off everything that will get reviewed at the moment it leaves the house as marketing costs. They do not need it back, its used, so its not sellable and will produce costs due to shipping and then storing it again. The right thing is like you suggested, after a certain time, they should allow people to give it away or keep it for what ever they want

@BermPeakExpress Жыл бұрын

And they probably are okay with that in most circumstances. However it is sometimes “weird” to do, especially when everyone saw you write an article or feature it. So like you implied, explicitly blessing this course of action would be a good move.

@rcranes2227 Жыл бұрын

@@BermPeakExpress surprised there's no contract or anything that would spell it out. "Reviewer keeps the part until a shipping label arrives. If no label arrives after 12 months, reviewer gains possession of the part, or reviewer shall donate the part to local co-op." Do this with everybody who gets parts shipped out. I realize this is a "why don't they just..." As well. 😂

@tobins6800 Жыл бұрын

I will add an incentive to said companies. The tax form for the write off. Many of these parts are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It adds up. If the reviewer or partner is a veteran, there may be more incentives. Something for the accountant to work out. As added incentive, the selfish side to being charitable, claiming the donations on advertising mediums.

@brentcollins9727 Жыл бұрын

@@tobins6800 , itemized deductions were practically phased out a few years ago in favor of a much higher standard deduction.

@Adthin Жыл бұрын

@@rcranes2227 or maybe a clause saying "upon release of the next gen part, the reviewer keeps all parts in stock from last gen"

@ThesisHimselfOfficial Жыл бұрын

I'm a professional reviewer and even I didn't realize it was this similar across different industries. I don't review bikes or anything remotely related to bikes and we go through basically the same process. It's actually kind of a relief to see other people dealing with the same 'issue'. Great video!

@FuriousFilipino Жыл бұрын

When I worked in the bike industry over 12 years ago, I was in the same situation. I was a “reviewer” of sorts, but more for creating technical service protocols based on my mechanical experience working on bikes since 1996 (yep, I’m old). Ive had numerous parts, but the most notable things were a prototype complete downhill bike, several xc full-suspension frames, several complete xc hardtails, and more than a handful of forks. In all cases, as Seth mentioned, the manufacturer contact was MIA, but in about 80% of the cases, I was able to get a hold of someone else, and in all cases, they just said to keep the product another season or two before “disposing” of it at my discretion. In other words, it was mine but I was not allowed to give/sell until a new version had already been released.

@Gadottinho Жыл бұрын

wow, they don't want even a single piece without profit? lol

@topspot4834 Жыл бұрын

You should've sent them a storage invoice for $1,200.

@dudeonbike800 Жыл бұрын

Prototypes are examples of things that SHOULD NOT be forwarded to members of the public. This stuff needs to go back to the manufacturer or destroyed. Too much liability involved.

@gtjack9 9 күн бұрын

@@dudeonbike800Theres no legislation on prototype parts for bikes like there is for cars. It’s completely at your own discretion.

@lightlaserstarwars Жыл бұрын

I live near the HQ for some of big bike companies. I told a friend of mine about how kids used to jump the fence and grab parts and build up bikes. Parts that were being junked. He replied that he worked for one of those companies. The companies found out about people grabbing parts so they started running over parts, frames and whole bikes with a forklift. When things were discontinued huge lots of stuff would get smashed. I have zero doubt that they have no interest in getting this stuff back.

@14erGuy Жыл бұрын

That's just a shitty thing to do. I don't care what their justification is, the bike companies can find a much better way of dealing with excess inventory. I hope that's not MY bike's company? I live near a few bike HQ's as well. You're not near Golden, CO by chance are you??

@lightlaserstarwars Жыл бұрын

Nope. Not near golden. One big issue was liability. If they are knowingly letting kids grab stuff they could eventually be sued when some kid gets hurt. Either using the equipment or jumping the fence. We can argue whether that sort of lawsuit makes sense. But I don’t think anyone would argue that such lawsuits would happen.

