Dec. 17, 2016, 2:40 p.m. -  Pete Roggeman

#!markdown There's something funky going on with Disqus - I just had trouble logging a comment as well. My main goal was just to highlight that brands and marketers have a responsibility, but it's a tough job, and even harder in situations like this. While I would also like to see a really responsible approach taken to things like this, that brings up a whole other set of big questions, like whether it's the brand's problem or not what gets done with that product. It's a small industry, so of course we all want it to be that way, but here's a situation from the auto industry that illustrates my point somewhat: if you're selling Porsches, what's your responsibility vis-a-vis safety, respecting the speed limit and posted laws, etc…? You're selling a vehicle that can't come close to being used to its potential on typical roads. If used irresponsibly, you're endangering lives. Yes, you can counter that they're legal and maybe that's all that matters. So are e-bikes…at least on the street. See what I mean? What's fair vs what we idealistically wish were the case is really murky. Is it fair to expect Specialized and all the other brands to develop a product but wait to sell it (even though there is great demand) until trail access issues is sorted out - despite the fact that those issues are nuanced and different everywhere? Because if they did wait, you can be sure there are brands out there that wouldn't - they would seize the market. Again, I'm just playing devil's advocate here. It doesn't mean I don't see the validity in your points.