I'm a bit sad that you feel this way. Not that there isn't a lot of what you describe, but that you think it's under such emphasis. Whatever your definition is of 'the mountain bike industry', part of it is what you experience (shops, ads, media, events) and part of it is what you make of it.
For sure the mktg in this sport can feel that way, but point me in the direction of a sport or activity that isn't guilty of that? (doesn't mean we can't all be better)
And certainly, everyone's experiences and definition of the industry differs, but I just got back from an event that had (jaded)* media, (greedy)* industry, and (pampered)* pros in attendance, and the positive vibe that centered squarely on a love of riding and not a fantasy world full of shiny stuff and vanity was impossible to miss. Maybe I'm just sad more people couldn't have experienced it. I'm brimming with positivity about the industry right now.
*sarc
Oct. 21, 2022, 2:25 p.m. - Pete Roggeman
I'm a bit sad that you feel this way. Not that there isn't a lot of what you describe, but that you think it's under such emphasis. Whatever your definition is of 'the mountain bike industry', part of it is what you experience (shops, ads, media, events) and part of it is what you make of it. For sure the mktg in this sport can feel that way, but point me in the direction of a sport or activity that isn't guilty of that? (doesn't mean we can't all be better) And certainly, everyone's experiences and definition of the industry differs, but I just got back from an event that had (jaded)* media, (greedy)* industry, and (pampered)* pros in attendance, and the positive vibe that centered squarely on a love of riding and not a fantasy world full of shiny stuff and vanity was impossible to miss. Maybe I'm just sad more people couldn't have experienced it. I'm brimming with positivity about the industry right now. *sarc