@lightlaserstarwars Жыл бұрын

I’ll add: my friend was a kid working in the warehouse at the time. He was putting every dime he earned into building his dream bike. He had little sympathy for people stealing, even if it was inventory that was going to be scrapped. And even if it was kids building their own bikes. This was pre eBay. Today it’s clear that that inventory would be grabbed and sold. So while I liked the whole Robin Hood nature of the kids grabbing what they needed, I see why they went the route they did. It would be great if they had donated stuff. But writing off inventory and donating it is the same as far as taxes, as far as I see. And writing it off is easier.

@14erGuy Жыл бұрын

@@lightlaserstarwars Yeah, I agree with that point.

@benpaleske8226 Жыл бұрын

What’s in your parts bin is better than my whole bike😂

@bleachonmyeyes Жыл бұрын

Same bruhh

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

And?

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

Cry harder

@scrappyhustler7467 Жыл бұрын

@@RealMTBAddict cry longer!

@bleachonmyeyes Жыл бұрын

Wym bruh I'm barely 15 maybe one day I'll have a high end one, how tf am I gonna brag my parents for a high end mtb 💀

@samvilla6290 Жыл бұрын

They should donate these things to local junior racing and riding programs. As a junior rider who works in the industry I’ve been lucky enough to have some awesome people give me awesome parts because they’re not using them and trust me, it can change a kids life. Biking is an awesome sport, but it’s also an expensive sport and the more we can help kids get access to good gear, that does exist, the more kids we’ll have on bikes.

@sm-qw9mj Жыл бұрын

Yeah, a good rule would be to allow donations to whoever/whomever you see suitable. A mtb club, a junior team, a bike park, a rent bike, whatever that brings it back to the sport.

@alism1080 Жыл бұрын

my high school team actually just got a big donation from someone who had accumulated review parts. They’ll definitely see use, we’re constantly breaking stuff

@MTBrider_2009 Жыл бұрын

@@alism1080 how cool is your high school? To have a mountain biking team? That's awesome man

@michaelburrows9219 Жыл бұрын

@@MTBrider_2009 The high schools here Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains have mtb teams. Sometimes they have a home course that is used by them exclusively (or with permission if you know somebody). I just saw a team practicing on local trails yesterday. Probably 25 kids. Since it is a mountain biking community they get parts and bikes donated all the time.

@JasonLowderTheRanga Жыл бұрын

Have all my thumbsups

@EJ-V8Bikes Жыл бұрын

Seth, I LOVE this video! I know it takes a TON of time, planning and editing to put together your videos and story time videos are awesome! It's a great balance between all your other great videos and now adding story time with your expertise makes it 10x better. Thanks for all you do!

@vulpixgrant Жыл бұрын

This is one reason I keep coming back to this channel, even though I rarely do trail riding. Seth has always been very open and transparent with everything he does, and this was a video I wasn't expecting. Very odd but understandable setup that the industry as a whole has fallen into.

@oresthse4668 Жыл бұрын

Its a good day when seth uploads

@oresthse4668 Жыл бұрын

@@brendan9853 same

@torrepalma_mtb8717 Жыл бұрын

A very good one

@8ties Жыл бұрын

agreed

@sixtyinsix Жыл бұрын

Through the several states of bike shops I've worked in, there was always a local or state statute of "abandoned property". This is generally a by-law in every state, and the shops I worked in had this posted as part of the repair rider. The time limit was one year from the date of when the business agreement transpired. After one year, the object could be considered abandoned and became the property of the business to dispose of as they saw fit. This length of time is dictated by your local statutes, so do the research for where you live. Seth, this could apply to those items you have, check your local statues.

@alexambro4998 Жыл бұрын

Though as you said this is not true everywhere, in many states abandoned property never ceases to have an owner. What actually happens is that if the property has been demonstrably taken care of by another person for x amount of years than that person becomes the new owner, but there can never be no owner.

@JohnDoe-rl9pp Жыл бұрын

Right, but the whole review industry is resting on kinda weird conventions. Most reviewers probably worry about being "that guy who stole our bike that one time." Nobody's going to send That Guy any more equipment!

@topspot4834 Жыл бұрын

You're right, but you have to file something with your state to claim abandoned property, so there's still work involved (even if it exceeds state statute).

@kpdemello Жыл бұрын

There is a difference between something being legal and something being cool with the people who send you sh!t to review. It's more about not offending the golden goose than about legal ramifications.

@neilwright4881 Жыл бұрын

I can 100% say the "donate it" solution would work! My company makes literally thousands of products for R&D testing and us employees are strongly encouraged to donate the tools to anyone who would use them or they will be thrown away. And, of course, we are NOT allowed to sell the products ourselves or through a proxy. Anyone caught doing this is liable to be fired.

@andrewpeterson5882 Ай бұрын

This kind of content is why you're everybody's favorite guy on Biketube, seriously. You are a true man of the people and we're all super lucky to have you involved in the industry and making awesome content for us!

@2scoops624 Жыл бұрын

It's the same in a bunch of industries. Getting back demo products usually costs more than just writting it off. The US military leaves mountains of equipment behind wherever we go, it cost more to ship it back, inventory, repair and re-issue than to just make new stuff.

@mikehammer3515 Жыл бұрын

Yea. True.. but the military probably also chooses to do this for other reasons.. it's an excuse to make more- spend more of that endless 'newly printed money.' Don't forget about arming your enemy, to justify wars that last decades.. I could really name names and point fingers but this ain't the place for that. Historically speaking, certain people who are in charge to make these calls, have also profited off their decisions to just make new stuff. It's a conflict of interest. Sorry.. this borders on being way to political... we're talking bikes here! I just wanted to point out that I think that is a different situation, with different motivations, and a totally different kind of funding. It's not the same..

@cunvericht Жыл бұрын

Seth, as a vet and a volunteer at the HUBS CoOp in Huntsville AL, I really appreciate this and your recent donation to the Dirt Therapy Project. We all enjoy the fun of bike as a hobby, but bikes can provide more than the fun, it's transportation to jobs and stores, or as you highlighted before, therapy for our Armed Forces. If you ever want to rid your shed or parts bin of excess gear, I'd be happy to pick it up for a good cause

@theincredibleegg1431 Жыл бұрын

I'm a vet living in HSV... I'm going to look into the HUBS COOP

@cunvericht Жыл бұрын

@@theincredibleegg1431 great, we're open today from 12-5

@brocknasty3270 Жыл бұрын

The one and only Chuck U!!!

@joshuatatro4503 Жыл бұрын

Actually super cool that Seth brought this up and just talks about it **AND** offers a real, reasonable solution. This nebulous gear situation exists in pretty much every industry, especially the outdoor industry. My experience is with sea kayaks, and honestly even before KZfaq and such, this was an issue. Kayakers get signed as "team" or "pro" paddlers for a brand, they go to a x-number of events a year and bring extra boats with them for people to try, but after a couple years the new boat comes out, the "team paddler" leaves the team, etc. And now someone has a collection of 16-foot+ kayaks sitting in their yard, and yeah, as expensive as shipping a bike is, just imagine shipping a 17-foot carbon-kevlar sea kayak... Unless it's a very in-demand boat, the brand is not interested in the hassle of getting that thing back. Worst part with something like kayaks is that, in many states, you need to register them as personal watercraft, which means to pass them on there needs to be a bill of sale. How do you sell/donate something that you don't own and that might in fact be illegal to use without the paper trail saying you do/did? Anyway, good on Seth for just putting it out there. It's helpful, and it means a lot of stuff will get into the hands of organizations and empty-pocket cyclists instead of being mothballed.

@judahsears4463 Жыл бұрын

We actually do like these videos, Seth, you have become a trusted voice, a true ambassador of Mountain Biking. I think you have a wealth of experience and knowledge of bike culture to share with the larger group. Cheers!

@leviault5745 Жыл бұрын

anyone ever ridden DH on a hard tail?

@shilohholtzman7988 Жыл бұрын

Yes its a bit scech

@KingyMtb Жыл бұрын

Yep, but once you get on a dually you ride faster than everyone else on the trail

@doubleL_S Жыл бұрын

Yes. Back in the day on a 26 coil suspension 2005 GT 😅

@bibabanua1508 Жыл бұрын

Still do it

@mtbmadman187 Жыл бұрын

Still do. Canny afford a 2g bike.

@keithpegg7825 Жыл бұрын

As an old man on SS (73) I would love some of these parts but $$$ no way. Rock on what great ideas you have. Keep on ridding.

@TrailFeatures Жыл бұрын

A really great video! One thing I would also add is a lot of us don’t sell components because it can be viewed as a conflict of interest. A paid review with extra steps. I have tried to make it a habit to donate the majority of the stuff I don’t need to local bike co-ops, or even use them to help fix up bikes for the neighborhood. But some stuff, as you pointed out, isn’t mine to give away. There’s also the complication of gifting/donating a used/demo bike directly to a person. It becomes a question of liability if that bike fails and the person is injured. Is it the fault of the person riding the bike? The fault of the company? Or the fault of the reviewer? Those KZfaqrs stopped doing group rides and used bike giveaways because they’re quite honestly terrified of lawsuits. Many assume KZfaqrs make gobs of money from ad revenue, so they can spare a few hundred thousand. Hopefully this does help educate people outside of the industry, and gets people inside of the industry coming up with a more sustainable solution.

@2bfrank657 Жыл бұрын

Good point about the perceived conflict of interest, though it seems like most reviewers have zero concerns about being in the pockets of the big industry players.

@TrailFeatures Жыл бұрын

@@2bfrank657 Some people maybe, but I think most of it is the pressure of not wanting to become known as the KZfaqr that's too picky. It's really up the Marketing/Product Manager of who gets sent a review sample. They're not going to willingly send product to people that won't at least give it a somewhat favorable review, especially if it's a smaller channel. Unless you're a dentist, or already have a large channel with a steady stream of revenue, it can be cost prohibitive to self-fund reviews.

@mattmitchell5320 Жыл бұрын

I love the fact that you even made this video. I think if you have been around bikes/the industry for a while, we know it happens, but definitely "unspoken". Cudo's to you Seth for even talking about it!!

@ThoseOneGuysInc Жыл бұрын

I love seeing you out riding some of the other trails again. I know why you mostly stick to berm peak, but it’s nice to see some new scenery like in the old videos.

@scottguenther1464 Жыл бұрын

Great video Seth…. Love the transparency and the angle you took with this. I donate many bits and pieces as I upgrade my bikes. Two wins there: the giver feels good and the receiver feels good. My local MTB community is great for this, and so seeing somebody with the influence you have do a video like this is fantastic….

@spankosaur Жыл бұрын

I kind of wondered how things like this went down behind the scenes when it came to reviewing parts/bikes/etc. Now I know, thanks again Seth.

@Staindsoul4life Жыл бұрын

Thanks Seth, for the insider scoop on the industry and solutions to possibly improve the biking community as a whole, especially in underserved communities with children that would love to own their first bike but can't.

@apodski Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's pretty pathetic that in this day in age you can either get a $100 bike that doesn't work and is dangerous, or you can get a $1k-$12k bike. The consumer always gets the bad end of the deal.

@muhdhusein6826 Жыл бұрын

seth totally agree with you, if these parts went to helping out people who need bikes in underserved communities, there will be much less bike thefts too! think about it, everyone benefits

@dominicsmith8698 Жыл бұрын

Not really, people steal bikes to sell them not to use them

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

Haha nope. Maybe live in a ghetto and see what they do with stolen bikes.

@aquilleswinkler5051 Жыл бұрын

@@dominicsmith8698 yeah, I think quite a few would end up being sold right after a scalper gets them donated to them. Especially if its a banger part.

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

Ah yes the neverending quest to end homelessness. Give it a rest. California has 100k homeless people.

@CrankyCrabYT Жыл бұрын

This was very simply put and interesting, Thanks Seth!

@joebikes Жыл бұрын

“I gotta be honest wich’ya” 😂 Great topic Seth! You’ve got a good heart… love that you focused on donating to charities for a solution.

@TheHipGoat1 Жыл бұрын

this is gonna be one of your best vidoes, love the style, and the way you tell the story, Looking forward to more story time videos 👍

@corebreaker85 Жыл бұрын

it's a shame because in my country (Colombia) you see extremely talented people having to bend over backwards to get basic parts. Even the pros here have to make deals with non-bike companies and such to get the basic support needed to work as a pro rider. Support for non-pros( reviewers, content creators, media, etc...) is pretty much non-existant here, and it's sad to see all those amazing parts lying in bins.

@Torchedini Жыл бұрын

Well, as Seth mentioned. The parts are not the biggest problem, the shipping is a bigger one. And he's talking the states only, shipping abroad is even worse.

@duroxkilo Жыл бұрын

@@Torchedini my man, shipping a box of spare components across the globe is literally nothing compared to their market value not to mention the actual value for people who can't find or afford the parts. just as an example, 10-20 used derailleurs would do miracles for a club of young riders in places where they can't ride because they have no parts... but let's be honest, when it comes to $$$, most manufacturers would rather spill the milk in the fields than give it away to hungry people :(

@rustler08 Жыл бұрын

That's also because Columbia is in a pretty sad state as a whole, due to multiple factors beyond the control of bike companies and individual races. Ultimately, if the people of Columbia don't do anything about it as a whole, then you really cannot expect much more.

@CanIHasThisName Жыл бұрын

@@duroxkilo Shipping a heavy box across borders can be pretty expensive. And dealing with someone you've never heard of, from another country where you have limited means to verify what they're actually going to do with the parts, can be problematic as well. The most viable thing, apart from selling or giving it to buddies, is to donate locally.

@randomgoodnessca Жыл бұрын

I think this concept should be expanded to the general biking community. Most of us have a parts bin, we a lot of stuff we’re unlike to ever use. Maybe make a video encouraging our community to sell or donate the stuff we have, it helps out newer bikers, those who have been priced out, or charities. We all can play a part

@valeriesorrells Жыл бұрын

Spot on Seth!!! This goes across all industries. Donating to those that can use the product is the best way to go.

@thedemonhamster Жыл бұрын

It's so awesome that you adressed this issue I had no idea about, and then came up with a reasonable solution.

@bradleywatters6209 Жыл бұрын

I’ll take one for the team and accept all the unwanted products😅

@mikemenocal Жыл бұрын

😝

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

Accept*

@GHinWI Жыл бұрын

Surprising to me a company wouldn’t want the bike/part back at HQ between reviews to check on the condition/rebuild before sending to a new reviewer. They risk sending on something that doesn’t work as-intended & get a crappy review.

@pitts86 Жыл бұрын

Awesome insight, amazing outlook. Cheers bud!

@deice3 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting "backstage" view into the industry. Thanks for sharing and hopefully a solution springs from this discussion.

@mikybe Жыл бұрын

Sounds like Seth has a back log of DB product to shift.

@Jellooze Жыл бұрын

the price of the parts or whole bike is like a drop in the ocean for the company. They have made the cost back a hundred times over by reviewers using it. and showing it off. That is why the companies dont care about this "issue". If i would have been you Seth or any other reviewer i would make the marketing manager sign a review contract with you where you have all the "im not gonna lie about the product" etc but also a line about that if the product in is your care for x month without response its legally your (obviously have a layer write it up in a good way).

@malv173 Жыл бұрын

That was a really nicely articulated piece. And a really sensible solution. Hope the companies listen and actually make the change happen.

@Larpy1933 Жыл бұрын

Your videos are a wonder. Interesting, informative, thoughtful and shot through with a low-key sense of generous humour (humor outside Canada) and humanity. The video work and sound quality: always the best. Thanks.

@nobody_noob2694 Жыл бұрын

I bought my first entry level mountain bike today and i would love to have that problem

@mozambique32762 Жыл бұрын

Same but I’ve had mine for a while

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

No need for the word literally. Just say you bought a bike today.

@earthlungs3163 Жыл бұрын

@@RealMTBAddict relax brotha this ain't english class 😂

@RealMTBAddict Жыл бұрын

@@earthlungs3163 It should be.

@nobody_noob2694 Жыл бұрын

@@RealMTBAddict sorry tbh i don't even know why i used it but Ive got an excuse im french

@CarneDeBlaQ Жыл бұрын

Do the reviewers get paid to store and ship this stuff? I'm sure they pay shipping label costs and maybe expect you to keep the boxes they came in for repacking. But indefinitely housing all that crap? I'd add a line in any contract, if I have to store it for more than 1 month it's now my property.

@josefstalin4532 Жыл бұрын

What a fantastic way to not be a reviewer anymore... When they have a hundred other reviewers waiting why would they bother with the one guy who wants to mess with the contract?

@BermPeakExpress Жыл бұрын

No, and in many cases companies don’t truly care what happens to small products. Rarely if ever do they want a derailleur or grips back. But if they saw a big eBay store or Instagram post about a bunch of their products it could feel… weird.

@BalbasaurFamVlog Жыл бұрын

Hey Seth! Been watching your channels for years and just bought my first bike, a hard tail XC, two weeks ago! Been rewatching a lot of your videos to pick up new skills and hacks that I can now apply. Thanks for inspiring me to pick up a new sport!

@mroberts566 Жыл бұрын

Cool! Now return it and get a full suspension. Lol just kidding, you’ll love it. Have fun out there!

@BalbasaurFamVlog Жыл бұрын

@@mroberts566 Lol, maybe when I eventually afford one but loving it right now! Went on my first trail this weekend. Fun and nerve wracking in spots where my lack of skills start to show. Definitely need more practice in my riding position.

@mroberts566 Жыл бұрын

@@BalbasaurFamVlog Sounds awesome man, that brings me back. Just one piece of advice: try not to overestimate your skill level too fast, just because you've watched some videos. I fall victim to that even today; I watch videos of Nate Hills following James Weingarten, and then I immediately go out and get myself in trouble and crash.

@BalbasaurFamVlog Жыл бұрын

@@mroberts566 Thanks! It’s so tempting because they make it look so easy! Right now I’m just working on staying at a correct standing position and adjusting my balance when cornering. I’ll probably spend time at a parking lot a bit this week to get better at that and see where this weekend takes me.

@jacksonbaker353 Жыл бұрын

Wow. Thanks for saying something. I worked in the outdoor retail industry and the same thing happens across the whole spectrum of goods, bikes to boats to bikinis. So much gear. And everyone knows you can’t use it all or keep it all, but I’ve never really heard it discussed, not even amongst ourselves. Appreciate you Seth. Let’s hope this reaches the right ears.

@FishForFun. Жыл бұрын

I am a tech person and made my own wireless dropper and the battery is inside the seat post and is easily cheap I got the idea from you video btw

@talonforeman1254 Жыл бұрын

donating would be a great idea id love to see the locals with great bikes!

@bdub4112 Жыл бұрын

Yes Seth. Very interesting! And your idea is the best idea. This need to happen! More riders makes a better world! Thank you for sharing brother!

@mikedk13 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing!!! Why do I have a feeling you've got a deeper story behind this too.

@jai3662 Жыл бұрын

Hey Seth you should build a custom car bike rack

@gottago9824 Жыл бұрын

I would check into property abandonment laws - I would think that after __ amount of time the abandoned bikes/parts would become property of the reviewer (especially after a year). I would also do like others before me have suggested, put an abandonment clause in the review contract :) .

@BermPeakExpress Жыл бұрын

I don’t think it’s really a matter of the law MOST of the time. Most of the time it’s just a matter of optics, and not wanting to be that guy distributing or selling parts they didn’t really pay for. If you do it enough, you start to be known for it, and it doesn’t make you look good if you’re making a living doing reviews or testing.

@joecanuck3751 Жыл бұрын

@@BermPeakExpress If as a part of the reviewer agreement the equipment was sent at (receiver's cost) to a place of the planet which is under-served, then they could develop a market in those places as well as do some good. Of course you would have to set-up a network of trusted redistribution hubs, and also find a way not to tank the local market. Maybe stipulate that the equipment can only be distributed as awards for local competitions or giveaways/auctions for some societal good.

@Durwood71 Жыл бұрын

@@BermPeakExpress Not to mention that if you become known as "that guy", then companies could blacklist you as a reviewer, and you will stop receiving product.

@johncole3010 Жыл бұрын

Encouraging a market for bike parts has its own nefarious implications.

@MCLEO983 Жыл бұрын

Love this insider knowledge. Please keep sharing it.

@JackMili Жыл бұрын

The best video to how understanding testing new components and bikes works... thank you!

@JackMili Жыл бұрын

@Berm Peak Express

@vlbz Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Car manufacturers for example, that are arguable on another level regarding sales, pay a lot of attention to this. Very rarely can you hear a car left with a reviewer for more than a few weeks. I guess the bike industry just works with much larger margins, and they don't have to care, while car companies save every penny they can on everything.

@spunkush Жыл бұрын

Yah, I mean the bike cost the manufacturer a few hundred to make, and they retail for $1500

@burddog0792 Жыл бұрын

I mean you're also talking about a bike or bike parts vs an entire new car. They sell those cars at the end of the year at reduced price, and vehicles have large markups so they may even make a profit.

@vlbz Жыл бұрын

@@burddog0792 obviously I don't have numbers on this, but I know cars have small markups percentage-wise. Car dealers might have huge markups, but that's not money going to the manufacturers.

@spazmoid0179 Жыл бұрын

Seth I think you should come see how mtb is in the uk i know you have your child but yous should all come for a holiday

@CommieHunter7 Жыл бұрын

For the "why don't they just", you nailed it. The companies need to "just" authorize the possessors to rightfully donate it.

@chrisdicus3183 Жыл бұрын

That's a pretty neat angle because I've kind of always wondered what happens to that stuff so that's awesome and your theory on how to resolve the issue seems very logical

@willshawyer7280 Жыл бұрын

Sounds like I should start reviewing products!

@WeekendPirate Жыл бұрын

I’ll be accepting bike part donations now from you reviewers… thanks in advanced 😂😅

@slowwerthensnot Жыл бұрын

Exellent Seth! As a mechanic at a non profit bike shop in Colorado Springs I really appreciated this video

@faithhealer3154 Жыл бұрын

Extrem Nice Video Seth! It answers a bunch of questions to me!

@BrettWidner Жыл бұрын

Man, we've seen this in the tech industry ever since reviewing tech was a thing. It's weird to sell something you got for free. But at the same time, you do put in the time to ride and write a review and post it. Generating advertising and clout for a product. And after all, time is money. We run into this in my industry too, which is Product Photography, brands are VERY particular with how their products are handled. Most people might think that one or two items being written off is nothing, and it is minor in the grand scheme of things. But not to the brands, that's revenue being lost out on and CFOs and their underlings don't like the idea of items being donated.

@themeatpopsicle Жыл бұрын

This happens in EVERY outdoor sports industry

@stewarthowe5378 Жыл бұрын

Thoughtful and original content. Nicely done. Cheers!

@adrianstaszek8287 Жыл бұрын

As always You inspiring many people with your great ideas. Keep on with good work for the community.

@ElevationEveryWeekend Жыл бұрын

Interesting, I guess I would think the companies would be more on top of this. Agree you can’t just sell the stuff. I do reviews and content but always buy my own stuff.

@hayesginther897 Жыл бұрын

Ive product tested only a handful of preproduction productions in the offroad/overlanding community and I never really thought of this as a problem only because the volume of items Ive tested. Im definitely going to include something in the future that after so many days after release Im allowed to get rid the product if I choose to. Good video Seth

@arthurmorgan1065 Жыл бұрын

Ive been watching every upload since the bike packing to key west days it’s insane how much your channel and brand has grown

@pierinovatta1391 Жыл бұрын

Love your way of thinking Seth. Who knows, some restored or repaired bike is ridden by some kid and he becomes a super star and remembers his first bike and the company who donated that to them, win win

@danielsalm6410 Жыл бұрын

Great video and awesome idea. 👌 tks for all you do!

@jonthesailorman Жыл бұрын

Loved this, really interesting take on a weird aspect of the bike industry. Always wondered about all that.

@WesMacaulay Жыл бұрын

Not dirty and to my thinking it’s - in the grand scheme of things - a drop in the bucket. Seth is an ideal guy to dispose of such products in a philanthropic manner. Great video!

@outdoorzenb7799 Жыл бұрын

Rad insight Seth, Thanks!

@0danieljcr0 Жыл бұрын

That's the nicest idea the companies could have about their reviewed products. And by the way, if you end up getting an authorization for donating a drivetrain, I'd be more than happy to accept one here in São Paulo, Brazil. Thanks for your videos, always enjoy them a lot!

@cyrusf.4039 Жыл бұрын

Well that was refreshingly honest! I continue to enjoy your unique choice of music that accompanies your vids.

@followmylines Жыл бұрын

True stories! I reviewed for Kenda Tires for a long time along with different pedals, grips, and other components. I would end up with lots of extras. After reviewing them, I would pass them on with the understanding that they should also write reviews on the products as well. I definitely didn’t feel bad about doing it that way, but it is definitely an interesting thing to think about! Thanks for the great video, as usual!

@iangrumpypirate568donovan3 Жыл бұрын

About time something like this was sorted out. A simple solution, and people in need benefit. Let’s hope this becomes standard policy amongst manufacturers. 👏🏻👍🏻

@nicolaemates 8 ай бұрын

In the RC world, these parts are often given away to viewers, fans, subscribers at different events or occasions. You have some RC experience. Actually, that's how I ended up following your channel, and now on top of RC-ing, I also mountain bike with my kids. Thank you.

@sheldonh200981 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting. Great video 👍👍

@seanlynchcycling8044 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic insight thanks Seth

@Nphen Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU for saying the right thing, which is that the companies owe it to society to allow any parts over a year old to be donated. We've already heard from many folks on here that the companies will have already written off the parts. The Bike Co-Op in Lansing, Michigan, (On Kalamazoo Ave, open Wed 5-7) will gladly take any parts from a reviewer, no questions asked. Bikes get sold affordably to local working class families. Mechanical skills are always welcome to help build saleable bikes from the many frames & parts on hand.

@BuildSomethingAuto Жыл бұрын

I'm actually glad you brought this up. Now I know, if I ever review a product I'll have a line in the contract stipulating if I keep possession for X period it becomes mine and I am then free to use it, sell it, or give it away as I see fit. Warehousing ain't free 🤣

@arenpari9905 Жыл бұрын

Awesome lil piece you did here... appreciate it

@jimhine Жыл бұрын

We're so happy we can give the Boise Bike Project our old rims, seat posts, etc.

@marcpavlik8776 Жыл бұрын

Well let me toss in my two cents worth here. I agree with you 100% with what you said. I'm not a bike repair shop, but actually do have a couple bikes and some parts that are in my possession. If they or the other non bike stuff adds up I'm out of room totally. I really liked your idea to be able to donate the items to different charities. Spot on!

@69Tonyro Жыл бұрын

Great video. Very interesting, entertaining, and thought provoking.

@PTMOFF Жыл бұрын

You're idea of having reviewers donate the parts on behalf of the company is great and a win-win-win. Reviewers get it off their hands, someone who otherwise wouldn't be able to gets an awesome part for their bike, and the company could get great publicity for giving back to the community. I hope to see that sort of thing gets implemented in the future.

@PursuitofSpeed Жыл бұрын

This same moral balance falls in automotive journalism, and just about any other segment with physical parts/product loans/exchange-of-services. Glad you bring it up, and it's well balanced on how it feels to live in this grey area at times.